The Pink Slime Controversy

Have you been following the “pink slime” controversy?  It’s been all over the news recently (check out these stories here).  The mass concern for pink slime, known in the industry as “lean, finely textured beef,” was sparked by an online petition to the USDA seeking to eliminate the product from school lunches.  The petition was ultimately successful, gaining hundreds of thousands of signatures, and raised awareness for a common practice in our food industry.

I’ll avoid upsetting your appetite describing how pink slime is made, but an incredible amount of people are very upset about it.  Many have vowed to not eat products containing pink slime, and supermarkets and restaurants are pulling those products off of their shelves and menus.  This whole controversy has inspired people to become more knowledgable about what they are eating, and has resulted in outrage at the findings.

For those of you vowing to go off the stuff, you can easily avoid pink slime and still get your meat fix.  There are many great local resources where you can purchase meat that is raised right here in Arizona, and is slime-free.  Cattle is one of the “Five C’s” of Arizona, after all!  Here are some suggestions to get your slime-free meat:

(1) Visit a farmers market to buy directly from the rancher or farmer. Then you can ask them whether their products contain pink slime (the answer will be “no”).

(2) Go to any Bashas’, Food City, or AJ’s Fine Foods locations.  Arizona’s hometown grocer has NEVER used pink slime or additives in any of their meat products.

(3) Check out a local alternative grocery store or butcher shop. The Phoenix Public Market & Urban GroceryTempe Farmers Market, and The Meat Shop are great if you can’t make it to the farmers market, as they have normal operating hours like a grocery store but stock all sorts of locally-produced meats.

(4) Go directly to the source. Most local ranchers sell their products directly to the consumer, and deliver.  Local First Arizona member GB7 Cattle offers the option to purchase online.

(5) Join a CSA (community supported agriculture).  With a CSA, you pay up front to invest in a local ranch or farm, and you get a weekly share of fresh produce and food (and many deliver your share to your door)!  Not all of them offer meats, but Chow Locally allows you to add local meat products to your weekly share.

(6) Visit the “Meat” section in Local First Arizona’s online directory to find other great sources for local, slime-free meats.

So there you have it: you can avoid pink slime meat and support the local economy all at the same time!

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This Week’s Shift Recommendation: Easter Sunday

Every week, we make a suggestion for how you can easily shift the way you shop and support local businesses! Here is this week’s SHIFT recommendation:


Easter weekend is almost here! Check out our list of what Local First members are doing to celebrate Easter, including a list of restaurants serving brunch on Sunday.

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All Aboard the Party Bus

This week’s Local First Arizona member spotlight is on the Real London Bus Company:

Are you known for being a bit unpredictable? Then consider traveling around Phoenix in a double decker bus thanks to the Real London Bus Company. We get a bit nostalgic thinking of our youth and the months we spent backpacking through England and Europe. With our Sony Walkman as our trusty companion, we walked those London streets, jamming out to Oasis and the Verve while barely avoiding being hit by double decker buses. Now a bit of that past is being rekindled as we catch sight of the red bus making its way through the desert landscape and carting dressed up dolls and blokes to prom, a pub crawl, or a fancy media event. Run by two British guys who longed for something familiar from the motherland, they decided to find a real London treasure. Instead of transplanting the Queen to our lovely desert, they opted to bring four double decker buses instead. The buses seat about 65 people each and provide a marvelous view! So if you’re looking for something out of the box for your next event or party, consider traveling in real London style.

Real London Bus Company
All over the Valley!
info@reallondonbus.com
480-334-8372

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azcentral.com Picks Best Local Businesses

Those who were picked as the best get to display this spiffy banner on their website!

azcentral.com has announced their sixth annual critics “best of” picks for their favorite people, places, businesses, and things to do in the Phoenix metro area. Looking through the top picks, it seems that the crew behind azcentral.com simply browsed through the Local First Arizona directory to find the best of Arizona! Our Devoured Culinary Classic even got it’s own category of award: The Best Restaurant at Devoured 2012! It’s no coincidence that many of our members were picked as the best–local businesses that are dedicated to the community and local economy, and constantly work to put forward the best possible product, usually outshine the rest. And our members are constantly seeking out ways to partner with other local businesses and work together to strengthen our communities. Here is the list of Local First Arizona members that were honored by azcentral.com:

