SACRAMENTO, CA (June 27, 2023) – California’s Save Our Water Campaign is partnering with Home Depot and the California Native Plant Society to encourage Californians to transform their lawns into water-wise outdoor living spaces.
This summer, more than 4 million fairgoers will have the opportunity to explore water-wise yards of all shapes and sizes, learn tips from plant and landscape experts and enjoy free children’s activities.
This first of its kind partnership and hands-on experience brings together local water agencies, business and the state, illustrating how California must come together to make water conservation a way of life.
“As Californians visit our fairs this summer and fall, Save Our Water is showcasing how we can all work together to save water for our future,” said Secretary Karen Ross, California Department of Food and Agriculture. “From farmers to fair goers, to state agencies and small businesses, we all can do our part to save our most precious resource.”
The campaign is excited to educate the public about replacing lawns by demonstrating the ease, beauty and scalability of water-wise plants at the Water Wise Workshop at the Save Our Water booth.
“We are looking forward to showing how water-wise yards and gardens can be beautiful, diverse, and functional spaces – without a large green lawn and thirsty flower beds,” said Margaret Mohr, Deputy Director of Communications, Department of Water Resources. “Nearly sixty percent of the water we use is outdoors, so little adjustments can have big impacts.”
The Water Wise Workshop will offer visitors the ability to design their own personal yard makeover and demonstrate there are water-wise landscapes to fit every style and budget. Even children will have the opportunity to learn about water-wise plants through a hands-on planting activity in partnership with Home Depot. Fairgoers can participate at the following locations:
• San Diego County Fair: Wednesday June 7 – Tuesday July 4
• Alameda County Fair: Friday June 16 – Sunday July 9
• California State Fair: Friday July 14 – Sunday July 30
• Orange County Fair: Friday July 14 – Sunday August 13
• Kern County Fair: Wednesday September 20 – Sunday October 1
• Fresno County Fair: Wednesday October 4 – Sunday October 15
Home Depot is providing soil, plants and other resources to bring the Workshop to life. They’ll also feature in-store “Save Our Water” signage in 230 stores across the state to help customers identify water-wise plants.
Speakers from public water agencies and the California Native Plant society will share their expertise and information about available programs and rebates, native plants and more.
“Overall, we believe good business decisions drive sustainability,” said Ron Jarvis, Chief Sustainability Officer for The Home Depot. “We also believe that by working with our partners like Save Our Water, to conserve water in California, we help our customers create more sustainable communities. Our efforts to drive innovation can be seen in every aisle of our stores, and we believe this is a key differentiator in the market.”
Among a variety of activities for children, coloring books designed by award-winning artist Lalo Alcaraz will be on hand, encouraging the youngest Californians to do their part to conserve water.
For more water-saving tips and resources visit www.SaveOurWater.com
