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April 28, 2009 (El Cajon)--The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College celebrated its tenth birthday on Saturday, April 25. Garden Executive Director Marty Eberhardt commented on the remarkable timing of the event. “Just two days ago, the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors declared a Level 2 Drought Alert, which means that retail agencies will soon be instituting water restrictions. This is exactly the kind of situation that the founding agencies foresaw.”
The Helix Water District, the Otay Water District, and Cuyamaca College opened the Garden in spring 1999. Since then, the 5-acre garden has matured into a beautiful landscape that inspires its visitors. “Every day people tell us that they had no idea that water-wise landscaping could be so attractive”, said Eberhardt.
Supervisor Dianne Jacob was in attendance and declared the day “Water Conservation Garden Day.”
Speakers from the founding organizations commented on the importance of creating a teaching garden. Water Conservation Garden Board President Mark Robak remarked upon the Garden’s national recognition and huge increases in attendance. “The time is ripe for the kind of education the Garden provides” he said.
The Garden is now governed by a Joint Powers Authority that includes the founding organizations as well as the San Diego County Water Authority, the Sweetwater Authority, and the City of San Diego. The Garden offers has tours, classes, and outreach programs for adults, such as “Toss the Turf and “H2O 911”, as well as programs for children with Ms. Smarty Plants. Further information can be found at www.thegarden.org.
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Directions to the Garden: The Water Conservation Garden is located at 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West in El Cajon, where Jamacha Rd. (not Jamacha Blvd.) and Hwy 94 meet. From Hwy 15 or Hwy 805, merge onto Hwy 94 East to Cuyamaca College Drive West. From Hwy 8 take the 2nd St. off ramp in El Cajon, which turns into Jamacha Rd and then turn onto Cuyamaca College Drive West. Information about the garden, including detailed directions and a map, can be found at www.thegarden.org.
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