Join the City of Tempe Sustainability team and Watershed Management Group for an impactful series of workshops to learn how you can create your ideal desert landscapes while harvesting rainwater. You’ll gain insight on how nature based solutions can help cool your home and neighborhood, and be inspired by visits to project sites in Tempe. Classes are free to attend!
- Saturday, October 3rd, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Passive and Active Rainwater Harvesting: Learn about the concepts and the skills needed to start building a rainwater harvesting system at home! We will teach you best practices for passive rainwater harvesting (basins) and active rainwater harvesting (cisterns). Learn how to save water while creating a rainwater-sustained native landscape. Location: EnVision Center, 1310 E Apache Blvd, Tempe
- Saturday, October 31st, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Building Healthy Desert Soils: By integrating the use of typical waste streams such as greywater, stormwater, plant trimmings, compost, and more, you can bring desert soils to life. By the end of this class, you will have the skills necessary to effectively transform typical wastes into building soil health and promote a productive urban landscape. Location: Escalante Center, 2150 E. Orange St, Tempe
- Saturday, December 5th, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Rain Garden Care: In this class you will learn about selecting low-water-use native plants that build wildlife habitat, shade your home, and create an appealing landscape for your yard. Whether you’re looking for the best trees and plants to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, bloom bright with color, or cool off your home with shade, we've got you covered. Location: YMCA, 7070 S. Rural Rd, Tempe
- Saturday, January 16th, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Introduction to Greywater: Your washing machine, shower, bathroom sink, and bathtub can be a consistent source of greywater irrigation for high water use plants in your landscape like food producing trees and shrubs. Learn how to tap into these resources to help support your landscape and hydro-local living. Location: Elias-Rodriguez House, 927 E. Eighth St, Tempe
- Saturday, February 20th, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Sustainable Desert Living for Renters: Think sustainable living isn’t possible as a renter? Join us for a renter-specific workshop that will introduce you to simple, practical ways to live more sustainably, no matter where you live. Learn how to grow native plants in small spaces, reduce your water usage with simple tricks, reduce plastic in your day-to-day life, and so much more. Through hands-on demos and honest conversations, we’ll re-frame sustainable living as something accessible to everyone. Location: Elias-Rodriguez House, 927 E. Eighth St, Tempe
- Saturday, March 27th, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Cultivating Native Edible Landscapes: Whether you're a seasoned forager, a curious beginner, or someone interested in deepening your connection to the local landscape, this class offers an engaging and informative experience. Participants will explore what “native edible” means from ecological, regional, and cultural perspectives, gaining insight into how these plants have been traditionally used and their role in supporting healthy ecosystems. We will review a variety of native edible species, discussing their identifying features, ideal growing conditions, and sustainable harvesting practices. You’ll also learn what’s currently in season for harvesting and what to anticipate in the months ahead, equipping you with the knowledge to forage responsibly and appreciate the rich abundance of native foods throughout the year. Location: EnVision Center, 1310 E Apache Blvd, Tempe
Registration is required for each participant, as classes have limited spots. Questions? Email
Helene_Tack@tempe.gov