Information Courtesy of the City of Peoria
If you want to celebrate Mother Earth this spring, you live in the right city. Check out the fun activities, classes, and green programs being offered by the city of Peoria to extend the celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day all spring long.
All these events are hosted by the city of Peoria. For specific details, visit peoriaaz.gov.
GREEN EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Wildlife Friendly Landscapes: April 9 at 9 a.m. at Rio Vista Recreation Center
In celebration of Earth Day, you can help wildlife by turning your yard into a mini wildlife sanctuary! It’s easy to create an inviting environment for birds, butterflies and other creatures using a wonderful array of native and desert adapted plants. Class will be held at Rio Vista Recreation Center on April 9 at 9 a.m. Sign up online at the city’s website.
April 9 Volunteer Clean-Up Event for Earth Day at Skunk Creek
Come help us clean the planet—starting in our wonderful Skunk Creek! This area is important for the amazing birds it attracts each migration season and for the riparian habitat it provides. The city and volunteers will be cleaning the Skunk Creek riparian area, at the Skunk Creek Trailhead, located at 15091 N. 83rd Ave., on Saturday, April 9. Parking for the event will be on the vacant lot opposite Skunk Creek. A short walk along Skunk Creek will bring you to the sign-in desk at the trailhead. Please do not attempt to cross 83rd Avenue (no crosswalk). There will be signs to guide you to the trailhead from the parking lot. Clean-up is from 7-11 a.m. Be sure to bring a bottle of water, a hat, sunscreen, bug repellent (optional), and sturdy shoes. Please leave pets at home. Children must be supervised. Sign up on the city’s website. If you have questions, call 623-773-7131.
Arbor Day Tree Planting on April 15
The city is working with students and community partners to plant 20 trees in celebration of Arbor Day! See the city website for event details.
Recycling 101: April 16 at 9 a.m. at Rio Vista Recreation Center
Do you ever look at the trash item in your hand and ask, “Can I recycle this?” Recycling staff will walk you through what items are recycled in Peoria and what items have to stay in the trash. The more we can recycle right in Peoria, the more waste we can divert from our landfills! This free class will be held at Rio Vista Recreation Center on April 16 at 9 a.m. Register on the city’s website.
Resilient Landscapes: April 20 at 6 p.m. at Rio Vista Recreation Center
Is your landscape resilient to our region’s extreme climate and low precipitation? A landscaping expert will walk you through the ways you can increase the resiliency and health of your landscape while still providing shade, color, and an aesthetically pleasing view. Class will be held at Rio Vista Recreation Center on April 20 at 6 p.m. Register for this free class online.
Peoria Recycles Day on April 30
Celebrate our Earth by recycling your outdated electronics and appliances at the Peoria Sports Complex on April 30 from 8 a.m.-noon. The city will have on site document shredding and electronics recycling. Visit peoriaaz.gov/recycle for additional information and guidelines.
GREEN NEWS FROM THE CITY OF PEORIA
April is Water Awareness Month (WAM)
This month, the city’s Water Conservation and Sustainability Department is partnering with other departments to celebrate Earth and Arbor Day with a variety of classes and community opportunities. Water is tied into all aspects of our community and when we protect and celebrate one, we must also acknowledge the others. To learn more, visit arizonawaterfacts.com/wam.
Dispose of Hazardous Waste the Right Way
Hazardous waste is harmful to the environment and causes fires in the Solid Waste vehicles. Dispose of hazardous waste in a safe manner. Starting April 18, you can schedule an appointment to have dangerous materials picked up from your home. Collection will be scheduled between the dates of May 2-20. Visit peoriaaz.gov/HHW for more information and to schedule an appointment.
New Tree Planting Rebate
The city of Peoria is committed to sustainability and the benefits of a healthy community forest. Not only do trees provide valuable shade, but they also benefit air quality, the local watershed, native wildlife, and if planted properly, can reduce energy use at home. If the right tree for the right place is used, you can maximize all of its benefits and still have a drought tolerant landscape. Peoria will offer a “treebate” of up to $50 for Peoria Water customers who plant an approved tree species. There is a maximum of two tree rebates per house. All rebates are first come, first served. This is a new, ongoing rebate program that is not limited to the month of April.
