The City of Sacramento will be offering a class in water conservation to any local resident who wants more info on “how to use water wisely and comply with new watering rules.” As expected, the Sac Bee commenter krew are all over this one.
I should make sure to point out that I do not advocate wasting water. For example I do not support watering the lawns at parks that have reduced maintenance. One wonders whether lesson #1 in the workshop is “have your yard annexed as a City park”…
Water Conservation Educational Workshop
August 29, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
City of Sacramento Water Conservation Office
2260 Glen Ellen Circle
Sacramento, CA 95822
Workshop details (PDF)
The Sac Rag 
I hate lawns. They are not particularly attractive, they are a pain in the ass to maintain and require expensive and not-so-ecologically friendly chemicals and such. How many people actually “use” their lawns? I understand the attraction of a lawn if you have small kids, as it gives them a small, safe place to run around and play. Other than than, lawns seem like things that people water to prevent them from dying.
Want to save water? Native plants are beautiful, encourage wildlife (like pretty birds, not scary critters) and grow with very little effort and a minimal amount of water. Cactus gardens are far prettier than a clump of grass.
For info, start with the California Native Plant Society: http://www.sacvalleycnps.org/
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You just hate lawns because you’re afraid of The Lawnmower Man. Stupid Stephen King. It’s the same reason I’m afraid of super creepy clowns who are really giant underground spider monsters that eat children.
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Upcoming Water Management Certification Program Training and Test!
The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) is pleased to announce its upcoming Water Management Certification Program training and test in the Sacramento area on Thursday, September 3, from 9am – 3:00pm at the Folsom Community Center, 52 Natoma Street, Folsom, CA. In February 2009, the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) introduced its Water Management Certification Program at the 30th Annual Landscape Industry Show in Los Angeles at the Convention Center. CLCA’s Water Management Certification Program was started in 2007 and helps meet the need to reduce landscape water usage by learning to work with advanced irrigation technology and a water budget. In some cases it also saves money, especially for those with tiered water pricing.
Despite recent rainfall, California is facing its third year of continuous drought and dangerously low reserves. With significant increases in population and reduced resources from previous years, our current water needs are exceeding our supply. On February 27, Governor Schwarzenegger declared a statewide emergency due to drought and directed state government agencies to implement an emergency plan. Like many cities throughout California, Sacramento has implemented new water conservation rules, which began June 12.
In response to the state’s dire water situation, CLCA recently announced that anyone in California who would like to learn water management may now enroll in CLCA’s Water Management Certification Program. Landscape is an important place to emphasize responsible water usage because most people over water their landscapes by over 50%. However, it is an important part of any community, and positively alters the environment, reduces carbon emissions, improves air quality, protects the land, provides food, creates oxygen and sustains life. Plants and trees are also food and shelter for surrounding wildlife. Using water management along with responsible ecological choices including sustainable landscaping, grasscycling, fire retardant plant choices and more, our state can not only save water, but also help protect our environment and shape our future.
The shortage of water is not only a big problem in California but also worldwide. According to the United Nations, nearly two thirds of the world’s population is expected to have limited access to water by 2025. CLCA’s Water Management Certification Program was made possible by the strong support of Ewing Irrigation Products, Toro Company, Hunter Industries, and Horizon Distributors Inc. who share a strong commitment to water conservation.
Tests and trainings are given throughout the state and schedules are updated regularly. To enroll for the upcoming test and training on September 3, request more information or make arrangements for a test in your area, please contact David Silva at 916-830-2780 or email at davidsilva@clca.org. For additional test dates and times please click on the link http://www.clca.org/index.php?v=sgn2&p=7. For additional information on Sacramento’s Water restrictions, please go to: http://www.cityofsacramento.org/utilities/water/water-conservation.cfm.
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Lawns are ok if they’re interwoven with a little cultivation I think. Growing more of those indigenous plants and trees looks more interesting and uses less water.
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