August 28: Update on Restoring the Santa Cruz River Flow in Tucson
Speaker: Tim Thomure, Director of Tucson Water
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Location: Sol Resnick Conference Rm., 350 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson
In 2016, the City of Tucson initiated a discussion about using reclaimed water to restore perennial flow to a portion of the Santa Cruz River near downtown Tucson. This action would support riparian habitat in the urban core, improve long-term water management in the region, and stimulate economic activity. The concept has been well received by a multitude of stakeholders and Tucson Water has started to bring the vision to reality. In May 2019, perennial flow will return to the Santa Cruz River near Tucson’s birthplace, and a new era of water management will begin. Tim Thomure will provide an update on the project, discuss the challenges that lie ahead, and advise attendees about what they can do to support the Santa Cruz River Heritage Project.
September 4: The Art of Building a Citizen Science Program
Speaker: Meghan Smart, Environmental Scientist III, ADEQ/Citizen Science
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Location: Sol Resnick Conference Rm., 350 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson
Arizona Water Watch (AWW), a new citizen science program offered through ADEQ, is designed to train volunteers to collect credible scientific data on streams and lakes in Arizona. The program uses innovative ideas like visually friendly forms, hand-stitched cloth streams for teaching, micro video lessons, and crowd-sourcing data techniques to reach many levels of volunteers. This presentation will discuss the fundamentals of building a citizen science-based program, discuss lessons learned, and highlight some of the amazing work Arizona’s citizen scientists are doing to aid in the protection of our water bodies.
Fall Brown Bags
September 18: Courtney Crosson, Assistant Professor, UA CAPLA, Innovating the Urban Water System
September 27: Susanna Eden, Assistant Director, UA WRRC, Irrigated Agriculture in Arizona
November 8: Chase Saraiva, Head Brewer, Wilderness Brewing Co., Sustainability and Beer