Looking Back at our Weird AZ Staycation

Looks like a lovely forest scene, right? And it is. But what you can't see in this pic is that the large ravine flows unconcerned to the foundation of the house next-door - our accommodations for the Flagstaff portion of our family vacation. They could use some serious rock dams to stop the flow! And it appears that all of these McMansions were being built as AirBNBs when there is a housing shortage here. Sometimes a little knowledge can be kind of a bummer - especially during a long awaited family vacation.

While in Flagstaff, we visited the historic Riordan Mansion. Unlike the McMansions mentioned above, this mansion was built to last. In addition to having all the modern conveniences of the time (the first to have electricity), they created a comfy living space in American Arts and Crafts style. A large hall filled with every kind of amusement imaginable, connected the two residences (like a duplex) providing a welcoming space for the two sides of the Riordan clan to enjoy time together. Yes, it's good to be rich. But what really impressed me were the stories of how the family took that responsibility even farther by  helping to build the new town.  

Before this story gets weird, I want to say that we so appreciated the time we got to spend with our beloved family that traveled to our state from Wisconsin and Missouri. I will cherish those moments forever. Thanks to my dear sister for including us.

While we were touring the Riordan Mansion with my mom, other family members took off to explore the Grand Canyon or Sedona. Then we headed to Chandler. (The Wisconsin clan wanted to get away from the cold...) The record heat discouraged a kayak trip down the Salt River. Instead the kids spent the day swimming in a pool right beside the man-made lake.

Here's where it gets weird... apparently this is a thing in Chandler. Even my son commented on it. As we drove down the main drive, we passed development after development - each with its own private lake. Have they heard about our water shortage in Arizona? It turns out that Chandler has grandfathered water rights from the time when the area was farm land. So they are using that allotment to water lawns and private golf courses and fill swimming pools and lakes. 

There have been several bills proposed at the Arizona Legislature (including the current SB1611) that allow farmers to sell their land along with grandfathered water rights for development. Sponsors claim that housing requires less water than agriculture. At least farmers can choose to plant low-water crops... If our reps are going to pass this bill, they really need to make sure they include conservation measures to prevent water waste like we saw in Chandler. Currently, the bill includes none of that. 

We passed this one farm in Chandler 

Our legislators claim to care about the housing crisis in Arizona. But aren't they really just giving us more McMansions and seasonal water wasters?  Yep, a little knowledge can dampen a vacation. 

Well, it's good to be back home in Tucson - where, at least, we know how to conserve water. 

If you would like to push back against bad bills that weaken our already lax water regulations, check out Desktop Activist Tucson. 

Adventures in Spring Planting

Neighbors exchanging plants and knowledge at Garden District Plant Swap

I love Spring in Tucson. It's that time of year for plant sales and neighborhood plant exchanges. Fun!

Iskashitaa Plant Sale

Every year, I look forward to learning from fellow gardeners and discovering new drought tolerant plants - especially pretty pollinator plants for my rain garden. (Which, admittedly, has been looking pretty stark from the long stretch with so little rain.) Hand watering the new plants gives me an excuse to get out in my yard every morning to mingle with the birds and bunnies. 

While watering my new plants, I spotted this hummingbird!

It can be a challenge to find plants that will survive the harsh drought conditions (especially bad this year) and that won't be devoured by the critters. While I try to get growing conditions from the sellers, it is somewhat trial and error. Not so sustainable, I know. At least I am still able to use rainwater from one of our cisterns. 

This year I got some spiderwort and Arizona Foldwing at the Tucson Organic Gardeners Spring Plant Fair. From what I gleaned from growers, they should be drought tolerant. A quick google search confirmed that. But I also discovered that spiderwort would have preferred sandy soil. At least our basin drains well. 

While I was excited about my new plants; it wasn't particularly good timing. We were heading off on a short family vacation the day after I planted them. I took photos of the new arrivals so my friend Catherine could locate them to water them while we were away. She even brought rainwater from her own cistern! Thanks, Catherine! 

After a couple weeks, the Arizona Foldwing is doing great. Despite the unseasonably hot weather, it has grown several purple flowers! The google search confirmed, The Arizona Foldwing (Dicliptera Resupinata) thrives in full to partial sun conditions, with better performance and blooming in full sun, but it can also tolerate part shade.

I also purchased some dwarf tomato plants (to fit under the bird cage) in my backyard garden. Since we were locking the gate while we were away, we planted them around a tubular olla to keep them watered. 

