The Alliance Insider
In this Issue: Conservation Celebration 2020, Weeds and Wildfire event, and project updates
Conservation Celebration 2020

Join us for the fourth annual Conservation Celebration on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 4:00 - 5:15 p.m, a virtual celebration to benefit CAZCA.

Since 2012, CAZCA has worked to fostered a unique, collaborative effort to conserve, restore and promote the open spaces that are vital to the well-being of our unique Sonoran Desert environment. These spaces on which we depend for the health and vibrancy of our communities.

This year’s keynote speaker is Gary Paul Nabhan, a MacArthur Award recipient and a pioneering agricultural ecologist and ethnobotanist. He formerly served as Desert Botanical Garden’s director of conservation, research and collections, and co-founded Native Seeds/SEARCH in 1982. He will discuss his latest book “The Nature of Desert Nature."

We invite you to participate in the fourth annual Conservation Celebration and support the imperative work of CAZCA and ensure that our treasured parks, preserves and other open spaces are sustained now and for future generations.
2021 All-Partners: Give Us Your Feedback

We are still looking for your feedback about the format for the 2021 All-Partners Meeting.

Fully virtual, in person or hybrid? Let us know your thoughts below.
Progress and Updates
See what CAZCA is up to:
Speaker Series: Weeds and Wildfire

Have you heard the term biological wildfire? Wildfire and invasive plants have more in common than you might think, from impact to management.

Join us on Oct. 28 at 3:30 p.m. for a virtual event to listen to Willie Sommers, from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, and learn about weeds, wildfires and local efforts.
Support the Maricopa Trail and Park Foundation

During COVID-19, outdoor areas have become more critical than ever. Consider giving your time to the Maricopa Trail. A 320-mile loop connecting 10 county parks as well as key areas in metro Phoenix.

Explore current safe, socially-distanced, volunteer openings and discover a way to enjoy the outdoors while having a great impact on this amazing trail.
CAZCA Project Updates
Impact with Invasive Species

After taking a pause at the beginning of the year, Desert Defenders continues to make progress. The program team is meeting regularly to discuss future work and priorities of the program. We're excited for the opportunities that lay ahead!

Recently, Fountain Hills has begun its own strategic work around the preserve and are tackling this issue seriously with the Desert Defenders partners.
Metro Phoenix EcoFlora

During the month of October participate in the EcoQuest: Ocotillober! Find and map as many ocotillos as possible, especially in dense urban areas.

One of the most charismatic plants of the Southwest, ocotillos stand tall among the saguaros in the desert landscape. Don't forget to check out the great field guides that accompany this month's EcoQuest.
Sonoran Seed Work Day

With both Sweetbush and Desert Senna thriving onsite, the Sonoran Seed team will very soon be planting Desert Lavender and Desert Marigold! We are also engaging partners to use the seed we have collected for upcoming restoration projects in the region.

You can take a look at photos of the project's progress through our partner and lead botanist Carianne Campbell, from Strategic Habitat Enhancements.
Share Your Events

As we adapt to virtual gatherings and new ways of sharing resources, we invite you to share your upcoming events with us. We know there are many things going on and are here as a resource for our partners.

Fill out our simple form and we will share your events and opportunities through our website and on social media.