January 16, 2024 — The Salt River Project, or SRP, supplies water and to more than 2 million people in central Arizona.  It started as a private water corporation in 1903 and an electricity provider in 1937. It is a community-based, not-for-profit organization.

With Arizona facing heat and drought, SRP offers a unique but practical solution for its electric customers:  shade trees.

During January and February this year, SRP is hosting virtual shade tree workshops.  After completing one of the workshops, customers can receive two free shade trees that are six feet tall.  Trees include Native Mesquite, Thornless Mesquite, Palo Verde, Willow Acacia, Desert Willow, and Lilac Chaste.

SRP writes that “When placed strategically around the home, these trees can help reduce cooling costs during the summer months while also needing less water than other trees.”

The free workshops are scheduled for:

• Thursday, Jan. 25, 12-1 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 10, 10-11 a.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 24, 10-11 a.m.

The shade tree program has been going since 2012, with SRP giving away more than 5000 trees a year.  Last fall, 3000 shade trees were distributed to SRP’s customers.

For more information, visit SRP’s website. Image is from SRP’s news release.