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The Alliance Insider
In this Issue: WTMC Connectivity Initiative Series, Maricopa Vision 2030, Greenprint Webinar & more
White Tank Mountains Conservancy:
Connectivity Initiative & Speaker Series
The White Tank Mountains are at a critical stage in their history as they stand in the path of one of the fastest growing metro areas in the nation. The survival of this outstanding area of natural beauty 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.

To prevent this from occurring, the White Tank Mountains Conservancy (WTMC) launched a collaborative effort called the WTMC Regional Connectivity Initiative that provides an
in-depth look at why sustaining the natural heritage of the White Tank Mountains region is critical.

Join WTMC and CAZCA for a three-part virtual series on this Initiative this fall. Hear from regional experts and participate in the conversation with diverse stakeholders to envision a more holistic future. The upcoming events are:

Session 1: What's at Stake - the White Tank Mountains, a Sonoran Legacy
Date: Oct. 20, 2021
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Session 2: Booming Cities - a Tale of Urban Expansion
Date: Oct. 27, 2021
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Session 3: A Connectivity Vision - Protecting Place & Passage for Wildlife & People
Date: Nov. 3, 2021
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Progress and Updates
Maricopa County: Parks Vision 2030

The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department wants to know how you envision the future of your regional parks, open spaces and trails.

Public meetings are being held virtually on November 8th and 10th.
Phoenix Mayor Monarch Proclamation

Mayor Kate Gallego signed the National Wildlife Federation's Mayor's Monar​​ch Pledge. This pledge commits the city to take action to support the monarch butterfly population and declares September as "Planting for Monarchs Month." Join the effort, plant milkweed and go native!
Great Milkweed Grow Out

Desert Botanical Garden has its own monarch conservation program, focused on monarch conservation is the Great Milkweed Grow Out initiative.

They are helping monarchs by building and expanding habitat, growing native milkweeds, and working with schools and conducting research. How can you get involved or interact with the project?
Friends of the Tonto Grass Removal at Superstition

Join Friends of the Tonto National Forest on Saturday Oct. 23 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 CAZCA Greenprint: Envisioning Better Communities
The CAZCA Greenprint can empower residents through interactive data and support community development, planning and the integration of nature into our urban areas. We are so excited to be guests at one of Chispa AZ's Environmental Justice Escuelitas.

Happening today at 7 p.m. virtually, join us as we talk about how neighborhood design affects the temperature of the area, and about the connection between land use and the urban heat island effect. All are welcome.
CAZCA Project Updates
2022 Seed Summit

Save the Date for Tuesday Apr. 5, 2022 at Desert Botanical Garden for the Seed Summit.

This event will bring together experts to find solutions to the challenge of supplying genetically appropriate native plant material for restoration in our region. Stay tuned for more information.
Borderlands Restoration at Cuenca los Ojos

Did you miss our past event with Jeremiah Leibowitz from Cuenca los Ojos? Watch it now and learn all about the various restoration projects, successes and lessons learned at this amazing 121,000 acre preserve in the borderlands of Arizona.
Education & Outreach Working Group

We are currently working to build a framework to support all Arizona educators by taking steps towards building an Environmental Literacy Plan.

Are you an educator, land manager or professional passionate about nature and environmental education? Join our upcoming discussion on Oct. 21 as we explore next steps in this process. To learn more contact, Engagement Coordinator Annia Quiroz.
October EcoQuest: Gander at Grasses

For the month of October join the EcoQuest to find and map fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceus) and native grass alternatives. Fountain grass has long been sold as an ornamental grass across the country. While it is a very attractive grass species, it can spread rapidly and have problematic ecological effects.
October EcoQuestions: All About Grass

Join Ecoflora on Oct. 14 and Oct. 21 to hear from two local professionals to learn about and explore the world of grasses! Mary Fastiggi from the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy will discuss fountain grass and Liz Makings, from the ASU Herbarium will explore grass ID.