Prickly Pear Foods and Medicines Workshop

The Bean Tree Farm is hosting a workshop on August 13th from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm which will include a harvest of prickly pear fruit and pads, both native and heirloom varieties, followed by preparation, discussion and sampling of the cactus in sweet and savory forms. They'll also explore the cactus' uses to promote and maintain health, its value in rewilding and regenerating urban landscapes for wildlife, beauty and food production, and share a feast of local food and drink. Workshop is $50 with lunch.

More info? www.beantreefarm.com  or beantreefarm@gmail.com

More great classes and workshops at: www.sonoranpermaculture.org

Wild & Scenic Film Festival

Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection Hosts Tucson Festival Stop:  Wild & Scenic Film Festival The Wild & Scenic Film Festival brings together a selection of films from the annual festival held each January in Nevada City, CA. The films speak to the environmental concerns and celebrations of our planet. “Films featured at Wild & Scenic give people a sense of place,” says Tour Manager Susie Sutphin. “In our busy lives, it’s easy to get disconnected from our role in the global ecosystem. When we realize that the change we need in this world begins with us we can start making a difference.”

Featured films of the evening include Bag It, Walking the Line, and Wild vs. Wall. Bag It seeks to unravel the complexities of our modern plastic world. What starts as a film about plastic bags evolves into a wholesale investigation into plastic and its effects on our waterways, oceans, and our bodies. Walking the Line follows thru-hiker Adam Bradley as he walks 500 miles of a proposed transmission line – a line through some of the West’s most remote landscapes – to find out how our country’s transition to renewable energy will affect the land, wildlife and people. Wild vs. Wall examines the environmental impact of the current border policy. Created by the Borderlands Campaign of the Sierra Club – Grand Canyon Chapter, this film addresses the ecological effects of enforcement and infrastructure in the four states that share boundaries with Mexico.

The festival is a natural extension of the work of the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection. The Coalition, comprised of 39 conservation and community groups, works to create a community where ecosystem health is important, nature and healthy wild animal populations have value, and where visitors, children and future generations can all drink clean water, breathe clean air, and find wild places to roam.

This year’s festival is being held in conjunction with Tucson Audubon Society’s first annual Bird & Wildlife Festival. Visitors from all over the world will be converging on Tucson for a week of birding and wildlife-related activities and the Coalition is excited to share the film festival as one of the featured evening programs.

The film festival offers an opportunity to entertain and engage the community while supporting the on-going work of the Coalition. Special thanks go out to local event sponsors Summit Hut and Betts Printing, the event’s major national sponsor Patagonia, as well as other local and national sponsors.

EVENT DETAILS:

When: Wednesday, August 17th - 6:30pm

Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, Arizona

Tickets: $8 in advance at Summit Hut, Antigone Books, and the Tucson Audubon Nature Shop / $10 at the door and online at www.sonorandesert.org For more information contact Gabe Wigtil, gabe.wigtil@sonorandesert.org, 520-388-9925 or visit http://www.sonorandesert.org/ .

Understanding PV

Ed Eaton will be presenting a workshop on solar electric systems.  This workshop is designed to provide the attendee with an in depth overview of photovoltaic system design and installation. The workshop is presented to help homeowner builders, architects, green home builders, government employees, NGO workers and especially those interested in “off-grid” solar systems. National Forest, BLM and all park service employees working or specifying solar systems should attend. More information can be found at http://solarenergyclasses.com.

Is Solar Hot Water Right for Your Home?

Need some help understanding the financial ins and outs of solar hot water?  If you are considering installing a solar hot water collector, the following table will give you some tips about the best way to take full advantage of your investment. TFS strongly believes that getting hot water from the sun is the best way to go, but in some cases, the conventional options may be more financially feasible.  This all depends on your water consumption, how many people live in your home and your current method of hot water generation, whether it’s an electric or gas water heater.  We based our calculations on the following water use patterns: the typical American two-person household will use approximately 40+ gallons of hot water a day.  A three-person household will use approximately 55+ gallons of hot water a day.

Things to take into consideration: These are numbers based on the usage patterns of standard Americans.  Also, they assume constant natural gas and electricity prices: it is important to note that these prices are likely to go up.  Experts assume electricity prices will increase on average 2% a year, which will increase the return on investment (ROI) significantly.  The same is true of natural gas prices.  When looking at the long term investment, it is important to take these trends into consideration.

