March 9, 2016
Even $1 at tax time helps Arizona’s wildlife
Taxpayer donations help bald eagles, tortoises, Sonoran pronghorn and others
PHOENIX – Did you know that your state taxes do not support the conservation of Arizona’s wildlife, but your donations do? Taxpayers can help the state’s wildlife at tax time by “making a mark” on their state income tax form. The Arizona Wildlife Fund is a voluntary program that allows Arizona taxpayers to make a donation specifically to help imperiled and endangered wildlife, including majestic bald eagles, black-footed ferrets, California condors, Apache trout, Mexican wolves and desert tortoises, among other nongame species.
March 9, 2016
Conservation Stewardship Program sign-ups open
Producers to submit initial application by March 31
WASHINGTON, DC – USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced this year’s deadline for producer applications for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is March 31.
March 31 is also the deadline by which initial applications are needed from farmers with expiring 2012-2016 contracts if they want to renew them for another five years. Some 12 million acres already in the program are eligible for renewal this year.
March 9, 2016
Volunteers needed to spotlight endangered black-footed ferrets
Survey results shine light on recovery effort in Aubrey Valley
SELIGMAN, Ariz. – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking volunteers to assist with spotlighting efforts to help document the population of endangered black-footed ferrets in Aubrey Valley near Seligman. As part of the recovery effort, the department has scheduled two spring spotlighting projects – March 24-26 and April 21-24. The spotlighting method involves using high-powered lights to locate and identify black-footed ferrets. Their eyeshine is reflected by the spotlight and helps surveyors with identifying and locating these elusive, nocturnal carnivores.
March 9, 2016
Fire Up the Grill!
Take care with BBQs to reduce risk of injury, fires
The recent bump in temps have made the weather just perfect for weekends around the BBQ. However, each year about 30 people are injured as a result of gas grill fires and explosions. Many of these incidents occur when consumers first use a grill that has been left idle for a period of time or just after refilling and reattaching the grill’s gas container.
March 9, 2016
Application process open for premier public safety teen academy
More than 40 teens gain life skills while learning about future careers in law enforcement and fire services June 6-10, 2016, at the Scottsdale Public Safety Teen Academy. This is the ninth year that Scottsdale Police and Fire departments offer a total public safety experience, which includes exposure to both police and fire training.
March 9, 2016
Be a hero and donate blood during Red Cross Month
During Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross invites individuals to become everyday heroes by giving blood. March has been recognized as Red Cross Month by every U.S. president since 1943. Red Cross Month is a celebration of supporters who are the face of the Red Cross in their communities, helping to prepare for and bringing help and hope after emergencies.
March 9, 2016
It’s Art for Land’s Sake Local artists use their talent to celebrate
Desert Foothills Land Trust preserves
NORTH VALLEY – Artists have their muses, and for many, it’s our incredible Sonoran Desert Landscape! It’s Art for Land’s Sake is an exhibition and sale that brings together the remarkable artists in our community with the protected lands that so often inspire them.
