Scottsdale Earth Week Celebrates Commitment to Sustainable Future

From volunteer road cleanups and tree giveaways, to a solar power presentation and green expo breakfast with the Mayor and City Council, Scottsdale has a full line-up of events for everyone looking to recognize Earth Day and make our city a better place.

Scottsdale Earth Week begins Friday, April 22 (Earth Day), and runs through Friday, April 29 (Arbor Day), concluding with a tree-planting ceremony to celebrate Scottsdale’s 40th year as a Tree City USA community. Earth Week is an opportunity to shine the light brighter on environmental topics that Scottsdale focuses on year-round.

Here’s what’s happening in Scottsdale:

Friday, April 22

Mayor and City Council Green Expo Breakfast (8-10 a.m.): Head over to Pima Park, 8600 E. Thomas Road on Earth Day to enjoy breakfast with Mayor David D. Ortega and City Council members and explore sustainability-focused educational booths. Don’t forget to bring your reusable water bottle to fill up at our Scottsdale Water trailer.

Thomas Groundwater Treatment Facility Public Tours (10-11:20 a.m.): Experience Scottsdale’s newest water facility and learn how Scottsdale Water invests in infrastructure and diversifies its water resources portfolio to secure our water for the future. Participants are encouraged to pre-register because slots are limited. Tour participants must wear closed-toe shoes.

Saturday, April 23

Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market (8 a.m.-1 p.m. at 3806 N. Brown Ave.): Stop by the city’s booth at the Old Town Farmers Market Saturday where we’ll be giving away small trees, while supplies last. Also learn about the Scottsdale Environmental Advisory Commission’s citizen science tree inventory mini project, which aims to collect valuable tree information and other biodiversity data in the city.

Lifecycle of the Saguaro Guided Walk (8-9:30 a.m. at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead): Native only to the Sonoran Desert, these giant cacti are sights to see! Join our steward guides to follow the growth of a Saguaro from seed to skeleton and view multi-armed, old Saguaros. This easy hike covers 1 mile on the Jane Rau Trail.

Spring Citywide Adopt-a-Road Cleanup – various times and locations: In partnership with Keep Scottsdale Beautiful, the city is hosting a citywide Adopt-a-Road cleanup Saturday, April 23. We provide safety vests and litter bags, and we remove filled litter bags promptly after each organized cleanup, if notified prior. Learn more and register.

Sunday, April 24

Nature as Therapy Guided Walk (8-9:30 a.m. at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead): Learn why time in nature makes us happier, healthier and more creative. Enjoy an easy 1.5-hour walk at Brown’s Trailhead where steward guides will teach you how to use nature as a prescription to improve your overall well-being.

Monday, April 25

Hike with a Natural Resources Coordinator (8-9:30 a.m. at Pima-Dynamite Trailhead): Spend 1 to 1.5 hours on an easy hike with natural resources coordinators for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. They will share their knowledge about the preserve and the wonders of the Sonoran Desert.

Trailside Naturalist (9-11:30 a.m. at Gateway Trailhead): Stop by the Trailside Naturalist station to learn about the diverse plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. Our Steward Guides will have fascinating displays and lots of fun facts to share. Featuring reptiles, arthropods, packrats and cacti!

Wednesday, April 27

Hike with a Natural Resources Coordinator (8-9:30 a.m. at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead): Spend 1 to 1.5 hours on an easy hike with natural resources coordinators for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. They will share their knowledge about the preserve and the wonders of the Sonoran Desert.

Thursday, April 28

Scottsdale 360 – Water Wise (11 a.m. – noon *Virtual): We’re asking residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce water use by at least 5% due to the Colorado River shortage. Scottsdale’s Water Policy Manager Gretchen Baumgardner will talk about the city’s water resources portfolio, conservation efforts, and ways residents and businesses can help. Register here.

Green Building Webinar Series: Solar 101 (6-7:30 p.m. *Virtual): Interested in going solar but don’t know where to start? Join the non-profit organization Solar United Neighbors for a “Solar 101” webinar with Arizona Program Associate Adrian Keller. Learn how solar works, what it costs and how to save by going solar with your neighbors. Register here.

Friday, April 29

Arbor Day Celebration (8 a.m. at Bell Road Sports Complex, 9390 E. Bell Road): Scottsdale is proud to be recognized as a Tree City USA community for the 40th year, more times than any other Arizona community. Read more about the Arbor Day Foundation and the criteria to be a Tree City.

Mayor Ortega will read the Arbor Day proclamation and there will be a tree planting ceremony, along with guest speakers from the Scottsdale Garden Club and Scottsdale Environmental Advisory Commission.

Tips for celebrating Earth Week

If you plan to attend one of our guided walking tours, please be prepared for the heat. Bring ample water and wear sunscreen, a hat, and light-colored clothing that covers your skin.

Learn more about ongoing Sustainable Scottsdale initiatives and consider making changes to reduce your impact on the environment:

• Conserve waterby replacing your grass with xeriscape or installing a “smart” irrigation controller
• Properly dispose of your electronics by taking advantage of our freeElectronics Recycling Days
• “Know before you throw” – use ourRecycle Right Wizard search tool to find out if you should recycle, compost or dispose of common household items
• Volunteer to be part of anAdopt-a-Road cleanup and Keep Scottsdale Beautiful
• Protect our pollinators– they play a critical role in our ecosystem
• Participate in a Citizen Science project through Scottsdale Public Library