Current Phoenix Weather:
advertisement
21 August 2023
In the heart of the scorching Arizona desert, Phoenix is leading a transformative charge to create safe and environmentally conscious networks known as cool corridors. These innovative pathways are reshaping the urban landscape and bringing respite from the unforgiving desert heat. As part of its pioneering Climate Action Plan Framework, the city’s Cool Corridors Program is a testament to its commitment to sustainability, urban planning, and community well-being.
Phoenix’s vision for cool corridors is part of a multifaceted climate strategy to facilitate safe movement within its communities. These corridors, spanning from residential neighborhoods to bustling city centers, are a crucial component of the city’s mission to combat rising temperatures and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
The Cool Corridors Program, spearheaded by the Street Transportation Department, was launched in 2022 with a resounding commitment. A budget of $1.4 million was allocated to support planting an impressive 1,800 new trees (totaling up to 200 per mile) across various project areas citywide.
This ambitious endeavor is not simply about planting trees. Phoenix has partnered with Arizona State University and other key stakeholders to infuse the Cool Corridors Program with cutting-edge research, meticulous prioritization, and ongoing assessment. This strategic approach ensures that every tree planted contributes not only to shade but also to the community’s overall well-being.
Cool Corridors aren’t just pathways shaded by trees but a comprehensive strategy encompassing education and community outreach. These corridors, ranging from a quarter-mile to a half-mile, are thoughtfully designed to offer pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users a safe passage and relief from the blistering heat of the desert landscape.
By intertwining natural and engineered shade with other temperature-lowering design features, Phoenix’s Cool Corridors blend innovative thinking and collaborative efforts. Public and private partnerships are the bedrock of this strategy, highlighting the city’s commitment to fostering a holistic and sustainable urban ecosystem.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Cool Corridors Program is the emphasis on placing the right tree in the right place. The Street Transportation Department meticulously analyzes city-owned right-of-ways that allow for irrigation, ensuring the trees have the optimal conditions to thrive. This approach isn’t just about planting trees; it’s about strategically selecting locations that maximize the benefits for people in the area.
Considerations include areas where more shade would encourage foot traffic, spots where scarcity of parking could be mitigated by inviting walks and bike rides, locations that could benefit from additional shade to attract customers, and even areas around schools to shield kids from the searing heat during their daily commutes.
In April of 2022, volunteers gathered to plant a remarkable 259 trees along Baseline Road at Cesar Chavez Park in a poignant display of community involvement. This landmark event marked the inception of the city’s first official Cool Corridor, a testament to the city’s commitment to transforming urban spaces into havens of shade and respite. Elm, Ash, Sissoo, and Chinese Pistache trees were planted—varieties chosen for their drought resilience and alignment with the local ecosystem.
The Cool Corridors Program is more than just trees; it’s a testament to Phoenix’s dedication to a sustainable future. Through innovation, research, and community engagement, these corridors stand as symbols of progress, offering a cooler path and a brighter and greener tomorrow for Phoenix and its residents.
advertisement
When you think about Arizona, there is no denying you’ll also think about cactus. Not only is it the state flower of the blossom of a Saguaro Cactus, but it’s also illegal to destroy or vandalize a Saguaro Cactus in Arizona. But beyond cactus ‘s resilience in the harsh desert landscape, did you know this spiny plant is also packed with health benefits? From cactus fruit to cactus pads (called nopales), the versatile cactus has been a staple in indigenous diets for thousands of years. It is now gaining attention for its impressive nutritional properties. advertisement What Is Cactus Fruit?
The Bureau of Land Management has announced a $2.4 million investment from the Investing in America agenda. This initiative will support a cultural landscape study and predictive model for public lands in California and Arizona. The study aims to assess the impact of renewable energy development on Tribal ancestral lands as well as other significant landscapes in the Colorado River Basin, helping to improve the responsible siting and processing of renewable energy right-of-way applications. advertisement Renewable Energy Meets Ancestral Grounds As the world shifts toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, the United States has emerged at the forefront of renewable
Arizona is a state brimming with wild-west history, and one of its most celebrated traditions is the rodeo! Rodeos in Arizona provide a dynamic glimpse into this storied past, blending rugged cowboy skills with the high-octane energy of modern competition. advertisement Arizona Rodeo History Rodeo in Arizona traces its roots back to the late 1800s, reflecting the challenges and lifestyles of early cattle ranchers and cowboys. In Arizona, ranch hands faced the daily grind of herding cattle, breaking wild horses, and wrangling in the intense desert environment. Born out of necessity, the Rodeo was a way for these cowboys to
Arizona’s history is rich with tales of pioneers, miners, ranchers, and outlaws, but none are as infamous as the Cochise County Cowboys. These figures became synonymous with lawlessness in the late 1800s, and their stories spread far beyond the state’s borders. But what exactly made these cowboys so notorious? advertisement The Wild West Era and the Birth of Tombstone In the 1870s, the area that would become Tombstone, Arizona, was a barren stretch of land, home only to a few scattered settlements. But the town exploded when Ed Schieffelin, a prospector, discovered silver in the Tombstone Hills. By 1880, Tombstone
advertisement
Cookie | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |