Foothills Speaker Series Presents ''Your Community Parks'' - A Panel Discussion with Park Leaders

CommunityEducationGeneral News ArticleCommunity EventPress Release

FOR RELEASE October 1st, 2025
Foothills Speaker Series Presents "Your Community Parks" - A Panel Discussion with Regional Park Leaders
Free community event explores recreational opportunities and the vital role of parks in the Sonoran Desert

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Desert Foothills Land Trust and the Holland Center invite community members to discover the wealth of recreational opportunities available in their own backyard. The Foothills Speaker Series presents "Your Community Parks," a special panel discussion taking place on Tuesday, November 4th at 6:00 PM at the Holland Center.

The evening will feature presentations and discussions from three distinguished leaders representing the region's major park systems: Sarah Webber, Deputy Director of Arizona State Parks and Trails; Jennifer Waller, Director of Maricopa County Parks; and Claire Miller, Preserve Supervisor of City of Phoenix Parks. Together, they will provide insights into the diverse types of parks available to the community, the important distinctions between parks and nature preserves, and the crucial role these spaces play in community well-being.

The program will begin with individual presentations from each park organization, followed by a collaborative panel discussion and dedicated time for audience questions and answers. Attendees will learn about specific parks and recreational opportunities available in their immediate area, gaining valuable knowledge about resources that may be closer to home than they realize.

"Parks serve as vital community assets that enhance quality of life, promote physical and mental well-being, and preserve our natural heritage," said Vicki Preston, President and CEO of Desert Foothills Land Trust. "This panel brings together expertise from our local parks systems to help residents better understand and utilize these incredible resources."

Whether you're a seasoned hiker, weekend explorer, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk in nature, this program offers valuable insights for all members of the community. Attendees
will discover the diverse recreational opportunities available in their own backyard while learning from the experts who manage these essential community resources.

Event Details:

  • What: Foothills Speaker Series: "Your Community Parks" Panel Discussion
  • Date: Tuesday, November 4th, 6:00 PM
  • Location: Holland Center, 34250 N 60th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85266
  • Admission: Free and open to the public. Due to limited seating, registration is required.
The Foothills Speaker Series is a joint initiative of Desert Foothills Land Trust and Holland Center, offering free educational programming that connects community members with the natural and cultural heritage of their Sonoran Desert home. This ongoing lecture series brings together residents and expert speakers to explore local ecology, cultural history, and outdoor recreation, creating accessible opportunities for lifelong learning and fostering a deeper understanding of the unique Sonoran Desert environment.

For more information about the Foothills Speaker Series and to register for "Your Community Parks," visit dflt.org/speakerseries.

The Holland Center enriches the Desert Foothills community by celebrating arts and culture, treasuring our desert environment, assisting those in need, and encouraging lifelong learning. The Center provides support, opportunity, and connection for area residents through diverse programs including intriguing classes, fine arts exhibits, community theatre, and more. Through these offerings, the Holland Center aims to foster a vibrant, engaged community in the Desert Foothills area.

Desert Foothills Land Trust connects people to nature by working with communities and partners to conserve and steward sensitive lands and species for the survival of our Sonoran Desert. Operating in communities across the North Valley, this nonprofit has conserved nearly 1,100 acres across 29 preserves, many open for public exploration. Re-accredited in 2022 by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, the organization continues its vital work protecting the region's unique desert landscapes, balancing conservation with community needs in rapidly developing areas.

Media Contact:
Rachel Stringham, Director of Community Engagement, Desert Foothills Land Trust
rstringham@dflt.org, 480-488-6131 x 201

Foothills Speaker Series Presents ''Your Community Parks'' - A Panel Discussion with Park Leaders