Establish a water conservation garden at UCSD
University of California, San Diego Native Plant Educational Garden
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
As the third largest consumer of water in the City's service area, UC San Diego's use of water has a tremendous impact not only on campus but on the greater regional community. It is with this in mind that we propose the creation of a drought-tolerant native plant garden that would both alleviate the problem of water shortages and adhere to the University's educational mission. As San Diego enters the third consecutive year of drought, coupled with imminent water shortages, the need to educate the campus and the surrounding community about the importance of drought-tolerant and native plant landscaping has never been more necessary.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The garden would be located at a central, visible location on the campus and would be comprised of only native, drought-tolerant species. Diverse and colorful species of flowers, trees, and shrubs would be planted to communicate the beauty of native plants and entice the beholders with the idea of turf replacement.
Additionally, this garden would truly be part of UC San Diego's mission to utilize and expand technology by incorporating high tech elements, such as a video podcast tour that would be accessible on the internet for free.
The proposed native plant garden would save water, serve as an example of turf replacement, educate about native plants, attract fauna and bee populations, and bring together the UCSD, La Jolla, and San Diego communities.
University of California, San Diego Native Plant Educational Garden
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
As the third largest consumer of water in the City's service area, UC San Diego's use of water has a tremendous impact not only on campus but on the greater regional community. It is with this in mind that we propose the creation of a drought-tolerant native plant garden that would both alleviate the problem of water shortages and adhere to the University's educational mission. As San Diego enters the third consecutive year of drought, coupled with imminent water shortages, the need to educate the campus and the surrounding community about the importance of drought-tolerant and native plant landscaping has never been more necessary.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The garden would be located at a central, visible location on the campus and would be comprised of only native, drought-tolerant species. Diverse and colorful species of flowers, trees, and shrubs would be planted to communicate the beauty of native plants and entice the beholders with the idea of turf replacement.
Additionally, this garden would truly be part of UC San Diego's mission to utilize and expand technology by incorporating high tech elements, such as a video podcast tour that would be accessible on the internet for free.
The proposed native plant garden would save water, serve as an example of turf replacement, educate about native plants, attract fauna and bee populations, and bring together the UCSD, La Jolla, and San Diego communities.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Save the planet!
Please share your thoughts on water conservation so that we can provide them with the garden proposal.
An all around great idea. We need to conform to our environment, not expect it to change and then expect to have no environmental issues.
Best first place to learn about water conservation in schools this will spread throughout into other peoples gardens WASTE NO WATER
This would be a great way for UCSD to set a positive example and to practice what they preach about sustainability.
Let's do it. Next step: Mesa apartments. They don't even have a gray water system for the landscaping...
Let's do it!
We need to start planting native plants at UCSD and SIO. It is absurd that we, as scientists, allow non-native vegetation--that generally requires copious amounts of water--to dominate our landscapes. Planting native vegetation will decrease our water needs, and provide critical habitat for native species. It will also educate the public, and send a message that we care about protecting and conserving our native species.
As a role model to the community, it is an excellent idea for UCSD to contribute to its water conservation efforts with a native plant garden that is both a beautiful addition to the campus and an educational tool.
UCSD has already taken wonderful steps towards sustainability on campus. The native plant / water conservation garden would be a great visible example of UCSD's commitment to water conservation and a green campus and would serve as a model for community. I strongly support this initiative and hope that it moves forward.
This measure is long overdue! Working at Scripps Institution of Oceanography with so many scientists focused on global change issues, coastal erosion, etc, the large expanses of over-watered lawns and temperate zone planes are perplexing, out of place, and socially embarrassing in addition to being massively wasteful and locally destructive. Local vegetation is lovely and actually belongs on the campus of UCSD. Once you finish this garden, it would be great to plant some at SIO as well! Thanks for considering this truly sensible measure.
Native plants are beautiful and important! Plus they attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.
Native plants are a beautiful way to show that UCSD cares about the environment AND about it's impression to the community. We need to take a leadership role in San Diego by demonstrating that being green and conserving water is something that everyone can do - and that it can result in a good looking garden!
Go Jessica! Thanks for writing this great petition. You are truly a leader for a more sustainable future. Thank you!
I love this idea!! I think it would be educational and relates really well to the current issues of today. I fully support it and feel that most of the students at UCSD would also be happy to have it. : )
I am a college student, and I support native plants. How can we rationalize wasting water on non-native plants when there are beautiful native plant gardens that can be planted? Wasting water is a crime, it is like theft.
Especially in this current period of drought and in the future, near and far, this proposal is a great, small way to lead a movement that could spread citywide.
More native plants = more habitat for native animals
As one of the largest institutions in San Diego, UCSD has been and should continue to be an example for the community at large. Especially considering the water crisis that Southern California faces, UCSD should demonstrate one of the most effective ways to conserve water, by designing landscaping which takes into account San Diego's desert climate. The proposed water wise garden would serve as a proof-of-concept that the public at large can enjoy and from which they can draw inspiration for their own gardens while adding to the inherent beauty and character of the UCSD campus.
