More than $11 million in federal grant money will go to improve land and water conservation in the upper Verde River Watershed and Big Chino Grasslands in north central Arizona. The grant requires a 50% non-federal match, which The Nature Conservancy Arizona and partners will provide - bringing the total to $23 million. Kimberly Schonek - Arizona water director for the conservancy - said the Verde River is one of the state s last free-flowing rivers, and calls it a "critical water supply" for not only the Phoenix metro area but for the biodiversity around the river, which starts just north of Prescott. .
April is Earth Month, and North Carolina s climate justice groups are addressing the crucial roles of air, land, water and health in protecting the environment. CleanAIRE NC and Sol Nation are working together on an Earth Day event to raise awareness about the environmental challenges confronting communities across the state. Madison Fragnito, partnership manager for CleanAIRE NC, said they are taking a holistic approach and planning STEM activities, with a focus on vital areas like transportation, energy and land conservation. .