About Us


Since its incorporation in 1991 the Desert Foothills Land Trust (DFLT) has evolved into a committed and stable organization dedicated to protecting the special places unique to the Sonoran Desert foothills area of central Arizona. The abundance of unspoiled open desert is what attracts so many people to the area. Nurtured by an ideal climate and well-drained soils, the desert comes alive with dense stands of saguaros and a wide variety of colorful desert plants. Here wildlife abounds with native populations of deer, javelina and a myriad of resident and migratory birds.

As a result of the vision of the Cave Creek Improvement Association with the support of the Foothills Community Foundation, our organization was established. DFLT was born from the desire of many residents of the Sonoran Desert foothills and surrounding communities to protect forever the native plants and animals, the land and water resources and the archeological and historical sites that are an integral part of this sensitive landscape.

As a legacy for future desert residents to enjoy, DFLT has to date preserved 620 acres encompassing 16 properties of biologically diverse significance. These open spaces will be protected by DFLT in perpetuity ensuring that the land remains forever in its undisturbed, wild state while still offering recreation opportunities to all area residents and visitors of today and tomorrow. Though it's a huge undertaking, we are committed to our mission and through the generous support of conservation-minded people working together we continue to grow and protect even more of our fragile desert.

At its conception DFLT was an all-volunteer organization. Presently, the organization consists of 10 volunteer members on the Board of Directors, a staff of three and dozens of other talented volunteers that serve in various ways. The DFLT conserved properties are overseen by trained Stewards, the organized hikes are lead by trained Docents and the majority of our events and projects are overseen and organized collectively by volunteers with a variety of background experience.



"The Desert Foothills Land Trust works with communities and partners to protect, preserve, and steward sensitive land and species for the survival of the fragile Sonoran Desert."


"Desert Foothills Land Trust work will result in future residents finding our community abundant in natural areas, remarkable views and rich cultural heritage."