One Community, Four Villages: Country Club | Desert Camp Desert Parks | Silverleaf
APRIL
Page 8
Skiers revel in Montana’s Big Sky Country
Page 12
Rumors Salon opens on Market Street
Page 14
Ranch Spotlight: Preparing for monsoon season
Page 19
Healthy Living: A new resident’s perspective
As executive director for the Community Council, there are many things that I value about DC Ranch: engaged and active residents who care about community; volunteer board and committee members who give freely of their time to make this a special place to live, work and play; our vibrant businesses that whip up delicious meals, experiences, and products; the view of the McDowells and the connectedness of our path and trail system; and the team members that put their heart and soul into making life on the Ranch unique, special and quality.
put passion into serving DC Ranch. We recognize those employees who role model our organizational values of teamwork, innovation, professionalism, passion and fun at an annual awards ceremony. Please help us celebrate them! Learn more on page 13.
Jenna Kohl Community Council Executive DirectorTeam members for the DC Ranch Community Council, Ranch Association, and Covenant Commission work, often behind the scenes, to contribute to the community daily. Whether thoughtfully pruning desert landscaping in common areas, planting wildflowers, cleaning trails after a monsoon, hosting families at Desert Camp Community Center for a spring egg hunt, leading a path and trail walk, finding cost efficiencies in operations, welcoming new residents, or gathering resident input, team members
DC Ranch News is a not-for-profit newspaper published by the DC Ranch Community Council to promote the DC Ranch lifestyle. The publication strives to build community by connecting current and future residents along with DC Ranch stakeholders through interesting stories and pictures. Ranch News offers value to its advertisers and perpetuates DC Ranch’s community values.
DC Ranch Community Council spotlights local businesses as a service to the community and for information purposes only.
DC Ranch does not recommend or endorse any described products or services.
Community Engagement Director
Jona Davis
Senior Communications Manager
Elizabeth Dankert Communications Coordinator
Alexandra Duemer Communications Coordinator
Kathren Coleman
480.513.1500 communications.team @dcranchinc.com dcranch.com
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200 E. Van Buren St. Phoenix, AZ 85004
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One of DC Ranch’s most highly treasured amenities is our path and trail system, which connects to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a newbie to the outdoors, the trails are a journey, as you keep your eyes open to new experiences and sights— learn more on pages 10-11.
As Aesop said, “Adventure is worthwhile.” Whether your adventure takes you to the trails or exploring a new role in serving community, may it be worthwhile, memorable, and impactful. Happy Spring!
• Sense of Community
• Environmental Stewardship
• Family
• Healthy Lifestyles
• Diversity & Inclusiveness
• Lifelong Learning
• Artistic & Cultural Opportunities
• Relationship with Larger Community
DC Ranch seamlessly connects people to the beauty of both the created environment and the natural Sonoran Desert. Residents feel a sense of community, connecting with each other in friendship and common interest. It is a thoughtfully crafted community designed with unprecedented attention to detail. DC Ranch has a distinctive governance structure with ample resources that exist to ensure a legacy of an amenity-rich and active way of life. The highest standards and a convenient north Scottsdale location establish DC Ranch as a nationally desirable place to live with an exceptional quality of life and premium home values.
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The Ranch Association Annual Meeting will be held on Monday, April 3 at 6 p.m. on zoom. This important meeting will provide residents with an overview of key projects and policy changes the Ranch Association undertook in 2022, updates on developments in and around DC Ranch, as well as the announcement of newly elected directors. New directors will each serve a three-year term to represent community residents, create and amend DC Ranch policy, and attend monthly meetings and events. To vote on behalf of their neighborhood, Neighborhood Voting Members must cast their ballots by April 3 at 5 p.m.
