Newest articles and comments on The Sacramento Press written by Christine Kohn

Variable Snowpack Provides Constant Threat and Ongoing Reminder to Use Water Efficiently

2013-01-29T23:48:07Z

The Regional Water Authority (RWA) has released the following statement in response to snow survey results announced today by the California Department of Water Resources.

"Just a month ago, California's snowpack was well above average. Now, after just one relatively dry January, today's snow survey shows below normal conditions.

"California's variable precipitation is a constant threat to our water supplies and an ongoing reminder for all of us to use only the water that we need.

"Having enough water is critical to California and our local economy, and water efficiency plays an important role. The Regional Water Authority and local water providers ask residents to use water efficiently by following these winter watering tips:

Turn off your automatic sprinklers for the winter. Plants typically don't need as much water this time of year. Lower temperatures, shorter daylight hours and moisture from fog and rain all combine to reduce the water demands of a typical landscape. If you have the type of lawn that is dormant during the winter, most likely it does not need supplemental water.
Check soil moisture before turning your sprinklers back on. Use a garden trowel or shovel to dig down about three to six inches. If the soil looks and feels dry several inches or more below the surface, water the landscape one day per week or according to your water provider's guidelines.
Tune up your sprinklers before turning your system on for the watering season. Just like a water heater, furnace or other appliance in your home, sprinkler systems need an annual tune up to keep them working properly. Find a fact sheet that shows how to tune up sprinklers at BeWaterSmart.info.

"Over the past several years the Sacramento region has made great progress when it comes to using water more efficiently. For example, the region significantly reduced its water use since 2001, according to a recent report published by the Sacramento Area Water Forum. In addition, nearly 2,000 people have pledged to save over 60 million gallons of water per year by taking the Blue Thumb pledge at BeWaterSmart.info as part of RWA's water efficiency outreach program.

"Moreover, local water providers have been working hard for more than a decade to ensure reliable supplies. Water providers joined business leaders, environmental groups and others to sign the Water Forum agreement in 2000, which is aimed at providing a reliable and safe water supply for the region's future while preserving the environmental, recreational and aesthetic values of the Lower American River. Integrated regional water management has enhanced the ability of many water providers to preserve surface water resources by using groundwater supplies during dry times.

"Water is a precious resource that shouldn't be wasted. It's important for everyone to use water efficiently--for the health of the Sacramento region's economy, environment and way of life."

For more information about free water-efficiency services and rebates, as well as tips for using less water now, residents can contact their local water provider or visit BeWaterSmart.info.

About the Regional Water Authority: RWA is a joint powers authority representing 25 water providers and affiliates in the greater Sacramento area. Its primary mission is to help its members protect and enhance the reliability, availability, affordability and quality of water resources.

Disclosure: Christine Kohn is the public outreach coordinator for the Regional Water Authority.

Landscapers learn new niche through Green Gardener program

2012-11-19T20:56:04Z

Trained Professionals Help Residents Create Beautiful, Sustainable Landscapes

Top names in the sustainable landscaping industry recently gathered to celebrate new Green Gardener graduates.

Green Gardeners are landscape professionals that undergo an intensive, 10-week training course in sustainable, River-Friendly landscaping. During the course, participants learn principles and practices that can help reduce urban runoff and conserve water.

"The Green Gardener program is important to the Sacramento region because it trains landscaping professionals to garden responsibly and to protect our resources, especially our waterways," said Debbie Flower, Horticulture Professor at American River College and one of the industry leaders who attended the graduation. "The program also provides a niche for professionals to market their services, which can be especially important in this economic environment."

More and more homeowners are asking their landscapers for safer, healthier gardening products and methods, said Kellogg Garden Products Manager Rex Lamb, another industry leader who attended the event.

"Homeowners are catching on that they gotta be green. They want to landscape organically, in a way that's healthier for their family," Lamb said, adding that Kellogg now sells more organic fertilizers than synthetic fertilizers 10 to one in Northern California.

The graduation honored 72 Green Gardener graduates. Since the program launched in fall 2009, more than 200 landscape professionals have attended Green Gardener classes, and nearly 150 have graduated. Graduates include contractors, designers, arborists, irrigation experts and maintenance professionals.

