Archive for “Environment and Sustainability” Category

News & Events

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

CELEBRATE AZ WATER AT BARTLETT LAKE

February 21, 2017

Just northeast of central Phoenix, along the Verde River in Tonto National Forest, lies the serene waters of Bartlett Lake. Formed as a reservoir when the Salt River Project dammed the Verde River in the late 1930’s, Bartlett Lake has over 33 miles of shoreline and a surface area of over 2,000 acres, making it larger than both Canyon Lake …

Read More

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

CELEBRATE AZ WATER: CAMP VERDE IS FOR THE BIRDS!

January 24, 2017

Working Toward an Important Bird Area (IBA) Designation Along the Verde River in Central Arizona This article originally appeared on Audubon Arizona. It is being reprinted with permission. The Verde River is one of our last remaining perennial and free-flowing rivers. With a healthy riparian corridor along its length, it is well-known for its importance to a great diversity of …

Read More

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR LANDSCAPE TO KEEP IT GROWING STRONG | PART 9 OF 10

January 4, 2017

The transformation from Drab to Fab may have only taken weeks, but with proper care of the new landscape plants, the fab can be everlasting. Join winner Lisa O. as she learns how to care for her brand new plants as they grow and evolve in her landscape. In episode 9 of our 10-part series, Jody Latimer, Environmental Resource Supervisor …

Read More

WANT TO SAVE WATER? THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT!

December 28, 2016

Just like a carbon footprint, every person, every business, and every product has a water footprint. “The water footprint of an individual, community or business is defined as the total volume of freshwater used to produce the goods and services consumed by the individual or community or produced by the business.”  (Hoekstra, A.Y., Chapagain, A.K., Aldaya, M.M. and Mekonnen, M.M. …

Read More

CELEBRATE AZ WATER AT THE RIPARIAN PRESERVE AT WATER RANCH

December 19, 2016

In 1986, the Town of Gilbert began storing treated wastewater in a pond at Cooper and Elliot roads. It did not surprise town officials that the pond attracted birds, but they were surprised by how many people the birds attracted. Unprepared for birdwatchers, the town fenced the pond. The lesson wasn’t lost on Gilbert officials. If a place to watch …

Read More

CONNECT WITH WILDLIFE IN YOUR YARD AND IN LEGO® FORM AT THE PHOENIX ZOO

December 15, 2016

Looking to attract native wildlife to your yard? It can be as simple as planting the right plants in the right places. The City of Glendale has just the book you need to get started. Welcome Wildlife to your Garden is a free publication that makes it both easy and fun to bring wildlife to your yard. Download a copy …

Read More

CELEBRATE AZ WATER WITH US AT TRES RIOS WETLANDS

December 1, 2016

The Tres Rios Wetlands is a constructed wetland system located in southwest Phoenix that enhances the plant and wildlife that depend on the Salt and Gila Rivers. The water that supports the wetlands is reclaimed wastewater that has been treated to drinking water quality. The Wetlands consist of 480 acres located along a 7-mile-long section. Why have a wetland in …

Read More

PLANTING PROPERLY TO KEEP YOUR LANDSCAPE GROWING STRONG | PART 8 of 10

November 29, 2016

The Drab to Fab Backyard Rehab landscape has finally been installed for our winner, Lisa O. at her Avondale home! While our past videos featured irrigation systems, planter boxes, and patio pavers, we all know it’s THE PLANTS that are the most important component of a fabulous Xeriscape landscape. In episode 8 of our 10-part series, Cathy Rymer from City …

Read More

HOW TO INSTALL YOUR XERISCAPE LANDSCAPE | PART 7 OF 10

November 22, 2016

We’re celebrating the long-awaited-for GROUNDBREAKING of the Drab to Fab Backyard Rehab landscape. Our winner, Lisa O., and her family have been patiently awaiting this day! The BIG lesson here? The steps leading up to the landscape install does take time and some good planning, especially if you want successful results. As you will notice on the video, having a …

Read More