Desert Awareness Committee

04/28/2026

Check out this event at the Holland Center

🌵 Our Sonoran Desert: What We Owe the Desert 🌵
Tuesday, April 28, 2026�5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
A Holland Community Center Event�Address: 34250 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85266
The Sonoran Desert has supported a rich and remarkable ecosystem for thousands of years—but today, rapid growth across Arizona and the Southwest is putting that delicate balance at risk.
Join us for a meaningful community conversation about our unique desert environment and what we owe the land that has shaped life in Cave Creek for generations.
Event Details:�• Format: Lecture�• Ages: Adults & Youth�• Prerequisites: None�• What to Bring: Nothing needed
Cost: Free to attend
Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly! https://hollandcenter.org/event/our-sonoran-desert-what-we-owe-the-desert/
About the Speaker:�Wyatt Chamoff, a junior at Brophy College Preparatory, Eagle Scout, and member of the Governor’s Youth Commission, has lived in Cave Creek since age six. He is passionate about protecting the Sonoran Desert and believes young people play a vital role in shaping the future of their communities.
Come be part of the conversation and help shape the future of our desert

04/21/2026

Harmony Hollow AZ In the heart of the Spur Cross Conservation Area, Harmony Hollow rests quietly in the wide embrace of the Sonoran Desert. Once the home of Jeffrey Cross’s artist’s vision, its walls and studio have been lovingly restored, honoring the spirit that first shaped them. Here, the wi...

04/21/2026

🌵 Foraging & Medicinal Plants at Harmony Hollow!

Curious about the healing power of desert plants? Join us for a unique, hands-on field experience exploring how our local plants support health and well-being.

* Learn to identify native plants
* Discover their medicinal properties
*Practice proper preparation techniques
* Create your own herb collection journal
*Try plant pressing, tinctures, and ointments
Spend a beautiful morning immersed in the desert with the Desert Awareness Committee—learning, creating, and connecting with nature.
Where: Foraging & Medicinal Plants at Harmony Hollow
https://harmonyhollowaz.com
Tue. May 5, 2026 @ 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

Details:
Format: Outdoor & classroom learning
Instruction Method: Hands-on instruction
Ages: 16+
Experience Level: All levels welcome
What to Bring: Water bottle, hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, and a hat

Sign up at:https://hollandcenter.org/event/foraging-and-medicinal-plants-at-harmony-hollow/

Harmony Hollow AZ In the heart of the Spur Cross Conservation Area, Harmony Hollow rests quietly in the wide embrace of the Sonoran Desert. Once the home of Jeffrey Cross’s artist’s vision, its walls and studio have been lovingly restored, honoring the spirit that first shaped them. Here, the wi...

03/23/2026

Fun times at the Cave Creek Rodeo Days Parade!
The Desert Awareness Committee came together to bring our float to life—celebrating “Continuing the Tradition of Harvesting the Desert.”
Grateful for the friendships, teamwork, and shared spirit that made the day so special. Nothing better than creating memories together in our wonderful Cave Creek community!

03/01/2026

🌵 Desert Awareness Park Tour – Interpretive Hike
Saturday, March 7
Time: 10:00–11:30 AM
Join us for a 90-minute interpretive hike through a beautiful native desert park with a Desert Awareness Committee guide!
We’ll explore Sonoran Desert upland plants, hear the fascinating Saguaro story, identify edible and medicinal plants, and learn how, plants, and animals survive, and thrive together in the desert. We’ll also discuss why preserving our desert matters and simple ways you can help protect it.
The walk includes a desert nature trail and a slightly uphill Saguaro trail.Wear closed toed shoes appropriate for our desert hike and some water.
Come discover, learn, and help preserve our desert!
https://hollandcenter.org/event/desert-awareness-park-tour-4/

