RillitoBend Rambles - our 'HOOD'

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​This is the inaugural blog of RillitoBend Rambles. It is an introduction to of some of our favorite places for observing nature.  In future posts, we will have pictures and information about some of our favorite plants and critters.

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1. Rio Vista
​​Our gem in the neighborhood is the Rio Vista Natural Resource Park. It is a ‘natural’ park thanks to the efforts of many of the residents who still live here. Throughout the year we will be documenting some of the plants that catch our interest as they bloom.  And those of you who track wildlife please contribute! 

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Nama demissum

Datura discolor

​​One of the goals of the neighborhood association is to improve the aesthetics and livability of our everyday surroundings. (our VISIONS).  To that end, several roadsides have been planted and are tended with the volunteer help of many neighbors. 

​2. Lucie's Garden: One of the first enhancement projects was Lucie’s Garden just north of the Winterhaven Village Townhomes gate on Cactus Blvd.  3. Linear Garden on Cactus: The area between the Winterhaven Village gate and Prince was planted in the effort to soften the look of the wall.  The varieties of plants are amazing, and today the plants are well-established without supplemental watering.

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​​4. Friday Cat's Memorial Rain Garden: Across the street is a little oasis being developed around the mesquites. 

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​​5. Rain Garden: During the 2021 monsoon season, a profusion of plants appeared on their own outside of Rancho Morado on Cactus and we dubbed it the “Rain Garden”.   The City donated boulders and rocks that the neighborhood volunteers placed for traffic control and rainwater harvesting.  

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6. Meadowview linear garden: ​Turning the corner, the roadside north of Meadowview on Allen Road was planted with native plants to begin to soften the appearance of Allen and take advantage of some of the abundance of stormwater heading east.

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​7. Cactus/Allen Intersection: The night blooming cereus at the N/E and S/W corners are some special surprises at this intersection (plus some at the roundabout!). And in ponds that appear during the monsoon rains, one can see spadefoots!

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This is just the start. 
If you would like to help spread the word on the glorious abundance around us,
​send an email to Rambles@rillitobendna.org
Happy Rambling!