This professional management team is responsible for initiating, planning, executing, and completing reserve projects. In 2023, there are $2.9 million in neighborhood and Association Reserve projects. Some projects will get deferred due to timing and if life expectancy of the assets can be extended longer than anticipated. Listed here are a few of the planned projects:
Defensible space clearing is occurring in Country Club, Windgate, Terrace Homes East, Terrace Homes West, Park and Manor, The Estates and Montelena. The Ranch Association has applied for a hazardous fuels grant through the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management to assist with funding of the program. In cooperation with the City of Scottsdale Fire Department, the Ranch Association has applied for certification as a Firewise Community.
The Ranch Association is responsible for maintaining approximately 50 miles of private roads. Pavement maintenance requires the use of a third-party consultant to develop a plan and a budget to repair and replace roads as needed. This includes patching, crack filling, seal coating and repaving of the streets. Increases in oil and supply costs have resulted in necessary budget adjustments, in some cases more than double the original estimate. The Ranch Association is working with a consultant
to come up with a revamped plan on how to proceed without exhausting all of the reserve funds.
Replacement of cameras at Arcadia and all the unmanned gates are currently slated for this year. For some unmanned gates, camera replacement may be deferred to complete the road work that is needed. Older computers at the gatehouses are also up for replacement as they have exceeded their life expectancy.
As part of preventative maintenance on all park playground structures and equipment, a safety inspection is conducted twice per year. During these inspections, safety compliance is reviewed and recommendations are provided for any needed repairs.
The Ranch Association Landscape Team maintains all of the landscape in the common areas of DC Ranch. There are significant plant enhancements and tree replacements scheduled for this year.
Mailbox kiosk replacement is scheduled for Camelot, Desert Haciendas, Terrace Homes East, and Terrace Homes West. These replacements will be done in phases through 2024 due to road maintenance being a higher priority in some neighborhoods.
With the spring weather upon us , the community’s path and trail system provides a pleasant place for all to enjoy the outdoors. Please be courteous of others and practice open communication to keep everyone safe and enjoying these amenities.
Per the Community Standards, DCR-09, vehicles such as golf carts, ATVs and motorized skateboards are not permitted on sidewalks or the path system for the safety of all residents. The only exceptions are maintenance vehicles and battery-operated toy vehicles for children seven or younger that may be driven on paved sidewalks under supervision of a responsible adult.
Be extra alert for snakes that are awakening out of hibernation. Should you encounter a snake, stay clear and contact Community Patrol at 480.397.9659 to assist with snake removal.
Spring is a popular time for desert wildlife to emerge in search of food and water. Javelinas are social animals that travel in packs, therefore seeing one peccary infers a nearby group. Keeping attractants like pet food and garbage contained will prevent these keenly nosed mammals from entering residential areas. Classified as big-game animals, state law protects javelina against capture and harm. Encounters with javelinas are strongly discouraged. Arizona Game & Fish Department recommends scaring off animals by making loud noises (bang pots, yell, stomp on the floor, etc.); throwing small rocks in their direction; or spraying with vinegar, water from a garden hose, or large squirt gun filled with diluted household ammonia (1 part ammonia to 9 parts water).
With the desert in bloom, honeybees are on the go from sunup to sundown. A vital part of the eco- and food-systems, honeybees are gentle creatures that are focused on their work and should remain undisturbed. Should you encounter a swarm in a common area, please call the Maintenance team at 480.800.3589.
All Levels Yoga
Mondays and Wednesdays | 9 to 10 a.m.
The Homestead Community Center
Strength and Balance
Mondays and Wednesdays
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The Homestead Community Center
Yoga Basics
Tuesdays and Thursdays | 9 to 10 a.m.
The Homestead Community Center
Total Body Aqua Fit
Wednesdays and Fridays
9 to 10 a.m. | Desert Camp Pool
Pickleball Drop-in
Wednesdays | 6 to 8 p.m.
Sundays and Fridays | 8 to 11 a.m.
Desert Camp Pickleball Courts
Saturdays: April 1, 15, 22, 29
Desert Camp Courts
Ages 16+ | $14 per clinic
Bring paddle and water bottle
Beginner: 6:30 to 8 a.m.