Southern Arizona Solar Standards Board

As the solar industry continues to shine in Southern Arizona, a new organization, known as the Southern Arizona Solar Standards Board (SASSB), has been introduced to ensure that consumers receive professional, quality service when solar equipment is installed at their homes. Why? With the tremendous growth of the solar industry in southern Arizona, Tucsonans have seen the local industry expand from around 17 solar companies in 2007 to more than 100 today. As the industry expands, consumers are increasingly at risk of poor installations, shoddy workmanship, and unsavory business practices.  This rapid growth has sometimes made it difficult for consumers to know which businesses are qualified to properly install solar energy systems.

Who? Enter SASSB: a 501(c)3,  locally grown out of a solar installers’ “best practices” group, and later adopted as a program of Pima Association of Governments.  SASSB is working to strengthen the local solar industry in two ways.  First, by increasing the level of installation quality through the creation of industry standards, and second by informing and educating consumers so they not only pick the right installer, but the right system for their particular needs.

How? SASSB has developed standards for professionals installing photovoltaic or solar hot water systems.  Companies are eligible for membership and accreditation contingent on meeting the core requirements and agreeing to adhere to industry best practices as they are defined by SASSB. Standards include:

• Having at least one full-time employee certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
• Being in business for at least two years and having completed at least 10 utility-verified solar system installations
• Being in good standing with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors
• Being deemed an "approved installer" with applicable utility companies
• Being properly licensed through all applicable southern Arizona entities
• Offering customers a 10-year workmanship warranty and data monitoring for all systems

Consumers interested in solar are able to choose from a list of SASSB accredited installers, thereby adding some peace of mind to the selection process.  SASSB has also published a list of Buyer Tips & Steps for the Consumer as well as a Useful Definitions page on their website.

To find out more about SASSB’s mission and local accredited installers visit http://www.solarstandards.org/

Bisbee Solar Cook-Off

Stop by the Bisbee Farmers Market on Saturday, June 4th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to find out how to cook with the sun and what else the sun can do for you.  There will be a free half hour mini class in Solar Cooking 101 at 10 a.m. and a solar potluck at noon.   Show off your solar cooking skills or just get started cooking with the sun with sun ovens, solar cookbooks and solar cookware for sale.  The Solar Cook-Off will also feature information on solar electricity, hot water, pumps and cooling.  Come and listen to lively music to get your toes a’tappin’ by San and Lauren Jones, fiddle and guitar sensations accompanied on drums by Darrin Wood.  You can also enjoy home-style food, Mexican cooking, and baked goods at the shady outdoor café.  Bring a cooler to shop for fresh local produce and grass-fed meats, as well as honey, pickles and jellies, desert plants, herbal remedies and lots of unique handmade arts and crafts. The Solar Cook-Off is coordinated by Baja Arizona Sustainable Agriculture. For more information: (520) 678-8577 and valerie.mccaffrey@bajaaz.org. Directions: From Bisbee’s only traffic circle take the Bisbee Rd. exit to Vista Park opposite Warren Ball Park.

Urban Farming pt. 2 - How to Grow Food at Home in Tucson

Nothing beats walking right out your back door to pick that fresh organic tomato off the vine- but how do you grow it in Tucson? On June 25th, learn the basics of soil, sun, water, planting, and harvesting during this discussion around the technical aspects of desert gardening with Leona Davis of the Community Food Bank and urban farmer Jenna Rhea.  Meet them at the Main Joel Valdez library from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm.

Intro to Urban Farming

How does the way we grow food affect our health, economy, and society? Discuss the benefits of growing your own food, even in the Sonoran desert, and learn the basics of soil, sun, water, planting, and harvesting during this discussion around the technical aspects of desert gardening with Leona Davis of the Community Food Bank and urban farmer Jenna Rhea.  Join the discussion on June 23rd, from 5:30 - 7:00 pm at the Martha Cooper Library.

Urban Farming pt. 1 - The Homegrown Movement

The way we grow food, distribute food, and eat has rapidly changed in the last 50 years, and with it has changed our environment and physical health as a society. Now, many people are reversing the trend towards commercialized agriculture by growing food at home and distributing it in their own community. Join this discussion with Leona Davis of the Community Food Bank and urban farmer Jennifer Liu around how our commercial food system works, and how the local food movement in Southern Arizona is changing our soils, our economies, and our own physical health.  They will be speaking on June 18th from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm at the Joel Valdez Main Library.

Intro to Water Harvesting

On June 11th, from 10:00-11:30 pm at the Mission Library, explore and discuss the core principles of rainwater harvesting and a variety of strategies, from cisterns to earthworks, with Leona Davis of the Community Food Bank. We will be calculating how much rainfall you will receive off your home roof and on your landscape, and how you can best use this water on your site. Participants are encouraged to bring a base drawing with measurements of their house, roof and yard.

