Escondido homeowners Marcus and Leanne Fowler decided it was time for a landscape makeover two years ago when their effort to keep their lawn green required a lot of water. But they didn’t know where to start, lacking experience with landscape design and working with a limited budget.
The couple started from the beginning, and the result was a waterwise landscape selected as the City of Escondido’s 2023 Landscape Makeover Contest winner.
The winning landscape before and after its makeover using Nifty Fifty plant choices. Photo: City of Escondido
First, the Fowlers educated themselves by watching videos online to help them figure out how best to move forward. They selected plants found in the San Diego County Water Authority’s Nifty Fifty Plants for WaterSmart Landscapes. The choices were selected to thrive in Escondido’s warmer inland climate zone, including palo verde trees, varieties of sage (salvia), aloes, cacti, Kangaroo Paws, and succulent ground covers.
The dry riverbed feature helps capture and retain rainfall. Photo: City of Escondido
A dry riverbed included in their design works to infiltrate and channel rainfall, minimizing slope erosion.
The old sprinkler system had been watering the driveway more than the lawn. It was replaced with an efficient drip irrigation line set to water twice weekly.
Embracing low water use and native plants
Beautiful plant choices from the Nifty Fifty list add color without requiring a lot of water. Photo: City of Escondido
“Hopefully, our DIY project inspires others to join the water conservation movement,” said Marcus and Leanne Fowler.
They now enjoy their beautiful yard and have neighbors inquiring about making similar changes to save water and costs while embracing low-water use and native plants.
Homeowners Kathleen and Alan C. were selected as Honorable Mention winners for their landscape makeover.
Kathleen and Alan C. were selected as Honorable Mention winners for their landscape makeover. Photo: City of Escondido
Visit landscapecontest.com for eligibility, entry information, and other resources.
(Editor’s note: The City of Escondido is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Escondido-Landscape-2023-Winner-845X450.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-06-28 08:33:002023-06-29 14:07:25Nifty Fifty Plant Choices Featured in Winning Escondido Landscape
By taking a watershed approach to his landscape redesign, homeowner Brad Lefkowits won the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s 2023 Landscape Makeover Contest.
Even the family dog feels right at home in the winning design. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Lefkowits was recognized at the June 21 OMWD Board of Directors meeting. The WaterSmart Landscape Contest is held annually by water agencies throughout San Diego County. Entries highlight colorful and lush landscapes that use less water than turf-heavy landscapes. Winning entries exhibit an appealing design, climate-appropriate plant selection, and water-efficient irrigation.
Landscape Contest Winner Brad Lefkowits receives his award from Olivenhain Municipal Water District Board President Christy Guerin at the June board meeting. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
“Water is a precious, limited resource in California where the next dry period could be right around the corner,” said OMWD Board Treasurer Neal Meyers. “We encourage our customers to continue to increase outdoor water use efficiency, and replacing large turf areas with drought-tolerant plants could cut a home’s outdoor water use in half.”
Family-friendly and water-efficient
The landscape design features the generous use of swales to capture and hold rainwater to prevent runoff. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Lefkowits says his goal was to keep as much rainwater on the Encinitas property as possible using a watershed-inspired landscape design. He captures rainwater in a 530-gallon cistern and sends overflow into a series of connected swales. Swales are shallow, broad channels designed to store water runoff. They are easy to incorporate into landscaping at a minimal cost. The swales in the Lefkowits’ yard can hold over an inch of rain without any leaving the property.
Minimizing water runoff to streets reduces the amount of pollutants carried into storm drains and eventually into the ocean.
Both native plants and Mediterranean climate plants are incorporated into the winning design. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Lefkowits included both native plants and attractive and hardy plants from other Mediterranean climates around the world in his landscape. He installed a 300-square-foot lawn for two sons and the family dog, using a mix of California Buffalo Grass and native Carex praegracilis. It only needs to be watered once a week.
While Lefkowits uses high-efficiency rotating sprinkler nozzles for the small lawn, all other areas are irrigated with an in-line drip system.
The result is a yard with multiple uses and surprises around every turn. It has a lush appearance and still accommodates family activities without using grass requiring much water.