Here they are with the bird cage to protect them from our resident squirrels. 

Note: they are currently thriving in that spot with daily watering. 

We heard from the growers that Spring is a good time to plant herbs. So we got some mint, basil, and thyme. While everyone says that mint will take over, that hasn't been our experience. For some reason, we can't keep it alive in our backyard. So here it goes in our toilet planter. 

In the past we have had good success planting basil under the birdcage in the shade of the palo verde tree. And the marjoram starter we got at a previous plant sale is thriving in this blue pot - even in this record heat. The high was 91 degrees yesterday! It burned my feet! 

 

Meanwhile, at the high end of our shallow basin...The agaves and aloe that I got from a plant swap, aren't loving our extreme weather - low of 40 degrees and recent highs of 95. The aloe should have never been planted in direct sun. Lesson learned: google before planting. 

 And, yes, it is past time to get some new mulch in the basin. "Chop & Drop" and "Leave the Leaves" (that the ants gathered up) isn't cutting it in this hot weather. 

And before y'all tell me to water those poor agaves, keep in mind that they have been suffering since the cold snap and Master Gardeners recommend that you don't water them during that time because cells will freeze.  (I am watering it now.)  

I don't want to give the impression that nothing survives in our basin. Here are some plants that I got at previous plant sales that have thrived despite record heat with very little water.

The Texas Ranger has hardly been watered at all and it is currently in bloom. 

But pull back to check out the prickly pear cactus. It was looking so wrinkled and droopy a week ago, that I finally gave it 3 watering cans of water. That gave it the strength to hold up those pads that are currently budding! 

The rosemary was looking a little crispy from the extended summer. So far I have given it a total of 3 watering cans of water.  

Even the native chiltepin needed some help to leaf out during this extreme weather. It got about five watering cans full.  Hoping to get some yummy chiltepin chilies this year. 

I was worried about the young ocotillo I got from Borderlands Nursery last year. But it has finally started to grow some leaves! 

Here's the real hero! The jujube that hasn't gotten any extra water besides what it gets from the basin, is budding nicely. 

 

So... I'm glad to say that the new plants in my yard are hanging in there during this extreme heat - with a little help from the rainwater that is still left in our biggest cistern. I won't lie; it's been a tough year. And the most important lesson I learned was to make sure I look up the best location for each plant to give them the best chance at survival. 

More information about our rain basins during happier times:

"Love my rain basin!" 

#lovemyrainbasin

Art and Science Flow Together on Tanque Verde Creek

I spent a lovely spring morning immersed in nature, creating land art at the Santa Cruz Watershed Collaborative Spring Forum in the dry Tanque Verde Creek. 

After morning introductions and a special water blessing by Chairman Nunez of the San Xavier District of the Tohono O'odham nation, forum participants (from various city and county departments and environmental organizations) broke into two groups: those participating in the riparian health assessment and those of us who wanted to play! That is, participate in a land art workshop. 

So the citizen scientists set off...

The first thing our teacher, Kimi Eisele, did was reassure us that whether our not we identified as artists, we WERE all artists.

"There is a long history of land art in which artists (usually male) make giant, permanent works that alter the landscape or our perception of it. Many of these works are successful at helping us see aspects of the environment different," Kimi shared. "I think another land art can be any kind of play or 'making' in a landscape—with words, movement, sculpture, drawing. Such practices are, to me, a conversation with the landscape and a collaboration with Mama Earth, the greatest artist of all! Any 'works' made in the landscape can be large or small and are usually temporary, as are the processes of nature."

Photo credit: Joaquin Murrieta Saldivar

"At Santa Cruz Watershed Collaborative’s spring forum, my goal was to invite participants into an improvisational conversation with the Tanque Verde creek bed, to notice patterns, lines, shapes, textures, and colors and respond in an active, creative way."

Our exploration in land art began with observing nature by gathering three objects that caught our eye in the dry river bed. We learned to see them in a new way by arranging them and other objects on black paper. 

We set off to explore, play and create "works" in the landscape large or small. I was blown away by the variety, creativity and thought that went into those works. 

Mead Mier, co-lead of the SCWC collaborative, captured the moment, "I loved Kimi Eisele’s Land Art activity because it was a full sensory way to connect with Tanque Verde Creek and deepen my observations. I asked to team up with my friend and colleague Kimberly Baeza from Pima County when I saw her grabbing branches from a flood debris pile and she said they were just asking to be held back up again."

