The Alliance Insider
In this Issue: 2022 All-Partners Meeting, WTMC Connectivity Series recap, Seed Summit Update...
Save the Date:
2022 CAZCA All-Partners Meeting
Save the date for our annual meeting on:

Friday, Feb. 25, 2022

Next year's All-Partners Meeting will take place virtually, featuring a panel of experts, a vibrant discussion and recorded presentations. We are excited to share with you the work CAZCA has been doing over the last year. As part of the event we will also be hearing from partners from around the region on their successes and progress on the Regional Open Space Strategy (ROSS).

We look forward to reconnecting with you, strategizing on the ROSS and learning more about the great work this community is doing.
Progress and Updates
McDowell Sonoran - Invasive Species Clearinghouse

The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Field Institute created an Invasive Plant Species repository for research, best-practice information, and knowledge sharing on invasive plants of the Sonoran Desert. Check out the various resources like journal articles, brochures, newsletters, reports and more.
Be Outdoors Arizona: Shared Calendar

Be Outdoors Arizona aims to be a resource for community partners sharing events for the public and professionals alike.

Contribute your events to their extensive calendar or explore the various resources available for learners, educators, and organizations.
Friends of the Tonto Grass Removal at Superstition

Join Friends of the Tonto National Forest on Saturday Dec. 11 to remove non-native fountain & buffel grasses from Lost Dutchman State Park.

Support our partners in this effort to protect our parks and natural areas from invasives as part of the Desert Defenders program.
The White Tank Mountains Conservancy: Connectivity Initiative Speaker Series RECAP
We were so grateful and honored to have co-hosted the Regional Connectivity Initiative speaker series with the White Tank Mountains Conservancy (WTMC).

The West Valley is at a critical stage in its history, as they are one of the fastest growing metro areas in the nation. The survival of the White Tank Mountains could be in jeopardy unless steps are taken to ensure the natural wildlife corridors animals rely on for forage, migration and genetic diversity are not cut off.

The Initiative and accompanying StoryMap share the steps and the work that has taken place, the vision of what the future could be for this spectacular region.
CAZCA Project Updates
Join the 2022 Seed Summit

Participate in this event on Apr. 5 at Desert Botanical Garden to strategize around native plant material development.

Participate with other land managers, botanists, and restoration experts to collaborate and discuss what is needed to ensure a reliable supply of appropriate genetic plants and seeds for restoration.
Social Media Volunteer

Are you passionate about nature, social media and building community? Or do you know of someone?

Join us! We are currently looking for a Social Media volunteer. We have many stories we have to share about our work and impact in the region in conservation. Reach out and be part of the team.
Education & Outreach Working Group

Participate in our upcoming discussion on Dec. 9 to build a framework to support all Arizona educators by taking steps towards building an Environmental Literacy Plan.

If you're an educator, land manager or professional passionate about nature and environmental education, join us! To learn more contact, Engagement Coordinator Annia Quiroz.
November EcoQuest: Peek at Pistache

For the month of November find and map as many pistache (Pistacia spp.) trees as possible. Pistache trees have been seen in metro Phoenix since 1963. Observations from this EcoQuest can help us see where these trees are growing and learn about how wildlife may be utilizing them.
Sunset Hike with EcoFlora

Join the Metro Phoenix EcoFlora and project member Kenzie Bell on Nov. 17 for a casual sunset hike at South Mountain.

Kenzie is an experienced REI guide, with a background in invasive plant science and management and wildlife conservation. Hike as you enjoy the desert, learning more about the plants found there.