AEF Saguaro Cactus Project

Saguaro Cactus Project

The Saguaro (scientific name Carnegiea gigantea) is a large,
tree-sized cactus species in the monotypic genus Carnegiea.
It is native to the Sonoran Desert in the U.S. state of Arizona,
the Mexican state of Sonora, a small part of Baja California in
the San Felipe Desert and an extremely small area of California,
U.S. The saguaro blossom is the State Wildflower of Arizona.

The Saguaro cactus called the “Grand One,” near Carefree, Arizona, and estimated to be more than 200 years old was burned in the Cave Creek Complex fire and may not survive. It was once the largest Saguaro in the world. The fire has burned more than 214,000 acres of the Sonoran Desert.

AEF Saguaro Cactus Project will allow the future leaders of our community “our children” will a play a vital role in helping to restore the amazing Saguaro cactus throughout Arizona. AEF will work with schools, young groups in the Adopt Saguaro Program. AEF is working with a local grower and will have hundreds of local 1 – 2 year old Saguaros for the project. AEF will be working with local, state, federal management agencies as well a private land orders via our “Conservation through Participation” program for planting locations.

Our kids will play a vital role in re-establishing the Saguaro cactus in areas heavily damaged by fires, poaching and lands altered by human activities.

This is a grass root project and with AEF’s success in the Sierra/Nevada – Jeffrey Pine Project and the California Central Coast – Coast Live Oak Project we know this will be a very successful project.

AEF is always looking for project partners, volunteers, and project support so we would love to hear from you.

AEF Saguaro Cactus Project info:
Richard Van Dyke
888 USA-GREEN  or  888 872-4733
rvandyke@usagreeen.org

Help Support this Project.

Every LED Dog Collar and Leash we sell helps plant a Saguaro Cactus

List of Local Tucson Stores Carrying LED Collars and Leashes

 

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Water Drought – The World Agricultural Expo.

The World Agricultural Expo.

The largest Farm Equipment show in the world this week was a window into the frantic struggle to fight the devastating effects of the drought, and how to improve water irrigation efficiency and achieve better crop yields in the coming growing seasons.

Comments coming from those attending focused on growers looking for more efficient irrigation practices to minimize irrigation waste, and boost crop yields and quality.

California’s $45 billion agriculture sector consumes some 80% of the states water supply.
The need to use available water sources more efficiently has driven greater interest in Drip-Irrigation in areas using other irrigation methods.

California has much room to improve, according to Claire O’Connor of the Natural Resources Defense Council. Data shows that more than half of the state 7.3 irrigated acres rely on water-intensive “flood irrigation” which uses 35% more water than even basic sprinkler irrigation.

Growers need to be thinking long-term, about what kind of irrigation equipment they will need to invest in. The amount of water needed to grow 1 stalk lettuce is 1.5 gallons, where the amount to produce a patty of beef could be as much as 616 gallons.

California drought a ‘train wreck’ for Central Valley farms

Water experts say many farmers who depend on the huge water source beneath the valley for irrigation will have to resort to pumping water from ever deeper levels at greater costs, even as they plant crops on fewer and fewer acres.

David Perlman San Francisco Chronicle  Feb. 10, 2014

California Drought – Not Good News

The World Agricultural Expo.

The largest Farm Equipment show in the world this week was a window into the frantic struggle to fight the devastating effects of the drought, and how to improve water irrigation efficiency and achieve better crop yields in the coming growing seasons.

Comments coming from those attending focused on growers looking for more efficient irrigation practices to minimize irrigation waste, and boost crop yields and quality.

California’s $45 billion agriculture sector consumes some 80% of the states water supply.

The need to use available water sources more efficiently has driven greater interest in Drip-Irrigation in areas using other irrigation methods.

California has much room to improve, according to Claire O’Connor of the Natural Resources Defense Council. Data shows that more than half of the state 7.3 irrigated acres rely on water-intensive “flood irrigation” which uses 35% more water than even basic sprinkler irrigation.

Growers need to be thinking long-term, about what kind of irrigation equipment they will need to invest in. The amount of water needed to grow 1 stalk lettuce is 1.5 gallons, where the amount to produce a patty of beef could be as much as 616 gallons. – Tulare, California Feb. 11, 2014

California drought a ‘train wreck’ for Central Valley farms

Water experts say many farmers who depend on the huge water source beneath the valley for irrigation will have to resort to pumping water from ever deeper levels at greater costs, even as they plant crops on fewer and fewer acres.

David Perlman San Francisco Chronicle  Feb. 10, 2014

Critter Joe’s Plant Trees!

The American Evergreen Foundation has teamed with Critter Joe’s who offers online pet products and supplies. The plan is simple as can be; Critter Joe’s is matching AEF on every online sale with the goal to plant a tree with ever purchase. Raising funds for important environmental projects is very challenging in a world where the environment is taken for granted.  AEF’s Conservation through Participation projects brings people and communities together with projects that educate and at the same time, in this case plants trees which we all benefit from.

The team at AEF wants to thank and welcome Critter Joe’s Pet World and look forward to building a strong and long lasting relationship.