The finished project offers something for every member of the Lefkowitz family to enjoy. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
(Editor’s note: The Olivenhain Municipal Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)
Images from seven photographers were selected as the winners of the 16th annual Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest. The winning photos were recognized at the June 21 Olivenhain Municipal Water District board meeting.
The contest offers amateur photographers an opportunity to connect viewers with wildlife and the outdoors. Submissions support the reserve’s efforts to protect wildlife and natural resources.
The 784-acre reserve was developed by the water district (OMWD) in partnership with the San Diego County Water Authorityand the U.S. Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management in conjunction with the Olivenhain Water Storage Project and the Water Authority’s Emergency Storage Project. Opened in 1992, it is owned by the Water Authority and managed by OMWD. The reserve offers hiking and equestrian trails, mountain biking, wildlife and scenic viewing, and picnic areas.
Reserve’s natural beauty
“Our board is proud of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, and this contest helps promote the recreational opportunities it offers and showcases the importance of protecting open space,” said OMWD Board Director Marco San Antonio. “Close to a hundred entries captured the natural beauty preserved and protected at the reserve.”
Winners were chosen in five categories: Scenic View, Water Scenery, Plants, Animals, and Youth (under 15 years of age). The reserve’s Facebook followers also selected a People’s Choice award winner by voting for their favorite among 11 entries posted online.
Winning photographers
“Dewdrops” by Francis Bova – Best in Show
Francis Bova won Best in Show for her photo “Dewdrops.” Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
“Me-xal Overlook” by Jeff Shearer
“Me-xal Overlook” by Jeff Shearer is the winner in the “Scenic View” category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
“Reflection?” by Sabine Kurz-Sherman
The winner in the “Water Scenery” category is “Reflections?” by Sabine Kurz-Sherman. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
“Color Bloom” by Jaena Reyes
The winner in the “Plants” category is “Color Bloom” by Jaena Reyes. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
“Night Heron” by Kay Wood
The winner in the “Animal” category is “Night Heron” by Kay Wood. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
“Pond” by Lauren Berg
“Pond” is the Youth category winner by Lauren Berg. This category is for photographers 15 years old and younger. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
“Itsy Bitsy Momma” by Francis Bova – People’s Choice
“Itsy Bitsy Momma’ is the “People’s Choice” award, selected through a vote on the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Facebook page. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Prizes included tickets donated by San Diego Zoo, a canvas print donated by PC Photo & Imaging, outdoor equipment donated by REI, and a $100 cash prize donated by Escondido Creek Conservancy.
Reserve visitors can view winning photographs through the end of the year at the Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty. The interpretive center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., subject to docent availability. Contact OMWD park rangers at 760-632-4212 for a current schedule. The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is at 8833 Harmony Grove Road near Escondido. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to approximately thirty minutes before sunset. Admission and parking are free. More information is available at www.olivenhain.com/efrr.
(Editor’s note: The Olivenhain Municipal Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/OMWD-2023-Elfin-Forest-lauren.berg-Youth-pond-WINNER-845X450.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-06-22 07:12:572023-06-22 08:59:22Photographers Honored For Winning Images of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
If you’re ready to move ahead with plans to create a water-efficient landscape, the San Diego County Fair is a good place to start. There are several award-winning examples of creative low-water use and native plant gardens at the fair’s popular Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show exhibit area. (The San Diego County Water Authority has partnered with the state’s Save Our Water to sponsor a booth at the exhibit area).
This year, the Water Authority sponsored the California Native Plant Society exhibit, which received multiple category awards:
First Place, Paul Ecke, Jr. Garden Show Theme Award
Edwin Frazee Donated Award for best use of flowering plants
San Diego Floral Association for best landscape entry by a non-commercial, non-professional group
Master Gardener Association Earth-Friendly Gardening Donated Award
Plants of Distinction – four ribbons awarded
California Native Plant Society Garden Committee volunteers pose with their project. Sitting (L to R): Greg Rubin, Bob Smith, Al Field, Christine Hoey. Kneeling (L to R): Dana Pearce, Nicolas Unger, Lisa Leondis Standing: Leo Hernandez. Photo: California Native Plant Society
The CNPS display uses native plants in a garden with a rustic camping theme. Debby Dunn, Water Resources Specialist with the Water Authority, says the exhibit depicts both creativity and the benefits of low-water-use plants in landscape designs.