Discover the exciting sport of Pickleball with this instructional clinic. A certified pickleball instructor will teach beginners the basic rules of the game and how to hit the ball.
Intermediate: 8:30 to 10 a.m. This course is designed for players looking to advance their game.
A certified pickleball instructor will cover topics including 3rd shot drops and drives, reflex volleys, push dink strategies and more.
Thursday, April 6 | The Homestead
Thursday, April 20 | Desert Camp 5 to 7 p.m.
Take the night off from cooking as some of the Valley’s best food trucks roll into DC Ranch. See menu options on DCRanch.com.
Women’s Club: Guided Hike
Thursday, April 13 | 8 to 11 a.m.
Gateway Trailhead
Ages 18+ | RSVP
Enjoy a guided group hike on the Gateway Loop Trail located within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This 4.4 mile trail is rated as moderately difficult. Please wear appropriate shoes and bring plenty of water.
Eggstravaganza: Candy Land
Saturday, April 8 | 9 to 11:30 a.m. All ages | $12* (ages 0-3 free)
Desert Camp
Lollipops, gumdrops and fun galore! Join neighbors for a sweet spring celebration complete with a traditional egg hunt, music, entertainment and breakfast buffet.
*Tickets required for all participants ages 4+. Early registration through April 2 ($12); regular registration April 3-8 ($15). Ticket purchase limited to six (6) per household.
Events are subject to change. Check DCRanch.com/calendar for the most up-to-date listing information.
Please note: To sign up for all activities, you must create a CivicRec account. Details at DCRanch.com/CivicRec.
Saturday, April 15 | 9 a.m. to Noon
The Homestead
$10 donation suggested
Shred any sensitive documents at the 7th Annual Shred Day. DC Ranch Gives is partnering with The Matheson Real Estate Team for this opportunity to dispose of old paperwork and raise funds for Family Promise. Easy drive up and drop off. Electronic recycling also available.
Friday, April 21 | 6 to 8 p.m. Market Street Park | All ages | Free
Enjoy a night of live music with Ashley Red under the stars!
Residents are encouraged to bring their own lawn seating, snacks and drinks.
Off the Ranch: French Cuisine
Thursday, April 27 | 6 to 8 p.m.
Classic Cooking Academy
Ages 21+ | $60
Food enthusiasts of all levels are invited to learn the art of French cooking. Residents will make pastry cheese puffs, onion soup, flank steak with shallots and vinegar sauce, rosemary potatoes, green bean bundles and cherry clafoutis. Beverages included.
Friday, April 28
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Desert Camp North Patio
Ages 21+ | RSVP
Mix and mingle during a relaxing happy hour. These casual gatherings provide a nice way to end the week and chat with friends or get to know new neighbors. Light snacks, beer and wine provided.
Big Sky in Montana’s Madison mountains is billed as “the biggest skiing in America” and advertises that their new mid mountain lodge opens in 2025.
Flying into Bozeman feels luxe, as the stylish, cozy airport has a lodge-meets-art-gallery feel, with firepits and beamed ceilings. Bronzes of local animals await travelers, such as Canadian Geese by Jim Dolan and a Grizzly Bear by Dennis Harrington.
Gallatin River’s twisting path from Bozeman enters this rugged territory lying 50 miles from Yellowstone National Park, where one may see elk, bighorn, deer or bears. Nearby, scenes were filmed from A River Runs Through It, and some of the world’s oldest fossils were unearthed.
Situated in Mountain Village, Big Sky’s plaza has skiers, snowball fights and DJs, slope-side Huntley Lodge and Summit hotels, as well as lively restaurants and shops. In the evenings, enjoy live music at Montana Jacks and dining at Westward Social & Summit. Head to Everett’s and the Enchanted Forest of lights by lift at night.
