Archive for “Outdoors” Category

CELEBRATE AZ WATER: HASSAYAMPA RIVER PRESERVE – AN OASIS IN THE DESERT

May 29, 2017

Welcome to the Hassayampa River Preserve, an oasis in the desert. Nestled amongst a ribbon of green along Highway 60 is a modest yet important conservation area known as the Hassayampa River Preserve. The Preserve consists of approximately 789 acres along the Hassayampa River, just south of Wickenburg. The Hassayampa River is one of the few undammed rivers in Arizona …

Read More

LOVE DIY? MAYBE NOT? HERE’S HOW TO SELECT A LANDSCAPE PRO

May 10, 2017

Thinking about converting your landscape from high water use to Xeriscape, but don’t know where to begin? Maybe you like to get down in the dirt and do-it-yourself (DIY), or you’re interested in hiring a pro; making the switch to a beautifully designed Xeriscape landscape can be very rewarding. Finding the right resources to help you design, install, and then …

Read More

SPRUCE UP YOUR IRRIGATION SYSTEM THIS SPRING

May 3, 2017

Did you know that up to 70 percent of your total household water use goes to your landscape? That’s why it’s so important to check your yard’s water use! This means checking for leaks and adjusting your watering schedule with the changing of the seasons, making sure your irrigation system is working as efficiently as possible. If you’re not changing …

Read More

CELEBRATE AZ WATER – HAWLEY LAKE

April 28, 2017

Nestled in the tall, cool pines in east-central Arizona, on the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation, is Hawley Lake. At just over 8,000 feet, and abundant with spruce, pine and aspen, this 300-acre lake is one of Arizona’s highest in elevation. The climate is cool and refreshing during the spring, summer and fall, making it a great place to escape …

Read More
Norther Flicker

THE MAKING OF “THE LONGEST STRAW”

April 21, 2017

On April 7 2017, following unprecedented water conservation efforts, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. ended the drought state of emergency for most of California, marking a formal end to a water shortage that has been erased by a winter of plentiful rain and snow. The drought state of emergency was declared in January of 2014 as the state suffered through …

Read More

DRAB TO FAB 2: WIN A BEAUTIFUL XERISCAPE LANDSCAPE MAKEOVER

April 18, 2017

Looking to transform your yard from tired and dull to attractive and fabulous? Water – Use It Wisely is here to help! In April and May, Water – Use It Wisely will partner with ABC15, the Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association, the Arizona Nursery Association’s ‘Plant Something’ Campaign, and Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply to provide landscape makeover tips and tricks. …

Read More

CELEBRATE AZ WATER | BOULDER CREEK

March 30, 2017

This article originally appeared on March 20, 2013 at WildernessDave.com and was reprinted with permission. The photo at the end of this blog by David C. was the winner of our Spring 2014 Celebrate AZ Water Photo Contest from over 1,000 entries. The contest provided a stunning opportunity to celebrate the importance and wonder of water in Arizona and to reflect …

Read More

HOW TO REDUCE CHEMICAL USE IN YOUR POOL

March 14, 2017

By now, most pool owners understand the importance of minimizing the amount of wasted water that flows in and out of their pools. A big win! Reducing water waste is a simple solution to a straightforward problem: the less water we lose through evaporation, aeration, and structural leaking, the longer we’ll be able to conserve our natural resources. But pool conservation …

Read More

TEN STEPS TO A BACKYARD REHAB: CURB YOUR YARD’S DRINKING PROBLEM

March 2, 2017

Does your yard have a drinking problem? Always thirsty for that next watering? Overconsumption can be a serious problem for many yards – it either needs too much water, or maybe you’re giving it more water than it needs. Help your landscape curb its water habit and regain its vibrant, healthy life with this ten-step backyard rehab. Watch our ten tips …

Read More

DESERT PLANTS ARE GREAT AT MULTI-TASKING

February 26, 2017

Plants provide many functions for the landscape February is a great time to plant in the low desert as temperatures are still cool and roots can get established before the heat sets in. Perhaps you are looking to add or replace a few plants to your landscape, create a new focal point with sculptural cacti or accent plants, or you …

Read More
Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert

DESERT EDIBLES: CITIES OFFER FULL MENU OF LANDSCAPE AND GARDENING CLASSES

February 7, 2017

The Sonoran Desert is an incomparable place to hike, bike, run, horseback ride and bird watch. When it comes to foraging for food, it’s not so grand. Even those knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the topic admit that sifting and straining food from desert flora is labor intensive. It is, however, a labor of love for people who crave the tastes …

Read More

ARIZONA GOLF INDUSTRY REBOUNDS AS AN ECONOMIC DRIVER, STUDY FINDS

February 2, 2017

University of Arizona researchers find that water-related best management practices are reducing golf-course reliance on fresh water A University of Arizona study of the golf industry in Arizona has found that golf – with an economic impact of $3.9 billion in 2014 — has re-established its footing as an important driver of the state’s economy following the tumult of the …

Read More