| Phoenix Awarded Global ‘A’ Rating for Bold Environmental Efforts | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/2571 | Environment & Sustainability | | 11/17/2022 9:45:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2571/Photo - Skyline -00772 (4).jpg | | Phoenix Awarded Global ‘A’ Rating for Bold Environmental Efforts | <div class="ExternalClass2655FD53F7FA4CE1BA218FE12A6E5483"><html>
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<p>The City of Phoenix is now one of 122 cities and counties globally to make the 2022 CDP A list for its environmental efforts led by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and the Office of Environmental Programs. <br></p>
<p>“Combatting climate change is a top priority for me, and is essential to the future of Phoenix and those who plan to live here,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Knowing that our city is among the 12% of cities and counties to make the CDP A list confirms what we already know – we are on the right track.” <br></p>
<p>The CDP assessed over 1,000 cities and counties this year ranking them based on leadership in environmental action. Phoenix received a top score based on its public environmental, social and governance dashboard featuring sustainability metrics as well as its reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). In addition to these efforts, Phoenix was recognized for assessing its climate risk and vulnerabilities along with creating a climate action plan to tackle environmental hazards. <br></p>
<p>Phoenix Mayor Gallego and City Council approved the climate action plan at a City Council meeting in Oct. 2021 to help combat climate hazards impacting Phoenix residents. The plan includes various strategies and procedures like increasing community-wide use of low carbon fuels, achieving net-zero GHG for municipal operations electricity use by 2030 and more.<br></p>
<p>“Researching vulnerabilities and climate hazards is an essential part of developing a climate action plan that works,” says Environmental Programs Administrator Nancy Allen. “We are continually improving and working towards becoming a more sustainable desert city.” <br></p>
<p>To learn more about the City’s climate action plan, visit phoenix.gov/oep. </p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/oep | News | environmental-programs |
| Annual Phoenix Food Day and Healthfest to Highlight Local, Healthy Eating | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/2532 | Environment & Sustainability | | 10/20/2022 7:20:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2532/Newsroom_OEP apple crunch.png | | Annual Phoenix Food Day and Healthfest to Highlight Local, Healthy Eating | <div class="ExternalClass84180194DFF540CC8E5E42A011770EFF"><html>
<p><span style="font-size:16px;">The 9th Annual </span><a href="/oep/foodday" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:16px;">Phoenix Food Day and Healthfest</span></a><span style="font-size:16px;"> – a celebration of local produce, quality cooking, and personal nutrition, is on Saturday, October 22, 2022. The public is invited to the family-friendly event at two different venues this year – V.H. Lassen Elementary School and <a href="https://www.spacesofopportunity.org/" target="_blank">Spaces of Opportunity Garden</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;">“Food Day and Healthfest brings resources and information about nutritious eating, physical fitness, and well-being to help people improve their quality of life," said Environmental Programs Coordinator Rosanne Albright. "The mix of food, fun, and live entertainment that families will experience is one way we can help move toward a healthier and more resilient future."</span></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;">Events run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The first 150 people to arrive will receive a FREE bag of seasonal produce ($10 value). Families can help muralist Stephanie Guillermina Castro paint a mural that celebrates South Phoenix and its food culture. Chris Lenza, National Executive Chef of the Cafe Bon Appetit Wellness Team, will be on the main stage doing a live cooking demonstration.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;">Everyone is invited to join in the traditional Apple Crunch – hear what it sounds like when everyone bites into their own fresh, crisp apple at the same time! There will also be food trucks on site, along with live music and performances.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;">While there is <strong>no onsite parking</strong> at either venue, there will be a FREE shuttle to take visitors to and from their cars at the following parking locations:</span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:16px;">El Prado Park</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Ignacio Conchos Elementary</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">John R. Davis Elementary.</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;">Shuttles will run every 15-20 minutes.</span><br></p><p><br></p>
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</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/oep | News | environmental-programs |
| Phoenix to Celebrate Urban Wildlife Conservation Day | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/2514 | Environment & Sustainability | | 10/5/2022 6:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2514/Newsroom_OEP_01_owlB.jpg | | Phoenix to Celebrate Urban Wildlife Conservation Day | <div class="ExternalClassB5C39894D44142428935C0F1FD3BF2ED"><html>