________________________________________________________________

Lee's Cream Liqueur won Best Adult Ice Cream

DINING & FOOD

Best Adult Ice Cream: Lee’s Cream Liqueur

Best Bowling Alley Restaurant: Oaxaca Restaurant at Let It Roll Bowl

Best Bread: St. Francis

Best Brewpub: Four Peaks Brewing Company

Best BYOB Restaurant: Atlas Bistro

Best Chicken-Fried Steak: Texaz Grill

Best Restaurant at Devoured Culinary Classic 2012: Hana Japanese Eatery

Best Restaurant to Feed Your Starving ASU Student: House of Tricks

Best Food Truck: Short Leash Hotdogs

Best Late-Night Eats and Drinks: Kazimierz World Wine Bar

Best Macaron: Essence Bakery

Best Mexican Regional Restaurant: Barrio Cafe

Best New Restaurant: Citizen Public House

Best Pizza: Pizzeria Bianco

Best Takeout: AJ’s Fine Foods

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Citizen R+D at Citizen Public House won Best Cocktails

NIGHTLIFE & CLUBS

Best Cocktails: Citizen R+D at Citizen Public House

Best Bar Patio: The Windsor

Best People-Watching: FilmBar

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SHOPPING & SERVICES

Changing Hands won Best General Bookstore

Best General Bookstore: Changing Hands

Best Specialty Bookstore: Bookman’s Entertainment Exchange

Best Candy Shop: Smeeks

Best Card Shop: Write Ons Etc.

Best Community-vibe Coffee House: Lux Central

Best Gift Boutique: Frances

Best Home Tour: Modern Phoenix

Best Kids Toys: The Doll House & Toy Store

Best Local Wine: Wayne’s Grenache from Callaghan Vineyards

Best Locavore Grocery: Phoenix Public Market Urban Grocery & Wine Bar

Best Midcentury Home Shop: Modern Manor

Best Vintage Shop: Vintage by Misty

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The Phoenix Art Museum's Rebecca Senf won Best Curator

Best Curator: Rebecca Senf of the Phoenix Art Museum

Best Dia de los Muertos Event: Desert Botanical Garden

Best Food Event: Devoured

Best Holiday Event: Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden

Best Live Music Venue: Crescent Ballroom

Best Old-fashioned Film Experience: Harkins Valley Art

Best Place to See an Art Film: Harkins Camelview

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Hotel Valley Ho won Best Cabana

TRAVEL & OUTDOORS

Best Cabana: Hotel Valley Ho

Best Rock Gym: Phoenix Rock Gym

Best Wine Getaway: Sonoita-Elgin


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Thanks to azcentral.com for recognizing how fabulous Local First Arizona members are! You can find even more great local businesses at www.localfirstaz.com.

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A Local Guide to Keeping Your Dog Happy

This week’s Local First Arizona member spotlight is on Happy Dog Phoenix:

If you’re a new dog owner or know of anyone new to the Valley who has a dog, then you know how challenging things can be when the summer hits. How long can you leave little Fifi outdoors? How do you console Fido during the monsoon storm? What native plants are poisonous to Alfie? Can your pooch get a sunburn? Consider picking up a copy of Happy Dog Phoenixa first-of-its-kind guide to living with your dog in the metro Phoenix area. We’ve had to learn things the hard way over the years when it came to caring for our four-legged friends, and feel this book could have made things a lot easier and less expensive (umm…visits to the vet for scorpion and black widow stings?). This valuable resource has some some good advice about coyotes, monsoons, and what to do when the 110-degree days hit. Additionally, get the skinny on all the good things our community has to offer for your furry friends. Support a good cause and pick up your copy today – half of the proceeds go to medical funds for rescued animals. We’re sure your beloved pet will pant with joy from all the new ideas you will uncover.

Happy Dog Phoenix
3225 W. Lincoln St., Phoenix AZ 85009 
602-795-5653

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Phoenix Adopts “Buy Local” Policy

Just last week, the City of Phoenix adopted a new policy for its purchases: for goods and services costing less than $50,000, Phoenix must first offer the contract or job to a company based in Maricopa County or Arizona before offering the work to an out-of-state company.  With this policy shift, the City of Phoenix has adopted the true “buy local” mentality, which will in turn support Phoenix residents, businesses, and the city itself.

Phoenix is one of the first municipalities in the state and the nation to adopt this sort of policy.  According to the Arizona Republic, “Phoenix Finance Director Jeff Dewitt estimates $17 million worth of city contracts a year would be available to the local community to bid on under the new policy.”  With these sorts of dollars available to circulate throughout the community, it will undoubtedly have an incredible and positive impact.  You can read the rest of the coverage by the Arizona Republic on the new “buy local” policy here.

Tucson and Pinal County are currently considering similar policies to this one just adopted by Phoenix.  In a playful Facebook post responding to a supportive letter to the editor published in the Arizona Republic, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton called on other civic leaders to jump on the “buy local” bandwagon:

Thanks to the City of Phoenix and its leaders for their support for the local economy!  With these sorts of commitments to our communities, our economic future is looking pretty strong.

