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Meet your neighbor: Griffin encourages volunteering for all ages

Posted 12/23/19

From volunteering to recreating, when John Griffin moved to Arizona in 2005 with his wife, Julia, he settled right in.

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Meet your neighbor: Griffin encourages volunteering for all ages

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From volunteering to recreating, when John Griffin moved to Arizona in 2005 with his wife, Julia, he settled right in.

Where I live: McDowell Mountain Ranch

When and why I moved here: 2005, for my wife’s career in nursing

What I like most about living here: Year-round access to the great outdoors.

Activities I enjoy: Biking and golf

Clubs/organizations I’m involved in: McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

Where I volunteer in the city and why it deserves support from others: The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy helps care for and sustain Scottsdale’s amazing 30,580-acre Preserve. It is something to be proud of, and educate people about.

My No. 1 suggestion to new residents looking for ways to get involved in their community: McDowellSonoran.org is a great resource to learn about all the different programs offered by the Conservancy. They provide free guided hikes, bike rides, lectures and family activities. They also have an extensive steward program with volunteer opportunities for all different interest levels.

What one thing would you like to see changed in Scottsdale? This fall several successful bonds were passed. I’m excited for the new opportunities in tourism, education and infrastructure.

What I do: At the Conservancy I help manage steward applicants, the steward newsletter, and fill in as needed on Citizen Science projects and in the Conservancy office.

People who are an inspiration to me: Our Master Stewards who have been working to sustain the Preserve for 25 years now.

My advice to today’s youth: Volunteering is not just for retirees. Giving back to the community is good for you and part of your education, too!