Californians learning about low water use landscape design
The California Native Plant Society used a variety of plants, all identified with signage to educate visitors. Photo: California Native Plant Society
Dunn explains how Californians are changing their vision of the ideal home landscape design.
“Our vision of landscapes featuring predominantly turf and a border of hedged plants is changing. In its place, we’re upgrading our landscapes with water wise plants, both native and also waterwise plants from Australia and South Africa. All these plants bring in more color while inviting birds, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. All this and less water to help them thrive,” said Dunn.
The use of San Miguel Savory, a rare California native plant, won a “Noteworthy Plant” ribbon at the San Diego County Fair. Photo: California Native Plant Society
Dunn says California gardeners are adjusting to the seasonal rhythms of native plants, which may bloom for short periods and then become dormant. “You can plant so that there’s always a stunning showstopper in your garden. It’s about putting the right plant in the right place. It’s changing the way we see landscaping,” explained Dunn.
“Some native plants are beautiful for part of the year, and then they go dormant. That’s how nature works. Like a butterfly, they go through different stages.”
Low-water use gardens suit many design styles
Visitors to the garden exhibit can learn which plants were used in the display from an informational sign, and use them as inspiration for their own yards. Graphic: California Native Plant Society
Dunn said low-water-use landscapes offer many different styles to suit individual tastes and needs, similar to interior design styles. “Everyone’s got their look and their style. It’s the same with plants. There are so many options and choices with these plants. There’s something for everybody.
“If you’ve got kids and dogs, you may need grass. But if the only person walking on the grass is the person mowing the grass, you likely don’t need the grass. There are countless beautiful native and California-friendly plants you can place in your garden that will bring you entertainment and joy,” said Dunn.
Fun garden display educates with humor
Water Authority Water Resource Specialist Debby Dunn’s “Groovy Garden” exhibit won the Edgar Engert Educational Merit award. Photo: Debby Dunn
Dunn won the Edgar Engert Educational Merit award for her own individual display, a whimsical, colorful waterwise plant display she titled the “Groovy Garden.” Dunn called it “a dream come true.”
“It’s all about Flower Power and inviting birds, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds,” said Dunn. “About 25% of the plants are native.”
In addition to features like a dry streambed, rain chain, and rain barrel to demonstrate rainwater capture, Dunn repurposed colorful thrift store and garage sale finds to educate through imagination and humor and make a lasting impression.
Water Resources Specialist Debby Dunn poses with her “Groovy Garden” exhibit. Photo: Debby Dunn
WaterSmart and WaterWise
“I created different rooms including a bedroom, kitchen, living room, and even a bathroom,” said Dunn. “Everything is upcycled including my pink toilet. It is there to remind people that toilet leaks are the number one cause of water loss. One running toilet can flow up to 200 gallons an hour, enough water to fill a pool in four days.”
Dunn used humorous puns with her signage. “My goal is to bring them in with the gorgeous plants and while they’re there, educate them about irrigation, mulch, composting, and more,” she said.
Award winning exhibits open through July 4
The San Diego County Water Authority award was presented to the Walter Anderson Nursery display using native California plants. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
The Walter Anderson Nursery exhibit is this year’s recipient of the Water Authority sponsored “WaterSmart Landscape Award” for its beautifully blooming native plant garden display.
The San Diego County Fair Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Friday, June 30, and open daily from Saturday, July 1 through Tuesday, July 4, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information about the Garden Show, visit the Fair’s website.
It's a beautiful day to visit the Fair, San Diegans! Don’t forget to stop by our Save Our Water booth and talk about all things California water-wise plants! we will be located with all the other amazing Garden Displays at the Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show exhibit. 🎡🪴💦 pic.twitter.com/nFiongl2nv
(Editor’s Note: The San Diego County Water Authority is sharing a booth with Save Our Water at the San Diego County Fair. Check out the booth for tips and inspiration on how to create your beautiful water-wise garden. The booth is part of the “Thanks for Planting Me!” campaign, which is supported with grant funds from by the Water Quality, Supply and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014, administered by the State of California, Department of Water Resources. For more information, go to www.sdcwa.org/plant-me.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Fair-CNPA-2023-0613_123641-845X450.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-06-21 07:28:152023-06-21 10:24:17County Fair Exhibits Delight Visitors with Low-Water Use Landscaping
San Diego County residents continue to embrace low-water use landscapes taking advantage of rebates to swap grass for native and drought-tolerant plants. There are also incentives for areas with larger landscapes to increase water use efficiency.
