To: Board of Directors, Sonoma County Water Agency
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Water Agency
Staff Name and Phone Number: Lauren Lum, 707-547-1933
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): All
Title:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution for Garden Sense Program 10-year Anniversary
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a Gold Resolution Recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the Garden Sense Program offered by the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County.
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Executive Summary:
Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) and the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (University), Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County proudly celebrate the 10-year Anniversary of the Garden Sense Program. Sonoma Water and University collaborated to develop, implement, and fund the Program since July 2014. We recognize the hard work and dedication of the UC Master Gardener volunteers who provide free education and resources to Sonoma County residents on low water use landscaping practices.
Discussion:
Sonoma Water and University proudly celebrate the Garden Sense Program which, for 10 years, has been serving the community by providing information on how to sheet mulch, convert overhead spray irrigation to drip, select low water use plants, and encourage participation in local water retailers’ water use efficiency incentive programs. From 2014-2023, the Garden Sense Program has completed 1,836 consultations to Sonoma County residents. The consultations have supported the removal of approximately 652,043 square-feet of turf grass which has saved over 16 million gallons of water. We would like to recognize the UC Master Gardener, Garden Sense volunteers who provide an important service to our community with their expertise in water-wise landscaping principles and supporting residents by connecting them to available resources.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Sonoma Water Strategic Plan Alignment:
Goal: Planning and Infrastructure
Strategy: Conduct planning that integrates and balances operational, maintenance, and infrastructure priorities
Action: Continue to engage in planning efforts and partnerships to protect and enhance our water supply.
Goal: Climate Change
Strategy: Develop and implement practices to understand and minimize vulnerability to climate change impacts.
Action: Support interagency partnership efforts addressing regional climate-resiliency planning and projects.
This work aligns with these goals through the regional efforts of Sonoma Water and UC Master Gardeners to educate residents about the importance of saving water in the landscape and by removing barriers to implement landscape efficiency upgrades at their homes. This has a positive effect on the resilience of regional water supplies by lowering water demands and associated carbon emissions embedded in the production and delivery of potable water.
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
None.
Attachments:
Gold Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.