Among the 16 special industry guests who attended the event were:
• "Farmer Fred" Hoffman (Keynote Speaker), lifetime Master Gardener and host of the "KFBK Garden Show" on NewsTalk 1530
• John Perrino, Co-founder and Chief Operation Officer of Vermicrop Organics
• Dave Phelps, Sustainability Manager for Cagwin & Dorward landscape contractors
• Ron Silva, Delta Bluegrass Company

"Considering that more than 65 percent of a household's water use typically goes toward landscape irrigation, and that more than 30 percent of that is lost to overwatering and evaporation, Green Gardeners provide in important service," said RWA Water Efficiency Program Manager Amy Talbot. "They are a great resource for residents looking to create a beautiful, sustainable landscape but don't know where to begin."

The Green Gardener training program is sponsored by the Regional Water Authority and River-Friendly Landscaping Coalition. A list of qualified Green Gardeners can be found at www.BeWaterSmart.info.

About the Regional Water Authority: RWA is a joint powers authority representing 25 water providers and affiliates in the greater Sacramento area. Its primary mission is to help its members protect and enhance the reliability, availability, affordability and quality of water resources.

Disclosure: Christine Kohn is the public outreach coordinator for the Regional Water Authority.

2012 Water Spots Video Winner Announced

2012-06-05T17:58:01Z

Bobby Cary from Woodcreek High School in Roseville has been named the grand prize winner in the Water Spots Video Contest, sponsored by the Regional Water Authority and Sacramento Bee Media in Education program.

Cary's video was one of nearly 90 half-minute spots submitted in the first annual contest designed to teach kids about using water efficiently. Celebrity judges narrowed the videos submitted down to 11 finalists, and the public voted Cary's video their favorite.

The finalists and grand prize winner were unveiled on Raley Field's Jumbotron before a Sacramento River Cats game. The top three winning students and teachers also received cash prizes. Cary's winning video is now part of RWA’s 2012 Blue Thumb water efficiency campaign, which encourages Sacramento-area residents to earn their Blue Thumb by using water efficiently outdoors.

Other winners included:

Second place: Gerald Snow from Woodcreek High School (Mark Hajewski, teacher)
Third place: Riley Murtagh from Woodcreek High School (Mark Hajewski, teacher)

Water Spots finalists included:

Bailey Jensen, Woodcreek High School (Mark Hajewski, teacher)
Ryan Hodgens and Justin Gamboa, Whitney High School (Ben Barnholdt, teacher)
Sebastian Douglass, Woodcreek High School (Mark Hajewski, teacher)
Angela Polizzi, Center High School (Vernon Bisho, teacher)
Jamie Geiger and Venessa Smith, Center High School (Vernon Bisho, teacher)
Jordan Chavolla and Drue Just, Center High School (Vernon Bisho, teacher)
Jeremy Knapp, Center High School (Vernon Bisho, teacher)
Lawrence Simon and Christopher Simon, Jesuit High School (Vito Ferrante, teacher)

Judges included Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, Kathleen Dodge of the Tahoe Film Commission, Jim Metropulos of the Sierra Club, Laura Skirde of KOVR 13, Leo Winternitz of the Nature Conservancy and Monica Woods of News 10. Finalist videos were selected based upon creativity, entertainment value, accuracy, originality and incorporation of the water efficiency topic.

To view Bobby Cary's winning video, or for more information about free water-efficiency services and rebates, visit the Be Water Smart Web site at bewatersmart.info.

About the Regional Water Authority: RWA is a joint powers authority representing 24 water providers and affiliates in the greater Sacramento area. Its primary mission is to help its members protect and enhance the reliability, availability, affordability and quality of water resources.

Disclosure: Christine Kohn is the public outreach coordinator for the Regional Water Authority.

Want to create a beautiful, sustainable landscape?

2012-05-03T21:05:53Z

Area residents can get answers to their most vexing landscaping questions and check out beautiful, low-water use plants at "Ask a Green Gardener Day" on Saturday, May 19.

May is “Water Awareness Month." To celebrate, the Regional Water Authority and local water providers are partnering with nurseries throughout the Sacramento region to host "Ask a Green Gardener Day."

Green Gardeners are landscape professionals that undergo an intensive, 10-week training course in sustainable, River-Friendly landscaping. They include maintenance professionals, contractors, designers, arborists and irrigation experts.