Landscape upgrade projects which previously were too complex for volunteer associations to manage are now possible with expert assistance through a program offered through a San Diego County Water Authority and County of San Diego partnership.
The walkway area before and after its recent landscape makeover. Photos: Vallecitos Water District
The Landscape Optimization Service, or LOS, is offered through the County’s Waterscape Rebate Program. The technical assistance program is designed for large-scale landscaping projects. The program helps applicants with large landscapes, such as HOAs, parks, and commercial properties, navigate the requirements, overcome barriers, and maximize rebate eligibility.
El Norte Park Homes in Escondido used the program to create a water-saving landscape makeover project. Upgrades included replacing 10,000 square feet of grass with new native plant gardens inside the property and low-water use plants on the exterior. The new colorful landscaping uses less water. Drip irrigation was upgraded and a swale acts as a water retention feature.
El Norte Park Homes transformation
Jesse Hynd of MSE Landscape Professionals performed the makeover work.
“We’ve been doing these turf rebate enhancement projects for a little over five to six years now,” said Hynd. “What I’ve noticed is that it’s helped a lot of the HOAs and commercial projects get on board.
“Water districts are offering a lot more incentives now, not only just for a per square foot rebate. There are a lot of irrigation rebates now. The more water retention options we add to the site, offer even more money back.”
Hynd said the multiple incentives offer maximum rebate funding while helping the region achieve its long-term water-saving goals.
Helping hand from the experts
With expert assistance from the Landscape Optimization Service, El Norte Homes expects to achieve water savings while maximizing its rebates to make the project cost-effective. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
El Norte Park Homes board member Fred Johnson said he learned about the program through a Vallecitos Water District newsletter article. He had a lot of questions.
“I have experience with a similar project from about ten years ago when I served on another board,” said Johnson. “It was much smaller in scale. And that program didn’t provide any assistance. We as a board had to fill out all the forms, take all the before and after photos, submit the paperwork, and hope we didn’t miss anything to get our rebates.”
Johnson contacted Megan Chery of Environmental Incentives, which oversees the LOS program. Working with Johnson and the board, Cherry determined the project was eligible for the rebate program, and the board approved the project moving forward. Johnson says it made the difference.
“They helped us identify what kind of [landscape] plan,”said Johnson. “They did our design for us. They identified all the rebates, and they’re going to process all the rebates. It was much simpler and easier using the Landscape Optimization Service.”
The finished project retains grass for activities while using both low-water-use plants and natives in different areas. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
“We’re so pleased our outreach helped El Norte Park Homes take advantage of this program,” said Vallecitos Water District Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins. “Many of our larger customers are eager to update their landscaping to be more water efficient but don’t have the time, funds, or expertise to do it on their own. The County and Water Authority partnership featuring the LOS enables us to offer our customers the help they need to make it possible with assistance from start to finish.”
Practical use of grass
Outreach from the Vallecitos Water District helped El Norte Park Homes take advantage of the Landscape Optimization Service. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Makeovers don’t require the elimination of all grass. Instead, grass is retained where it is most useful and practical.
“We didn’t want to eliminate all the turf because it’s nice to have some usable grass area, especially in a park like this,” said Hynd. “We decided to break up sections not only to maximize the usable space of grass to keep for the residents but then provide a nice native garden where we could benefit from the rebates, benefit from the low water use, and still create a very beautiful space.”
LOS staff analyzes estimated water and cost savings, which helps decision-makers justify the investment with an understanding of how quickly the project will pay for itself. The program also offers discounted designs to participants.
