Dinner on Main Street
On Jan. 15, in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, The Nature Conservancy in Arizona gathered friends for dinner to unveil the “Restoring Arizona’s Forests” exhibit in the organization's new gallery space at 7056 E. Main St.
Main Street was closed to create an enchanted forest for the festivities. A farm table set for 125 guests was the centerpiece, surrounded by décor by White House Design Studio, which included branch chandeliers and pine boughs. Additionally, Conservancy staff cut small diameter trees into pieces, also known as “cookies,” to hand out as gifts.
“We wanted to create a memorable experience like the kind we have when we’re in nature,” says Jacquie Dorrance, a supporter of the Conservancy’s forest program. “The cold temperature, mountain-casual attire guests wore and the smell of pine added to the feeling we were in Arizona’s ponderosa pine forest. It truly was enchanting.”
Arcadia Farms worked with local growers to prepare a meal of butternut squash soup, roasted beet salad, Anson Mills polenta, Double Check Ranch slow roasted short ribs and Duncan Farms roasted organic root vegetables. Drinks included Pillsbury wines and Four Peaks beer, all Arizona produced.
After guests in the packed tent feasted on fresh foods, The Conservancy surprised everyone with news about the gallery, opening the doors for the first time.
“With the closest ponderosa pine forest two hours away, we’re hopeful this exhibit will raise awareness about the poor condition of Arizona’s forests and the Conservancy’s new model for restoring forest health,” says Patrick Graham, the Conservancy in Arizona’s state director. “The new model works with private companies to thin trees to make wood products. We’re also working with partners to train a skilled workforce and develop an innovative approach to use technology to greatly accelerate the rate of thinning. If we don’t do something, our water supplies and rural communities will be at risk and we will continue to lose important wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.”
The gallery includes forest-related art by recognizable artists Ed Mell, Mitch Fry, Hayley Smith, Todd Hoyer, Roger Asay, Rebecca Davis and Christopher Brown. Dividing walls are made from oriented strand board, which is made from small diameter trees such as those being thinned as part of the new model. The exhibit offers insight into the importance of Arizona forests to the Phoenix watershed.
Photos by Peter Foust from Image Industry