During this free event, visitors will have the opportunity to meet qualified Green Gardeners and ask questions about creating and maintaining landscapes that use resources--like water—more efficiently and with fewer chemicals for a healthier environment. Participating nurseries will have on display of beautiful, low-water use plants and Arboretum All Stars that look great and grow well in our climate with little or no water.

Nurseries participating in "Ask a Green Gardener Day" include:

Big Oak Nursery--10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
www.bigoaknursery.com
10071 Grant Line Road
Elk Grove, CA 95624

Bushnell Gardens Nursery--10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
www.bushnellgardens.com
5420 Douglas Blvd., Ste. A
Granite Bay, CA 95746

Fair Oaks Boulevard Nursery--10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
www.fairoaksblvdnursery.com
4681 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95864

Front Yard Nursery--10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
www.frontyardnursery.com
5801 Mother Lode Drive
Placerville, CA 95667

The Flower Farm--10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
http://www.flowerfarminn.com/
4150 Auburn Folsom Road
Loomis, CA 95650

Green Acres Nursery & Supply--10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
http://www.idiggreenacres.com/

901 Galleria Blvd.
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 782-2273

8501 Jackson Rd. (corner of Florin Perkins)
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 381-1625

205 Serpa Way
Folsom, CA 95630

UC Davis Arboretum--9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
http://arboretum.ucdavis.edu
920 Garrod Drive
Davis, CA 95616

Learn more about "Ask a Green Gardener Day," find a list of Green Gardeners and take the Blue Thumb pledge to use water efficiently outdoors at www.BeWaterSmart.info.

Disclosure: Christine Kohn is the public outreach coordinator for the Regional Water Authority.

Water Spots Videos Need Your Vote!

2012-04-19T19:59:34Z

SACRAMENTO-- Clever narrative, humor and even some animation--those are some of the ingredients found in the nearly 90 videos submitted in the Water Spots video contest, sponsored by the Regional Water Authority (RWA), Sacramento Bee Media in Education and local water providers.

From raps and jingles to serious messages about water scarcity, Sacramento-area high school students showed off their creativity in 30-second public service announcements on outdoor water efficiency.

Celebrity judges narrowed the videos down to 11 finalists, now it's the public's turn to vote for their favorite by Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at www.sacbee.com/mie.

The finalists and grand prize winner will be unveiled on Sunday, April 29, at 12:25 p.m. on Raley Field's Jumbotron before the Sacramento River Cats game. Winning students and teachers will also get cash prizes. The grand prize winner’s spot will become part of RWA’s 2012 Blue Thumb water efficiency campaign, which encourages Sacramento-area residents to earn their Blue Thumb by using water efficiently outdoors.

In addition to celebrating Water Spots finalists, the Regional Water Authority will launch its 2012 Blue Thumb pledge drive at the April 29 game. Three lucky fans will be selected for a garden hose limbo contest on the field, and one will win a wheelbarrow of gardening equipment and starter plants by taking the Blue Thumb pledge.

Water Spots finalists include:

Bobby Cary, Woodcreek High School (Mark Hajewski, teacher)
Riley Murtagh, Woodcreek High School (Mark Hajewski, teacher)
Gerald Snow, Woodcreek High School (Mark Hajewski, teacher)
Bailey Jensen, Woodcreek High School (Mark Hajewski, teacher)
Ryan Hodgens and Justin Gamboa, Whitney High School (Ben Barnholdt, teacher)
Sebastian Douglass, Woodcreek High School (Mark Hajewski, teacher)
Angela Polizzi, Center High School (Vernon Bisho, teacher)
Jamie Geiger and Venessa Smith, Center High School (Vernon Bisho, teacher)
Jordan Chavolla and Drue Just, Center High School (Vernon Bisho, teacher)
Jeremy Knapp, Center High School (Vernon Bisho, teacher)
Lawrence Simon and Christopher Simon, Jesuit High School (Vito Ferrante, teacher)

Judges included Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, Kathleen Dodge of the Tahoe Film Commission, Jim Metropulous of the Sierra Club, Laura Skirde of KOVR 13, Leo Winternitz of the Nature Conservancy and Monica Woods of News 10. Finalist videos were selected based upon creativity, entertainment value, accuracy, originality and incorporation of the water efficiency topic.