Intro to Water Harvesting

On May 25th, from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Martha Cooper Library, explore and discuss the core principles of rainwater harvesting and a variety of strategies, from cisterns to earthworks, with Leona Davis of the Community Food Bank. We will be calculating how much rainfall you will receive off your home roof and on your landscape, and how you can best use this water on your site. Participants are encouraged to bring a base drawing with measurements of their house, roof and yard.

Chicken Raising Basics

Chickens can provide ample entertainment, require minimal attention, and, most of all, produce fresh, nutritious eggs! Learn and discuss the basics of home chicken raising with Leona Davis of the Community Food Bank and urban farmer and egg producer Noel Patterson.  Join them at the Mission Library on May 14th from 10:00 am - 11:30 am to learn about how to raise chickens here in Tucson.

Amity Foundation

Amity Foundation is seeking a grant from TFS to install a solar energy system at their Circle Tree Ranch campus located in Tucson, AZ.

Social Actions

Amity has provided treatment services to the men, women, and children of Tucson for over 42 years. Intent on addressing the needs of the most marginalized individuals of our society, particularly substance abuse treatment and all of its attendant issues: poverty, prejudice, violence, trauma, homelessness, and family restoration, Amity has been at the forefront of efforts to lead individuals into transformational change using the Teaching and Therapeutic Community (TC) model. Amity firmly believes that sustainable living is not only integral to personal responsibility, but also integral to the future of our global community.

Amity descended from the Tucson Awareness House (TAH), incorporated in 1969 to address the crisis of narcotic use amongst local adolescents, and later evolved to meet community needs.  In the mid-80’s TAH changed its corporate name to Amity and is the oldest, dedicated substance abuse treatment agency in Arizona.

From 1980 through today, Amity has allowed children of parents receiving residential treatment to live with them, and was one of the first treatment programs in Arizona to recognize the need to allowing children to stay with their mothers.

Environmental Actions

* Amity Foundation has implemented an energy and resource conservation program. In 2007, Amity Foundation took the lead among Therapeutic Communities in practices promoting environmental sustainability. After analyzing the agency’s vehicle gas expenditures, the findings prompted us to trade in most of the leased vehicle fleet in favor of fuel-efficient hybrid models.

* Amity also integrated a greywater system to irrigate its Tucson campus’ 55-acre, natural desert landscape, and are working to ensure that new construction on Amity campuses meet LEED’s Gold standard for certification. Light bulbs throughout the campus were changed to either LED or energy-saver bulbs, reducing the campus electric bills by nearly 40%.

* During 2010, Amity lead more than 300 participants through the Awakening the Dreamer: Changing the Dream symposium, a half-day workshop designed to awaken and inspire people to take action in pursuit of a fair, peaceful, and sustainable future.

* Amity recently installed recycling receptacles in its dining room and offices, to enhance recycling efforts. Commercial recycling bins have been on the campus since 2007. Bottled water is no longer purchased through our food services department, and the back part of the property is being prepared for gardening to supply the campus with organic produce.

* Additionally, preparations are being made to send faculty and students to papercrete workshops in hopes of integrating this sustainable construction into future renovations.  All students and faculty are encouraged to practice sustainable living in their own homes, and environmental sustainability has been added to all employee awareness training.

Coyote TaskForce

Coyote TaskForce is seeking a grant from TFS to install a solar energy system at their downtown Tucson building housing Our Place Clubhouse and Café 54.

Social Efforts

Coyote TaskForce is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in May of 1989 dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) throughout Pima County. Our Place Clubhouse and Café 54, housed within the same building at 66 E. Pennington, work hand in hand to provide a spectrum of essential services in which members are involved every step of the way. In order to support members in upholding our mission, branches of Coyote TaskForce have been created specializing in key areas.

Based on the Fountain House Model of Rehabilitation, Our Place Clubhouse members take on the bulk of running day to day operations of four units comprised of:  (1) Re-Threads Thrift Store, (2) Employment and Education, (3) Food and Kitchen and (4) Resource and Advocacy. Members of the Clubhouse also work together to write articles for and produce a monthly newsletter, ‘Free Spirit’.

Community members enrolled in a behavioral health program may apply to become trainees at Café 54. In our award winning training program, trainees work with job coaches and a job developer to learn essential restaurant skills as well as general employment skills.  We aim to assist trainees to become independent, tax-paying citizens and to provide the community at large with a pool of reliable employees who have had training and firsthand experience working in a quality restaurant setting. Reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness by shifting focus from disabilities to abilities is a key objective of Café 54.

