For Immediate Release: September 10, 2005
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VALLEY FORWARD PRESENTS 2005 TOP ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
TO MCDOWELL SONORAN LAND TRUST

PHOENIX, Ariz. (September 10, 2005) The McDowell Sonoran Land Trust (MSLT) in Scottsdale won top honors – the President’s Award – in Valley Forward’s 25th Annual Environmental Excellence Awards program, Arizona’s oldest and most prestigious environmental competition.

Judges for the program acknowledged that protecting a 1.8 billion year-old treasure is a lofty responsibility and recognized MSLT for creating a powerful alliance in preserving 57-square-miles – equating to one-third of the city of Scottsdale – as natural, public open space. A grass-roots, volunteer-driven, non-profit organization, MSLT has worked in tandem with the city for 15 years to ensure completion, management and public appreciation of the McDowell Mountain Preserve, enjoyed by more than three million people who live within a half-hour drive of its majestic peaks.

The award was announced September 9 at Valley Forward’s Environmental Excellence Awards silver anniversary gala, held in partnership with SRP. Nearly 700 community leaders throughout Arizona attended the event at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch. Tracy Kornet, host of the ABC15’s Sonoran Living LIVE, served as mistress of ceremonies.

MSLT received a first-place Crescordia (a Greek term meaning, “To Grow in Harmony”) in the “Environmental Stewardship – SRP Award” category of the competition. The President’s Award is selected from among all Crescordia recipients and is the highest honor possible for the environmental competition. MSLT was recognized for special achievement in environmental excellence for educating Valley residents and visitors about the preserve’s environmental and archaeological significance, ensuring appropriate public access and facilitating continuity of a vision for the preserve in a changing political climate. MSLT’s Stewardship Program is a seven-week, non-credit college course that trains volunteers to be land stewards for the preserve. More than 130 graduates have been certified and that number is expected to increase to 300 by 2007.

Valley Forward and SRP recognized 46 projects submitted by Valley businesses, government agencies and non-profit organizations for significant contributions to the environment. In addition to the President’s Award, 18 first-place Crescordia awards and 28 awards of merit were presented.

“It is inspiring and enlightening to be able to spotlight so many projects that contribute to the sustainability and livability of Valley communities,” said Diane Brossart, president of Valley Forward. “As our region continues to experience record growth, the balance between economic development and environmental quality becomes even more important.”

“Environmental stewardship has been a guiding principal at SRP since 1903,” said Richard Hayslip, SRP Manager of Environmental, Land & Risk Management. "We are proud to celebrate the environmental achievements of so many worthy organizations, municipalities and individuals who are working to make our region among the best places to live in America.”

This year, Valley Forward introduced a new awards category for open space and connectivity, increasingly important quality of life indicators in our fast growing region. The organization received nearly 100 entries in 22 award categories, also including: buildings and structures, site development and landscape, livable communities, art in public places, environmental technologies, environmental education/communication and environmental stewardship.

Jack Pfister, a native Arizonan known for his years of community service in Arizona, longstanding involvement in environmental issues and role as general manager of SRP for 15 years, led the diverse panel of jurists whose collective expertise encompassed each of the award categories. Panelists include: John Douglas, principal of Douglas Architecture & Planning; Jan Lorant, principal of Gabor Lorant Architects, Inc.; Steve Martino, principal of Steve Martino & Associates; Angela Dye, principal of A Dye Design; Laura Roberts, chairman and chief executive officer of Pantheon Chemical; Ken Schutz, executive director of the Desert Botanical Garden; Anna Solley, Ed.D., acting president of Phoenix College; Michael Maglich, public artist.

In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the awards program, attendees at the milestone event received complimentary sterling silver Crescordia charms and Valley Forward lapel pins created by Charity Charms as part of an ongoing sustainable fundraising program to benefit Valley Forward’s environmental activities. Fifty-percent of all sales featuring either of the Valley Forward charms are returned to the non-profit organization.

Valley Forward is a 36-year-old non-profit organization that brings business and civic leaders together to convene public dialogue on regional issues and improve the environment and livability of Valley communities. The organization operates with the belief that business must take a leadership role in solving complex and sometimes controversial challenges that confront growing population centers.

