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It was red shirt closed toed shoes for Sustainability Day.   Which translated to inclement weather and sun exposure for Scottsdale Leadership Class of 39!   Our day began at the beautiful Appaloosa Library where we were greeted by our day chairs Natalie Chrisman Lazar (Class 30), Laurie LaPat-Polasko (Class 32) and Kristen Parrish (Class 37). They shared their enthusiasm for sustainability, and we were going to learn about the ways in which we can contribute to these efforts.  Our group was introduced to the three pillars of sustainability:  economic, environmental and social.  These interdependent pillars reinforced the theme of the day, guiding our understanding throughout the various presentations. 

     

Scott Palmer from Salt River Materials (SRMG) explained the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship, and their significant impact on the community. Class of 39 would all agree of the takeaway from this presentation was the difference between cement and concrete.  Cement is an ingredient in concrete while concrete is the finished product of cement.  Many of us had never heard of fly ash products, Scott did an excellent job sharing how it is used and improves the performance of concrete. We gained valuable insights into cement manufacturing’s significant role in the economy. 

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Next, we heard from former City of Phoenix Mayor and Attorney General Terry Goddard, now President of the Central Arizona Project.  Next, we heard from former Phoenix Mayor and Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard, now President of the Central Arizona Project. He educated us on water supply challenges and the vulnerability to shortages. Goddard discussed CAP’s collaboration with federal agencies and Colorado River users to find both short-term management solutions and long-term supply strategies.

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Gretchen Bumgardner, Water Policy Manager for the City of Scottsdale, then shared the city’s dedication to providing high-quality drinking water. She explained the sources of Scottsdale’s water, the treatment process, and the rigorous testing for contaminants. Notably, she highlighted the city’s efforts to ensure long-term water security through a drought plan, infrastructure investment, and recycling initiatives. Gretchen’s anecdotal stories provided a fun, educational and informative presentation that kept class of 39 engaged and interested. 

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We then had the pleasure of hearing from two gentlemen from the Scottsdale Environmental Advisory Commission.  Natalie was our moderator, and she did a wonderful job engaging with Andrew Scheck, the current Vice Chair and Ryan Johnson past commissioner. Both spoke candidly about their experiences and Scottsdale’s current environmental challenges. Their passion and insights were a powerful call to action for developing leadership and community stewardship.

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For a group activity, we examined the pros and cons of implementing sustainable efforts in the community. This sparked meaningful discussions about the economic, social, and environmental factors that influence decision-making, conservation priorities, and long-term sustainability.

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Our next stop was the McDowell Mountain Sonoran Preserve at the Pima Dynamite Trailhead, where we enjoyed a meal surrounded by nature. Preserve pioneers Sam Campana and Virginia Kore shared the history and growth of the preserve, emphasizing the vital role of volunteer stewards in its development. This inspiring story showed how much impact can be achieved through volunteerism.

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Melanie Tluczek, Director of Science and Education at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy had us brave the elements, by doing a fun interactive activity. We were to take notice of what was around us, and how the sun and heat impacted the desert.  Class of 39 relived elementary school field trip days by participating in this fun activity.

 

We concluded the day with a presentation from Eric Massey of Arizona Public Service (APS), who spoke about the company’s corporate sustainability efforts. APS is dedicated to providing clean, affordable energy, highlighting their role in making a difference for both the environment and the community.