The Red Book

First-time luncheon at Desert Botanical Garden highlights value of connecting with nature

Renowned scientist and wild-nature advocate Dr. Wallace “J.” Nichols spoke at “Conserving the Preserves” a luncheon at Desert Botanical Garden on Feb. 9. Nichols’ talk, “You on Nature” focused on how experiencing and connecting with the beauty, wonder and inspiration of nature makes us happier, healthier and better at what we do. Nichols received his doctorate in Wildlife Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona.

Mayor Jackie Meck, City of Buckeye, received the inaugural Desert Botanical Garden Award for Vision and Leadership in Conservation. For the last 20 years, he has worked to protect 70,000 acres of land, wildlife corridors, rivers and trails in and around Buckeye and the White Tank Mountains. The area is now Skyline Regional Park.

The well-attended first-time event benefited Central Arizona Conservation Alliance, which was launched in 2012 to ensure the recreational and ecological sustainability of the mountain parks and preserve system in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Anne C. Stupp was the luncheon chair.