The Arboretum at Flagstaff

With rising temperatures and drought already affecting the American Southwest, The Arboretum at Flagstaff has instituted many practices to address energy and water conservation.

In the greenhouses, we:
• Utilize passive solar heat
• Use natural pest controls
• Practice vermiculture for natural fertilizer

Behind the scenes, we:
• Carpool twice a week
• Offer telecommuting for staff
• Provide recycling bins
• Use cloth towels
• Discourage use of non-compostable plastic and paper plates and cups
• Consolidate offices to save energy
• Use zoned heating in all buildings

In our gardens, we:
• Water plants sparingly
• Choose drought resistant plants
• Use native and/or non-native plants adapted tosoil moisture conditions
• Use automated watering systems that reducewasted water flow
• Harvest rainwater and treated wastewater for watering
• Use only natural fertilizers and pesticides
• Buy from local suppliers

On our grounds, we:

• Reduce electricity demand by using solar panels
• Use naturally occurring groundcovers
• Operate electric utility vehicles
• Treat wastewater with a constructed wetland
• Recycle
• Compost vegetation

In our community, we strive to meet four educational goals: 

• Feature garden displays and plant sales that promote the use and conservation of native and non-native plant species adapted to the Colorado Plateau
• Develop programs that inspire a passion for wise stewardship of our natural environment
• Seek solutions and impart best practices to protect native plants at risk
• Practice and promote sustainability to build community resilience