Living Green Events for April

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Celebrations of nature, Living Green Village, recycling, and sustainability news!


$$ This Month's $ustainability $avings Tip $$


Earth Day 2021

Celebrate Nature: In this month's tip, we've listed 10 simple actions to make a positive impact on the planet.

Earth Day: April 22 is a day to celebrate our planet and to learn ways to actively care for our community and the environment. Learn more on our Earth Day page along with 50+ easy and locally relevant tips on topics like Mesa’s composting program, seed library, incentives for grass removal, great water-saving ideas, and activities for kids.

One million tree

Arbor DayApril 24 is a holiday just for trees! Plant a tree, do something nice for your existing trees, or learn more about proper tree care to keep your trees healthy and beautiful. Arbor Day is especially significant due to our “Trees Are Cool” Initiative, with a goal of planting 1,000,000 trees in the City by 2050. Our Arbor Day site has everything you need. If you plant a tree, be sure to record it on our Trees Are Cool page.

WAM

Water Awareness Month: April is the perfect time to dive into simple ways to use water wisely and protect one of our most precious resources. From grass removal incentives to pledges and even a sticker contest – there’s something for everyone to make a splash this WAM! See the link for details about the WAM Festival on Saturday.


~ ~ Events - Living Green Village & More ~ ~


Join us at the LIVING GREEN VILLAGE at Celebrate Mesa!

April 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join us for Celebrate Mesa, a free, fun-filled family event that brings the community together with games, carnival rides, and live entertainment! While you’re there, head over to the Living Green Village, located just north of the playground, for a special Earth Day celebration.

We’ve got amazing exhibitors ready to share fun, hands-on activities and expert tips on everything from gardening and trees to recycling, energy, and water conservation.

Visit our Environmental & Sustainability booth to talk about trees! 

Celebrate Mesa

LG Village Pic

Earth Day banner

More events!!


Seed Planting i.d.e.a.

April 11, 10 a.m. - Noon Plant Swap & Propagation Demonstrations Bring your potted plants and cuttings to swap with other plant lovers. Maricopa County Master Gardeners will be conducting planting demonstrations and providing propagation recommendations and tips to help you select plants and cuttings from the swap table that are a good fit for your household. All plants and cuttings are free. Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Rd. 


LFA Green Business Logo

April 21 - June 2, Tuesday's 4-5 p.m. Virtual. Green Business Bootcamp Local First Arizona’s Green Business Boot Camp, formerly called SCALE UP, is an award-winning program that offers a comprehensive planning series for locally-owned and operated businesses and nonprofits throughout the state.

Did you know that Mesa has teamed up with LFA to help get Mesa businesses certified as a Green Business? There is currently no fee to participate. More information can be found on our Green Building page.


Sunset Market

April 10 & May 8 from 5-8 p.m. are the last two Sunset Markets. Taking place on the 2nd Friday of the month, it features live music and a diverse array of local vendors and delicious food options. It’s the perfect way to experience the vibrant spirit of community under the glow of the Arizona sky! And, be sure to check out the Neon Garden behind The Post! Location: Macdonald and Main Street. After you call it a day, make it a night!


~ Sustainability News ~


Monarch 2

Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman Signs National Wildlife Federation’s Monarch Pledge Mayor Mark Freeman has reaffirmed Mesa's commitment to creating habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators by signing the National Wildlife Federation's Mayors' Monarch Pledge. The pledge supports efforts to expand monarch habitat and to educate residents about how they can...


WUIW Pic

 

Mesa Kicks Off Water Awareness Month with Conservation Challenge and Community Programs The City of Mesa is partnering with the Arizona Department of Water Resources and water providers throughout the state in celebrating April as Water Awareness Month (WAM). As part of the celebration, Mesa is also participating in the Wyland National Mayor's Challenge for Water...


Valley Bike Month

April is Valley Bike Month in MesaThe City of Mesa's MesaMoves Program celebrates Valley Bike Month this April with a series of free, community-focused events designed to promote safe cycling and active transportation for residents of all ages.


AZ Forward Award

 

Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund Earns Statewide Environmental Excellence Award The Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund (MYCAF) program received a Crescordia Award, the highest honor presented at Arizona Forward's Environmental Excellence Awards on March 21. The program was recognized in the Curriculum-Based and Youth Environmental Education category. Mayor Mark Freeman accepted...


G2X with new amount

The City of Mesa is Turning Grass Removal into Big Water Savings In the desert Southwest, grass is one of the thirstiest landscape choices you can make. That’s why more Mesa residents, businesses, and HOAs are choosing to replace turfgrass with water-smart desert landscapes – and the results are adding up in a big...


WPIW Plant Now Save Later

 

Your April Landscape Watering Reminder April through June is typically a dry period with low humidity, drying winds, and little chance of rain. Learn how much and how often to water...

