The first week of January 2012 I spent with my family in Scottsdale, AZ.  Several days we journeyed out into the desert for a nice hike.  This time of year the desert was very green and beautiful.  Our first hike was at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.  We hiked the 5 mile Gateway Trail up and around a small mountain.  One of the interesting things I found out that day was regarding a 20,000 gallon underground rainwater harvesting system.  The system was designed as part of the Leed Platinum visitor center at the trail head.  A volunteer was on hand to discuss the trails and the facility.  The roof was structured like butterfly wings.  All the water collected on the roof moved to the center line and funneled down a steel truss to the rain chain.  The rain chain was centered over a large raised bed of medium sized rock that covered the entrance to the underground cistern.  The rock bed acts like a quieting device eliminating the problem of erosion.  You never know where you might find a rainwater system!  For more information on the McDowell Sonoran Preserve click on the following link www.mcdowellsonoran.org and make sure you go for a hike the next time your in the Scottsdale area.