Environmental Excellence Awards first-place Crescordia winners and recipients, include:

Sterling Ridge (David Hovey, FAIA, Optima, Inc.): This Scottsdale residence is born from the rugged terrain of the high Sonoran desert. The design is based around a fundamental idea of raw simplicity in the character, composition and assembly of materials, all of which compliment the unique desert environment in which the home is situated. Simple rectangular volumes were stretched and squeezed, vertically and horizontally, creating a variety of living spaces that flow around, over and through the landscape.

Trillium at Rio Salado (David Dewar, Trillium): Balancing economic development and connectivity to downtown Tempe, Trillium at Rio Salado is a luxury 466 unit, mid-rise multi-family community comprised of four five-story individual buildings and an underground parking garage located on a 10-acre lot. The project serves as a testament to environmental sustainability, not only conserving natural resources but also enhancing the city’s infrastructure. Residents receive free transportation to downtown, South Scottsdale and the airport, as well as complimentary monthly bus passes and use of Mountain bikes. The project is also strategically built on one of Tempe’s eight future light rail stations.

Phoenix Exterior Rehabilitations Grant Program For Historic Residences (Barbara Stocklin, City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office): Since 1990, this unique program has funded rehabilitation, repair and restoration of the exterior of 307 homes within 29 residential historic districts in the city of Phoenix, expending more than $2.6 million to preserve architecturally unique, pedestrian-friendly urban living environments. This unprecedented program has leveraged substantial reinvestment in Phoenix inner-city neighborhoods, contributing significantly to the livability and revitalization of our urban core and setting the stage for the major revitalization efforts currently underway downtown.

The Biodesign Institute (Gould Evans Team, Gould Evans): This state-of-the-art research facility located on the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe houses the vanguard of contemporary science, bridging across disciplines – industry, government and academia. The $74 million 172,000 square-foot facility houses eight centers focusing on biotechnology, nanotechnology and information technology. Terrazzo flooring on the lower level uses natural river rock, paying tribute to the Salt River, which flowed through the site long ago. Roof drains route rainwater under the eastern walkway next to the building into a bioswale of plants, allowing the water to percolate back into the earth.

Sky Harbor Center Phoenix Fire Station No. 16 (Lawrence Enyart, FAIA, Lawrence Enyart Architects, LLC): This green materials sustainable project enhances and supports the aviation community and provides an Emergency Response facility that instills a sense of permanence and pride in the public and users. The repetitive wing shaped roof form helps the scale of this large garage industrial facility. The deep building setbacks, covered entry and patio, and low water use indigenous landscaping allows for a cohesive integration with the specific project site, as well as the overall airport aesthetic.

Desert Broom Library (Toni Garvey, Phoenix Public Library, and Richard + Bauer): The expansive roof of the Desert Broom Library in Phoenix creates a shaded microclimate, providing daylight, shelter and a nurturing environment for intellectual growth. The three-acre site is located within a larger 45-acre parcel that is being developed as a regional park by the city. Stone filled gabion walls anchor the base of the building and provide a natural contrast to the steel structure.

The Biodesign Institute (Christine Ten Eyck, Ten Eyck Landscape Architects): The 4.5 acre “bio-sponge” garden at The Biodesign Institute harvests rainwater and future condensate, providing an urban wildlife habitat and didactic outdoor desert plaza that compliments the cutting-edge research and education taking place at the Arizona State University facility. It also serves as a comfortable gathering space in the middle of an urban heat island. A sculptural river rock seep is the focal point of the gathering space, serving as a new interpretation of a desert water feature, using irrigation to provide the same soothing effect with natural materials and periodic water flow. A permeable decomposed granite floor emphasizes the feeling of a natural desert bosque and allows for natural infiltration of rainwater.

Mesa Arts Center (Mike Hutchinson, Mesa Arts Center Foundation and Mesa Arts Alliance): The Mesa Arts Center captures the essence of Arizona while revitalizing and reinterpreting the image of the city it serves in a dynamic project featuring encompassing performing arts, visual arts and arts education. The complex introduces a bold and iconic streetscape that invites exploration into an area that otherwise lacks a strong urban character or community gathering spaces. Tree plantings are native or played a part of history in the region, including mesquite, citrus and palm. Water features contribute to the cool, inviting central hub. The plaza celebrates the convergence of the environment, the arts and the community of Mesa, forging a dialogue between artists and audiences.

