Tag Archives: mcdowell sonoran preserve gateway

rammed earth

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The Gateway Trailhead for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is well under way. It’s being built with rammed earth walls using materials from the excavation of the site. How very green! The entire project is indeed very green and the brainchild of acclaimed architect Phil Weddel. It’s a fascinating process to watch.
(Click on the words “rammed earth walls” to learn how it’s done).
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McDowell Sonoran Preserve groundbreaking

Gateway Groundbreaking
The much anticipated groundbreaking for the Gateway to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve was held yesterday morning. Pictured from left to right are Len Marcisz (MSC board member), Carla (long time conservation advocate), Betty Drake (councilwoman), Jamie Drinkwater Buchanan (former Mayor Drinkwater’s daughter), Mary Manross (Scottsdale’s Mayor), Art Decabooter (president of SCC) and Jane Rau (MSC board member). Behind them is councilman Tony Nelssen on one of his mules.

Photo FYI: Canon 40D and Sigma 18-200mm lens. Shooting into the sun was a challenge. I converted to black and white to give it a journalistic look.