HARVEST MULTIPLE BENEFITS WITH RAINWATER COLLECTION
Free water boosts plant growth and reduces potential pollution. Even though we are expecting a drier than normal monsoon this summer, it's still worth the effort.
Be ready for monsoon rain! Visit our rainwater harvesting page for great links and resources.
If you get 1/2" of rain or more, it's easy to save water in your landscape by turning your controller to the 'OFF' 'STOP' or 'RAIN' setting. If you are not sure how much fell in your yard, visit rainlog.org or Maricopa County Flood Control Rainfall Map. Note: Learn more about rainlog.org in the 'News' section below.
Read our July Sustainability Savings Tip [PDF] for our top five reasons to take advantage of rainwater harvesting.
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Ask a Master Gardener
Saturday, August 10, 10 a.m. to Noon. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners are certified volunteers who answer questions about gardening, landscaping, plant identification, and plant problems. Red Mountain Library. Learn more.
Small Space Gardening: Containers, Growbags, and Compact Gardens
Thursday, August 22, 6 to 7 p.m. Instructor Melissa Kruse-Peeples will present. This workshop is targeted at those who have balconies or for renters who need to have a portable garden. It is also useful to those who have larger spaces but are looking to supplement by adding smaller growing spaces. Sponsored by Mesa Urban Garden and a USDA People's Garden Grant. Mesa Main Library. Learn more.
Shade Tree Workshops... there's still time to sign up!
August 24: SRP Offers Free Shade Trees when you attend an online Shade Tree Planting workshop. Why? To help reduce your cooling costs, improve air quality, and cool our communities! Since summer isn't the best time to plant, there will be a tree pick-up event planned for fall. For SRP electric customers only.
September 21: Are you a City of Mesa Electric Customer? Attend a workshop and pick up a tree the following week on September 28. Learn more and register.
If you plant a tree, record your tree to get it onto our planting map at our Trees Are Cool page.
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2024 Good Food Forum + Expo
Tuesday, August 27. Aiming to unite Arizona’s local food economy, Local First Arizona has combined a conference and food exhibition that welcomes all participants to connect, share educational insights, broaden local food relationships and business connections, and strengthen communities across the state. Tucson. Learn more.
July is Smart Irrigation Month
Here are some of our favorite irrigation blogs from our Water – Use It Wisely pages:
Water Deeply But Infrequently – What Does That Mean? The reason experts say “water deeply but infrequently” is because it’s very important in the desert to have deeply rooted plants. Read the blog.
Cycle-and-Soak is Just One Idea for Smart Irrigation Month It’s important to know when, how often and how long to water your lawn. One watering method, Cycle-and-Soak, makes sure your soil absorbs the most water during a water cycle without runoff. Read the blog.
Special Opportunities for Trees and Climate Action
Tree Steward Program Increase your knowledge about tree planting, tree care, and ways to improve the environment. The last virtual information session is being offered on August 5.
Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund The Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund offers up to $5,000 for projects tackling Mesa's climate goals. Open to groups of 3 or more applicants, the majority being between the ages of 15-24. First review of application, July 31.
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Mesa's Climate Action Plan calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and establishing strategies to increase sustainability in our community. The six focus areas of the plan include Energy, Heat Mitigation, Air Quality, Water Stewardship, Materials Management and Food Systems. This month, we're talking about water.
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Why does saving water reduce your carbon footprint?
- It takes energy to process and deliver water.
- Shorter showers = savings on the energy to heat the water.
How can you help?
- Fix leaks around your home.
- Collect rainwater for your landscape and plant desert plants.
- Install a WaterSense-labeled showerhead.
There is an inextricable linkage between water and energy. Every step of the water delivery cycle – producing, moving, treating, and heating water, then collecting and treating wastewater – consumes energy. Developing new water resources (by desalination, reverse osmosis, or water reuse) will require even more energy resources.
There are so many easy ways to save water! Conserve with us.
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-Learn to Live Green-
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