Big Sky offers something for everyone with 4,350 feet of vertical terrain and 24 main lifts. Three “fancy fanny” swift lifts carry passengers on heated, designer seats. Purchased but never installed for the Sochi Olympics, they’re housed to keep clean and warm for first runs and cold buns.
To the resort’s left, Big Sky’s most sun-facing slopes are on Spirit and Andesite Mountains. These overlook ritzy Montage Resort and Yellowstone Club with 2,200 skiable acres. Green and blue runs are safest for those gawking at palatial homes rather than watching
their way. These areas abut Yellowstone Club, whose ski-in entrance is even guard gated.
Above Mountain Village, all lifts ascend Lone Mountain, serving a mélange of mostly blues and blacks. Powder Seeker lift continues higher to chutes and Stillwater Bowl. Lone Peak Gondola carries only the bravest to hurl themselves off the 11,166 ft summit.
To the resort’s far right, Stillwater and Horseshoe Bowls originate from Madison Base. These serve mostly blacks and this terrain has many longer runs. The back of mountain
can be reached either direction, with pristine views toward the Tetons.
Excursions include a snow coach tour to either Old Faithful or the Canyons, where bison, swans, otters and wolves can be spotted. Or visit “local’s mountain” Bridger Bowl, like a mini–Big Sky, also all-terrain, but with the advantage of no lift lines. Follow Thatcher on Instagram @TheArtfulTourist.
Camelot Homes’ new nine-lot subdivision, which will be the final new-home community in DC Ranch, is slated to start home sales this month. Demand seems strong, with more than 100 people on the “interested party” list. One and two-story floor plans ranging from 2,790 to 3,420 square feet are available with options ranging from 2 bedrooms plus den to 3 bedrooms plus a casita. Entrance into Legacy at DC Ranch will be through an unmanned gate off Union Hills Drive, west of 94th Street. For more information visit Camelothomes.com.
DCR2020 was DC Ranch’s first strategic plan. Launched in 2016 with the intent of being completed by about 2020, eight Standing Principles (the foundation of the strategic plan) and six Strategic Initiatives (focus areas)
were developed with hundreds of tactics. It was very ambitious but almost all of the tactics were accomplished.
The intent for DCR2025 is to refresh the plan. Rather than starting over, DC Ranch will test the validity and relevancy of the original Strategic Initiatives and identify the focus for the next 3-5 years.
As with DCR2020, a crucial initial component of the process was resident input. The input sessions were administered by Doug Griffen, Advanced Strategy Center (ASC). Each one-hour session was professionally facilitated online with groups of 20-30 residents. The virtual format allowed the facilitator to gather a great deal of good information in a short timeframe. Approximately 100 residents participated in seven sessions offered mid-February.
In April, the Community Council and Ranch Association boards and team members will also engage with the consultant in a similar process. Once complete, ASC will produce the overall results so that DC Ranch can formulate strategies and tactics. Visit DCRanch.com/DCR2025 for updates and more information.
Scottsdale Public Library has installed a “Books To Go” in the DC Ranch Neighborhood Park, located at 91st Street and Trailside View. Fashioned after a London phone booth, the book share operates on a “take one, leave one” system. What a great way to pass on favorite books to your neighbors and read one of theirs!
Gateway Trailhead is truly the gateway to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Because of its location in Scottsdale, it hosts many out-of-town visitors wishing to exercise outdoors and learn about the Sonoran Desert and the Preserve. It also attracts hikers, bikers, and equestrians from across the Valley who come to enjoy regular fitness workouts.
Conservancy Trailhead Ambassadors and Patrollers who serve this region of the Preserve record some of the largest numbers of visitor engagements per year compared to the other six Preserve trailheads. While all seven Preserve trailheads have wonderful, distinct attributes, I keep returning to Gateway because of its picturesque views and the way the sun rises over the mountains in the morning. Also, Gateway hosts a beautiful trailhead entrance, which includes a tabletop topographical map that offers a bird’s eye perspective of the 225 miles of trails within the 30,580-acre Preserve. Parking at Gateway is plentiful, restrooms are available, and the water dispenser offers chilled filtered water.