02/20/2026

🌵 WALK IN HARMONY AT THE HOLLOW 🌵
Saturday, February 28, 2026�10:00 AM – 3:00 PM�
Harmony Hollow – 44316 N. Spur Cross Rd., Cave Creek, AZ
�$25 Donation | Registration Required ://hollandcenter.org/event/walk-in-harmony-at-the-hollow-2/

A Day of Wellness in Nature
Join the Desert Awareness Committee at beautiful Harmony Hollow in the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area for a one-of-a-kind wellness experience.
Spend the day reconnecting with yourself and the natural world as we explore the harmony between mind, body, and spirit — surrounded by the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
Come for one session or stay all day — the schedule is flexible!
Complimentary desert foods to taste provided by Desert Awareness Committee�Feel free to bring your own lunch
What to Expect
✔ Guided desert experiences�
✔ Mini workshops & inspiring talks�
✔ Sound healing & energy work�
✔ Time to slow down, breathe, and reconnect
Schedule of Mini Seminars & Workshops
10:00–10:45 AM�🌵 Saguaro Walk�Explore the family of saguaros around Harmony Hollow and discover their survival secrets.
11:00–11:30 AM� Music as Medicine – Dr. Ron Bonstetter�Experience the healing power of the didgeridoo.
11:40–12:10 PM�🌵 Saguaro Story – Diane & Phyllis�What can a saguaro teach you about your own life story and brain health?
12:10–12:40 PM� Lunch Break
12:40–1:10 PM�Plant Attunements – Erica Guinn, By the Roots�Getting in tune with desert plants and their subtle effects on us.
1:20–1:50 PM�Why We Resonate – Melanie Fox, Soulful Fox�Learn how sound affects each of us differently with this certified sound healer.
2:00–2:30 PM�Group Reiki Energy Healing Meditation – Sally Ann, Heaven’s Light Wellness�Relax, reset, and restore balance for mind, body, and spirit.
This immersive day offers a meaningful opportunity for healing, learning, and self-discovery in a setting filled with natural harmony.
Whether you join us for one session or the full experience, you’ll leave grounded, inspired, and refreshed.
We look forward to walking in harmony with you! 🌵

11/03/2025

11/03/2025

THE PRICKLY PEAR FESTIVAL was a success! A big thank you to all the amazing volunteers who made this year’s Prickly Pear Festival such a success! 🌵 Presented by the Desert Awareness Committee, the day was filled with learning, tasting, laughter, and community spirit at the Holland Center.
🎥 Watch the video below for highlights — and we can’t wait to see you again next year!

10/30/2025

10/30/2025

🌵 It’s Almost Prickly Pear Festival Time! 🌵
�📅 Saturday, November 1
🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The Holland Center – 34250 N 60th St., Scottsdale, AZ

Celebrate the magic and versatility of the Prickly Pear cactus — a true Sonoran Desert gem! From its vibrant fruit and nutrient-rich pads to its soothing, healing properties, this desert superstar has so much to offer.
Here’s a peek behind the scenes at how we get ready for the festival: we collect, clean, and juice prickly pear tunas, then bake up delicious recipes from our Taste of the Desert cookbook — from tasty treats to fresh salads and more!
Try one of our favorites right at home — Prickly Pear Nut Bread! by Brenda Olive
Ingredients:
• 2 ½ cups flour
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 3 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 ¼ cups prickly pear juice
• 1 egg
• ½ cup chopped pecans
Directions:Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease the bottom of a 9x5" loaf pan. Mix all ingredients together, pour into the pan, and bake for 50–55 minutes. Cool slightly, slice, and enjoy a taste of the desert!
Don’t forget our fun and educational speakers this year! Hear from Diane Vaszily, Mark Lewis, and Lisa Stukel — sharing their fascinating insights on desert living, native plants, and the amazing Prickly Pear.
Bring your friends and family for a fun-filled morning of learning, tasting, and celebrating our beautiful desert heritage — hosted by the Desert Awareness Committee!
Enjoy demos, samples, speakers, and plenty of desert inspiration!