For more information about free water-efficiency services and rebates, and to take the Blue Thumb pledge, visit the Be Water Smart Web site at bewatersmart.info.

Check Moisture Before Ramping Up Landscape Irrigation, Water Providers Urge

2012-01-12T15:08:46Z

With the recent dry weather and warmer temperatures, Sacramento-area residents might be tempted to ramp up their landscape irrigation. But, the Regional Water Authority and local water providers are recommending restraint.

"Plants don't need as much water this time of year, even without rain," said Linda Yager, Regional Water Efficiency Program Manager. Lower temperatures, shorter daylight hours and moisture from fog and rain all combine to reduce the water demands of a typical landscape. Edible gardens and fruit bearing trees have special water requirements, so please consult with a landscape professional or your local Master Gardeners for more information.

The Regional Water Authority and local water providers offer the following dry winter tips for the typical landscape:

Before turning on your irrigation system, check the soil to see and feel if it is still moist by using a garden trowel or shovel to dig down about three to six inches. If the soil is dry several inches or more below the surface, water the landscape one day per week, according to your water provider's schedule.
Apply the “soak and cycle” method, which means to water your landscape on that one day and let the water soak into the soil for about an hour. Then use a trowel or shovel again to check the soil moisture. If the soil is moist to a depth of three inches or so, you’ve probably watered enough. If the soil is only moist down to a depth of an inch or two, you may need to irrigate for a little longer.
Understand that if you have the type of lawn that is dormant in the winter, it will not likely need supplemental water.
Once the rains begin, remember to turn the irrigation system off again.

"The variations in rainfall from year to year are a constant reminder for all of us to use only what we need," Yager said. "Rain or shine, we should be good stewards of our water resources--for the health of the Sacramento region, the state’s economy and to ensure it is available today and for future generations."

For more information about free water-efficiency services and rebates, as well as tips for using less water now, residents can contact their local water provider or visit the Be Water Smart Web site at bewatersmart.info.

Disclosure: Christine Kohn is the public outreach coordinator for the Regional Water Authority.

Hands-On Workshop and Blue Thumb Garden Party Scheduled for Nov. 5

2011-10-20T17:36:06Z

Blue Thumb Neighbors (BTN) is offering a special workshop to provide Witter Ranch (Natomas) residents with a hands-on opportunity to apply sustainable landscape practices to a neighbor’s yard.

Working with the host, the BTN team will develop an action plan for transforming one ornamental planting area with beautiful, low-water use plants and upgrading sprinkler heads in one turf area. BTN instructors, participants and volunteers will then dig in and implement those plans during the Garden Party.

The Garden Party will include both instruction and hands-on application on the following topics:

Soil and Soil Amendments: Discuss soil health, use of compost and how the site was prepared
Hydrozones, Plants and Planting: Identify the garden's hydrozones, review the landscape design plan and plant list, learn how to properly space plants based upon mature size and install plants and trees
Efficient Garden Watering (planting bed): Match selected plants to the irrigation method, review scheduling, maintenance and proper emitter placement
Efficient Garden Watering (turf): Practice how to replace older sprinklers with efficient rotary nozzles
Mulch Magic: Learn about the proper application of mulch, including the correct depth and distance from plants, and then apply mulch to the garden

____________________________

What: Blue Thumb Garden Party

Where: Home of Anita Mora, 2942 Chateau Montelena Way

When: Saturday, November 5, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Who: Witter Ranch residents and Blue Thumb Neighbors participants

What to bring: Chairs, gardening clothes that can get dirty, Blue Thumb garden gloves, hats and sunscreen, shovel and hand trowel

Please RSVP by contacting: Christine Kohn, Blue Thumb Neighbors Program Coordinator, by phone: 916-944-1631 or via e-mail: ckohn@INCommunications.biz.

Disclosure: Christine Kohn is the public outreach coordinator for the Regional Water Authority.

Witter Ranch Selected for ‘Blue Thumb Neighbors’ Program

2011-09-12T20:19:35Z

The Witter Ranch neighborhood in Natomas has been selected to participate in “Blue Thumb Neighbors,” a free program sponsored by the Regional Water Authority and City of Sacramento Department of Utilities.

The project will teach residents there how to create healthy, beautiful, River‐Friendly landscapes that compliment their homes and neighborhood. River‐Friendly landscaping is a holistic approach to sustainable landscaping that uses resources, like water, efficiently and incorporates practices that foster soil health, reduce waste and prevent pollution of the air and waterways.

