Landscape Strategic Plan Committee Update #2
Article submission by Kim Dwyer and Susan Roden
The Landscape Strategic Plan (LSP) Team is pleased to update Residents on our activities in June. This article follows up on the information shared in theJune newsletter. Briefly, we have been coming together as a team, being educated on principles for enhancing the local habitat for native birds/wildlife, the importance of the “right plant in the right place” (as many of us have learned in our own yards), assessing information about our current irrigation/plant palette and kicking off the design conceptualization for our 3 main parks (Grandview/Lava Falls, Bright Angel and the Saguaro Center Event Space). Please read further to learn more about what the LSP is doing!
On May 26th, a subset of the team went for a mini hike in the Tortolita Preserve with the Wilder Landscape staff in order to learn more about the native plants, the animals that live amongst these plants and how we might be able to incorporate the native environment into our future landscape plans. Additionally, some of us have been reading Bringing Nature Home: How you can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants by Douglas W. Tallamy.
In June we met twice, on June 4th and June 16th.
June 4th Meeting (on-line)
In our June 4th online meeting, we were able to review some of the key principles from the excellent reference book by Douglas Tallamy who explains why native plants lead to native wildlife. Many of us love bird watching in our yards. Our desert birds need native insects, lizards, etc. to eat and feed their young. Native insects need native plants so they may live. When humans develop land, the native vegetation/habitats are often converted to more manicured designs that include non-native/exotic plants. Such exotic plants do not support wildlife/are inedible to insects, which are the base of the food chain. With the loss of food/habitat, significant declines in wildlife populations have been observed. Check out the article published in the journal Science by Cornell University, which estimated a 29% decline in bird population over the last 50 years Nearly 3 Billion Birds Gone | Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. One doesn’t need to be a member of the Audubon Society to appreciate the role of native plants in this essential circle of life.
We reviewed the existing plant “palette” in our Common Areas. “Palette” meaning which trees, shrubs, and succulents we have and what is the mix
between native vs. exotic plants. Currently in our common areas, by number, 60% of our trees are native, 55% of shrubs are native and 26% of our succulents are native; thus, some room to improve. For the future, Wilder recommends that the right plant, in the right place is key and ought to consider such factors as soil, temperature/exposure, space constraints, regulations (like visibility for safety at corners), aesthetics and ecological benefits. One example: while we humans may not like thorns (Ouch!), just one thorny shrub left untrimmed in anoutof-the-way place can be a welcoming habitat for our native birds. Wilder also educated us on some new (to our Common Areas) native plants to consider, including in our future plant palette to enhance our Common Areas for the Residents and the native animals.
Lastly, we were asked to individually develop Team “Guiding Principles”, which will help guide team decision making.
June 16th Meeting (in person at Saguaro Center)
We reviewed the draft Guiding Principles submitted by all team members, which the Wilder Group had consolidated into over-arching themes. We look forward to sharing the final Guiding Principles in the August newsletter.
The main focus of this meeting was to kick off conceptual designs for the three main parks: Grandview/Lava Falls, Bright Angel and the Saguaro Center event space. Wilder shared a lot of inspirational images to encourage discussion. Wealso used the data from the ILC August 2022 Report to help ensure the LSP incorporates the valuable Resident feedback. Some of the key takeaways from our discussion included: a desire to “stack functions” so that a given Common Area can be used for more than one activity/function (hopefully making such space more valued); considering incorporating shade features (trees/structures) that we also need to maintain the gorgeous views; the designs need to preserve our property values; thoughtful design concepts can actually reduce maintenance cost/make our landscape maintenance dollars go farther (pretty key in a world of increasing labor costs!); and importantly, Wilder listened carefully to hear which inspirational images resonated and why.
Overall, the LSP team is really starting to come together as a group, and we are learning a lot from the Wilder team. We are now starting to dive into the “meat” of the project and will provide updates in forthcoming newsletters.
