DESERT MOUNTAIN HONORED AS FIRST QUIET CONSERVATION AREA

Courtesy of Quiet Parks International

Desert Mountain was recently designated as the world’s first Quiet Conservation Area to be awarded by Quiet Parks International.

Quiet Parks International is a non-profit committed to saving quiet for the benefit of all life. It is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to preserving a depleting resource - quiet and the sounds of nature.

The effort was made possible by the Desert Mountain Desperados, spearheaded by the late Craig Mitchell, to whom this first Quiet Conservation Area is dedicated.

Within the private preserve of Desert Mountain, there are more than 3,000 wilderness acres.

Twelve stacked loop trails totaling approximately 25 miles wind through canyons, ascend mountain peaks and traverse lofty ridges.

It lays at the interface between the nearly 5 million residents who call Phoenix and the greater Salt River Valley their home and more than 3,000,000 acres of Tonto National Forest containing seven additional wildernesses.

The Desert Mountain Quiet Conservation Area is home to diverse wildlife and plants including Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea), Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens), Creosote (Larrea tridentata), Palo Verde (Cercidium microphyllum), Javelina (Tayassu tajacu), Mountain Lion (Felis concolor), Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum), Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox), to name but a few.

Desert animal species depend upon a clean acoustic environment in order to communicate, attract a mate, establish a food territory, and escape predation. Many plant species depend on animals for pollination and seed dissemination. Natural quiet is an essential natural resource. Benefits to receiving the award include an increased awareness of the benefit of quiet for people and wildlife, conserving wildlife, preserving habitat, gaining international recognition, among many other benefits.

A volunteer with Quiet Parks International takes audio recording from the Desert Mountain trails. The 26 minute-long audio recording is available on their website: https://www.quietparks.org/desertmountain-arizona-usa-quiet-conservation-area.

Homeowners can stay tuned for more information in our monthly e-newsletters (E-Connection) about a future award ceremony to celebrate the honor.