One of my favorite morning fitness hikes is from Gateway Trailhead to Inspiration Point and back, a roundtrip distance of 5.6 miles, which takes about 2.5-3.5 hours. This hike is moderately challenging, gaining approximately 1,000 feet in elevation in 2.8 miles. This is a wonderful morning fitness workout that gets one in touch with one’s physical conditioning. Trails are well-marked with periodic signs along the trail and at intersections showing trail direction, abbreviations of the trail names, and location numbers, which correspond to notations on the Preserve’s trail map. Keeping track of where you are while hiking is an important safety precaution. Carrying plenty of water is also essential to ensure a safe, pleasurable outing. Having at least one liter (34 oz) of water per person per hour of hiking is a good rule of thumb. When you are half finished with your water, turn around and
return to the trailhead. We also suggest bringing a charged cell phone, and a backpack to carry saltyn-sweet snacks, a hat, and sunglasses. Hiking poles are also helpful for the steeper sections of the route.
The route to Inspiration Point is straightforward. After leaving the trailhead on Saguaro Trail and reaching the Gateway Loop sign marker GL7, turn left and proceed north to GL5 and then GL4, continuing to WP1, which is the start of the Windgate Pass Trail. Occasionally, following a rain, I have seen a desert tortoise meandering across the trail between GL5 and WP1. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, please don’t touch it. Do take a photo, note your location, and tell the Trailhead Ambassador when you return to the trailhead.
The trail from WP1 continues to get steeper as you hike to WP2 and WP3 with the hill to TT17 being the rockiest and most challenging. At the TT17 juncture, stay on Windgate Pass Trail, and Inspiration Point is 0.2 of a mile ahead. At Inspiration Point, rest and have an energy snack sitting on the rock bench and enjoy the spectacular views of the mountains and the valley below. It’s not unusual to see deer peeking around the mountainside bushes in the area.
On the return trek, watch your footing as it’s easy to catch a toe on a rock. Those hiking poles are especially helpful on the descent. The views on the way down are wonderful. You can see Camelback Mountain and part of the Valley stretching to downtown Scottsdale. Just south of marker GL4, there is a hollowed-out side on a saguaro cactus, which is most easily seen on the descent. I recently noticed a cactus wren nest there with eggs inside.
The journey back provides time to reflect on your hiking accomplishment and to think about other areas of the Preserve to visit. So, where do you want to explore next?
Rumors Salon, Scottsdale industryleader since 1998, recently opened a second location in DC Ranch.
“It’s something we’ve been thinking about for a long time. At our Seville salon in McCormick Ranch, we are at capacity. It just felt like the right time to expand, and DC Ranch is the right fit,” says owner Julie Schumacher.
Rumors at DC Ranch is a full-service hair salon that provides precision cuts, color, styling, perms and Keratin treatments. As an exclusive Bellami Salon, Rumors provides customers with state-of-the-art Bellami hair extensions and high-end haircare lines such as Oribe, UNITE, Kevin. Murphy and Roots Professional products.
Brandy specializes in wearable curls, glamorous blowdrys and classic bobs. She has extensive training with curly hair.
Pavlina trained with Frédéric Fekkai at his studio in New York City. She specializes in color and short, edgy styles. She is also trained in special event hair.
Tay loves to help clients achieve their “blonde goals.” She is knowledgeable in color corrections and is also a Bellami Certified Stylist.
Cayla specializes in hair extensions and transformative hair color. She enjoys giving her clients a whole new look.
The DC Ranch location includes an education center area for Rumors stylists to receive regular training and advanced education. They also have an apprentice learning program offered through the salon for recent cosmetology graduates. In an industry where most stylists change salons every two years, Rumors is proud to have eight stylists who have been with them for over 10 years.
To keep some familiarity between both locations, the new salon on Market Street features similar flooring, modern materials and use of a blue accent color. The salon is open Monday through Saturday.