Each participating household will receive a free at‐home consultation on efficient watering, sponsored by the City of Sacramento, and then education and resource kits during three October workshops on sustainable landscape design, efficient irrigation and proper plant selection.

“When we first heard of this program, we knew that Natomas was an ideal candidate area,” said Dave Brent, Interim Director of the City of Sacramento Department of Utilities. “And when we approached Witter Ranch, their enthusiasm proved we were right. We look forward to working with them and helping them to implement real changes that will make a difference in their water use and their monthly utility bills.”

Neighborhoods from throughout the City of Sacramento were nominated for the program and then evaluated according to 13 criteria, which included whether the neighborhood is metered and representative of other communities in the Sacramento region. After interviews with leaders at top‐ranked neighborhoods, program sponsors selected Witter Ranch.

"We were impressed with Witter Ranch's sense of community pride, neighborhood association leadership and existing system of communication," said Regional Water Efficiency Program Manager Linda Yager.

Witter Ranch was the only neighborhood selected in the City of Sacramento for the 2011 Blue Thumb Neighbors program.

The free at‐home consultations, which will provide tips on irrigation scheduling and efficient watering practices, begin this month. The open workshops will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on October 11, 18 and 25 at the Witter Ranch Elementary School Multipurpose Room at 3790 Poppy Hill Way.

Blue Thumb Neighbors staff will be going door‐to‐door on Saturday, September 17 to provide more information about the program and invite residents to participate.

Interested residents may contact Blue Thumb Neighbors Program Coordinator Christine Kohn at 916‐944‐1631 or ckohn@INcommunications.biz to learn more or sign up.

Blue Thumb Neighbors is offered in partnership with the Witter Ranch Community Alliance. It is sponsored by the Regional Water Authority and City of Sacramento. It is funded in part by a grant from the California Department of Water Resources.

Disclosure: Christine Kohn is the public outreach coordinator for the Regional Water Authority.

“Top 10 Products for Saving Water At Home” to be Showcased May 7 at Lowe's

2011-05-04T16:41:57Z

Mulch, drip irrigation kits and rain sensors...What do all of these have in common?

They're considered "Top 10 Products for Saving Water at Home" available at your local home improvement store.

To celebrate Water Awareness Month in May, local water providers and the Regional Water Authority (RWA) are partnering with Lowe's to showcase products that can help residents use less water. These include WaterSense-labeled toilets and showerheads, rotary sprinkler nozzles, automatic hose timers and more.

Water providers will be on hand to discuss these and other products, tips for saving water both inside and outside the home, as well as rebates for replacing water-wasting fixtures with newer models, on Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lowe's in:

• Citrus Heights
• Elk Grove
• Folsom
• Lincoln
• Rancho Cordova
• Roseville

Remember that water is a limited resource that shouldn't be wasted. Learn more and read the complete list of "Top 10 Products for Saving Water at Home" at BeWaterSmart.info.

Disclosure: Christine Kohn is the public outreach coordinator for the Regional Water Authority.

New Blue Thumb Blog Helps Residents Create Beautiful, Water-Efficient Landscapes

2011-04-18T17:55:52Z

We've all heard the term "Green Thumb" used to describe someone with a natural skill for gardening. Now there's a new resource for gardeners to help them develop a "Blue Thumb"--a talent for creating a beautiful, water-efficient landscape.

In the Blue Thumb blog, local landscape and irrigation experts Cheryl Buckwalter of Landscape Liaisons and Vicky Bartish of EcoLandscape California share their personal and professional insights on topics such as:

• Selecting and maintaining high-impact, low-fuss plants appropriate for the Sacramento region
• Reading your landscape and making practical design decisions
• Matching your irrigation to your soil and plant type

Cheryl and Vicky also answer vexing questions on landscaping and watering submitted by readers.

The Blue Thumb blog is hosted by the Regional Water Authority (RWA) in partnership with local water providers who are working to help residents use less water outdoors.

RWA estimates that Sacramento-area residents could collectively save almost 100 gallons of water per person per day during the irrigation season (April through October) by using water wisely and eliminating water waste outdoors. That’s enough water to meet the drinking water needs of more than 135,000 families for a year.

