Why Preserving Open Space Matters More Than Ever in 2026
January 12, 2026
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In 1993, a group of concerned residents—including Anne Coe, Rosemary Shearer, Phyllis Summers, George Johnston, and Tom Kollenborn—came together with a shared vision: to safeguard the vulnerable Sonoran Desert lands nestled at the southern edge of the Superstition Wilderness Area. Thus, the Superstition Area Land Trust (SALT) was born as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational corporation dedicated to protecting these precious open spaces from unchecked development.
At the heart of SALT’s work is a simple, yet powerful mission:
“To conserve the natural Sonoran Desert and open spaces surrounding the Superstition Wilderness Area for this and future generations.”
These foothills, though just a small piece of the 9 million acres managed by the Arizona State Land Department, hold immense ecological and cultural importance.
As Phoenix’s suburbs expand eastward, state trust lands—typically managed for revenue that supports Arizona’s K‑12 schools—face growing pressure from developers. SALT works with local, county, state, and federal partners to transform these boundary lands into a valuable buffer zone, preserving ecosystems, bolstering recreation, and offering economic benefits.
SALT’s immediate goals serve as the foundation for meaningful action:
Increase public awareness about why preserving state-trust lands matters.
Strengthen partnerships across governmental and community levels.
Expand outreach programs that connect people with the Sonoran Desert’s beauty and inspire stewardship.
Some of our landmark initiatives include:
The Superstition Area Land Plan — a strategic framework designed to assist Pinal County and the Arizona State Land Department in making wise land-use decisions.AZ Salt+11AZ Salt+11AZ Salt+11
Educational partnerships — including a profile by the Sonoran Institute (2012) and an economic analysis of open-space value in Pinal County (Trust for Public Land, 2008).AZ Salt+1
SALT’s impact relies on community support—whether through volunteering, donations, or spreading the word. Each contribution helps preserve the foothills that define Arizona’s rugged beauty today and for generations to come
Explore how SALT conserves land via land purchases, easements, and partnerships.
Reach out to our team or support our mission through donations or volunteering.
Let’s join together to protect the open spaces that give the Superstition foothills their magic, heritage, and hope for the future.
The Superstition Area Land Trust (SALT) works with public agencies to protect vulnerable Sonoran Desert foothills—part of Arizona’s 9 million acres of state trust land—threatened by urban sprawl and managed primarily for revenue.
Donating to the Superstition Area Land Trust (SALT) helps preserve the Sonoran Desert’s fragile foothills, wildlife, and open spaces for future generations.