Desert Landscapers to Benefit from CVWD Water Management Class
A growing awareness of the state water crisis is challenging local landscapers looking to grow
healthy landscapes in the Coachella Valley. To help them tackle this challenge and obtain the
latest expert knowledge, the Coachella Valley Water District presents a Water Management for
Landscape Professionals seminar on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Palm Desert
campus of the University of California, Riverside.
"As the largest water agency in the Coachella Valley, we know that many residents rely on
landscape professionals to maintain their lawns and gardens. This district wants to engage directly
with large-scale landscapers, irrigation suppliers and professional gardeners to teach them the
best water management practices," said Steve Robbins, CVWD general manager–chief engineer.
This seminar for landscape professionals is the second hosted by the district this summer.
The first, held in July, was nearly sold out with representatives from more than 35 local
landscaping firms, nurseries and government agencies attending.
"Up to 80 percent of water used in the Coachella Valley is outdoors. Those who control
outdoor water use can make the biggest contribution to conservation," Robbins said.
The seminar is one of several successful CVWD water conservation programs. Future seminars
for professional landscapers will be held four times per year, with a Spanish-language presentation
in the works. Additionally, a four-hour workshop specifically for home gardeners who are interested
in desert landscaping is hosted each fall.
CVWD water management experts Don Ackley and Brent Stewart, along with Spencer Knight, the
City of Palm Desert's Landscape Manager, and Jeff Place, Professor of Turfgrass Management and
Ornamental Horticulture at College of the Desert, will present the information to an expected 80
attendees.
Topics to be covered include: understanding Coachella Valley's different soils; pressure
regulation; importance of sprinkler uniformity; and how to program smart irrigation controllers.
Landscapers who attend the seminar are listed at
www.cvwd.org, so residents and businesses can identify professional landscapers
who have completed the class.
Registration for the six-hour seminar is $50 and can be completed online or at CVWD offices
in Palm Desert and Coachella.
The Coachella Valley Water District is a public agency governed by a five-member board of
directors. The district provides domestic and irrigation water, agricultural drainage, wastewater
treatment and reclamation services, regional storm water protection, groundwater management and
water conservation. It serves over 106,000 residential and business customers across 1,000 square
miles, primarily in Riverside County, but also in portions of Imperial and San Diego
counties. (CVWD news release)