When the citizen scientists returned, they were invited on a tour of the "exhibit" where each of the artists shared the inspiration and meaning of their pieces. 

"We were thinking... we wouldn't plan it all out strictly but adapt to where each piece was needed as we went. Some pieces were structural, others were back-up support, and others were the beauty that can be added on top of every step. I was compelled to add a medical herb that was one of the only lush understory around. Other plant fibers became functional by being warning flags on the branches that stuck out, beautiful colorful and textural chandelier-like components, and simultaneously symbolic of the love, time, and care we put into projects," explained Mead. 

A flowerlike sculpture that was about how personal growth ripples out to affect others. 

Some pieces were interpretations of the river.

Lisa Townsend was inspired by the structures called "bowers" that male bowerbirds construct to attract females.

This piece provided a cozy place for participants to lay down and gaze at nature's art above them - becoming part of the art. 

Another piece invited participants to become part of the art by laying down to look through the Y-shaped branches that directed the view toward the trees. 

After the tour, we all gathered together to witness plein air painting and enjoy storytelling by Pascua Yaqui artist and Tribal Liaison with Pima County Public Health Department, Marcelino Clemente Flores.

While Marcelino continued to paint, Tucson Water Director John Kmiec, discussed their Recycled Water Project.

I was really impressed how the organizers blended art and science for a memorable experience with place - inspiring us to work together to find innovative solutions for Santa Cruz Watershed Collaborative projects. Thanks to all the artists and citizen scientists for their contribution. 

----

Kimi Eisele is a writer, multidisciplinary artist, and folklorist in Tucson, Arizona. Her work seeks to illuminate connections among humans, plants, non-human animals, and landscapes. She is the author of The Lightest Object in the Universe (Algonquin Books, 2019), and her writing has appeared in Guernica, Longreads, Orion, High Country News, Terrain, and others. She is of BorderLore, the online publication of the Southwest Folklife Alliance, where she works as a folklorist, documenting expressive culture and curating public programs honoring diverse cosmologies, occupations, and cultural practices. Her upcoming project, Landing Place, in collaboration with Maxie Adler, amplifies plant and animal species in the heritage stretch of the Santa Cruz River and will be installed May 10, Santa Cruz River Day.

kimieisele.com

Information on the Advanced Water Purification System: 

https://arizona.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=cac6f09e-6808-46b0-9be2-b2bc01588600&start=0

Docs about Loving the Land, Water & Critters at the Arizona International Film Fest

https://www.filmfestivalarizona.com/index.php?pg=17

Sunday, April 6th, 3pm @ The Screening Room

127 E Congress, Tucson, AZ

Seed of Sovereignty AND Kanenon:we - Original Seed screenings (and Q&A)

Seed of Sovereignty: avisually stunning documentary on Mexico's escalating battle with the U.S. to defend its biodiversity, food sovereignty, and cultural heritage. At the conflict's core is a U.S. push to force Mexico to adopt GMO corn and industrial farming practices, which threaten the nation’s traditional agriculture and environmental health. The Mexican government and advocacy groups resist. The film challenges viewers to consider a country’s right to provide safe, nutritious food while preserving its environment and identity.

Director: Stuart J Tanner (U.S.) 

Kanenon:we - Original Seeds features three Haudenosaunee women: Angela Ferguson, Rebecca Webster and Rowen White, who are stepping back into their sacred responsibility as seed keepers. Today, Indigenous seed keepers are vigilantly protecting the biodiversity of seeds under threat of Agro-Chemical Giants that currently control over sixty percent of seeds worldwide. They honor the work of our ancestors by regenerating, rematriating and protecting sacred seeds offering a powerful view of what is possible in Indigenous communities working towards food sovereignty.

Director: Katsitsionni Fox (U.S)

https://aziff33.eventive.org/sch.../67d78d883743afad9162c42b

Tuesday, April 8th, 6:00pm at the Screening Room

127 E Congress, Tucson, AZ

The American Southwest

The American Southwest is a feature length blue chip natural history film narrated by indigenous environmentalist Quannah Chasinghorse. The movie journeys down the mighty Colorado River, examining the astonishing beauty and biodiversity of the region, while confronting the environmental impacts of colonization, river depletion, species loss, and the perilous fate of the river. The story is told through never-before-seen wildlife sequences such as beavers building wetlands, condors recovering from the brink, and the potential return of Jaguars to American soil. The film beautifully advocates for better management of the river and increased wildlife conservation efforts in the iconic Southwest.

