Oro Valley Gears Up for Earth Day Beautification at Vistoso Trails
This Friday, April 21, starting at 8:30 a.m., Oro Valley town employees are rolling up their sleeves for an Earth Day beautification event at Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. They’ll be tackling invasive species like buffelgrass and Russian Thistle to help keep our new community gem looking its best. It’s the second year our town employees have joined forces for this event, proudly supporting the Keep OV Beautiful program. Mayor Winfield and town council members are also invited to lend a hand.
Our community-wide effort to maintain Oro Valley’s natural beauty is powered by the Keep OV Beautiful program. From the Adopt-A-Road and Adopt-A-Trail initiatives to the one-day beautification events, there’s a way for everyone to pitch in. If you’re interested in getting involved, you can find more details about volunteering year-round here.
Discovering Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve
In summer 2022, Oro Valley embraced a new chapter with the acquisition of the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, formerly known as the Vistoso Golf Course. The town quickly got to work on safety measures and general maintenance, focusing on clearing out weeds. Invasive plants like buffelgrass are a threat to our beloved Sonoran Desert landscape because they outcompete native vegetation. By removing them, we ensure the preserve remains a sanctuary for native plants and wildlife.
Last fall, the Master Planning project for the preserve kicked off. Our consultants, Sites Southwest, have been busy collecting data, researching the site, hosting workshops, and gathering community feedback. The first draft of the Master Plan was revealed to the Town Council on March 15, and we’re expecting the final version on June 21. The plan is all about keeping Vistoso Trails natural and simple, ensuring the protection of its ecological and cultural treasures, while also creating thoughtful recreational and educational opportunities. Check out the Master Plan draft and the community input report here.
Sources
– Keep OV Beautiful Program
– Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve