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City reports invasive‑species mapping, school garden work and new resilience pilot programs
Summary
Staff described an invasive‑species audit of municipal properties, distribution of identification cards for staff and partners, West Sedona School garden revitalization and pilot resiliency programs including HEPA filters and a portable air‑conditioner loan program.
Sustainability staff told the council about ongoing natural‑systems work: an invasive‑species audit of city properties, outreach and training, a school garden revitalization and several pilot resilience programs.
Anna (sustainability staff) said the office partnered with Oak Creek Watershed Council to map invasive species on municipal properties using GIS. Oak Creek volunteers cataloged locations and photographic evidence and staff attended an invasive‑species and integrated pest management training held by the University of Arizona. Anna said the office has produced identification cards intended for maintenance crews, volunteers and residents; the cards include descriptions, reasons for concern and removal techniques that avoid pesticides.
Staff also described a West Sedona School garden revitalization project led in part by an AmeriCorps member and volunteer partners. The project included irrigation repairs, mulching and donated materials from local businesses and nonprofits to create an extended learning space.
On resilience, staff said the city is planning two pilot programs to address wildfire smoke and extreme‑heat impacts: a HEPA air‑filter distribution program for households affected during smoke events, and a portable air‑conditioner loan program to offer temporary cooling if home systems fail during heat events. Staff also highlighted community education workshops on emergency preparedness, defensible‑space and sustainable food options; an earlier volunteer expo connected 39 nonprofits and yielded volunteer sign‑ups.
Councilors praised the identification cards and asked about making them available for sale or distribution; staff said they would consider production and community distribution options if the grant funding for invasive removal is awarded. Anna said the team has applied for a multi‑year invasive‑species removal grant to fund municipal and private property work if awarded.
Staff requested time to return with grant outcomes and recommended next steps for invasive‑species removal and resiliency pilots.
