"A year of preservation accomplishment."

1998 in Review

t’s that time of the year! Time to pause and review progress. Friends of the Scenic Drive has come a long way since 1994 when we began our effort to restore and publicize the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive. 1998 saw increased volunteer activity and community support. The enthusiastic help of residents, local businesses, preservationists and City staff produced a banner year with important milestones.

February. The Drive was extended southward from the power lines to Happy Valley Road.

March. A Drive entry sign was installed at the northern end of the Drive at Carefree Highway. A second Drive entry sign was installed at the southern end of the Drive at Happy Valley Road. A new visitor exhibit was installed at the site of the large Monument sign just south of Jomax Road. The City of Scottsdale published long term plans to acquire land that would link the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive and an expanded McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

April. Friends organized a Drive litter pickup effort. Signs identifying the Drive were installed at major intersections along Scottsdale Road. The Neighborhood Enhancement Commission approved Friends’ proposal and awarded funds to help cover the cost of the new exhibit.

June. Cookout at the Ranch III attracted record 500 guests and 16 exhibitors. The McDowell Sonoran Land Trust acted as co-organizer of the event with Friends. More than 60 local businesses supported the benefit.

September. Friends worked to support Proposition 410 and Proposition 411 and the expansion of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

October. An out-of-state environmental group and Friends conducted a litter pickup effort of the Drive. Later in the month, Friends participated in a citywide cleanup effort, "Treasurers and Trash". More than 90 volunteers reported to pick up litter along the Drive – an all time record.

November. Visits to Friends’ Web site continued to increase and reached an all-time high averaging 200 visits a day. Voters approved Propositions 410 and 411. The Scottsdale Preserve Commission approved recommendations designed to preserve and enhance Scottsdale’s scenic corridors. Three Friends’ volunteers served on the work group that drafted the recommendations.

December. Friends conducted another litter cleanup of the Drive. More than 50 volunteers participated. Friends supported the efforts of the Monte de Paz Homeowners’ Association to re-vegetate the west side of Scottsdale Road between Jomax and Pinnacle Vista Road.