A Thanksgiving Story “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It's not.” ― Dr. Seuss, The Lorax https://eservices.scottsdaleaz.gov/bldgresources/Cases/Details/48813 This Thanksgiving, I am very thankful to live and work in Scottsdale where democracy is alive and well. There is no shortage of activism and citizen input in this town. Our passionate debates and persistence have restored critical equestrian easements, vastly improved development proposals, protected tax dollars, and put preservation (land acquisition) back on the agenda. We are getting things done. There is so much more to do but each success is a reminder that we all have the power to improve our community. “I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. I speak for the trees for the trees have no tongues.” ― Dr. Seuss, The Lorax https://www.facebook.com/SolangeforScottsdale/posts/412287062721793 Which brings me to my Thanksgiving story. A couple weeks ago, I received an email from Scottsdale resident, Rick Clarke. He is an avid birder and golfer and was very concerned. A large stand of mature cottonwood trees were slated for removal at the TPC golf course. That very morning, he had seen both Harris and Coopers hawks in the trees. According to Mr. Clarke, “They (the trees) have been there as long as the course has existed. They are a unique resource in the Sonoran desert and provide valuable habitat for birds and other animals. Once they are gone, they are irreplaceable.” A new study – led by Cornell Lab of Ornithology scientist – has found found that nearly 3 billion birds have vanished in our lifetime. These staggering losses have occurred across all habitats, from grasslands to the Arctic, shorelines to forests. The best way to overcome this global crisis is to act locally. So, Mr. Clarke emailed me. I emailed Assistant City Manager, Bill Murphy. Mr. Murphy emailed TPC General Manager, Brad Williams. And, the Cottonwoods were spared. Thank you, Rick Clarke. You speak for the trees, the birds, and all of us. Happy Thanksgiving Scottsdale!