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Experience Easter with Your Favorite Local Business

These Easter-themed cookies from Cookies From Home will surely delight your guests!

Have you been thinking about what to do for Easter brunch, dinner, and dessert, but haven’t had time to because of worrying about visiting relatives, entertaining the kids, or tidying the house?  Don’t let meal planning bog you down–just head over to one of these great local eateries for a fantastic Easter meal (or dessert!). You’ll enjoy a great atmosphere and delicious foods of all kinds, and you won’t have to clean the kitchen!  It will be a win-win for everyone, plus most of these businesses will have activities for the kids!

Easter Brunch at Bravo Bistro
Sunday, April 8, 11am-4pm
Bravo Bistro: 4327 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85251

Let Bravo Bistro do the cooking! Enjoy a fixed-price brunch at $29.95, kids 10 and younger are $10.  More info here.

Easter Goodies & Gifts from Cookies From Home
Place orders early or stop in soon!
Cookies From Home, 1605 W. University Dr. Ste #106, Tempe, AZ 85281

Get hand-decorated Easter-themed cookies for a limited time only!  View the selection of products here.

Easter Brunch at El Chorro
Sunday, April 8, 9am-3pm
El Chorro: 5550 East Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
Destination dining for the holiday! Chef Charles has created an Easter Brunch menu to please every palate.  $49 per person, $16 for children 12 and under.  View the whole menu here.

Easter at Hotel Valley Ho
Sunday, April 8
Hotel Valley Ho: 6850 East Main Street Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Cafe ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho will be serving brunch from 6am-3pm and dinner from 5:30pm-10pm, stop by for the specials!  The annual Easter egg hunt will also take place at 9am at the ZuZu patio.  Room rates start at just $129 nightly.  You can find more info, RSVP, and make reservations here.

Easter Treats from Cerreta Candy Company
Place orders early or stop in soon!
Cerreta Candy Company: 5345 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301

Cerreta Candy Company has been hard at work creating all sorts of Easter goodies for you… check out their selection here.

Annual Egg Hunt at the Rio Salado Audubon Center
Sunday, April 8, 10am
Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, 3131 S Central Ave, Phoenix

Looking for a fun and FREE way to celebrate Earth Month next weekend? Explore the Audubon habitat as you scout out prize-filled eggs, learn all about nests and eggs, and make your own “nest helper” to help birds create nests for their chicks! Be sure to bring a small bag or basket to collect your eggs. More info here.

Easter Sunday Champagne Brunch at Petite Maison
Sunday, April 8, 10am-3pm
Petite Maison: 7216 East Shoeman Lane, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

This three-course brunch offers flowing champagne and mimosas!  Make a reservation or view the whole special menu.

Hickman’s Family Farms 2nd Annual Governor’s Easter Egg Roll
Saturday, April 7, 7am-12pm
Wigwam Resort: 451 North Old Litchfield Road Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

Enjoy all sorts of fun Easter activities, such as the egg roll, breakfast with the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, bunny sack races, and more! Free to attend. More info here.

Easter Brunch at Feast
Sunday, April 7, 10am
Feast, 3719 E Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85716

Our regular brunch menu will be slightly enhanced for Easter. Reservations are recommended, so please plan ahead to the best of your ability. Make a reservation by calling (520) 326-9363, and see the Easter menu here.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Kidstop
Saturday, April 7, 9am-3pm
Kidstop Toys, 6990 East Shea Blvd Scottsdale, AZ 85254

It’s here! The Annual Easter Egg Hunt is ready to go – be sure to call and reserve your spot: 480-609-9012. More info here.

Easter Brunch & Sun & Song Outdoor Music Series at the Heard Museum
Sunday, April 8, 10:30am-3pm
Heard Museum: 2301 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ. 85004

Make this Easter holiday special and dine at the Café at the Heard Museum.
Enjoy a special prix-fixe brunch menu, music and performances. Celebrate Easter with friends or family without cooking a thing. More info here.

Arcadia Farms Easter Brunch
Sunday, April 8, 8am-3pm
Arcadia Farms, 7014 E. First Avenue, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Arcadia Farms Cafe is committed to finding and using wholesome, natural, organic and local products. We support family-owned and local farms in our region whenever possible. Celebrate Easter with them! For reservations, call 480-941-5665. $35 per person.  See the menu here.