The enhanced incentives include rebates for turf replacement, smart controller stations, rain barrels, and cisterns. In addition to offering technical assistance to upgrade larger landscapes on multifamily and commercial properties, a cost-share is available for agricultural growers to make water-saving upgrades.
(Editor’s Note: The Vallecitos Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego region.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/VWD-El-Norte-Hill-Above-BA-845X450.jpg450848Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-06-19 08:53:182023-06-20 10:44:00Landscape Optimization Service Simplifies El Norte Park Homes Makeover
California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins June 16 recognized the accomplishments of San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl, who is retiring later this month after a 41-year career in public service.
During a ceremony at the Water Authority’s Kearny Mesa headquarters, Atkins presented Kerl with a framed plaque of the resolution on behalf of the entire San Diego County delegation in the state Legislature. The resolution honors Kerl’s long career, highlighting many of her accomplishments, including her work the past 14 years at the Water Authority.
The resolution, in part, reads:
“Sandy Kerl was named General Manager in 2019, and having helped the Water Authority overcome numerous obstacles during her tenure, which was dominated by drought and countless other high profile issues, she has consistently expressed her gratitude for the dedication and determination of her Water Authority colleagues and Board members who have ensured the continuity of safe and reliable water supplies regardless of the challenges, including those presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, during which time the operations and maintenance staff consistently showed up every day in the field while the entirety of the office staff was moved to remote work in just one week to continue providing water around the clock.”
Atkins highlighted many of Kerl’s accomplishments, leadership and her success in meeting numerous challenges during the past four years as Water Authority general manager.
“I am incredibly honored by this recognition,” said Kerl. “I have the most incredibly talented people to work with, including the Board of Directors. We have done the hard work to secure the reliability of our water supply in San Diego and that is an accomplishment we all share.”
Dedicated to public service
Kerl joined the Water Authority as deputy general manager in November 2009 and served as acting general manager from March through November 2019 before being appointed by the Board of Directors to her current post.
As general manager, Kerl’s priorities include enhancing relations with the Water Authority’s member agencies, minimizing rate increases, concluding the long-running litigation with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and ensuring long-term water supplies for the semi-arid San Diego region.
One of Kerl’s first challenges as general manager was leading the transition to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic for about three-quarters of the Water Authority’s 250 employees. She also commissioned the first employee survey in the agency’s history as part of a larger effort to integrate different generations of employees, embrace the diversity of the agency’s workforce and empower all employees to reach their full potential.
Kerl’s career highlights in the water industry include leading the effort to secure financing for the nation’s largest seawater desalination plant, a public-private partnership that was hailed as a model for other large-scale water works around the country.
Kerl has more than 35 years of progressively responsible experience in all aspects of municipal management. She served as city manager of La Mesa, California, and has broad experience with city management, extensive knowledge of organizational issues, and a pragmatic understanding of capital project management and delivery.
While guiding the @sdcwa through the COVID pandemic, Sandy Kerl remained committed to diversifying and empowering the Authority’s workforce and enhancing relations with its member agencies. I'm honored to recognize her 41 years of public service and wish her well in retirement. pic.twitter.com/GOFrvZCTjJ
— Senator Toni Atkins (@SenToniAtkins) June 16, 2023
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Sandra-L.-Kerl-and-Sen.-Pro-Tem-Toni-Atkins-2.jpg450845Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2023-06-16 14:50:112023-06-18 10:09:45Water Authority General Manager Sandra Kerl Celebrated for 40 Year Public Service Career
The California Department of Water Resources has opened the process to apply for its apprenticeship program that can lead to a career with the state agency.
DWR’s Operations and Maintenance Apprenticeship Program has released four exams that are the first step in applying for a career with DWR as an electrician, operator, mechanic, or utility craftsworker. The exams are available from June 15 to July 17.
Applicants who have a high school diploma, are 18 years of age, and meet other qualifications on the exam announcement may apply for one or more exams. Visit the apprentice exam announcements page for exam links and information.
Applicants that pass the written exam with a final score of 70% or better are placed on the eligible list and can apply for the apprenticeship program’s position openings. From June 15 to July 17, vacancies will be posted on the CalCareers website. Apprentice classes are hired together, one time per year, in January.
