Conservation Corner

Earth Day - Going Strong in Dobson Ranch after 53 Years!

By Kathrine Blomquist, Water and Lake Management Committee Member

For the first time, the Dobson Ranch Spring Expo was held on Earth Day, April 22, and the morning did not disappoint. The weather was perfect, a wide variety of conservation products and services were showcased, and thousands of ladybugs found new homes in the community. Brought to you by the Water and Lake Management Committee, the annual event helps all residents explore different options to incorporate on their conservation journey, such as reducing outdoor and indoor water use and recycling.

Included in this year's Expo was a collection bin for Electronic Waste, thanks to a partnership with AZStRUT (Arizona Students Recycling Used Technology). Way to go, residents! You dropped off a total of 1,694 pounds of e-waste, an amount “above average” for a three-hour timeframe. If you were unable to drop off your e-waste, you can take it to the AZStRUT facility between 9:00 am - 1:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays (1720 W. Broadway Road, Mesa 85202) or to a local Batteries Plus location. Please check out azstrut.org or call 480-222-4066 for up-to-date information.

Were you able to visit Dobson Ranch’s Xeriscape Demonstration Garden and Memorial Rose Garden on Earth Day? If not, good news - these gardens are available year-round so stop by and enjoy these often overlooked amenities.

What do Adrienne A., Alicia G., and Cyd R. have in common? They were this years' raffle prize winners. Their completed “bingo cards,” along with 14 other lucky winners, were randomly selected at the end of the event. Thanks to all the vendors for donating the generous prizes!

The Water and Lake Management Committee thanks all the residents that attended the 5th Annual Spring Expo and celebrated Earth Day’s 53rd Anniversary.

Thank you to the Dobson Ranch Recreation staff for helping to set up the event stage and many thanks are also extended to the event sponsors and vendors. The ongoing community support and partnerships ensure the success of the Spring Expo! #DobsonConservation

2023 Spring Expo Vendors and Sponsors

A&P Nursery

City of Mesa - Environmental Mgmt & Sustainability Dept. Dance 101

Deep Drip Watering Stakes

Dobson Ranch Administration

Dobson Ranch Library

Dobson Ranch Retirees’ Club

DR Water & Lake Mgmt. Committee

GraPHXsignz

Herbal Jules

La Casita Preschool - Ms. Jessi

Mesa Recycles

Rosarians Mike Jepsen and Steve Sheard

Solar Safe Pool Covers

SRP

SummerWinds Nursery

Trees Matter

University of AZ Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners

Vice Mayor Heredia's Office

Gardens in the Ranch

Xeriscape Demonstration Garden

2451 W. Kiowa Avenue

What was once a tennis court and then a community garden, Dobson Ranch’s Xeriscape Demonstration Garden showcases a variety of low-water-use plants, trees and shrubs.

Memorial Rose Garden

South of 2025 S. Dobson Road (north of the Dobson Ranch Professional Center). The rose garden is home to approximately 175 rose bushes.