Locality: Cave Creek, AZ (33.820000, -111.964000)
Abstract: Nestled within the town of Cave Creek lies Go John Canyon. Through the efforts of Desert Foothills Land Trust, the canyon was reclassified as suitable for conservation under the Arizona Preserve Initiative in 1998. DFLT established the Go John Canyon nature preserve by purchasing the first 65 acres of the canyon in November 2000.
An additional 116 acres were protected in December 2001, expanding the nature preserve to 181 total acres. Cave Creek, one of the last remaining free-flowing streams in Maricopa County, runs through the preserve.
In fiscal year 2003 Go John Canyon Preserve grew by an additional 60 acres. DFLT applied for an additional 30 acres late in the fiscal year, and this purchase was completed in October. It connects Go John Canyon Preserve to the 2,922-acre Cave Creek Recreation Area to the west.
Total land under DFLT's protection in this beautiful canyon is 271 acres, more than half of our 500-acre goal. Named in honor of former executive director P.A. Seitts, whose effort made this preserve possible.
Notes: 2005 checklist; new sightings added over time (see Notes & Vouchers). Last amended 4 March 2011