Archive for “Outdoors” Category

ATTEND THE FREE 2017 WATER CONSERVATION EXPO, PROVIDED BY SRP

January 30, 2017

SRP invites Phoenix valley residents to learn about water conservation and Valley water supplies at the 10th annual SRP Water Conservation Expo on March 4, 2017. Approximately 50 exhibitors will be at the event, including municipalities, water organizations, the Water – Use It Wisely campaign, and vendors with water-efficient products. Additionally, SRP will have snow on hand for attendees to …

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THE DRAB TO FAB LANDSCAPE IS DONE, OR IS IT? | PART 10 OF 10

January 26, 2017

This past November, after months of planning and hard work, the Drab to Fab Backyard Rehab Xeriscape landscape install was finally completed! By the second weekend in December, our winner, Lisa O., was celebrating with friends and family with a backyard barbecue at her Avondale home! And that, my friends, is what having a beautiful and functional backyard landscape is …

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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 …

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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 …

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PLANT OF THE MONTH – IRONWOOD (Olneya tesota)

December 22, 2016

Description  As the common name suggests, Ironwood has hard, heavy wood. One cubic foot of the wood, valued for carving and firewood, weighs 66 pounds. Ironwood’s bark is light gray when young, turning darker with maturity. The gray-green foliage is evergreen except in extreme cold. The 2-inch-long, 1-inch-wide leaves are divided into oval leaflets to ½ inch long. Pairs of …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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DESERT LANDSCAPING: TEN TIPS FOR WINTER WATERING

November 18, 2016

Here’s one of the easiest ways you can save money and water: learn how to manage your irrigation controller. AMWUA cities’ conservation professionals continue to report that many homeowners, businesses, and HOAs irrigate their landscapes throughout the winter as if it were still 110 degrees outside. It’s such a waste because most desert-adapted plants can make it through the winter …

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Rio-Verde-Community-Center-Xeriscape

PLANT OF THE MONTH – EVERGREEN ELM

November 15, 2016

Ulmus parvifolia, better known as evergreen elm or Chinese evergreen elm, is best characterized by its long, arching branches which provide dense summer shade. This tree makes a beautiful and functional addition to parks, school grounds and other open areas. Their large size and extensive root systems make them less suitable for small residential landscapes. The evergreen elm is a …

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