 


Secure Water Relies on Secure Funding Nothing is affordable without reliable water. House Bill 4030 and House Concurrent Resolution 2052 would hamstring cities and towns from providing water security to their communities by cutting off financial support from their customers. This is especially dangerous when the...

 



Mesa Climate Action Plan - Water Stewardship


Mesa's Climate Action Plan calls for cutting greenhouse gas emissions – and water plays a big part! Why? Because it takes a lot of energy to move, treat, and heat water.

Climate Action Plan Water

What can you do?

  • Take shorter showers
  • Fix leaks
  • Plant desert-friendly landscapes
  • Install WaterSense showerheads
  • Collect rainwater

There are so many easy ways to save water! Conserve with us. And find even more ways to save below!



Wyland National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation

Wyland Water Pledge

Mesa is back with the My Water Pledge Challenge, and we’re focused on reclaiming the top spot. Now through April 30, residents can take the online pledge for a chance to win daily prizes and a $3,000 prize toward home utilities, all while supporting water conservation.

Did you know that last year, Mesa took first place in its population category and earned the national title of “Most Water‑Wise City,” one of only five cities in the country to receive this honor (and a Mesa resident was the lucky winner of that check)! Homeowners pledged to save more than 22 million gallons of water by fixing leaks, choosing drought‑tolerant plants, and preventing outdoor runoff.

Let’s do it again and help Mesa stay water-wise. Take the pledge!


Save Water with Wayne Drop Sticker Contest

WUIW Sticker Contest

For the second year, we’re creating an official set of Water – Use It Wisely stickers, and guess what? Any Arizona 4th graders could be the artists behind them! That’s right! We’re inviting all Arizona 4th grade classrooms to join the ‘Save Water with Wayne Drop’ Sticker Contest. It’s a fun and creative way for our talented youth to show off their artistic skills while learning why saving water is so important. The best part? There are awesome prizes for both students and teachers! Request a packet and we’ll even send you a return envelope with postage! Make a splash!


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

Your Water Your Impact

Are you using the right amount of water at home? Many people have no idea how much water they should be using or where they might be wasting it. That’s where a home water calculator comes in handy! These tools estimate ideal water usage based on your household size, habits, and our local climate – then you can compare it to your actual usage. Learn more!


Incentives Available to Homeowners and HOAs

Incentives Now Up To $4,200! Rip Out Your Grass, Rake in the Cash!

Mesa’s Grass-to-Xeriscape Rebate Just Got Way More Rewarding!

Grass to Xeriscape Graphic

Have you heard the latest?

Thanks to generous sponsorships from SRP and Google, we’re doubling the incentive for a limited time. That means you may qualify for up to $4,200 (was $2,100) to replace your thirsty lawn with beautiful, desert-adapted plants and trees.

It’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your landscape, save water, and create a yard that thrives in our Sonoran climate. But don’t wait – funding is limited, and this enhanced incentive won’t last long.

Ready to transform your outdoor space? Check eligibility details and apply at the link below. Terms and conditions apply. Incentives are for future projects only.

Cash in on this deal! Learn how to apply for future projects!


Is Your HOA Using Too Much Water? Find Out for Free!

Overseeding sprinklers

Ever wondered if your HOA’s common area landscaping is using more water than it should? Now’s your chance to find out – for free! Thanks to a special grant, Mesa HOAs can access Waterfluence, an online water budgeting tool that compares your actual water use to a recommended amount based on acreage, landscape type, and real-time weather data. Take the guesswork out of water management and start saving today! Details.



Looking Ahead: Why Water Efficiency Matters Now More Than Ever 💧

The Colorado River is under increasing strain. Prolonged drought and a hotter, drier climate have reduced flows, and even average snowpack now produces less runoff than in the past – contributing to ongoing water shortages across the Southwest.

Many people may not realize that Arizona has required its largest cities to implement water conservation programs for over 40 years. The City of Mesa meets these standards by tracking water use, reporting annually, and following strict conservation requirements.

Ten Valley cities – including Mesa – work together through the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA)Combined, these water providers implement more than 300 best management practices to meet these requirements and support long-term water reliability.

While each city offers its own mix of programs, incentives/rebates, and tools, these shared efforts reflect a long-standing commitment to using water wisely. Still, water efficiency is everyone’s responsibility – homes, businesses, industries, and agriculture all play a role in protecting our shared water supply.

Visit Mesa's Water Conservation pages to learn about available programs and incentives. For easy, everyday savings, explore our Water – Use It Wisely website where you’ll find 100+ practical tips, landscape guidance, water-wise kits, and resources for kids and teachers – all designed to make saving water simple.

Stay mindful of your water use throughout the year – small, steady actions add up and can help make a big difference for Arizona’s water future.


 

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