NE Valley Times

Scottsdale Earth Week is set to take place from April 20 to April 27, celebrating the city’s dedication to a sustainable future. The week-long event will feature a variety of activities aimed at promoting environmental awareness and encouraging eco-friendly practices.

One of the highlights of the event is the Earth and Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, April 20 at Cactus Park. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore sustainability-focused educational booths and learn about the city’s eco-friendly initiatives. The celebration will also include a tree and cactus planting ceremony to commemorate Scottsdale’s 42nd year as a Tree City USA community.

According to the organizers, the event aims to shine a light on environmental topics that Scottsdale focuses on year-round. Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate in the various activities scheduled throughout the week, including guided nature walks, presentations on green building, and hands-on workshops.

Joan Baron, an environmental artist and master gardener, will be leading a presentation on edible landscaping on Tuesday, April 23 at the Granite Reef Senior Center. The presentation will focus on planting strategies for a successful spring and summer garden to support both humans and local ecosystems.

Additionally, on Thursday, April 25, David Zaidi and Linda Eales from Harvest Eco-Salvage will be giving a presentation on eco-salvage practices at the Granite Reef Senior Center. The discussion will highlight the importance of deconstruction and the reclamation of reusable building materials to reduce construction and demolition waste.

The week will culminate with Arbor Day on Friday, April 26, featuring a tree dedication ceremony for State Historian Marshall Trimble at the Scottsdale Civic Center.

Residents interested in participating in Earth Week activities are advised to come prepared for outdoor events. Tips include staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and dressing appropriately for the weather.

To further promote sustainability beyond Earth Week, residents are encouraged to explore ongoing Sustainable Scottsdale initiatives such as water conservation efforts and electronics recycling. Additionally, resources like the Recycle Right Wizard search tool can help individuals make informed decisions about waste disposal.

As Earth Day approaches, Scottsdale residents are urged to take action to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.