__________________________________________________________________________
Dove Mountain News
Compliance Corner
Article submission by Andrea Broadhead, Compliance Coordinator
During my inspections, I have noticed some landscape issues occurring that you may not be aware of. One issue is Desert Broom. Desert Broom is an invasive and opportunistic weed that has taken over the Southwest. Desert Broom can be easily be mistaken for an ornamental shrub. This invasive weed seeds itself into other plants and over crowds the plant in which it seeds, eventually overtaking and killing the plant. Desert Broom then produces countless cottony seed mounds which highly affects allergies but also allows the plant to seed into other plants in the area. The best way to rid of Desert Broom is to pull it out of the ground by the roots while it is still small in size. You should not trim Desert Broom as it will come back and become increasingly difficult to rid of. Any root that is left in the ground will regenerate another plant.
Another issue that I have noticed is infected or over/under irrigated Agave. When your Agave is drooping, that is an indication of an issue. The Agave may have an irrigation issue that it is not receiving enough water or too much water. The Agave may also be infested with Scale Insects, Snot Weevils or Leaf-footed Plant Bugs. When infected with Leaf-footed Plant Bugs, they pierce the flesh of the agave and leave light yellow scars. If caught soon enough the agave can be treated and make a full recovery. It is best to address the issue when it is in the beginning signs of drooping.
Yard of the Month Winner
Congratulations to Mark Hynes & Kelly Corbin as July’s Yard of the Month Winner!
To nominate a home, or serve as a volunteer judge for one month, simply contact Andrea Broadhead via email at abroadhead@associatedasset.com
Dove Mountain News __________________________________________________________________________
Healthy Bites
Submission by resident Diane Lewis
Summer is in full swing now and temps are on the rise. Perhaps you have taken vacation or have it on your list for the near future. Whatever your plans, I hope you have a safe, fun and relaxing month. This month’s article is about that weird looking vegetable that makes your pee smell funny but is a nutritional powerhouse and culinary delight. But you might ask, what could possibly be in asparagus that is so good for you and what benefits does it provide? How do you select the best spears, and how do you store them for maximum flavor and nutrition? Well, it just so happens I have some answers for you. So here we go…
There are actually three varieties of asparagus. Green is the most common and is grown in sunlight where the spears poke out of the soil and produce chlorophyll which gives them the green color. The white variety is grown in darkness under mounds of dirt or black plastic. Then we have the purple asparagus. It is a genetic variety that was developed in Italy. You won’t see this or the white variety in the U.S. nearly as much as the green.
The benefits are well worth noting. All varieties pack a list of vitamins and minerals and contain fiber and even a bit of protein. Research has shown they help in gut health, cardiac health, liver and kidney function, eye health, cancer treatments involving chemo and skin health.
Now we know that asparagus is good for us but how do we select the best spears? You want to check to make sure the spears are firm to the touch and not bendable. Tips should be closed tightly and have a dark green or purple tinged color that indicates quality. If the spears are slimy, bendable, dry or yellowish in color they should be in the trash not on the produce shelf. The smaller the spear, the more tender and sweeter they will be. Bigger or thicker will have a stronger taste and will be meatier.
So now you have picked out your prized asparagus spears and you need to know how to keep them fresh once you get home. First, cut off about an inch at the bottom of the spears and put them in a cup or jar with an inch of purified water. Cover the tops with a plastic baggie. Keep in the refrigerator and change the water when it becomes cloudy. This process will help to keep it fresh but not forever, so you will want to prepare them within the next few days.
Asparagus can be consumed raw, sautéed, grilled, broiled and mixed into casseroles, salads and all kinds of delectable dishes.
Here’s an easy and tasty Creamy Lemon and Asparagus Pasta dish that I made to go with grilled chicken breasts. Add some fresh fruit, and it makes a great summer dinner.
Dove Mountain News __________________________________________________________________________
Dove Mountain News
Try Hitting to Their Feet
Do aggressive serve-and-volleyers intimidate you when playing doubles? Are you having a difficult time passing your opponent as he or she rushes the net? If so, try hitting to one of the most effective targets - down the middle at the net-rusher's feet.
Instead of going for a low-percentage, angled passing shot all of the time, mix it up by hitting to your opponent's feet as he or she is running toward the net. For one, you will be hitting over the lowest part of the net. Also, your opponent will have a tough time hitting an offensive volley or halfvolley from below knee level.
