The Alliance Insider
In this Issue: Speaker Series, ROSS Review Update, MCPR seed bomb workshop, Regional Stinknet Planning, Working Group Updates, DEI working group and More!
CAZCA Speaker Series
We are bringing back our speaker series!

A few years ago, we had the pleasure of holding our speaker series via Zoom, and this year, we will be hosting in-person! The series will take place from October to May. Our first event will be a conversation between friends, Karen Bradshaw and Ron Broglio, as they discuss wildlife conservation community engagement as it relates to law and humanities! as it relates to law and humanities. Learn more and RSVP using the link below.
NEWS FROM CAZCA
New Working Group: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
CAZCA is currently working on creating a new working group focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a collaborative, we aim to create a safe and welcoming space for and within our community, and invite you to join our newest working group. This group will be a space to educate and share with one another on our DEI efforts. If you are interested in joining and/or learning more, please complete the form below.
For more information on CAZCA
WORKING GROUP UPDATES
Desert Defenders
Desert Defenders had its first meeting with Jessie Szopinski (AZ Department of Forestry and Fire Management) as the Chair of the group. We are all very excited for the next year under her leadership, and the soon to be announced co-chair(s).
Sonoran Insiders
The 2022 Sonoran Insiders annual report has been published! The new report discusses what it means to be an Insider, how and where we operate, and more! Read the report below or on the Sonoran Insiders website.
Sonoran Seed Collaborative
The Sonoran Seed Collaborative partners are working on various projects and gearing up for fall seed collecting. Keep an eye on the events page for opportunities to participate and for seed bomb events. The latest seed bomb workshop by Maricopa County Parks and Recreation is discussed below.
Urban Desertscape Enhancement
We have been working with community partners to discuss water conservation projects. We have also been working with AZ Department of Forestry and Fire Management to create a webpage and pamphlet on how to talk with arborists and where to find an arborist. That information will be forthcoming on the CAZCA website.
Is your organization interested in joining a working group?
Regional Stinknet Planning
Stinknet (Oncosiphon piluliferum) has become increasingly problematic throughout Arizona, and there have been many discussions about possible control methods to help reduce the spread of this highly flammable invasive. Southwest Vegetation Management Association (SWVMA) has created a group to discuss regional plans and efforts to control stinknet.

SWVMA will also be hosting their 2023 Fall Conference soon with a theme of Habitat Enhancement Along Arizona’s River Corridors. Learn more and register below!
Maricopa County Parks & Recreation Seed Bomb Workshops
Juanita Armstrong and her amazing team at Maricopa County Parks and Recreation partnered with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension to host a series of seed bomb workshops in July and August. These seed bombs were made by mixing native seeds, clay, and compost and deployed at several parks throughout the county. 12 News published an article on the event, you can access it through the button below.
EVENTS
Native Plant Gardening

Join Maricopa Community Colleges for a workshop on native plants and pollinators. Come learn about Arizona’s native species and how to plant and care for them. All are welcome!

When: Thursday, September 14
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Where: South Mountain Community Library (7050 S 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85042)
Community Room L162-L163
CAZCA Speaker Series

Join us for our first in-person CAZCA Speaker Series, All Animals All the Time: Wildlife Conservation through the Lens of Law & Humanities!

Join us for an exciting and thought-provoking event as we welcome Karen Bradshaw and Ron Broglio to the CAZCA Speaker Series. These esteemed speakers will share their insights and expertise on a wildlife conservation and community engagement as it relates to law and humanities!

When: Tuesday, October 17th, 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Where: Desert Botanical Garden, Binns Wildflower Pavilion (1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ, 85008)

RSVP required

Click on Karen and Ron's photos to check out their websites!
CAZCA & City of Phoenix Cattail Pull at Papago Park
Join CAZCA and the City of Phoenix to pull cattails at Papago Park. This will be dirty, hard, and fun work!

When: Sunday, October 1st, 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Where: Papago Park Ponds, 625 N Galvin Pkwy

For more information or to register, please email us.
Rio Reimagined Urban Wildlife Day 2023
Urban Wildlife Conservation Day is a national day of celebration for our urban green spaces and urban wildlife. Come join the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, City of Phoenix, Rio Reimagined, Corazon Latino, and Audubon Southwest as we gather to celebrate our third annual Urban Wildlife Conservation Day! There will be multiple family-friendly events and activities to enjoy, including the Walk for the Wild, kids art zone, wildlife demonstrations, trash cleanup, music, food and a festival of partner organizations.

When: Saturday, October 7th, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Where: City of Phoenix's 7th Avenue Trailhead (2801 S. 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85041)
Share Your Events
We know there are many wonderful events and opportunities happening in the area.

From virtual to in-person gatherings, we invite you to share your upcoming events with us. Fill out the simple form below and we will share your events and opportunities through our website and on social media.