Before 2015 no comprehensive geologic survey had been done of the McDowell Mountains, a small but geologically complex range in Scottsdale, Arizona. Based on his interest in these mountains, geologist Steve Skotnicki spent over 9 years and 2000 hours of personal time, including 1200 hours in the field, to produce a detailed hand-drawn survey map of the range and vicinity. The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy (the Conservancy), which partners with the City of Scottsdale to manage the Preserve in which these mountains are located, funded the completion of Dr. Skotnicki’s field mapping. The Conservancy also agreed to digitize the map at no charge using citizen scientists led by Dan Gruber, a volunteer familiar with geology and basic mapping techniques, and supported by geology consultant Brian Gootee of the Arizona Geological Survey (AZGS) and Conservancy staff.