<p></p><span style="font-size:16px;">On Saturday, October 8, 2022 the public is invited to join the City of Phoenix, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Audubon Society for a celebration of <a href="https://www.fws.gov/project/rio-reimagined" target="_blank">Urban Wildlife Conservation Day</a>. The free community event is a chance for volunteerism, family fun, and local food. Mayor Kate Gallego will also be signing an Urban Bird Treaty (UBT) to support bird conservation.</span><br style="font-size:16px;"><br><strong style="font-size:16px;">Location:</strong><span style="font-size:16px;"> Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area, 2439 S Central Avenue. Phoenix AZ, 85004</span><br><br style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Schedule of events:</strong></span><br style="font-size:16px;"><ul><li><span style="font-size:16px;">7 a.m. - Salt River clean-up activity starts (no registration needed)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Community activities</span></li><ul><li style="text-align:left;" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:16px;">2nd Annual 'Walk for the Wild'</span></li><li style="text-align:left;" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:16px;">Audubon Native Plant Sale</span></li><li style="text-align:left;" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:16px;">Nature Tent with fun presentations</span></li><li style="text-align:left;" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:16px;">Story Walk for kids</span></li><li style="text-align:left;" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:16px;">Community partner booths</span></li><li style="text-align:left;" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:16px;">Food trucks - Pupusas Transitenas and Kona Ice</span></li><li style="text-align:left;" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:16px;">Performances by Native American flute musician Ed Kabotie</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-size:16px;">9 a.m. - Mayor Gallego, USFWS, and Audubon Southwest sign Urban Bird Treaty</span></li></ul><p>UBT partnerships work on bird habitat conservation, bird hazard reduction, and community engagement in bird-related conservation, education, science, and recreation, especially for diverse and underserved communities. The partnerships provide these communities with opportunities to connect with nature through bird related activities.<br></p><p>Phoenix is known for its
sprawling structure, diverse neighborhoods, and unique landscape. Over 300 bird
species are known to breed in Arizona and many of them face a tenuous future
due to water uncertainties and climate shifts. <br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/oep | News | environmental-programs |
| More Funds Available for Urban Farmland Conservation | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/2480 | Environment & Sustainability | | 9/15/2022 6:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2480/Newsroom _OEP_1.jpg | | More Funds Available for Urban Farmland Conservation | <div class="ExternalClassAAF88FE1DDC548BCAD717436FA24BCE6"><html>
<p style="color:rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:"trebuchet ms", helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:15px;">The City of Phoenix has set aside an additional $2 million to continue protecting urban farmland from development. Through a partnership with <a style="color:rgb(175, 43, 1);" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?6b5e739eedb1ef959e80eaa4ee985fe6fb4a5b199cf1c6743e2fb30c608d0743" target="_blank">Central AZ Land Trust</a> (CALT), <a style="color:rgb(175, 43, 1);" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?77d298308996ee534dc0c60c44cc96b8ef6d7e6e97e849d52178319ed97fdd67" target="_blank">Maya’s Farm</a> has been permanently protected from development via a conservation easement, and additional funds are now available for more conservation easements.</p>
<p style="color:rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:"trebuchet ms", helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:15px;">In June 2021, the Phoenix City Council approved $1 million for the <a style="color:rgb(175, 43, 1);" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?23d1a00c7a7123c91a464d46cda03209e9c7d3b8e57938ba92b212c90e07483a" target="_blank">Farmland Preservation Program</a>, part of its Phoenix Resilient Food System Program, for which CALT is the administrator. Since then, the Phoenix City Council approved $2 million more for this program. This means other farmland owners can be paid to sell their development rights while maintaining their farms for the benefit of all.</p>
<p style="color:rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:"trebuchet ms", helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:15px;">Governed by A.R.S. 33-271, et seq., conservation easements are voluntary contractual relationships between a land trust and a landowner whereby the landowner sells or donates their development rights while still owning the land. A landowner can get paid 60-80% of the full sale value of the property (based on a qualified appraisal). Because the conservation easement binds all future owners of the property, the farm will remain in agricultural production and open space in perpetuity.</p>
<p style="color:rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:"trebuchet ms", helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:15px;">"We are very excited that this Program will receive double the funding this year to conserve more vital urban farms within Phoenix," said Rosanne Albright, Environmental Programs Coordinator for the City of Phoenix.</p>
<p style="color:rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:"trebuchet ms", helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:15px;">“We are grateful that the City of Phoenix continues to recognize the importance of maintaining working lands and prioritizes conserving our local farms and food supply,” said Becky Ruffner, President of the CALT Board.</p>
<p style="color:rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:"trebuchet ms", helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:15px;">With the success of having conserved Maya’s Farm, CALT will continue to engage other farmland owners to participate in this Program. Interested farmland owners in Phoenix can contact Sharma Torrens at agconserveconsulting@gmail.com.</p>