Apprenticeship Program benefits
Along with in-person class instruction, hands-on-learning, classroom study, home study, and supervised on-the-job training at a water conveyance facility, the apprenticeship program contains many benefits, including:
Learning new skills
Mentorship from experts
College credits
Great friendships
During the three to four-year-long program, which are located at DWR facilities across California, the apprentices assist journey-level workers in the various trades. Exam openings for positions include:
Utility Craftsworker (three years) works in the repair, operation, modification, replacement, inspection, and maintenance of major civil structures and related utility equipment
Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) Electrician (four years) works on the installation, repair, and maintenance of wiring circuits for electrical equipment, motors, and control devices
Hydroelectric Plant Mechanic (four years) works on the repair, disassembly, and assembly of large and complex equipment, such as piping systems, pumps, turbines, motors, generators, compressors, and air conditioning systems.
Hydroelectric Plant Operator (three years) operates and controls aqueduct facilities and hydroelectric generating and pumping plants
Participants in the first two years of the program receive instruction and complete most tasks under supervision. In the final years of the program apprentices perform more complex tasks, demonstrating knowledge, skills, and abilities required on the job. Participants are continuously evaluated and must pass a series of exams to progress through the program.
After completion, graduates will receive a full-time journey-level position with DWR in their learned trade. Graduates are certified through the Department of Industrial Relations and receive a Certificate of Completion.
For more information, please contact the Joint Apprenticeship Committee Program Coordinator at 916-820-7726 or view the apprenticeship program webpage.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Apprenticeship-Program-DWR-Photo-Primary.jpg450845Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2023-06-15 15:42:482023-06-15 15:42:48DWR Opens Apprenticeship Program Exams
Twelve students have won the 2023 City of Escondido Student Poster Contest by illustrating the theme, “Love Water, Save Water.”
Winners have the opportunity to have their work featured in a regional North San Diego County water agencies calendar. First, second, and third-place winners will be featured in next year’s regional calendar.
Fourth-grade students in the City of Escondido water district have participated in its annual poster contest for decades. Students were asked to illustrate the value of water resources.
The 12 finalists were recently recognized at an Escondido City Council meeting.
Top winning artists in Escondido 2023 Student Poster Contest include
First Place: Andrea Garcia, Heritage Elementary School
Second Place: Amelia Scroggy, Heritage Elementary School
Third Place: Avery Salazar, Grace Christian School
Students receiving honorable mentions include
Annabelle Trecha
Aysha Navarrete
Belen Rios Perez
Lincoln Steele
Aria Manoocheri
Avery Smith
Cassie Goodwin
Isaac Holsclaw
Wyatt Hada
Winning students and their teachers receive prizes. The top 12 2023 Escondido Student Poster Contest winners are currently displayed on the City of Escondido website.
Contest part of comprehensive science education program
The Escondido City Council recognizes student artists for their winning poster entries. Photo: City of Escondido
The City of Escondido supports local public and private schools by providing the Water Science Education Program to elementary and afterschool programs. The program teaches water science to raise awareness of the earth’s resources through interactive and collaborative activities supplementing each school’s science curriculum and helping meet Next Generation Science Standards. The annual poster contest is part of the program.
(Editor’s note: The City of Escondido is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)
The Sweetwater Authority selected 10 elementary school students as the winners of its “Being Water Wise Is…” 2023 Student Art Poster Contest. The annual contest is open to kindergarten through sixth-grade students in the Authority’s service area. The contest encourages students to think about the importance of water in their everyday lives, and how they can help protect and conserve water in their homes and community.
“We are thrilled to have received so many incredible posters this year from so many talented students,” said Sweetwater Authority Board Chair Hector Martinez. “The Authority runs this contest every year with the goal of helping students think critically about the importance of water. This year students did a fantastic job illustrating what being water-wise means to them.”
