Our History & Mission - White Tank Mountains Conservancy

Our Mission

To inspire all to learn about, protect, connect, and act to conserve, sustain, and enjoy the White Tank Mountains.

Vision Statement: Ensure conservation, development, and recreation coexist in and around the White Tank Mountains now and for generations to come.

Our Organization

History of the Conservancy

The White Tank Mountains Conservancy was established in 2014 through a collaborative vision among community leaders, developers, and conservation partners — all united by a shared commitment to protect this irreplaceable desert landscape.

The organization originated through discussions led by Todd Hornback, who, at the time, was with the developer of Verrado and Victory at Verrado, who sought to incorporate conservation into long-term regional planning. Early support came from former City of Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck and regional partners including WESTMARC and the Sonoran Institute, who provided initial funding and helped define the Conservancy’s purpose.

Additional early funding was provided by a coalition of West Valley municipalities, with each city contributing $25,000 to support the organization’s formation. Private sector partners — including DMB Associates, D.R. Horton, Arizona Public Service, Palo Verde Generating Station, and EPCOR — joined this public investment to formally launch the Conservancy.

In its early years, WTMC focused on establishing foundational programs in conservation, education, and community engagement. The organization hired its first Executive Director, Les Meyers, who served for nearly a decade and oversaw significant program growth.

In 2024, Sharma Torrens was appointed Executive Director, marking a new chapter as the Conservancy continues to evolve its regional role.

Watch: Jackie Meck on WTMC

Watch: Todd Hornback on WTMC

2014

Conservancy Founded

Established through a coalition of West Valley municipalities, developers, and conservation partners. Each founding city contributed $25,000.

2015

First Executive Director

Les Meyers hired as founding Executive Director, building foundational programs in conservation, education, and community engagement.

2016

Connectivity Initiative Launched

WTMC launches the White Tank Mountains Regional Connectivity Initiative to protect and restore critical wildlife corridors.

2016

Steward Program established and the first orientation held

2018

First edition of the Field Guide was published by author Karen Krause kicking off the Speakers Series at the White Tank Mountain Regional Park Library.

2018

Started attending community events to educate the west Valley on the WTMC vision, mission and projects. Over 30 events attended in a 12-month period, including co-sponsoring the Arts & Crafts Fair at White Tank Mountain Regional Park.

2019

The first We Heart Spring Backyard Tour annual fundraiser was held in the Verrado community

2020

There was a 128 acre wildfire in White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Desert Defenders partnership with Maricopa County Parks and Native Seed program was launched at the park to reclaim burnt area (4).

2021

Youth to Mountains Program launched

2021

White Tank Wild Day Proclaimed

Mayors of Buckeye, Surprise, Goodyear, and Peoria officially proclaim April 22 as White Tank Wild Day — the Conservancy’s annual giving day.

2023

Established a relationship with the largest developer in the region, Howard Hughes, to collaborate in a planned community development model to integrate their site designs to align with identified wildlife corridors, which is not seen anywhere else in the region.

2024

New Executive Director

Sharma Torrens appointed as Executive Director, bringing renewed energy and vision to WTMC’s next chapter.

2025

Inaugural Diamond in the Desert Annual Fundraiser

2026

Launched Hornbeck Meck Legacy Society

Today

Growing Impact

118 active volunteers, 2,650 lbs of invasive species removed, and a growing network of conservation partners across the West Valley.

The Land We Protect

A Crown Jewel of the West Valley

The White Tank Mountains, located in the West Valley of Phoenix, are among the best conserved natural areas in the metropolitan region. The mountains are abundant with wildlife — mule deer, mountain lions, bobcats, desert tortoises, javelinas, and other indigenous animals typical of the Sonoran Desert.

Home to the White Tank Mountain Regional Park and Skyline Regional Park, the mountains attracted upwards of 700,000 residents and visitors in 2019 alone, drawn by breathtaking trails and sweeping desert views.

Situated along the western edge of Phoenix’s urban environment, the White Tank Mountains stand directly in the path of one of the nation’s fastest-growing communities. As development accelerates, the wildlife corridors animals depend on for forage, migration, and genetic diversity face increasing risk of being cut off — unless meaningful steps are taken to protect them.