The people of the Sonoran Desert not only survived but thrived in the harsh environment that surrounded them. Learn about the accumulated generational knowledge of these desert people and how they used plants to sustain themselves. We will explore the amazing properties of many essential desert plants, about gathering and processing procedures, and ways in which the plants were utilized.
After arriving in this area with his family in 1978 from New York City, Bernie began hiking Squaw Peak, Camelback Mountain, the Grand Canyon … wherever he could find a challenging trail. Bernie then started participating in McDowell Sonoran Conservancy hikes, became an expert in Sonoran flora and fauna, and rose to be a hike leader. He volunteered for trail construction and other projects, was responsible for the expanding Steward program, and served on the Conservancy’s Board of Directors. Bernie worked diligently on the development of the Parsons Field Institute, the science arm of the Conservancy. Bernie continues to volunteer for a variety of Conservancy projects. Bernie graduated from the University of Rhode Island’s College of Business.