Don't be afraid to go for the lower-percentage, angled passing shots when you are confident. But remember, it's the shot hit to the net-rusher's feet that might give him or her more problems — and give you the point.
Dove Mountain News __________________________________________________________________________
Dove Mountain News __________________________________________________________________________
Pet Owner Reminder Submission provided by concerned resident
Just a reminder photo sent from one of our many animal lovers in the community that the outdoor temperatures can be too much for pets.
Please keep this in mind when considering whether and when to walk your pets outside.
Trash Pickup Notices
Independence Day Change
Trash pickup is delayed until Wednesday, July 5.
Bulk Trash Service
July 21 6am - 6pm
To receive bulk service, customers MUST schedule pick up by calling Waste Connections of Arizona at 520.881.4227 no later than noon the Thursday before service. Without scheduling directly with Waste Connections of AZ, they will not service your bulk placement. TO ensure bulk pick-up, customers will need to make sure all materials are set out properly and placed curbside prior to 6am on day of collection. Materials will be collected by 6pm on the assigned day.
For more information, please visit their site at: WCofAZ.com
The NEW Art Gallery wall is up!
Stop by the center to view artwork:
- Nick Bozovich’s beautiful wooden charcuterie boards
- Beth Johnson’s creative cigar boxes, journals and greeting cards
- Sherrie Hohnke’s lovely jewelry, decorative plates and holiday wine bottle cozies
- Kathy Weaver’s vibrant acrylic paintings and painted cactus rock art
All purchases should be arranged directly with the artist. Contact information and prices are provided.
Dove Mountain News __________________________________________________________________________
RedCrossBlood.org
Dove Mountain News __________________________________________________________________________ Get a quote
Dove Mountain News __________________________________________________________________________
mariapowellrealtor.com mariapowellrealtor.com
Saguaro Center Hours: 6am to 7:30pm Monday – Friday | 7am to 5pm Saturday & Sunday
Del Webb at Dove Mountain Community Association
Managed By: Associated Asset Management, LLC
Billing Questions: (866) 516-7424 | Monday- Friday | 8:30am - 5pm
Our DWDM Management Team
As you can imagine, it takes a team effort to manage the day-to-day operations at DWDM. Here is a brief description of our management team members’ responsibilities so you know who to contact with any questions or concerns:
Karen Matthews Community Manager
Liaison to Board of Directors, Finance, Infrastructure Landscape, Election and Communication Committees. Common area and landscaping issues, questions regarding association budget and monthly financial reporting, operational procedures, liquor license compliance, website updates and e-blast communications, staff and employment opportunities.
karen.matthews@associatedasset.com
520-485-0200
Barb Truman Lifestyle Director
Liaison to Communications, Pool Advisory and Social Event Committees. Rental and room reservations, interest groups, lifestyle events, happy hours and guest speaker presentations and notary services. Sponsor advertising, community newsletter, e-blasts, website and reservation system development. Also, fitness program, personal training and fitness facility oversight.
btruman@associatedasset.com
520-485-0202
Liaison to Infrastructure Landscape Committee, building logistics, janitorial concerns, general repair, supply inventory and maintenance of the Saguaro Center, pool, spa, sports courts and water feature. Also, assists Community Manager with bid procurement and maintenance/repair supervision.
rshaner@associatedasset.com
Liaison to Architectural Review Committee. Architectural submittals, Design Guidelines, governing document questions, CC&Rs enforcement and compliance concerns, age verification.
abroadhead@associatedasset.com
520-485-3332
Resident check-in, guest reservations, new homeowner orientation, transaction reporting, event assistance, bartending, website concerns, sales and building monitors. They also assist with questions for management.
520-485-0201
866-553-8290
Saguaro Center Hours:
Randall Shaner Maintenance Technician
9
Monday
Friday
Common
Emergencies
6am to 7:30pm
–
| 7am to 5pm Saturday & Sunday AAM After Hours for
Area
Andrea Broadhead Community Standards Coordinator
Cyd, Jim, Kathleen, Lloydene, Mich, Pat, Tika, Wendy Welcome Desk Staff
