Desert Defenders Program
The Desert Defenders Program is a collaborative effort bringing together citizen scientists, the Maricopa County Parks & Recreation, the Central Arizona Conservation Alliance, and partner organizations such as the White Tank Mountains Conservancy and McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.
Through the dedication of volunteers, the program is making meaningful progress in improving native biodiversity and ecosystem health across Maricopa County’s regional parks.
Why It Matters
The program focuses on managing the most harmful invasive desert species, which:
- Increase wildfire frequency and intensity
- Outcompete native plants vital to wildlife
- Degrade overall ecosystem health
How the Program Works
The Desert Defenders Program follows a five-step approach to invasive species management and restoration:
Invasive Species Mapping
- Using a smartphone app, volunteers map invasive species, noting abundance and life stage.
- Treatment methods and treated areas are also recorded, helping park staff prioritize resources and manage invasions more effectively.
Invasive Species Removal
- Based on mapping data, priority areas are treated using best management practices.
- Volunteers physically or mechanically remove invasive species, while contractors assist with herbicide treatments in areas with dense infestations.
- Preventing seed spread, often carried on shoes, clothing, or equipment, is a key focus.
Native Seed Harvesting
- Once native plants produce seeds, volunteers harvest a small, sustainable portion.
- Seeds are cleaned, processed, and stored properly. These locally adapted seeds are more resilient and better suited to thrive in desert conditions.
Seed Pellet Making
- During workshops, harvested seeds are formed into pellets using clay, compost, and native microbes. These pellets protect seeds until winter rains, improving germination and survival.
Native Seed Toss Events
- In the fall, seed pellets are distributed in wildfire-impacted and invasive-treated areas. This helps stabilize soil, reduce erosion, restore habitat, and prevent invasive species from returning.
What Participants Learn
- Desert Defenders gain hands-on experience identifying invasive and native plants, harvesting and processing seeds, making seed pellets, and understanding desert ecosystem health and restoration practices.
Get Involved
We’re always looking for volunteers! Events are held at several regional parks, including Cave Creek, Estrella Mountain, Usery Mountain, McDowell Mountain, San Tan Mountain, and Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area.
- To become a Desert Defender volunteer, email parkvolunteer@maricopa.gov
- To participate in an event, register using the links provided on event flyers.
Volunteers who participate in four Desert Defender events in one year will receive a Desert Defender T-shirt.
Become a Desert Defender Steward
Parks is seeking Desert Defender Stewards to help lead events at McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Stewards must be able to lead six or more events per year and complete a background check.
Learn more about Desert Defender programs regionally by visiting the Central Arizona Conservation Alliance Desert Defender webpage.
Protecting Natural Resources:
Maricopa County Parks works with federal, state, and local partners and volunteers to protect natural resources across the regional park system. The Emergency Management Department supports Parks and the public during emergencies such as wildfires and floods.
In 2023, the Diamond Wildfire impacted more than 2,000 acres at McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Learn how wildfires affect park ecosystems—and how recovery efforts work—by joining our natural resource specialists and Emergency Management team.
Video courtesy of Maricopa County Emergency Management.