Delivering native plants and creating urban habitat in Southeast Arizona communities most impacted by urban heat
The Habitat on Wheels project started as an idea 3 years ago to create a “native plant food truck’ that would deliver free native plants to communities most impacted by urban heat while increasing urban habitat for birds and pollinators. Thanks to funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program grant and generous donor support, that idea has come to fruition.
PARTNERS
- City of Tucson Million Trees Initiative
- City of Tucson Storm 2 Shade Program
- City of Tucson Parks and Recreation
- Pima County Natural Resources, Parks, and Recreation
- Pima County Public Libraries
Westgate Garden Design is the official sponsor of the Habitat at Home program and the Habitat on Wheels project for 2024. Thank you Westgate!
PROJECT GOALS AND ACTIVITIES
SAFE URBAN HABITAT FOR BIRDS AND POLLINATORS
Retrofit a cargo trailer into an eye-catching mobile display and outreach unit that pops-up at local events, community centers, and neighborhoods to distribute free native plants and habitat-building resources
SUSTAINABLE GREEN SPACES
Combat the heat island effect by increasing green spaces and infrastructure in communities most vulnerable to the effects of urban heat
CONNECTING FAMILIES TO NATURE
Distribute free Community Science Birder Kits to check out at Pima County Public Library branches
URBAN BIRDING
Engaging diverse communities in birdwatching with accessible urban birding field trips
LAND STEWARDSHIP
Establish a Habitat at Home grant program to make the process of creating habitat at home more widespread and accessible
TRACK the TRAILER – Habitat on Wheels Events
- October 27
Cyclovia – Free native plants for South Tucson Residents - November 2
Barrio Kroeger Lane Days of Caring – Free native plants to neighbors