By Elizabeth Dankert | Community Council
Every spring, the DC Ranch Community Council, Ranch Association and Covenant Commission host a Values Awards Ceremony, celebrating employees who exemplify the team values across the previous year. The five team values were developed in 2019 through ideas and feedback from all three entities. They guide the conduct of the team as they interact with each other, residents and stakeholders.
Congratulations to the deserving DC Ranch team members who were honored on Feb. 24 with peer-nominated awards at the fourth annual ceremony. The 2023 Team Values Awards recipients in each category are:
TEAMWORK:
Connect, collaborate and create Jose Cadenas | Irrigation Specialist, Ranch Association
Jose has been with DC Ranch since 2019, working for the landscape team as the irrigation specialist. In the past year, he facilitated the migration of the irrigation software to a new platform and oversaw the installation of 4G modems for an efficient system and water conservation.
PROFESSIONALISM:
Act with integrity and strive for excellence
Clem Sklodowski | Accounting Specialist, Community Council
Clem started in 2013 and handles Accounts Payable which includes maintaining vendor files, entering invoices and issuing checks. She has a keen eye and is detailed-oriented, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and good financial stewardship.
INNOVATION:
Blaze new trails while honoring our legacy
Lynette Whitener | Senior Manager of Events & Programs, Community Council
Lynette joined the team in 2010 and has been in several positions over
the years. She currently oversees the events & programs team. She creates magical moments at events, fosters engagement and innovates and improves programs to keep them fresh for residents.
PASSION:
Put our hearts into all we do Larry Cowles | Director of Exterior Modifications & Improvements, Ranch Association
Larry has been with DC Ranch since 2014, starting as Director of Community Standards before focusing on modifications. He was instrumental in the development and approval of the new artificial turf guidelines this past year. He is knowledgeable in quality design and the DC Ranch standards.
FUN:
Seek moments of joy
Gina Richard | Administrative Operations Coordinator, Community Council
Gina joined the team in 2021 and is responsible for coordinating and directing organizational IT support as well as working on contracts. She is always willing to lend a hand to fellow team members to assist with projects. She is creative, organized, and has a positive attitude.
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gardens & desert living at its best. $8,395,000
Silverleaf contemporary to be built has city light, golf course &
Backing to DC Ranch CC on an acre lot with panoramic city light & mountain views, this 4,585/sf home has 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, a swank game room, theater & more. $2,495,000
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Frank Rudolph
Mike Domer Ranked #1 in Scottsdale Home Sales
By the Cromford Report (2021)
For a Free Market Evaluation
Contact Mike Domer 480-861-8883
Mike@MikeDomer.com
MikeDomer.com
Monsoon season in the Sonoran Desert is just around the corner and the wet winter may bring summer rain sooner than expected. The Arizona monsoon season typically spans from mid-June through the end of September, but the start is made official only when the dew point reaches 55° F or greater for three consecutive days. Due to the unique geography of DC Ranch near the McDowell Mountains, these storms can appear suddenly with intense lightning, heavy rains, flooding, and shifting and vicious winds.
failing is visible cracking in the branch itself. A branch with cracks will split sooner or later, so it is best to remove the branch in question to maintain the overall health of the plant.
Clearance pruning is a process that is performed regularly to minimize and prevent damage to both trees and property. Clearance pruning includes removal of branches to provide a minimum clearance of 3' from buildings and structures, a minimum vertical height of 8' feet over driveways & sidewalks, clearance of 6'-8' from roofs, and a vertical clearance of 14' over streets and roadways to prevent damage to trees from high profile delivery vans and trucks. Clearance pruning is outlined in DCRL-18 Trees as a Community Standard for the health and wellbeing of DC Ranch residents and property.
