On The Cover
Congratulations to:
Alyssa Scott 
Congratulations to Alyssa Scott for submitting this  gorgeous photo for our "Treemendous Arbor Day Photo Contest."
We asked each of you to submit your favorite photos of our glorious trees here in Morrison Ranch, and we had over 40 submissions! While its true this photo is from the fall, it is just a small depiction of why we enjoy our glorious trees here in Morrison Ranch year round. We can't wait to tell you more about all of our trees at our Arbor Day Celebration taking place this Saturday!
This is an event you  do NOT want to  miss.
Managers Message

Pool Draining Techniques
If possible, always drain all or a portion of your swimming pool water, including backwash, on your own personal property first. Please do not let your pool water overflow off of your own property. If only a portion of your pool water can be drained onto your property, then option #2 or #3 can be used for the remainder.

Your next option is to drain the water into the curb and gutter allowing the drainage to flow into your community's storm water retention basin with the following conditions:
Always make sure that the chemical level of your pool water is as low as possible.
This method should only be practiced if your street does not generally have flooding problems.
Make sure your discharge hose is long enough to reach the curb as to prevent erosion of the soil.
Please do not disturb or flood your neighbors when practicing this method.

Your last option is to drain the pool water into your sewer clean-out located in front of your home if the following applies:
You cannot drain all of the pool water onto your personal property
You have a salt water pool
You are only backwashing*
You have a polluted stagnant "green" pool*
You are discharging water after chlorine shocking or acid washing your pool
Option #3 is considered a last option because it does not make good economic sense to drain perfectly clean water into the sewer system and through the wastewater reclamation facility.

* Any discharge that would leave a residue in the gutter, such as backwash water, is prohibited by Gilbert's stormwater pollution prevention ordinance.

History of Morrison Ranch
Before and After
 Howard Morrison, Board Member
For decades, Morrison Bros Ranch had a feedlot between the grain tanks and the farm office on Higley. Across the street was the farm shop and some labor homes.
The only thing recognizable today is the small farm office and loading chute for cattle.


 Thanks to Justin Stewart for the 2017 photo.
Community with Character Award
April Award Winner
Tasha Fink, Communications Coordinator 
Each month we recognize neighbors who exemplify why we are a "community with character." This month, The Morrison Ranch Community with Character Award goes to Brian Hinkley. 

 Brian and his family have been residents of Morrison Ranch since 2009, and were initially drawn to the grass and trees but now he says its the people they love most about living here.
 Last year, through a sub for Santa program, Brian discovered an apartment complex full of needy refugee children, none of whom had bikes. He set out to change this fact, and soon found that Morrison Ranch had numerous residents who would willingly donate the bikes they no longer needed to these refugees. Over the last few months, most heavily around Christmas, Brian was able to collect, repair, and deliver dozens of bikes, scooters, big wheels, and other wheeled toys to the children at this apartment complex on the west side of Phoenix. He has donated much of his time and materials to repair and refurbish these bikes for children in need. Brian says none of this would have been possible without the generous donations of the residents of Morrison Ranch, however, we also want to recognize Brian as he has been the one facilitating all of this, and continues to accept donations and make trips across town to brighten the lives of these needy refugee children. Thank you Brian for stepping up and creating a unique way to give back to those less fortunate! It is people like you that make Morrison Ranch such a special place to live. 
Do you have an incredible neighbor you'd like to nominate for our Community With Character Award? Email [email protected] to submit your nomination. Winner receives Harkins Movie passes and a feature article in our monthly Newsletter!

A New Leaf Chairity Opportunity 
Tamera Miller, Lifestyle Director 
At our TREEmendous Arbor Day Celebration we are providing our "Giving Tree" in hopes that our tree will help provide the resources for CCMC's community spring project as we plan to SPRUCE up the Autumn Shelter for A New Leaf. We need your help! Please consider donating a gift card or cash towards this great cause. We will be accepting donations at the Arbor Day event. By donating, you'll receive a extra raffle ticket to increase your chances of winning a great prize!

A tax-receipt can be available for your donation. 

Landscape Update
April News
Mick Williamson, Owner, MMM Landscape
April is the start of our preparation for summer. The winter was kind to us, but it's time to get ready to jump into the frying pan!
  • Turf
    You may notice that we have begun lowering our mower decks on the rye grass to give the Bermuda grass more sunlight which it needs in order to transition well. The hot spell we had in March has actually nudged the Bermuda out of its winter dormancy and in some areas it's greening up nicely.
     
  • Trees
    All of our trees have leafed out earlier than normal because of the warm winter and lack of frost. Ash trees are doing well and even our Pecan trees are leafing out ahead of schedule. We planted trees in March and will continue into April with Pecans and any other trees that have not survived the winter. Look out for aphids on our Ash trees but don't get too excited. Aphids are a small insect that suck on the new growth and as a result the leaves crumple up into a ball. This is more of an issue for young Ash trees.
     
  • Irrigation
    Our requirement for water increases in April and we let our Rainbird Maxicom control system do its job by irrigating based on ET requirements. Extra water in the spring is vital for the trees and their early success before the summer heat puts them on the defensive.
Mick Williamson
MMM Landscape Maintenance LLC

Curb Appeal Award
 
The "Curb Appeal" Award is Morrison Ranch's Yard of the Month. Winners are awarded a small token of our appreciation for taking pride in their yard and representing Morrison Ranch by maintaining their property, giving it excellent curb appeal.

April Curb Appeal is awarded to: 

3654 Sierra Madre 

 


Congratulations!
Thank you for adding value to Morrison Ranch. 

Do you have a neighbor that you think deserves the Curb Appeal Award?
Please send nominations to: Tasha Fink at   [email protected].
Those who nominate their neighbors will also be put into a drawing for a prize.
 

Photo Contest

Upcoming Events

Bulk Trash
Bulk Trash pick up is the week of the third Monday of each month. March Bulk Trash is the week of April 17-20. To ensure pick-up, please have all items placed on the curb, off of the mow strip by 5:00am on  Monday morning. Bulk items may only be placed during the week of pick up, not before, and not after. See below for the 2017 Bulk Trash Calendar. Morrison Ranch is GREEN ZONE 3.
 
For additional information on Bulk Trash pick-up,
For a list complete list of all upcoming events.
Contact Information
 
Morrison Ranch Community Council Office
Farm Bureau Building
Monday- Friday 8am-5pm
480-892-2267 | www.mymorrisonranch.org

After Hours please contact Customer Service:
602-234-9288 

If you see vandalism or suspicious activity, contact the Gilbert Police Department:
480-503-6500

Street Light Out? Contact the Town Of Gilbert:
480-503-6800