Fountain Park and the McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission will be hosting McDowell Mountain Preserve and Native Wildlife Expo this Saturday, Nov. 16, on the west side of Fountain Park from 9 a.m. until noon.

Wildlife exhibits provided by the native owl rescue group Wild at Heart, native bird organization Liberty Wildlife, the McDowell Mountain Park Rangers and the Maricopa County Canine Rescue Dogs will be on hand with live members of the native wildlife population.

Visitors will be able to view these animals up close and learn about their habits and how one can assist in their protection and survival.

Additionally, representatives of the McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission, the Sonoran Conservancy, the River of Time Museum and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office will be present to provide information on hiking trails, volunteer opportunities and safety tips to enhance the enjoyment of the multitude of hiking opportunities available throughout the town and the McDowell Mountain Range.

In recognition of McDowell Mountain Month Mayor Linda Kavanagh will be hosting a hike this Saturday of the recently refurbished Overlook Trail.

The hike will depart at approximately 9:30 a.m. from the Wildlife Expo area on the west side of Fountain Park.

The Overlook Trail rises above the east side of Fountain Park and provides terrific views of the town and the Verde River Valley.

The hike of the Overlook Trail is of moderate difficulty and takes about one hour to complete. Be sure to bring a supply of water and wear sturdy yet comfortable shoes to insure your enjoyment.

The McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission is appointed by the Town Council and is entrusted with the stewardship of the 1,000-acre land preserve that rises to the town’s west and creates a boundary between Fountain Hills and the City of Scottsdale.

The commission works with the City of Scottsdale and the administrators of McDowell Mountain Park planning and developing the vast trail system throughout the three entities.

The Sonoran Conservancy is a nonprofit volunteer organization that provides the majority of the manpower that develops and maintains the network of trails. Representatives of the Conservancy will be on site to provide information regarding ways for interested citizens to get personally involved.