Education

Even better is to use captured rainwater for irrigation. One organization that works to expand knowledge of how to do that is Tucson's Watershed Management Group (WMG). 

Dr. Joaquin Murrieta-Saldivar’s backyard is a laboratory of sorts.

From cisterns to a composting toilet, he has put to use a range of methods for making the most of the water that falls on Tucson.

The goal is not just to save water or help a few plants.

There is a broader impact, he argues — a better shade canopy, diminished heat and so on.

“At the end, we’re bringing nature back to the city where nature belongs as well,” says Murrieta-Saldivar, of the Watershed Management Group.

Learn how to create a shady, butterfly friendly, food-producing landscape supported by rainwater. The final class is Sonoran Desert Edibles and will be held Thursday, March 10, at 6 p.m. More...

Watershed Management Group is presenting a series of free classes on personal water management practices for Fountain Hills residents beginning in January. Learn how to create a shady, butterfly friendly, food-producing landscape supported by rainwater. Single classes are available or join the group for the entire series that continues into March. More...

A local nonprofit hopes you'll leave their next event feeling inspired to create your own “sustainable oasis” at home regardless of experience level or budget.

Tucsonans can check out creative, environmentally friendly and sustainable homes around the city on Saturday, Oct. 23, at the 10th annual Desert Living Home Tour hosted by Watershed Management Group. Read more...

In your garden

• If you had a live Christmas tree, now is a great time to plant it!

• Bare root plants such as deciduous fruit trees and roses can be planted this month.

• Mulch to prevent weeds and for general soil maintenance. Check the depth of your mulch and add as needed for a thickness of 2-4 inches. Read more...

One organization, Watershed Management Group, is teaching Tucsonans how to manage water in the desert. Tony Paniagua reports on how the group is making efforts attainable. Read more...

On a Saturday morning in early December, Sally Sherman sat on the porch of a house that the Watershed Management Group uses as an office. Next to a garden of fruit trees in front of her were about ten people sitting in the shade and listening. Some had notepads. “Oh, here comes rainwater. Yeah, and everybody should test this because it's really so nice,” Sherman told the crowd. Read more...