Water-Efficient Landscape Workshops Offered for Industry Professionals
May 01, 2015
The San Diego County Water Authority and its partners are holding two free water conservation workshops for landscapers, nursery industry…
The San Diego County Water Authority and its partners are holding two free water conservation workshops for landscapers, nursery industry professionals, master gardeners, public agency facilities management staff and specialists in related industries on May 13 and 14. The workshops – “Strategies for Water-Efficient Landscapes” – are offered in cooperation with the University of California, Davis, the University of California Cooperative Extension, the SDG&E Energy Innovation Center and others.
Each identical, one-day workshop covers irrigation management, do-it-yourself landscape assessments, plants for WaterSmart gardens, state and local drought conditions, and regional water conservation resources. Because of the technical nature of the content, the workshops are intended for professionals and expert gardeners with a working knowledge of landscape management terminology.
Each workshop is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the SDG&E Energy Innovation Center, 4760 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego. Space is limited, and registration is first-come, first-served. Details and registration information are at ccuh.ucdavis.edu under “upcoming events.”
Outdoor water-use efficiency is a major regional and statewide goal because more than half of the water use at a typical home is outdoors, and many commercial and institutional water users maintain large landscapes. Mandatory water-use restrictions are in effect across the region and state to increase water conservation after four consecutive dry years. Gov. Jerry Brown has mandated 25 percent reductions in water use statewide. More information about drought conditions and restrictions is at whenindrought.org.
“Our region faces significant state-ordered water use cuts starting June 1, and it’s important for landscape professionals to be engaged in our collective effort to save more water,” said Mark Weston, chair of the Water Authority’s Board of Directors. “These workshops will focus on opportunities and techniques for reducing landscape irrigation through design principles and maintenance practices. Participants will become better equipped to incorporate these concepts into their day-to-day work and to provide practical advice to others.”
In addition to industry workshops, the Water Authority offers a variety of other classes, incentive programs and technical assistance for homeowners, businesses, institutions and farmers. Details are at WaterSmartSD.org.