Archive for “Environment and Sustainability” Category

News & Events

PLANT OF THE MONTH: HESPERALOE or RED YUCCA

May 5, 2025

Plant Description  The strong vertical form of hesperaloe with its spectacular flower spikes makes this clumping, evergreen perennial an ideal accent plant for gardens. While not a true yucca or aloe, it is related to yuccas and agaves, and like its relatives, is a carefree, non-demanding plant. Hesperaloes are extremely hardy, tolerating both heat and cold well in our climate. …

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Celebrating Water Through Photography: The WRRC Photo Contest Winners!

April 15, 2025

 The Results Are In… Celebrate the Winners of the 2024 WRRC Photo Contest! The Water Resources Research Center (WRRC) wrapped up another incredible year of its annual photo contest. Once again, photographers from across the state wowed us with their creativity and perspective. Each year, this contest provides an opportunity for photographers of all levels to share their unique perspectives …

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Your Water. Your Impact. Know, Compare, and Save!

April 8, 2025

Hey, water-wise friends! April is Water Awareness Month, the perfect time to take a closer look at how much water we’re using – and find ways to save! Know & Compare: How Does Your Water Use Add Up? Are you using the right amount of water at home? Many people have no idea how much water they should be using …

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April = Celebrations of Nature & Water

March 17, 2025

Spring is in the air, and so is the spirit of water conservation! This April, Water – Use It Wisely is gearing up for several exciting events that highlight the importance of water-saving efforts. A variety of activities – from Water Awareness Month to Earth Day to Arbor Day – means that there are plenty of opportunities to have fun …

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Plant of the Month: Pollinator-Friendly Plants are All the Buzz

March 6, 2025

Bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies are just a few of the helpful pollinators flying through our landscapes. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, pollinators are responsible for assisting over 80% of the world’s flowering plants to reproduce. We depend on pollinators for the gardens we enjoy, plant materials we utilize, and the food we eat. Bees are by far the …

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Breaking Down Water Terminology: A Glossary for Everyday Use

February 20, 2025

A water terminology guide to enhance understanding of this essential resource! The water world is complex, diverse, and rich in terminology, which can confuse anyone who isn’t immersed in it regularly. When discussing anything about water—such as water quality, sources and supplies, management and policies, and the delivery and quality of your water—you’ll likely encounter acronyms and terms that sound …

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You are Invited to SRP’s Water Conservation Expo!

January 27, 2025

Join us in person on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 8 a.m. – noon at PERA Training and Conference Center in Tempe for the water-saving event of the year! The annual SRP Water Conservation Expo brings together our community to raise awareness of water in the Valley and discover ways to conserve at home. Purchase a smart irrigation controller (limit …

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Perfect for Gift Giving: Our Top Desert Gardening Books

December 13, 2024

Why we need books by local experts! One thing is certain when it comes to gardening books and magazines . . . gardening in the deserts of the Southwest is far different than in all other regions of the country. For that reason, most books, national magazines, and even those AP stories (that the local newspaper will occasionally publish) just …

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Gardening Books

Plant of the Month: Chuparosa

December 2, 2024

The Hummingbird’s Choice Award goes to … Chuparosa! If Arizona’s hummingbirds could vote on a state flower, it would be Chuparosa (Justicia californica). A mainstay of most wildlife gardens, this long-suffering desert beauty asks little and gives much.  It can be grown long and lanky, spindly branches vining into trees — or pruned to take on a more civilized appearance. …

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Calling All Photographers! Enter the WRRC 2024 Photo Contest

November 20, 2024

Enter the 2024 Photo Contest! The Water Resources Research Center (WRRC) is excited to announce its 2024 annual photo contest! This year’s theme, Water in Arizona, offers lots of opportunities for creativity, inviting you to capture the essence of how water impacts life in our state. Whether you’re passionate about landscapes, wildlife, urban scenes, or how people interact with water, …

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Fund Your Water-Saving Ideas with Friends of the Verde River and SRP!

October 17, 2024

Small grants are available to support homeowners, businesses, and organizations in both the Verde Valley and Phoenix Metro areas! A new partnership between Friends of the Verde River and Salt River Project (SRP) has expanded the River Friendly Living Grant Program for fall 2024 to fund your water-saving ideas. This year, the program will offer up to $52,000 in small …

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Verde River Arizona

Discover Passive Rainwater Harvesting to Enhance the Sustainability of Your Landscape

October 14, 2024

New Video Series Available Phoenix Water teamed up with Watershed Management Group to bring you a video series about passive rainwater harvesting and sustainable desert landscapes. And trust us—now’s the time to take action! You can make landscape changes that will help you grow vibrant, native plants, reduce your water use, and help your plants thrive in our desert environment. …

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