Spring Story Time and Pictures with the Easter Bunny
Saturday, April 7, 10am-12pm
Bookmans Mesa, 1056 S. Country Club Dr. Mesa, AZ 85210

Hop into Spring with a special Spring Story Time with our favorite Story Time gal, Toni! The Easter Bunny loves to read and so we’ll share a few stories with you. This fun for all ages event is free. Feel free to bring your own camera, but if you don’t it’s ok because we’ll take one for you! More info here.

Easter Egg Hunt at Bookmans Ina (Tucson)
Saturday, April 7, 9am
Bookmans Ina, 3733 W. Ina Rd. Tucson, AZ 85741

Hey Kids! The Easter Bunny is going to be hiding eggs all around our store for you to find! Get here early and search high and low for special treats. These eggs are sure to be found quickly, so get here early! More info here.

SanTan Brewing Company Easter Buffet
Sunday, April 8, 9am-1pm
SanTan Brewing Company, 8 South San Marcos Place, Chandler, AZ 85225

Enjoy breakfast pastries, fresh fruit, jalapeno cornmeal pancakes, beer battered french toast, poblano mashed potatoes, and more! $23 per person, $15 for kids 6-12. Make a reservation by calling (480) 917-8700.  More info here.

Easter Brunch at the University Club of Phoenix
Sunday, April 8, 11:30am-1pm
University Club of Phoenix, 39 E. Monte Vista Road Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Bring the entire family and join the staff of The University Club and the Easter Bunny for this family tradition with a Moon Walk, Face Painter, Balloon Maker and Easter Egg Hunt! $45 for adults and teens, $22 for kids 6-12. Make a reservation by calling (602) 254-5408. More info here.

Easter Sunday at Chelsea’s Kitchen
Sunday, April 8, 9:30am
Chelsea’s Kitchen: 5040 N. 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 85018

Enjoy a special Easter brunch menu with Chelsea’s Kitchen!  View the menu here.

Brunch at Orange Table
Saturday, April 7, and Sunday, April 8
Orange Table: 7373 Scottsdale Mall, Suite #6, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Serving a lamb + spring pea fritatta, chimmichurri sauce sat + sun. Also, we will have special easter cookies! Open every day 7a-4p, serving breakfast till 2pm. Patio seating available, dog friendly, do not take reservations, full bar. More info here.

Easter Flowers from Cactus Flowers
Place your orders early!
Multiple locations; order online

Surprise someone special in your life with a beautiful flower arrangement to celebrate Easter and Spring!  More info here.

New Specialty Brunch Beverages Launch at Maizie’s Cafe & Bistro
Sunday, April 8, 9am-4pm
Maizie’s Cafe & Bistro: 4750 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Maizie’s Cafe & Bistro is launching a new series of Specialty Brunch Beverages on Easter Sunday. Chef Matt is creating an Easter Brunch Feature of Steak & Lobster Benedict. We will also be taking photos and presenting them to our guests while they dine. More info here.

Easter Brunch at FEZ
Sunday, April 8, 10am
FEZ: 3815 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Brunch specials! $3 specialty brunch drinks, 50% off all bottles of wine, and Chef Entree Special TBD! More info here.

Easter Brunch at Bliss/ReBAR
Sunday, April 8
Bliss/ReBAR: 901 N 4th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Enjoy $4 bloody marys and $10 pitchers of mimosas on Easter Sunday. Special dishes include eggs benedict: 2 poached eggs on a toasted english muffin, canadian bacon, arugala & chorizo hollandaise, breakfast potatoes $9, and Grilled asparagus salad with shaved onion, leeks, orange, aged parmesean, & fried egg $9. More info here.

2nd Annual Jammin Egg Hunt and Apron Party
Saturday, April 7, 12pm-1pm
JAM: 6938 E. 1st Street, Old Town Scottsdale

Bring your kiddos & come jam with Alicia Doell of Hot Chick Aprons at our 2nd annual jammin EGG hunt and APRON party! $5/child, make sure they wear an apron to carry their eggs! Call 480.522.5410 to reserve your spot. More info here.

Easter Deals at GoodyTwos Toffee Company
Now through Saturday, April 7th
GoodyTwos Toffee Company: 6990 E. Shea Blvd #117, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Mention “Happy Easter” before checkout and receive 10% off your purchase!  More info here.

Vegan Easter Brunch at Nami
Sunday, April 8, 9am-3pm
Nami: 2014 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85006

Enjoy a fabulous meat-less brunch at Nami!  The menu is posted on their Facebook page.

Egg Hunt at Practical Art
Saturday, April 7
Practical Art:  5070 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Practical Art will be closed on Easter Sunday, but they are hosting a fun egg hunt on Saturday!  More info here.

