Sustainable Landscapes Program Partners Launch Website
Guidelines, classes, other resources now available; landscape retrofit incentives coming soon
The San Diego Sustainable Landscapes Program -- a grant-funded partnership created by the Water Authority, the City of San Diego, the County of San Diego, the Surfrider Foundation, the California American Water Company and the Association of Compost Producers -- now has a website to help the region's residents easily find the information they need to transform turf-based urban landscapes into ones that provide multiple environmental benefits, such as increased water-use efficiency and improved stormwater management.
At the website, SustainableLandscapesSD.org, residents can find a suite of resources that partners in the San Diego Sustainable Landscapes Program, or SLP, began rolling out late last year to encourage homeowners to take a more sustainable approach to landscapes. These include: a comprehensive 71-page guidebook with photos, diagrams and checklists; landscaping classes; and technical assistance through personalized design coaching. Other resources include training for landscape professionals and access to discounted landscaping materials such as mulch and compost.
Homeowners can go to the site to sign up to be notified when the SLP launches a new financial incentive program to help participants transform existing lawns into landscapes that meet SLP standards. The rebate program is expected to start later this summer. Funding is limited, and those interested in participating must not remove their turf grass before being accepted into the incentive program. Additional eligibility requirements and site inspections will also apply. For more information, go to SustainableLandscapesSD.org/incentives/.
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Applications for Next Citizens Water Academy Due Aug. 10
The Water Authority is accepting applications for its award-wining Citizens Water Academy program that provides emerging civic leaders with an inside look into the Water Authority's efforts to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for the San Diego region.
Academy participants learn how the Water Authority helps protect the region's economy and quality of life through its water supply diversification strategy. The academy also covers drought, facilities operations and maintenance, long-term planning, and water-use efficiency. Participants interact with Water Authority executives and tour world-class water facilities.
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| | Summer 2016 Water Academy graduates on Olivenhain Dam |
The deadline to apply for the next Citizens Water Academy is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10. The session dates for the fall class are:
- Session 1: Wednesday, Aug. 31; 5 to 8:30 p.m.
- Session 2: Thursday, Sept. 8; 5 to 8:30 p.m.
- Session 3: Saturday, Sept. 17; 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (includes tours)
Applicants must commit to attend all three sessions. The selection process is competitive and acceptance is not guaranteed.
Note: The Water Authority keeps an interest list for future academies. To be notified when future class dates are announced, send an email to wateracademy@sdcwa.org.
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Free Classes Teach
Low-Water Landscaping
The Water Authority and the San Diego Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation are offering several free classes and events as part of the San Diego Sustainable Landscapes Program. That program is the result of a multi-party regional partnership to promote a watershed approach to landscaping. Funding is provided by the California Department of Water Resources.
Water Authority classes:
- Landscape Design for Homeowners Workshop -- This free, three-hour workshop teaches homeowners the basics of how to do a landscape makeover. Topics include soil, design, turf removal, plant selection, planning, irrigation, rainwater catchment and implementation -- all the elements needed to convert high-water-use turf to a beautiful, water-efficient landscape. Upcoming workshops:
- July 9 from 9 a.m. to noon in Carlsbad
- Aug. 2 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Encinitas
- Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon in El Cajon
- Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon in Oceanside
- Oct. 11 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Clairemont
- Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon in El Cajon
- Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon in Oceanside
Registration is required. Click here for more information.
Surfrider classes:
- Watershed Wise Design Seminars -- Each three-hour seminar covers landscape design aesthetics, plants' water needs and how to select the right plants for your landscape; practice designing a real landscape. Upcoming seminars are July 23 in San Marcos, July 30 in El Cajon and Aug. 6 in Spring Valley.
- Lawn Be Gone Hands on Workshops -- Learn how to remove turf without harmful chemicals, build healthy living soil, capture water from the roof and other hard surfaces and 'slow, spread, and sink it' into the landscape. Each three-hour workshop is taught in a garden. An upcoming workshop is Aug. 26 in San Marcos.
- Egg-Timer Design Consultations -- Get your landscape design questions answered at the Live Well San Diego Event at San Diego Waterfront Park. Free egg-timer (10-minute) design consultations with one of G3's Certified Watershed Wise Landscape Professionals and members of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. The event is on July 30 from 7:30 to 11:15 a.m. in San Diego.
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