<p style="color:rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:"trebuchet ms", helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:15px;">CALT needs help from the community to conserve these local farms; the City will pay 75% of the conservation easement value, and CALT will fundraise for the remainder. Click <a style="color:rgb(175, 43, 1);" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?6b5e739eedb1ef959e80eaa4ee985fe6fb4a5b199cf1c6743e2fb30c608d0743" target="_blank">here</a> for details on how to contribute to the cause.<br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/oep | News | environmental-programs |
| ‘Planting For Monarchs Month’ Invites Phoenicians to Help Struggling Butterfly Species | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/2467 | Environment & Sustainability | | 9/1/2022 3:45:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2467/OEP_monarch month.png | | ‘Planting For Monarchs Month’ Invites Phoenicians to Help Struggling Butterfly Species | <div class="ExternalClassA4B5B696590A4CEAAEA4EB993332205E"><html>
<p>As Arizonans begin the fall planting season, the City of Phoenix's Office of Environmental Programs encourages families and gardeners to plant native plants that help the monarch butterfly population. September is <a target="_blank" href="/oep/monarch">Planting For Monarchs Month</a>.<br></p><p>The western population of the monarch butterfly has declined by more than 90% over the last 20 years. Researchers believe one of the primary causes is habitat loss. Because the butterflies migrate through the Phoenix each year from about September to May, milkweed and native nectar plants can help give them a food source and a place to lay eggs while they're here.</p><p>“We want to make sure that we are helping to provide the migratory resources that this species needs to be able to complete its life cycle and its migration cycle," said Environmental Programs Coordinator Tricia Balluff.</p><p><strong>What can I do to help the monarch?</strong></p><ul><li>Plant native milkweed such as desert (rush) milkweed or Arizona Milkweed.</li><li>Plant native nectar plants such as pink fairyduster, desert lavender, blackfoot daisy, and desert marigold.</li><li>Protect your monarch garden by avoiding the use of pesticides as much as possible</li><li>Trim monarch plants when the flowers aren't blooming.</li></ul><p>“It can be any size of effort, from a potted plant on a balcony to a whole yard full of native nectar resources," Balluff said.<br></p><p>Mayor Kate Gallego proclaimed <a target="_blank" href="/oepsite/Documents/Mayor%27s%20Monarch%20Proclamation.pdf">September 2021</a> as 'Planting For Monarchs Month' to raise awareness for the need for more milkweed and nectar in the area. The City of Phoenix also made the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nwf.org/mayorsmonarchportal/Community?communityId=327&programYearId=2">National Wildlife Federation's Mayor's Monarch Pledge</a><strong>.</strong> This pledge commits the city to take action to support the monarch butterfly population.<br></p><p><br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/oep | News | environmental-programs |
| Applications Open For Backyard Garden Program | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/2435 | Environment & Sustainability | | 8/3/2022 11:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2435/raised bed garden 2.jpg | https://youtu.be/Uj3hPslz1LY | Applications Open For Backyard Garden Program | <div class="ExternalClass2E69FAB9CB8548B8BC9F48356C8C7A19"><html>
The City of Phoenix Office of Environmental Programs is beginning the next cohort of the <a href="/oep/backyard-garden" target="_blank">Backyard Garden Program</a>, where participants will receive, at no cost to them, a garden system, including training, support, and maintenance (as needed) for one year.<br><br>Thanks to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the program already supplied 92 garden systems to community members in the first year. In year two, the program will provide 178 households with either a traditional raised bed garden (provided by <a target="_blank" href="https://tigermountainfoundation.org/non-profit-community-garden/">TigerMountain Foundation</a>), a regenerative agriculture system called a '<a target="_blank" href="https://lehrgarden.com/">LEHR Garden</a>,' or an aquaponics system (provided by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nxthorizon.com/Home.html">NxT Horizon</a>).<br><br>“Literally I can go outside, harvest what I need, use it to cook that night. That's really convenient and inexpensive," said Xavier Jones, who has a city-funded aquaponics system in his backyard. He grew more than ten pounds of produce in the first few months.<br><br>Aquaponics systems grow produce on rafts floating in water. Inside the water are fish that provide nutrients for the plants, which in turn clean the water for the fish. Aquaponics expert and instructor Dr. George Brooks, Jr. makes the whole process simple for backyard gardeners.<br><br>“To see them as their individual plants start to grow and prosper and vine out and bloom and then produce fruit has been great," he said.<br><br>The City of Phoenix is looking for passionate community members with an interest in growing food and who are willing to make a yearlong commitment to backyard gardening. Gardens will be installed in either the fall of 2022 or early spring of 2023. <br><br>“It doesn't feel like work to me. It doesn't feel like a chore. It's something I'm passionate about," said Jayleen McGehee of working in the raised bed garden that was installed in her backyard for free. “I go outside, get sun, grow things, and I provide for my family, because food is expensive right now."<br><br>This program is for residents living in single-family homes only. Check out the <a target="_blank" href="https://phoenix-gov.formstack.com/forms/bgp_2_en">application</a> for the full requirements. Applications for the Backyard Garden Program are open until 11:59 pm on August 30, 2022.<br><br><br><span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><p><br></p></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/oep | Video | environmental-programs |