The American Southwest is a love letter to a region that we deeply love... and it's much more than a film. We have an impact campaign with several conservation organizations to create long-lasting benefits for the Colorado River and wildlife in the American Southwest. First and foremost, the "Law of the River" is being renegotiated in 2026, and this film is boldly advocating for environmental flows, deconstructing harmful dams, and giving the Colorado the right to flow to the sea. Thank you for selecting The American Southwest.

Director: Ben Masters will be present for a Q & A. 

https://aziff33.eventive.org/schedule/67d78d883743afad9162c437

Short Docs

Sunday, April 13th, 1:00 PM @ The Screening Room
127 E Congress, Tucson, AZ

Children of Agave

In the agave fields of contemporary rural México, a new silhouette of masculinity takes shape. Work, fatherhood, and nature intertwine over the course of a workday with three men whose sensitivity and idiosyncrasies warmly depict the legendary craft of the jimador, challenging the stereotype of the Mexican macho. Through the hypnotic labor of agave harvesting and the shifting light of the day, we witness the threats looming over the artisanal work of these farmers, the deep respect these loving fathers have for their families, and the significance of freedom in reshaping the image of men in this society.

Director: Ivan Lopez-Barba (Mexico)

The Shot List

Two wildlife photographers document brown bears in Alaska’s Katmai National Park to tell the untold stories of these iconic yet deeply misunderstood animals.

Director: Aaron Baggenstos

Tarantula Land

A Texas brown tarantula navigates its changing landscape through touch and vibration in the grasslands of southern Colorado.

Director: Andrew Motte (U.S.)

https://aziff33.eventive.org/schedule/67da317269c09a04f1301fd7

Community comes out for Arcadia Wash Clean up

Dan and I have been anxiously waiting for rain to nourish our bone dry catchment basins. This time of year our cisterns and basins are usually filled to the brim by our Winter rains. Talk about bad timing! As dark clouds gathered on Valentines Day, we held off on emailing the reminder about our first neighborhood wash clean up scheduled for the next day. We had mixed feelings as we came out of The Loft Cinema to find puddles in the street. Our holiday dinner was delayed as we checked out the wash to see if it was full of water. Luckily, the little bit of rain had already sunk into the sandy floor.

 The Pinecrest Neighborhood Association's Arcadia Wash Cleanup was on! But would the rain dampen the spirit of the neighbors? Would anyone show up? 

We needn't have worried. At 9am a good sized group of neighbors, families from Desert Sky School (including Ward 6 city council candidate Charlie Verdin and son), and the Trashy Divas showed up eager to start picking up trash!

People grabbed tools and recycled trash bags at Desert Sky Community School. Thanks Tucson Clean and Beautiful for supplying the bags and tools and Desert Sky for providing a meeting place with water, snacks, and bathrooms. Also, thanks to Andrea, Jane and Dan for providing breakfast goodies and coffee. 

Then we broke into three groups to cover the different sections of wash from Fairmount to Speedway. After this group took off, another showed up. Thanks to our community (about 35 of you!) for showing up to make our neighborhood more beautiful and protect our water system from trash! 

I led the last group, that included Miranda Schubert who is running for city council for our ward (bending over to pick up some trash). Wow! This little group kept cleaning for 3 hours - all the way to Speedway! Charlie Verdin was there all day too.  In fact, Charlie was so impressed by Miranda's community spirit that he dropped out of the race and is now supporting Miranda's run. 

And it was a good thing too. There was plenty to pick up! 

The Trashy Divas showed us some mad skills on how to compact trash and use a plastic bottle to safely collect needles. 

People gathered at the water station at Bellevue to drop off full bags, pick up more bags, or take a much needed break. 

Not to mention, chat with neighbors and new friends! 

Greg and Dan got their wheelbarrows to carry trash from Bellevue to the city trash pickup location on Fairmount. The guy gabbing in the red shirt is my husband Dan Stormont, the Wash Adoption lead. Someone even recruited a young homeless man to help!

And boy, did they need the help. Look at all this trash we collected! Over 80 bags!

Thanks to everyone who helped to make Pinecrest Neighborhood's first cleanup a success!  It was definitely a community effort! That's what I call neighborhood spirit! 

You can find more information on what we are up to on our Pinecrest Neighborhood Facebook and Nextdoor pages, as well as our webpage. Our events are also posted on the bulletin board at Pinecrest Park. Keep a lookout for more information about our Potluck Brunch on March 8th.