• Keep trees with thick canopies trimmed and thinned
• Remove branches that rub against others, are excessively bent, or broken
Arizona monsoon events often begin early evening, with the distinct smell of creosote bush in the desert air, a rolling dust storm, sun showers and down-bursts. The most destructive of these initial storm events, a down-burst, is a strong “vortex ring” of a vertically rotating circle of air. These downbursts are severe outward surges of wind low in the atmosphere, near the ground and often close to vegetation. It’s these extreme winds that consistently create the most damage to desert trees, with collateral damage from tree trunks and unsecured limbs onto nearby property.
Unfortunately, the desert landscape provides little absorption for the torrential rains that can come with micro- and downbursts which create flash flood and floating debris situations.
• Prune trees to allow for clearance over walkways, driveways, and near buildings
• Do not trim trees in DC Ranch common areas, parks, or Natural Open Spaces (NOS)
• Schedule tree trimming to coincide with bulk trash pickup week
Shallow rooting desert trees such as Palo Verde, Palo Brea, Mesquite and Acacia are extremely susceptible to toppling in the wind and rain from these sudden storms. When these extreme winds and rains are focused in the canyon and low-lying areas of DC Ranch, even healthy and well-maintained trees can be uprooted in violent weather. Keeping tree canopies thin is the most important thing residents can do to minimize tree and property damage during monsoon season. A thick, dense tree canopy prevents wind from easily passing through, creating resistance that leads to breakage and uprooting. In some trees, complete uprooting may occur in a multifactor weather situation. Dense tree canopies combined with poor or weak root structures are a risky combination.
Branch structure and position are other tree characteristics that indicate consistent tree trimming and care and ultimately provide more strength in a storm. First, identify and remove any branches that cross and may rub against each other causing wounds and weak points. Also, look for and remove any excessively bent or horizontal branches. Dead branches should be removed, as dead branches will not bend with the wind and can snap, potentially causing property damage. A clear indicator of a branch potentially
In the event of a monsoon storm, Community Patrol and Gate Access team members are active in identifying and notifying the Landscape and Maintenance teams of damage and storm management needs. Both departments are on standby during these events to remove any trees or debris blocking access in and out of neighborhoods, residential driveways, walkways and paths. After these storms, it’s also incredibly important to inspect trees for signs of breakage. There may be cracks or weakness in the tree structure that are not immediately apparent, and which could lead to future breaking and dangerous conditions.
Following these guidelines and the landscaping standards in DCRL-18 will help reduce the amount of damage not only to native DC Ranch landscaping, but resident property as well. If you have any questions related to preparing your trees for monsoon season or tree pruning in general, the Landscape team is always available to assist residents.
Visit DCRanch.com to view the Standards for Landscape.
The DC Ranch website is the community’s go-to resource for information. The site offers an expansive main menu, easy navigation, search tool, activities calendar and an interactive map. Digital versions of publications like Ranch News, Ranch Roundup and the seasonal Program Guides are also available.
Get the community’s latest news delivered right to your inbox. Email is an excellent way to learn about events and programs, community meetings and neighborhood alerts. Residents can update preferences any time.
Stay in the know with text messages to your mobile phone. Choose from these categories: Emergency, Neighborhood Alerts, Events and Programs, Community Centers and Community Meetings. Message & data rates may apply.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @dcranch
Use #dcranch to share photos and stories with the community.
DC RANCH RESIDENTS CAN VISIT DCRANCH.COM/STAYCONNECTED TO SIGN UP FOR EMAILS AND TEXT MESSAGES.
GIVES SERVICE PROJECT: FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN
By Valerie Schneider | City of Scottsdale
In January 2022, Scottsdale set out to reduce water use by at least 5% and asked residents and businesses to do the same. The effort came as the city officially declared Stage One of its Drought Management Plan—an action directly aligned with the Tier One Colorado River shortage declared by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
The city itself led the charge, reducing water use by 6% when compared to the average of the past five years. Different city departments achieved water savings through a series of infrastructure and operational improvements like more aggressively finding and fixing water leaks, installing more efficient equipment, and not planting winter grass in many parks.
