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Please bring back the free public programs to the mountain preserves (i.e. Piestewa Peak, South Mountain Park, Papago Park, Dreamy Draw, North Mountain Park, etc.).

These programs included educational nature hikes, full moon hikes, public school talks, astronomy programs, etc. They all were once free. A fee was added and if a fee needs to be added once again to bring back these programs, I highly encourage it. These programs bring awareness to desert safety, understanding of our desert surroundings, and education on etiquette in the preserves for the safety and preservation of the flora and fauna.

These programs are more valuable than the large events like Phoenix Summit Challenge and National Trail Trek, because they would be on-going program opportunities that are affordable, available for all types of physical fitness and very educational. These programs could save Phoenix tax payers thousands in mountain rescues since these programs bring desert awareness skills to the public.