The Alliance Insider
In this Issue: EcoFlora Anniversary, 2021 All-Partners Meeting, events, project updates and more
Metro Phoenix EcoFlora Anniversary

Metro Phoenix EcoFlora is celebrating its one-year anniversary! Join the team for a review of the past year, member recognition and exciting announcements about what’s in store for the future.

We are pleased to announce Dixie Damrel, Herbarium Curator at Clemson University, will be guest speaking. Damrel worked on documenting Phoenix flora from 97 - 99, which helped provide a baseline for the Metro Phoenix EcoFlora project.
Progress and Updates
Speaker Series: The Greenprint

Join us for an introduction and training to the Greenprint–a mapping tool designed to support planning and bridge the gap between sectors to facilitate the inclusion of natural resource data and community development in decision-making.

In order to protect our natural areas. we must plan according. The Greenprint tool is able to help us visualize the valley's natural resources–plus, it's free to use.
Invasive Plant Removal Events

It's that time of the year! Join the upcoming Desert Defender removal events led by Maricopa County Parks to protect our open spaces from noxious weeds.

There are various opportunities at many of the county parks to participate in pulling invasive plants like stinknet (Oncosiphon pilulifer) and buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris). Spend time outside and show our parks some love.
Great Milkweed Growout

Monarch butterfly populations have declined as much as 90% over the last two decades. Desert Botanical Garden is helping monarchs with the Great Milkweed Grow Out (GMGO) initiative.

GMGO focus on growing native milkweeds to build habitats, expand monarch habitat at schools and community centers and conduct milkweed research. Learn more about this amazing initiative and support its vital work.
2021 All-Partners Meeting
We're only a few weeks away! Don't forget to register for our annual meeting on Thursday, Feb. 25, 1 - 4:30 p.m. Explore our working agenda for the day.

We look forward to seeing you digitally this year to share progress and strategize toward the natural open space goals of the Regional Open Space Strategy.

This event is open to the public.
CAZCA Project Updates
Volunteer with Us!

Are you passionate about the outdoors? We are excited for the different projects and opportunities to come but we need your help, we have amazing opportunities with our Sonoran Insiders program, the Desert Defenders initiative and our Collaboration Hub.

These are key programs which have a big impact on our local open spaces.
February EcoQuest

Monarch butterflies are in severe decline, with numbers from 2020 showing the lowest ever recorded in the West. Much of this decline can be tied to loss of milkweeds, the plant genus that monarchs depend on for reproduction.

For this month’s EcoQuest, help find and map as many monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) and milkweed plants (Asclepias spp.) as possible. Let's do all we can to find these invaluable species!
Speaker Series Videos

Did you miss one of our last speaker series? We've got you covered. We have all the recordings on our YouTube channel.

Take a look at the recent talk on stinknet (Oncosiphon pilulifer) with Michael Chamberland, learn about noxious weeds and their relationship to wildfires with Willie Sommers or dive into the importance of environmental education with AAEE.
Share Your Events

We know there are many wonderful events and opportunities going on around the area. As we adapt to virtual gatherings and new ways of sharing resources, we invite you to share your upcoming events with us.

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