Baseline Road Streetscape (Phil Jones, Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture): A streetscape renovation originally planned to improve pedestrian and transit amenities for Baseline Road has become an artistic reinterpretation of the area’s agricultural heritage. Integrated into three miles of Baseline Road that juxtapose the natural desert environment of South Mountain, the project preserves memories of the former cut flower farms and orchards once unique to this part of the Valley. Transit amenities link nearby canal and trail systems, expanding the pedestrian, bicyclist and equestrian experience. Arbor-shaped bus shelters covered with flowering vines feature decorative roof extensions offering shade. Concrete sidewalks are inlaid with textured patterns providing reminders about the area’s past. Colorful, drought-tolerant plants create cooling shade, and solar powered lighting provides safety after dark.

Indian Bend Wash Habitat (Nancy Ryan, City of Tempe Rio Salado): The 41-acre Indian Bend Wash represents a sensitive and creative habitat designed for plants, animals and humans alike that balances the benefits of a natural area within an urban core. The $4.5 million restoration project connects environmental education and recreation, re-establishing 1.5 miles along the wash between McKellips Road and Tempe Town Lake. Plantings of nearly 2,000 trees, 3,000 shrubs and 1,000 wetland plants have defined the open space and prompted the re-emergence of wildlife. This precious community amenity preserves regional and historic connections, balances land uses and utilizes sensitive environmental planning.

Aesthetics as a Negotiating Tool – Loop 101 (Charles Schiffner, Charles Schiffner & Associates): The Pima Freeway entails nine miles of roadway, including nine bridge interchange structures, constructed on the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Reservation. Landform graphics, landscape patterns, two entry monuments and 16 median terminals are among the aesthetic features, which are as fascinating as the story behind the culturally immersed project that was rooted in controversy. Inspiration for the project came from a myth about saguaros, which to the Pima Indians are symbols of an ancient spirit, a guardian of the land and people against evil forces. Pima legends underlie the entire design and are planted on the sides of all bridges. Accompanying walls and surrounding planters are deep earth red, as seen on Red Mountain, and the metalwork is shaped in designs adapted from Pima pottery and basketry.

City of Phoenix Alley Dust Proofing Program (Ross Blakley, P.E., City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department): Through this program, the city of Phoenix and partnering agencies are reducing levels of fine particulate dust (PM10), a serious pollutant in our region. The pilot program covered a 50-square-mile industrial area from 7th Avenue to 51st Avenue along the Salt River, where dust levels often exceed national air quality standards. The goal was to determine the durability and cost for different alley dust-proofing materials. The most effective solution proved to be Fractured Aggregate and Asphalt Alley Surface Treatment (FAAAST), a process and material that is expected to be used in all alleys in the city within the next 10 to 15 years.

APS Solar Test And Research Center, STAR (Peter Johnston, Ph.D., APS): With more than 300 sunny days a year, Arizona has an abundant natural resource that APS is working to harness through new technologies that can make solar power a more viable and affordable energy alternative. A leader in the field of solar test and research for more than 30 years, APS is at the forefront of the solar movement. Through grass roots community programs and work conducted at its APS Solar Test and Research Center (STAR), the utility company is helping to make renewable energy a viable and mainstream energy source. Built in 1988 on the grounds of the Ocotillo Power Plant in Tempe, the APS STAR Center houses much of the world’s leading edge solar technologies and is the only facility of its kind.

Drought Conservation Program (Danny Murphy, City of Phoenix, Water Services Department): The city of Phoenix has a long history of innovative water conservation, with many innovative programs brought to the fore in the summer of 2002 as a result of the long drought. At that time, mandatory water savings efforts in Maricopa County’s largest community led to an almost 12 percent reduction in water use over two years, in addition to a five percent voluntary reduction by Phoenix customers. Most of that reduction is still being experienced today. The Stage One Water Alert of the city’s Drought Management Plan was the first of its kind in the Valley. Three water awareness campaigns received widespread attention, as have enhanced school, residential, adult education and business programs.

