Arizona State’s Forestry Division has awarded the Town of Patagonia $9,650. The local Tree and Park Committee wrote the successful grant that will be used to irrigate trees and assist with other projects.
In addition to hiring a contractor to put in a new irrigation system, the committee has other plans. On January 9, Cado Daily of the University of Arizona Extension Office will come to Patagonia to talk about irrigation systems for trees. She will be in the town park at 10 a.m. and the public is welcome.
On January 11, there will be a free public workshop on benefits, designs, and strategies for harvesting rainwater, creating rainwater gardens, and managing storm runoff. Kate Tirion will lead the workshop. There will be complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day. After the presentation, it’s time for hands-on experience. Everyone is welcome to pitch in and help. We’ll do some work to keep storm water from standing in the park, lay the beginnings of a rain garden, and do other projects to capture rain water for the trees.
If you plan to volunteer, bring your tools if you have them: rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows and gloves. Some tools and gloves will be provided. Be ready to have fun! All ages welcome, but children under seven must be accompanied by an adult.
Work will be followed by a potluck lunch. Bring a dish to share. The organizers want to know what you think about park matters, so bring your thoughtful comments.
People are welcome to come and go at any time. There will be a sign-in sheet, so if you do come, please be sure to sign in, as that helps meet the requirements of the grant.
The Tree and Park Committee was established by the town council in 2011. The goal of the committee is to keep our park trees healthy, and to make the park inviting for our citizens and visitors.
Some of the past projects of the committee have been to host a workshop on tree pruning, hire arborists to evaluate the trees, work with the local Girls Scouts and others to create the pollinating garden, landscape around the bird sculpture, put in rainwater retention basins by the sycamores across from the marshal’s office, plant a tree for Arbor Day, and apply for Tree City USA status.
In addition to the Arizona State Forestry Division who awarded a Community Challenge Grant, the committee thanks Cliff Hirsch, the Town Council, Dave Teel, Arcinio DeLaOssa, Ron Pullium and Borderlands Restoration Project, Gary Nabham, the local schools; Dean Fish, Patagonia Business Association, The Community Garden, the Fall Festival Committee, the Patagonia Senior Citizens, Brent Bowden, and others too numerous to name but just as valuable.
Call Cornelia O’Connor with questions about the workshop, 520-604-7161. Call Karla Espinoza with questions about the potluck, 520-732-0385.