Winning student artwork
Oliver Bucud, Fourth Grade
Alandra Contreras Olvera, Third Grade
Sabrina Dacanay, Third Grade
Lee Ann Davis, Fourth Grade
Amara Drosi, Fourth Grade
Vanya Herroz, Fourth Grade
Audrey Manaig, Fourth Grade
Ryann Moody, Fourth Grade
Aaron Ramirez, Fourth Grade
Caleb Zacharzuk, Fourth Grade
Five students advance to regional competition
More than 60 students in the Authority’s service area submitted artwork for this year’s contest. Of the ten winners, five students will have their artwork submitted to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s regional contest:
Alondra Contreras Olvera
Sabrina Dacanay
LeeAnn Davis
Audrey Manaig
Ryann Moody
If selected, their art work will be featured in MWD’s 2024 art calendar. In 2023, second-grade student Melanie Garcia’s artwork was selected to represent Sweetwater Authority in the MWD student art calendar.
Second grader Melanie Garcia represents Sweetwater Authority with her winning artwork. Photo: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
(Editor’s note: The Sweetwater Authority is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Sweetwater-Posters-2023-Drosi-845X450.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-06-06 09:41:332023-06-06 10:32:26Student Artists Show Water Conservation Through Winning Art
Sustainable landscape demonstration gardens inspire homeowners to create and maintain their own beautiful, water-efficient landscapes. In California, where more than half of urban water usage goes towards landscape irrigation, any reduction in water consumption contributes to successful conservation efforts.
The San Diego County Water Authority and several member agencies host demonstration gardens that residents can visit and gather ideas for their own landscape makeovers and water-efficient upgrades. With gardens flourishing in late spring, it’s the perfect time for a self-guided garden tour.
San Diego County Water Authority
The four principles of sustainable landscaping are on display at the San Diego County Water Authority Sustainable Landscaping Demonstration Garden outside its Kearny Mesa office in San Diego. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
The Water Authority sustainable landscape demonstration garden at its Kearny Mesa headquarters showcases how homeowners can increase water efficiency and boost the environmental benefits of outdoor spaces through sustainable landscaping practices.
The 3,000-square-foot garden incorporates well-known water-efficient techniques such as climate-appropriate plants and high-efficiency irrigation. It also includes features to enhance water efficiency and reduce stormwater runoff.
Helix Water District
Native, water-wise plants thrive in one of the Helix Water District’s demonstration gardens. Photo: Helix Water District
Helix Water District created its first demonstration landscape in July 2020 at the district’s administration office in La Mesa. The project beautifies the neighborhood and serves as an inspiration to install low-water-use landscaping.
Three unique water-wise gardens include a Mediterranean garden on University Avenue, a desert landscape on Lee Avenue, and a California native landscape at the main entrance on Quince Street. Each garden boasts an array of flowers, colors, and textures and is easily visible from the sidewalk. The plants in these gardens are adapted to San Diego’s climate, requiring half to a fifth of the water needed by a traditional lawn. The gardens, at 7811 University Avenue in La Mesa, are low maintenance and provide habitat for local wildlife.
The Helix Water District demonstration garden includes interactive elements such as descriptive signs with QR codes that visitors can scan to learn more about specific plants. Photo: Helix Water District
Plant markers display each plant’s name so visitors can write down their favorites and a QR code that can be scanned with a smartphone to access additional information such as light and water needs. Visitors can access hwd.fyi/get-inspired to download the garden plans, obtain plant lists, and view several resources available to help start their own garden.
Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Customers can visit the California-friendly demonstration garden and hydroponic gardening tower at OMWD’s headquarters free any day of the year. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
The Olivenhain Municipal Water District headquarters houses a sustainable landscape demonstration garden showcasing water-efficient landscaping techniques. Customers can visit the California-friendly demonstration garden and hydroponic gardening tower free of charge throughout the year, either in person or online.
The garden highlights four key principles of sustainable landscaping: healthy soils, rainwater as a resource, climate-appropriate plants, and low-water use irrigation. Its location is 1966 Olivenhain Road, Encinitas.
Padre Dam Municipal Water District
More than 175 water-efficient plant and tree species are on display at the Padre Dam Municipal Water District Demonstration Garden. Photo: Padre Dam Municipal Water District
The Padre Dam Municipal Water District encourages East San Diego County residents to explore its water-efficient demonstration landscape to see more than 175 water-efficient plant and tree species. Padre Dam’s Water Conservation Garden is open to the public during business hours and located at its Customer Service Center at 9300 Fanita Parkway in Santee.