Join the conversation today at BeWaterSmart.info.

Disclosure: Christine Kohn is the public outreach coordinator for the Regional Water Authority.

Sacramento-Area Residents to be Honored as "Blue Thumb Ambassadors"

2011-04-07T18:51:40Z

The Regional Water Authority (RWA) and local water providers kick off their 2011 Blue Thumb Pledge Drive by honoring 11 Sacramento-area residents and organizations as "Blue Thumb Ambassadors." Honorees will be recognized for their dedication to landscape water efficiency this Sunday, April 10, at 12:45 p.m. at the Sacramento River Cats game.

Nearly 40 individuals and organizations were nominated by water providers and landscape advisors. Ultimately, 11 were selected because of their passion for using water wisely outdoors and their work as environmental educators, resources for their neighbors and stewards of our local water supplies.

"Sometimes it's difficult to appreciate the need for water efficiency after such a wet winter," said RWA's Water Efficiency Program Manager Linda Higgins. "Our Blue Thumb Ambassadors understand that water is a limited resource that shouldn't be wasted no matter the short-term weather and water supply conditions. They also know firsthand that that beautiful landscaping and water efficiency go hand-in-hand."

With the Sacramento region's hot, dry climate and long summer season, it's estimated that more than 65 percent of a household's yearly water consumption typically goes toward landscape irrigation. Of that, 30 percent is lost to overwatering or evaporation. RWA estimates that Sacramento-area residents could collectively save almost 100 gallons of water per person per day during the irrigation season (April through October) by using water wisely and eliminating water waste outdoors. That’s enough water to meet the drinking water needs of more than 135,000 families for a year.

Blue Thumb honorees range from landscape experts and contractors to a homeowners association and park district, and stretch from Rocklin to Sacramento to El Dorado. They include:

• Chuck Ingels of Fair Oaks, Interim Co-County Director for the UC Cooperative Extension, an expert in the field of landscape water efficiency and sustainable landscaping practices.

• Crosswoods Homeowners Association in Citrus Heights, represented by Property Manager Paul Schorno and Resident Bob Acrea. Crosswoods HOA removed 25,000 square feet (about the size of a football field) of thirsty lawn and replaced it with beautiful, water-efficient landscaping, a drip irrigation system and weather-based irrigation controller.

• The City of Sacramento Water Conservation Ambassadors, represented by Maureen Johnson, resident-volunteers that help neighbors learn to use water efficiently.

• Robert Makimoto of Roseville, owner of Tri-Asian Enterprise, a landscape maintenance and installation company in Roseville, whose advocacy for weather-based irrigation technologies has motivated his commercial clients to reduce their water use to the benefit of the bottom line.

• Judy McClure of Sacramento, Water Quality Outreach and Master Gardener Program Coordinator for the UC Cooperative Extension, an expert in the field of water-efficient landscaping and gardening.

• Rosemary Carey of El Dorado, President of the El Dorado Chapter of the California Native Plant Society whose endeavors have included meeting one-on-one with 37 homeowners to advise them about incorporating low water-use native plants into their landscapes as part of a grant from the Sierra Nevada Alliance.

• Joe Zaniker and Gregg Coffin of Sacramento, transformed their thirsty Land Park yard to a beautiful, water-efficient landscape that features original sculpture and other artistic elements.

• Paul MacGowan of Rocklin, a 30-year educator and Professor/Department Chair of the Horticulture Department at American River College.

• Sue Jennings of Sacramento, an "environmental crusader" who formed Sacramento Citizens for Sustainable Landscapes and maintains sacgardens.org.

• Robb Munn of Carmichael, owner of English Garden Care, a landscape design and maintenance company in Rancho Cordova, who specializes in sustainable landscaping, water-wise landscapes and environmental restoration.

• Mission Oaks Recreation and Park District in Carmichael, represented by Parks Director TJ Newman. Mission Oaks Recreation and Park District installed moisture-based irrigation controllers and other water-efficient irrigation measures.

The 2011 Blue Thumb Ambassadors will be honored Sunday, April 10 at 12:45 p.m. during a pre-game ceremony at the Sacramento River Cats game. Their stories will also be featured on the Blue Thumb Web site at BeWaterSmart.info.