Abitibi Paper Retriever Program (Chuck DeFrancisco, Abitibi Consolidated, Recycling Division): In addition to diverting thousands of tons of paper each year from area landfills, this educational program promotes recycling and provides funds to its recycling partners. More than 1,000 distinct green and yellow Retriever ® bins are placed in highly visible locations at schools, churches and non-profit sponsored locations, as well as in some businesses throughout the Valley. The recycling service is free and participants actually earn money for all of the paper they collect. Among recyclables collected are newspapers, magazines, shopping catalogues, school paper and junk mail, diverting over 50,000 tons of paper from area landfills. Paper is then transported to the company’s 100 percent recycled newsprint mill in Snowflake, Arizona, where it once again becomes newsprint that is sold to major publishers.

McDowell Sonoran Land Trust (Bernie Finkel, McDowell Sonoran Land Trust): For a description of this project, please see the top of this this release.

Scottsdale Becomes First City in the Nation to Adopt LEED Gold Standard (Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross, City of Scottsdale): Scottsdale recently became greener than any community in the nation when the city council unanimously approved a measure mandating that all new municipal buildings and remodels be certified at the Leadership and Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) Gold level. This bold, forward-thinking policy made Scottsdale the first community in the nation to adopt such high environmental building standards. The city’s new Scottsdale Senior Center and part of the McDowell Village project will be the first LEED™ Gold city facilities. There are currently six other projects in the pipeline for LEED™ Gold certification. In addition, the ASU Foundation has committed to LEED™ certification for the new ASU Scottsdale Center for New Technology and Innovation at the former Los Arcos site; it will be the largest commercial facility in Scottsdale with LEED™ certification.

South Mountain Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy (Tammy Perkins, City of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department): This program has created significant, sustainable change in one of Phoenix’s oldest neighborhoods through a partnership of the community, local government, private developers and non-profit organizations. Their successful revitalization strategies have resulted in a 750-home development encompassing 103 acres created by a developer selected by residents who made significant contributions to the design; 130 new infill homes built by three local developers; a comprehensive Four Corners Strategy for 24th Street and Broadway; commercial redevelopment with two area-owned businesses; a partnership creating a multi-use trail along 24th Street, connecting its two most vital environmental resources – South Mountain Park and the Rio Salado Restoration Project.

2005 Environmental Excellence Awards Winners

BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES
Single Family Residence

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry:  Sterling Ridge
Submitted by:    OPTIMA, INC.

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry:  House of Five Dreams
Submitted by:    JONES STUDIO, INC.

Name of Entry:  Michael P. Johnson Design Studios Ltd.
Submitted by:    MICHAEL P. JOHNSON STUDIOS LTD.

BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES
Multi-Family Residential

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry:  Trillium at Rio Salado
Submitted by:    TRILLIUM

BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES
Historic Preservation

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry:  City of Phoenix Exterior Rehabilitations Grant Program for Historic Residences
Submitted by:    CITY OF PHOENIX HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry:  Orpheum Lofts
Submitted by:    THE WEITZ COMPANY

Name of Entry:  ASU Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing
Submitted by:    DWL ARCHITECTS + PLANNERS, INC.

BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES
Office & Retail

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry:  The Biodesign Institute
Submitted by:    GOULD EVANS

AWARD OF MERIT
Name of Entry:  Silverleaf Stone House
Submitted by:    DMB ASSOCIATES

BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES
Industrial & Public Works

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry:  Sky Harbor Center Phoenix Fire Station No. 16
Submitted by:    LAWRENCE ENYART, FAIA

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry:  City of Phoenix Employee Driver Training Academy
Submitted by:    DEUTSCH ASSOCIATES AND THE CITY OF PHOENIX

Name of Entry:  Leader in Green Building
Submitted by:    GENERAL DYNAMICS C4 SYSTEMS

BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES
Public Assembly

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry:  Desert Broom Library
Submitted by:    RICHARD + BAUER

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry:  Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center Expansion
Submitted by:    OWP/P

Name of Entry:  Mesa Arts Center
Submitted by:    MESA ARTS CENTER FOUNDATION AND MESA ARTS ALLIANCE

SITE DEVELOPMENT & LANDSCAPE
Large Scale & Community Development

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry:  The Biodesign Institute
Submitted by:    TEN EYCK LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

SITE DEVELOPMENT & LANDSCAPE
Urban Plazas

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry:  Mesa Arts Center
Submitted by:    MESA ARTS CENTER FOUNDATION AND MESA ARTS ALLIANCE

