Living Desert Alliance
Keep our Desert and Community Livable and Thriving
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Highlights from
LDA's Inaugural
Picnic
A Windy but Wonderful
Sunday Afternoon
Sunday’s Living Desert Alliance Meet & Greet picnic brought together members, guests, and neighbors for a relaxed — if decidedly windy — afternoon celebrating community, connection, and the desert we’re all working to protect. It was an opportunity to discover what the LDA is all about and how we all play a role in shaping the future of our region.
Special guest Jennifer Allen, Pima County Board of Supervisors, District 3, spoke about the vital role community groups like the LDA play in informing the public, elevating important issues, and empowering residents to take meaningful action. Her message underscored how local engagement strengthens both our democracy and our environment.
There was no shortage of pizza, lemonade, sweet tea, and good vibes. The spring desert backdrop reminded everyone why this work matters.
We’re already looking ahead to next year’s gathering — another chance to learn, connect, and celebrate with community partners and inspiring guest speakers.
Here are a few photos from the event.
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Free & Low‑Cost
Home Efficiency Programs
Available to Pima County Residents
This month's PimaCan newsletter explains how Pima County residents have access to several programs that reduce utility costs, improve home comfort, and support water and energy conservation.
Many are free or low‑cost and designed for low‑income or underserved households.
Key Programs at a Glance
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Efficiency Arizona (Governor’s Office of Resiliency) — Point‑of‑purchase rebates for energy‑efficient appliances and home electrification upgrades. Eligible households can receive up to $14,000 in rebates.
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Sonora Environmental Research Institute (SERI) — Grants and loans for rainwater harvesting and gray water systems, plus programs supporting healthy homes, fair housing, and lead‑poisoning prevention.
- Home Repair Assistance
- Pima County: Emergency repairs for homeowners outside Tucson city limits (roof leaks, broken AC/heating, safety issues).
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City of Tucson: Similar repair assistance for residents within city boundaries.
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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — Helps households pay heating and cooling bills with up to $640 per year, plus $500 for crisis situations.
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Tucson Electric Power (TEP) — Instant rebates for AC/heat pump upgrades, duct sealing, mini‑splits, and tune‑ups. Discounts available through the TEP Marketplace and monthly bill relief for qualifying low‑income customers.
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TRICO Energy Cooperative — Free weatherization kits, DIY home audit tools, energy‑efficiency workshops, and a low‑cost shade tree program.
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State Tax Credits (2025 purchases) — Credits for energy‑efficient products and EV purchases (up to $7,500 new; $4,000 used)
Click here for full details and additional links.
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Climate Community Day
Pima Community College
Learn, Connect, and Take Action!
Pima Community College (PCC) invites you to Climate Community Day on Tuesday, April 21st at the Downtown Campus — a lively, hands‑on celebration of climate action, sustainability, and community collaboration. This annual gathering brings together students, teachers, residents, and local organizations for a day of learning, inspiration, and practical solutions.
Attendees can explore PCC’s growing sustainability initiatives, take part in engaging sessions on climate resilience, and meet the community partners working every day to protect our desert home. A free lunch is available with advance RSVP, and the midday fair offers a great chance to connect with local groups making a difference.
Be sure to stop by the Living Desert Alliance table to meet our leadership, share your ideas, and discover how we can work together to Keep Our Desert and Community Livable and Thriving.
Event Details
For more information contact PCC at cas-events@pima.edu.
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Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Highway Clean-up
April 25 • 8:00–10:00 AM
The Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection invites volunteers to meaningful Highway Cleanup on April 25, 8–10 AM along the I‑10 frontage road near Avra Valley Road and the Santa Cruz River wildlife ramp.
It’s a fun, social way to meet people who care about the desert while making a visible difference for wildlife and the community.
This family‑friendly event is also a great chance to introduce teens and young adults to environmental stewardship. Bring them along to learn why caring for the Sonoran Desert matters.
Provided: gloves, safety vests, trash bags, grabbers, snacks, drinks, and detailed directions for all RSVPs.
Bring: a reusable water bottle, coffee mug, sun protection, and long sleeves/pants.
Join the effort to Keep Our Desert and Community Livable and Thriving—and enjoy a morning outdoors with neighbors who share your passion.
RSVP today!
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Watershed Management Group
Creek Cleanup
TODAY, April 16th, 5:30–7:30pm
Join Watershed Management Group for a hands‑on evening of restoration and fun!
At this special event, volunteers can choose their mission — tackle trash or remove invasive Arundo — along the beautiful Rillito and Pantano Creeks.
Let’s work together to protect the places that make Tucson unique — and live out our shared mission to Keep Our Desert and Community Livable and Thriving.
Click here to register and join this important community effort!
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Sunset at the
Wildlife Bridge
10th Anniversary Celebration!
Tomorrow, April 17 • 6:00–7:30 PM
The Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection (CSDP) is holding a one‑of‑a‑kind sunset celebration as part of Wild Connections Week—honoring 10 years of the Sonoran Desert’s first wildlife crossing bridge, completed in April 2016.
Special Guests speakers: Pima County District 1 Supervisor Rex Scott, Town of Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield, and additional community leaders and partners
Where: Next to the Ann Day Memorial Wildlife Bridge in the Catalina–Tortolita Mountains wildlife linkage
A special shout-out and thank you to the CSDP for their ongoing efforts to maintain and support this amazing wildlife crossing bridge.
Help celebrate a decade of safe wildlife movement & community stewardship.
👉 Sign up here!
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Sonoran Institute's
Inaugural
Río 5k Relay!
Saturday, April 18 • 8 AM–2 PM Juhan Park Tucson
Sonoran Institute is kicking off the very first Río 5k Relay, a fun run–meets–volunteer adventure designed to bring our Pima County communities closer to the beloved Santa Cruz River.
This isn’t your typical 5k. Teams of two or more will trek through the Santa Cruz Riverbed, working together to remove as much trash as possible within a three‑hour window. Think of it as a river‑reviving relay—on beautiful but rugged terrain—where walking is encouraged for safety and maximum enjoyment.
The “race” launches from Juhan Park and Bonita Park near St. Mary’s and the Frontage Road. Afterward, celebrate your hard work at Dragoon Brewing Company, where an awards ceremony and free shuttles connect all three locations.
It’s community, stewardship, and a whole lot of fun rolled into one unforgettable day.
Click here for event details, registration, and fees
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