The Undeniable Truth about Arizona

In 2013, Peoria, Arizona (where we currently live) was rated #7 of the top USA cities for early retirement. In fact, the photo used for the article in the above link, as seen below,

is of a group of cyclists from Trilogy at Vistancia, the gated community where we currently live. The most recent USA Census shows a growth rate in Arizona of 5.3%, well above the 3.3% national average. 

2014 - Greg and Fanci walking near the clubhouse

So, why this photo from last year? Well, those who live here are well aware that they live in the desert, and as such water needs to be diverted here by way of the very costly Central Arizona Project. As we drive in Peoria and the surrounding communities, it's obvious that the population growth continues, as new housing developments are springing up everywhere. Accommodating this growth creates challenges.

When we first arrived for this visit, one year after the above photo was taken, I noticed some areas in this "centerpiece of America's Best Planned community", this "resort community", was no longer the "pristine desert setting". All quotes are from the Trilogy at Vistancia website. 

Today, I took photos of both sides of one of the main streets. Here's the one side, with lush green grass between the sidewalk and the road,

whereas the other side looked relatively neglected, as seen below.

Notice on the right side of the photo below, there are three small pink marks, which are marker flags in the soil.

So what's happening? Why the change of landscape? Well, I've found out the reason behind the changes. Trilogy is working on eliminating non-essential turf areas, the small areas between sidewalks and streets that are hard to maintain. For example, this month, on that one street where the photos were taken, they will eliminate 23,134 square feet of turf along that one side. It will save over one million gallons of water annually, at a savings of $3,800. They will add plant material in the vacant areas (where the pink flags are, I assume) and will convert the turf watering valves, that used to water the grass, to drip irrigation valves to water the plants. Drip irrigation systems are common for almost every property here, as the desert conditions make it difficult for plants to survive in the yards without continuous watering.

The natural landscape here, before development

Trilogy will continue to identify areas where this type of changeover can be done to reap the same benefits. Homeowners have been reassured that the lush lawns that surround the clubhouse and the beautiful entrance will remain. Along with the waterfalls and rockeries, the opulence that first greets homeowners and visitors will remain.

I am impressed by the action taken by Trilogy to take steps to conserve such a valuable resource that is not limitless. Hopefully the homeowners will support these decisions, rather than lament the loss of the lush lawns. These lawns are not natural to this habitat, and their maintenance comes at a great cost, both financial and environmental.

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Current location: Peoria, Arizona, USA
Housesit: Fanci, a small standard poodle
Weather: currently 55ºF (13ºC) at 8 pm
Forecast: high of 65ºF (18ºC) low of 40ºF (4ºC)
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Reminder: We have the prior approval of owners before posting photos and/or stories of their homes or pets.