Tortolita Preserve Horseback Ride-1/7/26 Went on a 2-hour horseback ride in the Tortolita Preserve (TP) last Saturday! I have been wanting to do this for some time, and so glad I did it. My horse was Trisha, and she was fabulous. On this horseback ride, you can really experience the wild, wild west. Just like it was 175 years ago when the pioneers traveled through our beautiful Sonoran Desert. What a treat! The horseback trip was sponsored by the Marana Parks & Recreat

The Tortolita Preserve is experiencing a subtle, micro superbloom right now — one that's easy to miss if you're not paying close attention.  From a distance, the landscape looks like its usual green expanse of desert shrubs and annuals after the good winter rains we’ve had, with no dramatic carpets of color stretching to the horizon. But get down low along the trails, especially from the Moore Road Trailhead heading west to the north-turning corner, and you'll discover blanke

An introduction to dodder, a unique parasitic vine that thrives in the Tortolita Mountains area

Saguaro Research-Tortolita Preserve Tortolita Alliance (TA) has proposed to conduct a Saguaro Survey/Inventory within the Tortolita Preserve. TA worked with scientists from the Tumamoc Desert Laboratory to develop a preliminary plan, which has been submitted to Marana Parks & Recreation for consideration. We await their response. A Saguaro Survey/Inventory project is an excellent way for our citizen scientists to participate in a very important, long-term saguaro study. Sa

ASLD Land In Marana-Tortolita Preserve (Leased) In Pink Tortolita Alliance (TA) Board members met with representatives from the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) and the Town of Marana (Marana) this morning (11/14/25) at the Marana Municipal Complex. The purpose of the meeting was to: (1) inform ASLD about TA and all we have done to support the Tortolita Preserve, (2) learn more about the ASLD land lease and sale process, (3) learn more about the potential sale of the Tor

Jim Conroy-Director-Marana Parks & Recreation (MPR)-Photo provided by MPR Jim Conroy Retires Jim Conroy served as Director of the Marana Parks & Recreation Department (MPR) for the last 8 years and retired on 10/10/25. Jim was responsible for several achievements for the Town of Marana, including: (1) Parks & Recreation Master Plan (2020-2030), (2) Marana Aquatic & Recreation Center, (3) numerous park and trail improvements, and more. Tortolita Alliance (TA) worked closely w

Dove Mountain & Marana From Upper Javelina Trail (3/5/23) Tortolita Alliance (TA) attended the Marana Community Conversation Meeting at the Dove Mountain CSTEM K-8 School on 10/8/25. The topics included: (1) Marana Growth, (2) Transportation, and (3) Data Centers. Marana utilized a new approach for these meetings. Attendees are not allowed to raise their hands and ask verbal questions. Attendees can fill out a question card, and the presenters will answer the question duri

2025 Monsoon Stats It's official, the 2025 Monsoon (June 15-September 30) total precipitation was 2.82 inches, which is the 12th driest...

Upper Javelina Trail (Top) At Sunrise (9/22/25) Tortolita Trails-Stormwater Damage & Repair The monsoon storms referenced in Water Woes XL...

Pedestrian Trail Crosswalk West of Roundabout Arizona Revised Statutues 28-792 (Right-of-Way at Crosswalk) requires motor vehicles to...

The Sonoran Desert has some unique cacti that bloom one night per year with the flowers lasting only one day. You have to be on your...

TA members occasionally ask about the Tortolita Preserve Direction & Yield Protocol for cyclists, hikers/trail runners and equestrian. ...

Tortolita Alliance (TA) 2025 Strategic Plan Item No. 5 calls for Improvements at the Tortolita Preserve (TP) North Trailhead...

Our precious Sonoran Desert faces yet more challenges. Please consider providing your input on the following matter. Ironwood Forest...

Periodically, Tortolita Alliance (TA) is contacted by concerned Dove Mountain residents regarding aircraft (planes & helicopters)...

Tortolita Preserve-North Trailhead Tortolita Preserve (TP) North Trailhead (N Brittlebush Drive) will undergo some improvements over the...

Tortolita Alliance (TA) Board met with Marana Parks & Recreation (MPR) leaders on 4/30/25 to review and discuss implementation of TA's...

Tortolita Preserve Trail Map & Tortolita Preserve Shown On ASLD Map In late March, Town of Marana (Marana) officials informed the...

The Tortolita Preserve was gorgeous this Easter morning. Not much color due to dry conditions but still teaming with wildlife and...

Arizona Turns Red! National Weather Service (NWS) Tucson reports only 0.91" of precipitation at the Tucson Airport for the last six...