About the Regional Water Authority: RWA is a joint powers authority representing 21 water providers in the greater Sacramento area. Its primary mission is to help its members protect and enhance the reliability, availability, affordability and quality of water resources.

Regional Water Authority Launches “Blue Thumb” Campaign, Starring Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson

2010-04-14T20:34:06Z

The Regional Water Authority (RWA) and 19 local water providers today launched a new public education campaign promoting landscape water efficiency in the Sacramento region.

The television and radio campaign stars Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, Dinger and Grounds Manager Chris Ralston of the Sacramento River Cats, Meteorologist Elissa Lynn of the California Department of Water Resources and six Sacramento-area residents who have earned their “Blue Thumb” by using water efficiently outdoors.

The public service campaign focuses on landscape water efficiency because most water use occurs outdoors. With the Sacramento region’s hot, dry climate and long summer season, more than 65 percent of a household’s yearly water consumption typically goes toward landscape irrigation. Of that, 30 percent is lost due to overwatering or evaporation.

“People can make a big difference in their total water use by making sure landscape irrigation is efficient and by eliminating runoff,” said RWA Executive Director John Woodling. “Those are two of the most cost-effective ways to stretch our limited water supplies and ensure we continue to have sufficient water for a healthy environment and economy in the Sacramento region.”

The campaign features residents in their own garden talking about how they earned their “Blue Thumb” by using water efficiently outdoors through every-day tasks such as making sure sprinklers water the lawn instead of the sidewalk, adjusting their irrigation system according to the season or using an automatic shut-off valve on their hose.

RWA received 24 nominations from throughout the Sacramento region for residents who deserved to star in the “Blue Thumb” campaign. Six homeowners from Sacramento, West Sacramento, Elk Grove, Folsom and Granite Bay were ultimately selected to participate.

“These folks understand that water is a limited, precious resource that shouldn’t be wasted,” Woodling said. “Having enough water is critical to our local and state economy. Our water use impacts the environment around us, including the health of our Sacramento and American rivers and our local creeks. Ultimately, we all need to earn our “Blue Thumb” by making a personal commitment to be good stewards of our resources to ensure water is available today and for future generations.”

The “Blue Thumb” campaign will run through August 2010. Components include regional television and radio advertising and public service announcements, a new educational Web site (BeWaterSmart.info) where residents can pledge to be water efficient and receive a prize, as well as partnerships with The Home Depot, WaterSense, Sacramento River Cats and Save Our Water (a statewide water efficiency campaign). It also includes a unique grass-roots pilot project designed to help customers use water efficiently outdoors.

About the Regional Water Authority: The RWA is a joint powers authority representing 19 water providers in the greater Sacramento area. Its primary mission is to help its members protect and enhance the reliability, availability, affordability and quality of water resources.

RWA Water Efficiency Program Participants:

California American Water
Carmichael Water District
Citrus Heights Water District
City of Folsom
City of Lincoln
City of Roseville
City of Sacramento
City of West Sacramento
El Dorado Irrigation District
Elk Grove Water Service
Fair Oaks Water District
Golden State Water Company
Orange Vale Water Company
Placer County Water Agency
Rio Linda/Elverta Community Water District
Sacramento County Water Agency
Sacramento Suburban Water District
San Juan Water District

RWA offers Green Gardener Training Program

2009-09-15T20:43:04Z

The Regional Water Authority (RWA) is pleased to announce the River-Friendly Landscaping, Green Gardener Training Program.

The Green Gardener Training Program is a 10-week series providing high quality training to professionals on how to “garden green.” Attendees will learn landscape principles that can assist in reducing urban runoff, conserving water, and reducing solid waste, including:

Conserving water, protecting the soil and reducing the use of pesticides. Many classes will include both indoor and outdoor hands-on components.
Creating a healthier garden for your client and a healthier work environment for yourself and your employees.
Offering a list of River-Friendly Landscaping Principles, helping you compete in the professional industry.

Landscape maintenance staff and landscape contractors are the program’s primary audience, but classes are open to any landscape professional interested in green gardening practices.

Class starts on September 30 at 6:30 pm at the McMillan Center, 8020 Temple Park Road, in Fair Oaks, CA 95628. The cost is $45 for 10 consecutive-week sessions.

Information, class details and registration forms can be found on the Regional Water Authority Web site at www.rwah2o.org.