MAYOR LANE WRITES
Census 2020
Serving the Community Since 2002
Mayor W.J. “Jim” Lane
6
3.20
As required by the Constitution, the counting of America’s population is done every 10 years. April 1 is Census Day across the nation and residents are asked to complete a short questionnaire. MAYOR For each person counted, from infant to older adults, City of Scottsdale the State of Arizona receives $2,959 from the federal 480.312.3111 government. This means more than $20 billion annually for www.scottsdaleaz.gov Arizona. The census data is used to apportion funds for a wide variety of federal, state and regional programs and projects. Responding in Scottsdale will help the community receive its fair share. Important to note is that if the census accurately reflects Arizona’s estimated population growth, our state is also expected to gain a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Census data is used in the city to plan services and projects, and to place facilities like fire stations, parks and community centers where they will be most effective. The Census Bureau is bound by federal law to protect your personal information, which is kept confidential and your data will only be used for statistical purposes. With this 2020 Census, you can fill out your questionnaire online in addition to the telephone and mail in response options. For more information about the 2020 Census, log onto www.scottsdaleaz.gov and search Census 2020.
Art Contest Celebrates Fiftieth Anniversary of Earth Day This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, April 22, and to celebrate this global event, the City of Scottsdale is hosting an art contest for youth. Scottsdale students are invited to participate in the city’s Earth Day 2020 Art Contest. The contest’s theme — “The Art of the Tree” — coincides with several tree-related activities Scottsdale is hosting this spring, including tree plantings, seminars on finding the right tree for the right place in desert environments, Xeriscape demonstrations and more. “Our city has a long history of investing in sustainable programs and has made preserving our environment a priority. Scottsdale’s dedication to community forestry is nationally-recognized, and we’ve been honored as a ‘Tree City USA’ for 37 consecutive years,” said Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane. “We hope our tree-themed Earth Day art contest inspires others to take action to be more environmentally conscious and join us in our efforts to protect valuable resources for future generations.” Art in any medium will be accepted. Entries can be submitted at any Scottsdale Public Library information desk or City Hall. Find complete contest information and submission requirements at www.scottsdaleaz.gov — search “art contest.” Entries must be submitted by Friday, March 13. Winners will be recognized at the Tuesday, April 7, City Council meeting and their artwork will be displayed at the Earth Day Mayor and Council Breakfast Wednesday, April 22, at Horizon Park.
SOUTHWEST WILDLIFE DISCOVERY SERIES
The Beautiful, Essential, Resilient Bobcat By Kelly Marcum Hayes, Natural Resource Coordinator, Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
he North American bobcat, Lynx rufus, is one of the most durable and adaptable wildcats in our country. They play an important role in the delicate balance of many different ecosystems and are one of the most beautiful animals in the Sonoran Desert. This small feline survives quite well in desert dwellings as well as mountain woodlands, coniferous forests and swamplands. Bobcats are distinguished by their short black ear tufts, a mottled or spotted coat, a ruff of longer fur around their face, black and white markings on the back of the ears, and, of course, a shortened or “bobbed” tail. The exact appearance of the bobcat depends on the specific habitat as variation in coat colors allow the individual to remain as camouflaged as possible in its surroundings. This wildcat has the greatest range of all North American felines, adapting reasonably well to urban sprawl. Because of this, more people are noticing these intelligent animals in neighborhoods, parks, hiking trails and back yards! If you see a bobcat near your home, there is no need to panic. Bobcats rarely attack people. They may be attracted to a yard that has abundant wildlife, birds, water, shade or other shelter. Shelter for bobcats can include rooftops, attics and the space underneath decks. Bobcats are generally seen alone, but groups can exist of mating pairs, siblings or mothers with kittens. Bobcats mate from February to March producing an average litter size of two to three kittens, born See Southwest Wildlife, page 7