City of Poway Kumeyaay Native Plant Demonstration Garden
Monkey Flowers, Chalk Dudleya, wild cucumber, and Penstamon are all blooming at the Kumeyaay Ipai Interpretive Center in Poway. Photo: Courtesy Kumeyaay Ipai Interpretive Center at Poway via Facebook
The City of Poway honors its Native American heritage with its Native Plant Demonstration Garden as part of the Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretive Center. It’s open the third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for both docent-led and self-guided tours, located at 13104 Carriage Road, Poway.
A thriving community of Native Americans populated Pauwai long before the Spanish arrived. The evidence of their lives and work can be seen today at the Center, founded by a partnership with the City of Poway, Friends of the Kumeyaay, and the San Pasqual Band of Indians.
A video tour showcasing Native American plant uses can be viewed online here.
Vallecitos Water District
In 2023, a Little Free Library was installed at the north end of the Vallecitos Water District garden, stocked with garden books to inspire residents to adopt water-wise gardening practices. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
The Vallecitos Water District developed its demonstration garden in 2010 with design plans from Palomar College Environmental Architecture and Design students. The project received support from local businesses, organizations, and District employees.
The garden showcases sustainable practices and includes a rainwater harvesting system that collects rain from the roof into three storage tanks with a combined 2,500-gallon capacity. This system reduces the reliance on potable water, and the captured rainwater is used for the prominent water features in the garden which run on solar power.
California-friendly plants are supported with plant-nurturing mulch, compost, and biosolid pellets made from recycled wastewater solids produced at a treatment plant partially owned by Vallecitos, the plants are bolstered with moisture and nutrients. This eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers.
The garden features a weather-based irrigation controller display, durable aluminum shade structures, dry riverbeds, artificial turf, micro-irrigation, and an artistic sculpture highlighting the value of water. A new private patio area has been added, and all pathways are now ADA-accessible.
Vallecitos’ sustainable demonstration garden has achieved recognition as a “Certified Wildlife Habitat” by the National Wildlife Federation in 2013 and has been acknowledged as a “Certified Earth Friendly Garden” by the Master Gardeners Association of San Diego County. In 2023, a Little Free Library was installed at the north end of the garden, stocked with garden books to inspire residents to adopt water-wise gardening practices. The garden is located at 201 Vallecitos De Oro, San Marcos.
The Water Conservation Garden
The Water Conservation Garden features a Native Habitat Garden, the Compost Exhibit, the Veggie Garden, and the Succulent Garden. Take a free, docent-led tour the first Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. Illustration: The Water Conservation Garden
The Water Conservation Garden is a nearly five-acre display showcasing water conservation through a series of themed exhibits. Displays include a native plant garden and vegetable garden as well as how-to gardening and irrigation exhibits. Admission is free and the garden can be viewed on a self-guided tour or through one of its programs including classes and special events. The Water Conservation Garden is located at 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West, El Cajon.
Using water efficiently is a way of life and responsibility in the San Diego region. Residents have adopted habits that not only save money, but also create vibrant yards, reduce energy use, protect natural resources, and reduce landscape maintenance.
In a 2007 survey published in The Journal of the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta, half of those surveyed during a visit to San Diego County’s Water Conservation Garden found reported making a change to their landscape due to their visit to the water conservation demonstration garden, illustrating their value to the community.
La Mesa resident Nick Voinov stands in front of his 2022 Helix Water District Landscape Contest winning yard. Photo: Helix Water District
Along with the sustainable landscape demonstration gardens, many of the Water Authority’s member agencies provide opportunities for their customers to enter the annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest. The stories of the winners are regularly published in the Water News Network and can be found in the Features tab on the WNN homepage under the Conservation Corner category. The WaterSmart Living category, also under the Features tab, offers resources and tips on how to convert water-wasting landscapes to beautiful water-wise gardens.
(Editor’s Note: The Helix Water District, City of Poway, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, and the Vallecitos Water District are five of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego region.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Padre-Dam-Demo-Garden-845X450.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-06-04 13:43:202023-06-04 13:43:20Experience a Sustainable Demonstration Garden Self-Tour