SITE DEVELOPMENT & LANDSCAPE
Industrial & Public Works

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry:  Baseline Road Streetscape
Submitted by:    PHOENIX OFFICE OF ARTS AND CULTURE

AWARD OF MERIT
Name of Entry:  Town of Gilbert Heritage District Park and Ride
Submitted by:    TRANSYSTEMS CORPORATION

OPEN SPACE AND CONNECTIVITY
Trails

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry:  Indian Bend Wash Habitat
Submitted by:    CITY OF TEMPE, RIO SALADO

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry:  Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center
Submitted by:    THINKING CAPS

Name of Entry:  Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills
Submitted by:    SONORAN CONSERVANCY OF FOUNTAIN HILLS

OPEN SPACE AND CONNECTIVITY
Parks

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry:  Avondale Friendship Park
Submitted by:    CITY OF AVONDALE

Name of Entry:  Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
Submitted by:    RIPARIAN INSTITUTE

ART IN PUBLIC PLACES

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry:  Aesthetics as a Negotiating Tool - Loop 101
Submitted by:    CHARLES SCHIFFNER & ASSOCIATES

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry:  Diamondback (D) Concourse Snake
Submitted by:    DWL ARCHITECTS + PLANNERS, INC.

Name of Entry:  Arizona State University: Parking Structure 7 Public Art
Submitted by:    ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES
Public Sector

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry:  City of Phoenix Alley Dust Proofing Program
Submitted by:    CITY OF PHOENIX STREET TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry:  The Arizona Integrated Pest Management/Indoor Air Quality Coalition
Submitted by:    UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Name of Entry:  Salt River Outfall Interceptor
Submitted by:    CITY OF PHOENIX

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES
Private Sector

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry:  APS Solar Test and Research Center (STAR)
Submitted by:    APS

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry:  Emissions Technology Combustion Catalyst System
Submitted by:    EMISSIONS PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL, LLC

Name of Entry:  Mesquite Power, LLC
Submitted by:    MESQUITE POWER, LLC

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION/COMMUNICATION
Public Sector

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry:  Drought Conservation Program
Submitted by:    CITY OF PHOENIX

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry:  Chandler's 2004 "Make a Splash" Water Festival
Submitted by:    CITY OF CHANDLER, ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES

Name of Entry:  Scottsdale's Revitalization Program: A Commitment To Education, Conservation
                             and Environmental Excellence
Submitted by:    CITY OF SCOTTSDALE

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION/COMMUNICATION
Private Sector

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry:  Abitibi Paper Retriever Program
Submitted by:    ABITIBI CONSOLIDATED - RECYCLING DIVISION

AWARD OF MERIT
Name of Entry:  Osborn Road Sidewalk Design & Historic Interpretive Signage
Submitted by:    LOGAN SIMPSON DESIGN INC.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP – SRP Award

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry:  McDowell Sonoran Land Trust Stewardship Program
Submitted by:    MCDOWELL SONORAN LAND TRUST

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry:  Wild at Heart-Burrowing Owl Project
Submitted by:    WILD AT HEART

Name of Entry:  Goodwill Industries: America's First Recycler
Submitted by:    GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF CENTRAL ARIZONA

LIVABLE COMMUNITIES
Resource Management

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry:  Scottsdale Becomes First City in Nation to Adopt LEED Gold Standard For Energy
                             and Environmental Design
Submitted by:    CITY OF SCOTTSDALE

AWARD OF MERIT
Name of Entry:  Redhawk Power Station: A Model of Sustainability
Submitted by:    APS

LIVABLE COMMUNITIES
Public Policy / Plans

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry:  South Mountain Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy
Submitted by:    CITY OF PHOENIX NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES DEPARTMENT

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry:  Arizona Department of Transportation's Enhancement Program
Submitted by:    ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Name of Entry:  Agua Fria Watercourse Master Plan
Submitted by:    FRIENDS OF THE WEST VALLEY RECREATION CORRIDOR

2005 PRESIDENT’S AWARD

Name of Entry:  McDowell Sonoran Land Trust Stewardship Program
Submitted by:    MCDOWELL SONORAN LAND TRUST

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