Easter Bunny at Sierra Bonita Grill
Sunday, April 8, 10am-3pm
Sierra Bonita Grill: 6933 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85014

Easter Bunny is coming to Sierra Bonita Grill on Sunday for our Weekend Brunch…You wouldn’t want to miss him would you? Better get here between 10a-3p to see him! More info here.

Easter Sunday Artisan Market
Sunday, April 8, 10am-4pm
Marshall Way Bridge: 7135 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

50+ Vendors at the Artisan Market this Easter Sunday! Goody bags for all the kiddos that come. More info here.

You can also check out our list of other great, local brunch spots around the state to get other ideas for eating out on Easter!

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Going Loco Trying to Find This Local: Camping & Outdoors

The monthly column “Going Loco Trying to Find This Local!” was created an effort to shed some light on how to further support the local movement.  In this column, we examine the challenges in finding particular items at locally-owned and independent businesses. We understand that we may not have hit every possible option with our recommendations, so if you know where you can get our monthly item(s) locally, please share your knowledge with us in the comments section!

Can't beat these views of Sedona (image credit Arizona Hiking Shack)

Spring is in the air!  Have you been taking advantage of the gorgeous weather outside? Hopefully you’ve been able to indulge in your favorite outdoor activity. If not, has the lack of proper equipment been keeping you indoors? Fear not, because here you will find a list of local camping and outdoor equipment stores all over Arizona, so you can get out and enjoy this beautiful state! Make sure you take advantage now, because we all know that summer is just around the corner…

Arizona Hiking Shack
3244 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018
602-944-7723

Sole Sports Running Zone (3 locations)
6941 N Hayden Rd Ste B-4, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
480-991-2475
18583 N 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308
623-332-2495
1006 E Warner Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284
480-522-2475

Tufa Gear Shop (located inside the following indoor rock climbing gyms)
Phoenix Rock Gym
1353 East University Drive  Tempe, AZ 85281
480-921-8322
AZ on the Rocks
16447 N. 91st Street, Suite 105, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-502-9777
Climbmax Climbing Gym
1330 West Auto Drive Tempe, AZ 85284
480-626-7755

Canyon Outfitters
2701 West State Route 89A, Sedona, Arizona 86336
928-282-8293

Mountain Sports Downtown
24 N San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928-226-2885

Summit Hut (2 locations)
605 E. Wetmore Rd. at 1st Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705
520-888-1000
5045 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85712
520-325-1554

Triple Sports
4032 N. Miller Road Ste. 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-994-1174

Flagstaff Sports Exchange
19 W Aspen Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928-213-3404

Allied Surplus
4230 W. Northern Ave., Phoenix, AZ  85051
623-435-2640

Pinnacle Tents
4022 E. Greenway Rd., Suite 11-153, Phoenix, AZ 85032
877-379-8269

Babbitt’s Backcountry
12 East Aspen Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928-774-4775

LowerGear
1828 E. University Drive, Suite 1, Tempe, AZ 85281 
480-348-8917

The Hike Shack
104 N. Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86301
928-443-8565

Sierra Expeditions
1435 E University Dr # 101, Tempe, AZ 85281
480-968-9689

Peace Surplus
14 West Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928-779-4521

Did your favorite outdoor equipment store show up on this list? What other local businesses would you recommend? Let us know in the comments section!

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This Week’s Shift Recommendation: Tutoring

Every week, we make a suggestion for how you can easily shift the way you shop and support local businesses! Here is this week’s SHIFT recommendation:


Help yourself or your child excel in your studies this semester by looking to a local tutoring service.

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Create a Wildlife Habitat in Your Own Backyard

This week’s Local First Arizona member spotlight is on Arte Verde:

Despite the winter storm that just passed through Arizona, the calendar announced Tuesday that spring has officially sprung. This means it’s time to grab the gardening gloves and weed-removal devices and get started on beautifying your landscape. One of our ongoing obsessions is to work with Mother Nature by planting native shrubs, flowering plants and trees where native wildlife can find a place to rest or make their nests. Local landscape architects, Arte Verde Landscape, are on the same page by helping clients create sustainable Certified Wildlife Habitats (certified by the National Wildlife Federation). Creating a habitat is fairly simple, even for the weekend gardener. The essential elements are to provide food, water, shade and a place for offspring to be raised. Andy Page, owner of Arte Verde says, “We’re creating and helping our clients create environments for birds and rabbits, small wildlife, to have a safe haven in our desert environment. The bonus is experiencing the animals in a natural habitat from the comfort of your own yard. Imagine sitting on your patio watching hummingbirds or teaching children and grandchildren about the importance of creating sustainability for animals.

Arte Verde
8300 N. Hayden Rd #207
Scottsdale, AZ 85258 
480. 367.9337

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