While water use among residents and businesses did not appreciably change over previous averages, the city saw record numbers in its grass removal rebate and outdoor water efficiency check programs during the year. These numbers show that more people in the community are taking tangible steps to reduce their household water use, momentum the city hopes will build and result in more community water savings in the years ahead.
For more information on ways customers can contribute to water savings, go to ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “water conservation.”
Highlights outlining specific water savings
Scottsdale efforts in 2022
Parks
Much of Parks’ water savings was accomplished by more aggressively finding and fixing leaks, implementing advanced drip irrigation systems, and reducing grass in areas of public parks that are not commonly used for recreation. This led to a total water savings of five-million gallons in 2022 versus 2021.
With nearly 62,000 square feet of grass removed at four parks in 2022, subsequent water savings will result in three-million gallons of water each year. Additional areas will be converted to xeriscape landscaping in 2023, including a project at Eldorado Park.
Overall, Scottsdale’s Parks and Recreation Department has stayed consistently ahead of the curve by keeping water savings below the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) allotment—in 2022, Scottsdale Parks used 25% less water than allotted by ADWR.
Facilities
Scottsdale Facilities completed a cooling tower water reduction project, installing new cooling tower controllers at seven different city facilities: Civic Center Library, Police Department and Fire Department Headquarters, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, Police District 1, City Hall, and Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
The new control systems save water: when compared with the same period in 2021, these systems used 19% less water than in 2022, totaling more than 894,000 gallons of water saved. With all seven controllers now installed, Facilities estimates the annual savings will increase to 1.3 million gallons of water for the 2023 calendar year.
The Water Conservation team enhanced marketing communication with customers to establish a 300% increase in grass removal rebates. This totaled more than 219,000 square feet of grass removed. With an average of 50 gallons of water saved per square foot, this gives the city a water saving estimate of nearly 11-million gallons per year moving forward.
The Outdoor Water Efficiency Check program participation increased nearly 100% in 2022 from 2021, increasing water proficiency across more than 300 homes in the Scottsdale area.
After ten months of house hunting, my husband and I purchased our dream “snowbird” home in DC Ranch in 2022. It was well worth the wait as we are thrilled to be a part of this wonderful community. We chose DC Ranch over many options for several reasons: great location, gorgeous neighborhood design and convenient amenities.
In addition to the very hospitable welcome committee, everyone we’ve met has been helpful and friendly. Being from Illinois, it feels a bit like landing in a community full of midwestern transplants. In reality, Arizona is a melting pot and I’ve enjoyed meeting folks from near and far.
After driving cross country with our two dogs, we were elated to find miles of pet friendly walking trails winding throughout the neighborhood. The complimentary “doggie bags” and water stations add to the pup inclusive atmosphere.
We love that there’s no shortage of things to do here. My husband is an avid cyclist and has already discovered several trails and looks forward to joining group rides. I’ve found that making friends here is as easy as dropping into an open pickleball session, joining water aerobics classes at Desert Camp Community Center or just chatting with fellow dog owners on our daily strolls.
As a former marketing professional, I’m impressed with the well-designed website, newsletters and emails created by the DC Ranch team. It’s so easy to stay up to date and register for events—and there are so many of them!
From Food Truck Night to Grapenuts and Yappy Hour—there’s something for everyone. I also appreciate the useful information and updates regarding security, traffic, construction and facility improvements.
Although the saying goes “you can’t pick your neighbors,” I’m fortunate to live next door to some long-time DC Ranch residents. They’ve shared helpful tips and answered many questions—from where to find the nearest gas station, to veterinary recommendations, and how to deal with desert wildlife. There is a genuine neighborly feel in DC Ranch that reminds me a bit of my midwestern hometown—without the cold weather.
As a desert newbie there’s a lot to get used to—who knew we needed water softeners and snake sticks? Living in a community with attentive management and friendly residents has made for an easy adjustment to a new environment. I anticipate spending many years in DC Ranch and hope to meet more neighbors out and about!
