O.U.R. Live Earth Daily
It's Live Earth day everyday at the Outdoor University for Reforestation (OUR). The non-profit ecological educational organization founded in Gilbert in 2000 now has nine Keynote Classrooms stretching from Thompson Gardens in Gilbert to OUR(tm) Water Ranch northeast of Flagstaff.
Those who imagine Arizona only as the high desert featured in movie and TV westerns, 
are often surprised to learn that Arizona is home, or a seasonal home, to a wide range of wildlife species. In fact, 435 species of birds, 138 species of mammals, 28 species of fish, 102 species of reptiles and 25 species of amphibians are native to Arizona, according to the National Federation of Wildlife. Many other species have been imported into the state from elsewhere around the country and the world and are making themselves at home. Unfortunately, rising temperatures across the state, and pressure from invasive, non-native species, are threatening to change entire ecosystems, pushing species to move, adapt or vanish completely.
The Thompson Gardens facility is a privately owned and operated living museum and EPA-compliant project on a residential property in Gilbert. The lush property 
stands out in stark contrast to neighboring homes. 
Being one of those people who has trouble keeping house plants and xeriscape alive, this property is a constant source of amazement to me. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees. In 2006, non-residents of the neighborhood, including a Gilbert Town Councilman, complained that it was not in keeping with Gilbert's water conservation goals. This is not true. OUR's goal of "Reforesting the Earth, one Tree at a time" is actually less ambitious than the Department of Energy's advice to plant three shade trees around homes to help reduce heating and cooling costs. Further, the OUR facility does not have any runoff water, meaning all the water used to produce this magnificent oasis remains within it or becomes part of the atmosphere as water vapor or other gas. Also, the family harvests and eats or uses much of what is produced from grapes to kumquats to tomatoes to valerian. 
Although it is a private home, the many plants require frequent watering and visitors stopping to chat or just admire the prominent sunflowers are often invited in for the full tour.