Environmental Efforts

Coyote TaskForce has long demonstrated their commitment to the environment. In 1998 the organization purchased and renovated its current Our Place Clubhouse building, constructed in the 1930’s and located in the heart of downtown Tucson. At that time, Coyote TaskForce secured a state grant focused on refitting the building with energy efficient  heating, cooling, and lighting systems.

The 54 Green Team is comprised of individuals who care deeply about the environment and feel a strong responsibility to use natural resources wisely and efficiently. The 54 Green Team mission includes:

1. Raising awareness and educating members and staff about sustainable practices

2. Forming relationships with local organizations in support of environmentally sound practices

3. Consistent re-evaluation of internal use of resources and brainstorming of new ways to realize our environmental values

4. Researching and purchasing environmentally friendly products

These goals are implemented in the following ways:

* Food waste has been reduced through the implementation of a chicken feed program coupled with creative, yet appropriate, use of leftovers. Our chefs frequently partner with Marana Farm, using locally grown produce and teaching summer sessions on the topic of food security. We are currently strategizing with Marana Farm to develop a compost program.

* Recycling is a priority at Coyote TaskForce with frequent informational sessions being facilitated with members and staff. All glass, cardboard, and tin products used in our programs are recycled and Café 54 uses compostable take out containers, cups and utensils.  In the spirit of conservation, Re-Threads thrift store offers quality used clothing.

* All tips from Café 54 go towards the Art Foundation, which provides free art materials to individuals in the behavioral health community and encourages its recipients to re-purpose available items into their projects.

* Café 54 has also recently contracted with Native Seeds to weigh and package seeds.

* In addition to these efforts, Coyote TaskForce employees take steps towards a sustainable future in their own lives by using bicycles as their primary mode of transportation, with still more utilizing Sun Tran bus services.

Birds, Blues and Belly Dance Benefit

Come and support the Wildlife Rehabilitation of Northwest Tucson at their Birds, Blues and Bellydance benefit on May 7th from 7pm-10pm at Sk.  The $7 donations at the door are appreciated 100% of the donation and 15% of Sky Bar and Brooklyn Pizza Company sales go toward the bird rehabilitation.  There will be bellydancing performances by Brandye, Sirena, Amy and Marjani, as well as appearences of great birds of prey from 7:30-8:30.  Music will be played by the Railbirdz.

Meet Me at Maynards Rock n' Stroll

Come and join TFS as we celebrate the vibrant Downtown Tucson Community.  Monday, April 11th records the second anniversary of Meet Me Maynard's and will be celebrated with music, walking, running and dancing.  You are invited to check in between 5pm and 6pm at the Amtrack Depot and then walk or run around the 2, 3, or 4 mile loops through downtown and 4th ave.  For more information about the event and fun activities that will be there, please visit their website.

Susan Komen Race for the Cure

The Southern Arizona Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is proud to host the 13th Annual Race for the Cure at Reid Park on Sunday, April 10th starting at 8:00am. You are invited to join in the largest participatory event in Southern Arizona! With your help, vital breast health resources can be provided to members of our community.  Limited parking at the site, so ride your bike! Free Valet Bike Parking will be provided.  Visit www.komensaz.org/ for more information.

Tour de Campus

On Saturday, April 11th, the Kiwanis Club of Tucson is presenting an educational bike tour for kids, ages 3-6 from 9:00am - noon.  This bicycle event for pre-schoolers will be held on the University of Arizona campus, and will focus on helmets, bicycle maintenance, safety in the desert, bicycle handling, and finish with a bike parade.  Bicycles, training wheels, and tricycles are welcome.  Cost is $5 and includes a t-shirt, water bottle and other fun stuff. Presented by the Kiwanis Club of Tucson – Sunshine and sponsored by the City of Tucson.

Old Pueblo Grand Prix Cycling Event

The Old Pueblo Grand Prix is a premier cycling event in the heart of downtown Tucson that is FREE to spectators. On Sunday, April 17th, come and celebrate cycling at its finest from 12:30pm - 5:00 pm.  With $20,000 in cash prizes, the Old Pueblo Grand Prix will attract top professional and amateur athletes from around the country.  It’s a perfect day to bring your friends and family to downtown and experience high speed pro bike racing right here in Tucson.  Races start at 12:30 PM when amateur racers take to the .6 mile course.  Make sure to bring your children for the kids race at 3:25 PM and grab a bite to eat at one of the 9 restaurants located on the race course.  Following the Pro Womens race is the Pro Mens race at 5:00 PM that will finish as the sun is setting and reach speeds of over 30 mph.  Make a day of it, bring your family, and tell your friends.  Visit www.oldpueblograndprix.com/general-information.html for more information.  Races will start and end at the EXPO Center on Church Ave between Pennington St and Alemada St.