AEF looking for a few Vechicle Donations for Projects

Everything helps and with up coming tree planting projects The American Evergreen Foundation (AEF) is reaching out looking for a donation of a trailer, RV, camper to aid for on site projects. AEF Conservation through Participation programs from time to time seek out equipment, vehicles, etc., to aid projects. Anytime we receive a vehicle donation it’s a big step forward for AEF who is a 100% volunteer staff and crew. We utilize all we can get and in this case we need to establish a mobile project unit, as well as seeking out a few support vehicles.

We make all vehicle donations as simple as possible and cover the cost of a independent appraiser so the donor has all documentation for a tax deduction.

To learn more about donating a vehicle or other equipment in support of conservation programs visit American Evergreen Foundation Donation Programs

Protect Lake Tahoe

Protect Lake Tahoe

Support Senate Bill 229 in the Nevada legislature

SB 229 – Repeals the provisions of Senate Bill No. 271 of the 2011 Session.

• This bill repeals SB 271, which withdraws Nevada  from the Tahoe Regional Planning Compact.
• The stated goals of SB 271 have been accomplished as a new TPRA regional plan has been passed.
• Repealing this legislation will recommit Nevada to ensuring the protection of one of Nevada’s and the nation’s greatest treasures.

Action you can take:

Leave a comment with your representative in the Assembly

By phone you can call one of these general number to connect to your representative

From Northern Nevada 775-684-6800; 775-684-6789

From Southern Nevada 1-702-486-2626

Toll Free 1-800-978-2878; 1-800-995-9080; 1-800-992-0973

If you don’t know are your representatives to go Who’s My Legislator?

Or, Use the online comment page here

For more information – Nevada Conservation League Education Fund

Plant a Tree and help our World

Why Plant Trees?

Trees have always been a key symbol of the environmental movement and there are many like-minded organisations devoting considerable time and energy to planting trees. However, a valid question to pose to any tree planting organisation is why dedicate time and resources to plant trees? Some reasons to justify this are obvious, some not so. Below are some key factors that attempt to show trees are more than a token symbol of environmentalism, they are in fact key components to global ecosystems.

 Carbon sequestration

Trees act as natural filters of our air. Through the process of photosynthesis trees absorb carbon dioxide (a key greenhouse gas and principle contributor to global warming) from the atmosphere and store the carbon in their trunk, branches, leaves, roots, soil and foliage, while releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. The debate about the use of trees for climate change mitigation has been somewhat heated over recent times, however there is a solid consensus emerging from sound scientific studies that under certain conditions trees do provide a viable means for the net removal of CO₂ from the atmosphere.

Trees Produce Oxygen

A fundamental requirement for all animals is a supply of oxygen. Through the process of photosynthesis, trees and other vegetation supply us with this vital gas. One mature tree produces enough oxygen for 10 people to inhale in a year.

Trees improve biodiversity and provide habitat for wildlife

Up to 90% of all terrestrial animals live in association with forest habitats. In simple terms, the less trees the less viable habitat for many species. This will ultimately lead to species extinction, first locally and in many cases globally. Through the restoration of native forest you are providing new or improved habitat for a number of animal species that rely on forests for food and shelter. The animal diversity not only improves in areas that have undergone restoration; plant life equally benefits. Once a framework of tree species is established nature takes over and many additional plant and tree species will regenerate naturally through actions such as seed dispersal facilitated by the increased presence of birds and mammals.

Soil erosion

The removal of trees from the landscape can have disastrous repercussions in terms of making such areas more prone to landslide. Erosion control most frequently involves the planting of tree, shrub or grass species. The roots of the vegetation bind the soil and prevent erosion.

 Water conservation

The instance of flash flooding has been shown to be reduced by the presence of forests. Also in areas prone to drought the addition of trees to the landscape can aid in the conservation of precious water resources. Trees slow down water runoff after periods of heavy rainfalls and help to recharge underground water-holding aquifers.

 We plant trees so if you do not have the time we are happy to plants trees in your name, company, family name we are happy to get the job done. Learn how you can help  

Why Volunteer?

There are many benefits to volunteering in the community! Here are just a few: 

Build Your Skills and Your Resume
Community work is a great way to build your resume and your skills. When you volunteer, you’ll have the guidance of employees who are specialists in their fields.

Develop a Career Network
Networking is an incredibly important part of searching for jobs and building careers. Community involvement is one of the best ways to make connections and foster relationships that do just that. Not only will you build a network, many students who volunteer at an organization are offered permanent positions after graduation.

Enhance Your Education
One of the best ways to learn is through experience. What better way to gain experience than to work at an organization hand-picked to fit your needs and interests? Many educational experiences can’t be taught in a classroom.

Create Positive Change in Your Community
Nonprofit organizations are the driving force behind social change. Everything from local, grassroots activism to international politics requires the efforts of nonprofit organizations. And nonprofits can’t function without the energy and input of volunteers like you.

Be a Part of Your Community
Community involvement is one of the best ways to feel connected to your community. By the simple gesture of offering your skills and enthusiasm, you will positively impact other lives, as well as your own.

Now get out there a make a difference
Check the internet for a local group that needs your knowledge, and people power for important projects. Make it a point to at the least volunteer one time a year or more.