Scottsdale Earth Week events span gamut of sustainability
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
From volunteer road cleanups and guided nature walks in our beautiful preserve, to an edible garden presentation and xeriscape garden tour, Scottsdale has a full line-up of events for everyone looking to recognize our planet.
Scottsdale Earth Week begins on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, and runs through Arbor Day, Friday, April 28, concluding with a tree-planting ceremony to celebrate Scottsdale’s 41st year as a Tree City USA community. Earth Week, city officials say, is an opportunity to shine the light brighter on environmental topics that Scottsdale focuses on year-round.
Scottsdale Earth Week events span gamut of sustainability
Here’s what’s happening in Scottsdale:
Saturday, April 22
Scottsdale Green Expo
8 – 11 a.m., North Corporation Yard, 9191 E. San Salvador Drive
You’re invited to be part of a special rededication ceremony honoring the “Son of Godzilla,” the Scottsdale invention that advanced modern trash and recycling pickup. Bring family and friends to explore sustainability-focused educational booths and learn about the city’s eco-friendly initiatives. The event includes two art workshops —- one focusing on reclaimed materials and another on naturally dyed creations. Don’t forget to bring your reusable water bottle to fill up at our Scottsdale Water trailer!
Spring Citywide Adopt-a-Road Cleanup
Various times and locations
In partnership with Keep Scottsdale Beautiful, the city is hosting a citywide Adopt-a-Road cleanup Saturday, April 23. The city provides safety vests and litter bags and remove filled litter bags promptly after each organized cleanup, if notified prior. Learn more and register.
Lifecycle of the Saguaro Guided Walk
7:30-9:30 a.m. at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road
Native only to the Sonoran Desert, these giant cacti are sights to see! Join our McDowell Sonoran Conservancy steward guides to follow the growth of a Saguaro from seed to skeleton and view multi-armed, old saguaros. This easy hike covers 1 mile on the Jane Rau Trail.
Sunday, April 23
Nature as Therapy Guided Walk
7:30-9:30 a.m. at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road
Learn why time in nature makes us happier, healthier and more creative. Enjoy an easy 2-hour walk at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead where McDowell Sonoran Conservancy steward guides will teach you how to use nature as a prescription to improve your overall well-being.
Monday, April 24
Hike with a Natural Resources Coordinator
7-9 a.m. at Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road
Spend 1 to 1.5 hours on an easy hike with natural resources coordinators for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve as they share their knowledge about the preserve and the wonders of the Sonoran Desert.
Tuesday, April 25
Hike with a Natural Resources Coordinator
6 a.m. at Saguaro Loop – Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy
Spend 1 to 1.5 hours on an easy hike with natural resources coordinators for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve as they share their knowledge about the preserve and the wonders of the Sonoran Desert.
Xeriscape Garden Tour
1 p.m. at Xeriscape Garden at Chaparral Park, 8111 E. McDonald Drive
Come on a tour with the city’s arborist, plant expert and irrigation specialist to learn about the fundamentals of an efficient Arizona garden and how growing desert-friendly plants can be beneficial in your own yard. The tour is limited to the first 30 people. This is an outdoor walking tour; appropriate footwear and environmental protection (hat, sunscreen, water) are encouraged. Learn more and register.
Wednesday, April 26
Hike with a Natural Resources Coordinator
7-9 a.m. at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road
Spend 1 to 1.5 hours on an easy hike with natural resources coordinators for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve as they share their knowledge about the preserve and the wonders of the Sonoran Desert.
Thursday, April 27
Earth and Arbor Day ArtWalk
6:30-9 p.m. at Scottsdale Art District
Enjoy a beautiful evening perusing the Scottsdale Arts District. Stroll along Main Street from Scottsdale Road to Goldwater Blvd. and north of Indian School Road on Marshall Way to 5th Ave., listening to live music, sampling refreshments and more. Participating SGA member galleries will showcase sustainable art practices and works. Learn more.
Rewilding your gardens and landscape with Joan Baron
6-7:30 a.m. at Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road
Environmental artist and master gardener Joan Baron invites you to a lively, hands-on experience around food and wildflowers. Learn about sustainable practices for year-round success. Walk-ins welcome.
Bike to Work or Wherever Day
6:30-9 a.m. at various locations
Scottsdale encourages you to take this opportunity to go for a nice bike ride. Enjoy free T-shirts, stickers and breakfast snacks. For more information, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search “Bike Month.”
Friday, April 28
Arbor Day Celebration
8 a.m. at Chaparral Park, 5401 N Hayden Road (south end of the park near the lake)
Scottsdale is proud to be recognized as a Tree City USA community for the 41st year —- more times than any other Arizona community. Mayor Ortega will read the Arbor Day proclamation and there will be a tree-planting ceremony. Read more about the Arbor Day Foundation and the criteria to be a Tree City. City officials thank the Scottsdale Garden Club, Daughters of the American Revolution Major Winfield Scott Chapter and SRP for donating trees.
