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Local Agencies Team Up to Offer Water and Fire-wise Landscape Workshop at New Demonstration Garden in 4S Ranch
Olivenhain Municipal Water District and Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District are co-hosting a free water and fire-wise landscape education event on Saturday, July 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The event will celebrate the newly completed fire-wise and water-smart garden at Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District’s Station 2 which OMWD helped construct. The garden was installed by Blue Skies Landscape Maintenance. Guests can learn steps to better prepare their properties for fire, as well as how to maximize water use efficiency. RSFFPD’s Station 2 is located at 16930 Four Gee Road in San Diego and the demonstration garden is free and open to the public every day.
Due to the multiple years of drought conditions California has experienced, the local threat of wildfires this year is high. To help alleviate concerns and increase awareness of home fire protection, a brief presentation from landscape professionals and the fire district’s urban forester will begin at 9:30 a.m. Topics to be discussed include landscape zones and hydration, plant selection and installation, and landscape maintenance. The mini-workshop will be followed by a tour of the fire station and demonstration garden, and experts will be on hand to address questions or concerns.
“Defensible space around your home or business can save lives and property,” said Ed Sprague, President of OMWD’s Board of Directors, “and it is important that our customers learn and employ workable fire protection goals while also minimizing the amount of water required to do so. We want people to know that there are many drought proof plant options that can help protect your home from wildfires.”
“It is vital that residents start thinking about switching their landscaping to one that is drought-tolerant and fire-resistive,” advised Conor Lenehan, Fire Prevention Specialist/Urban Forester for RSFFPD. “The compounding years of drought and water restrictions will continue to take its toll on people’s ability to properly water their landscapes. This event is a great opportunity for the public to interact with professionals and learn some pointers on landscaping.”
