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Trees, Basins, and Sonoran Dogs Oh My! Grow Tucson Kicks off 2025
Nicole Gillett, Urban Forestry Program Manager
Vianey Avila, Grow Tucson Project Manager
On one of the first truly chilly days of the winter in Tucson, Grow Tucson kicked off at Manuel Herrera Jr. Park, in the heart of the Sunnyside Neighborhood. Neighbors came together to dig basins, plant trees, and discuss where in their neighborhood they would like to see more trees and greenspace. At the end of the event, everyone enjoyed hot chocolate, Sonoran dogs, and quesadillas to warm up!
Grow Tucson is an urban forestry project funded by the $5 million secured by the City of Tucson from the USDA Forest Service. The initiative will build community and neighborhood-scale climate resilience through the expansion of canopy, green infrastructure, and workforce development in the city’s highest-need neighborhoods. The project initiated in 2024 and extend for five years. Residents and neighborhoods will lead these place-based greening efforts, identifying key areas in their barrios that would benefit from additional canopy.
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Neighbors pinpointing specific locations in their community that would benefit from additional tree canopy as part of a localized greening effort
The core project partners include the City of Tucson’s Urban Forestry Program, Tucson Clean and Beautiful, Watershed Management Group, Tucson Bird Alliance, Sonora Environmental Research Institute, and the Iskashitaa Refugee Network. Grow Tucson will work directly with these five community organizations to provide local expertise and manage projects in selected neighborhoods based on the City of Tucson Tree Equity Score and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. Each partner brings specialized skills and expertise in areas such as community greening and canopy expansion.
As the first Grow Tucson event, the Grow Tucson Resource Fair at Manuel Herrera Jr. Park was a huge success and a lot of fun. On January 11th, neighbors, volunteers, and project partners came together to learn about the greening needs across the Sunnyside Neighborhood, get their hands dirty digging out a water-harvesting basin outside the Children’s Peace Garden, plant new native plants, and add a new fruit tree to the food forest.
A huge thank you and moment of celebration goes to Rebecca "Beki" Quintero, a leader and neighborhood champion for Sunnyside. Beki is a shining example of the passion and drive that will be at the core of Grow Tucson — neighbors coming together to voice and drive the greening projects that will best serve each neighborhood’s unique character. Thank you to Beki, the Children’s Peace Garden, Sunnyside Neighborhood Association, Pima County Library, Tucson Parks and Recreation, and El Kora Sonoran Hot Dogs for making the Grow Tucson kick-off event a beautiful day!
The Sunnyside Neighborhood will be one of the first two neighborhoods to implement Grow Tucson. The 29th Street Thrive Zone, which encompasses all qualifying neighborhoods in the zone, will be the second project to begin on January 25th.
"Grow Tucson" display boards showcasing community-led urban forestry projects to reduce heat and green neighborhoods.
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Learn more, find your neighborhood, and get excited for a Grow Tucson event near you! |
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Exciting Climate News!
We’re excited to share our latest Climate Action Annual Report, a comprehensive update on all climate-related actions across city departments. This report highlights our strides toward sustainability, resilience, and collaboration for a stronger Tucson.
Read more here
 Cover image of the City of Tucson’s 2025 Climate Action Plan Annual Report, featuring a child biking along a sunny trail with scenic desert views and mountains in the background, embodying community resilience and sustainable living.
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How are we doing?
2025 Climate Action measurements from the City of Tucson
Sustainability Tip of the Month
Make 2025 your most energy-efficient year yet with these simple resolutions:
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Boost Home Efficiency: Seal leaks and manage your thermostat with tips from TEP’s video library.
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Save with Timing: Shift energy use to off-peak hours using TEP’s Time-of-Use pricing.
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Simplify Billing: Sign up for e-bill and Autopay to reduce clutter and avoid late fees.
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Balance Summer Costs: Use Budget Billing for predictable monthly payments, even in peak summer.
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Support Your Neighbors: Round up your bill with the HEERO program to help others.
Visit TEP or call 520-623-7711 for more details.
Upcoming Events
Get involved with climate actions around the city!
You're invited to the Southern Arizona Heat Summit 2025!
Join us as we bring together local and regional partners to explore strategies for enhancing our community's resilience to extreme heat. We’re thrilled to have you be part of this important conversation. Secure your spot today by completing the registration form linked below.
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Our plenary speakers will share insightful perspectives and innovative strategies to address the challenges of extreme heat in our region |
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We look forward to seeing you there! |
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