Nearly 60 percent of California is in extreme drought, with 100 percent of the state in “severe” or worse drought. We’re certainly feeling it here in the Valley, as is our crop of newly planted seedlings. They’re California natives, so they weather these conditions better than most, and as soon as they’re established they’ll need no supplemental water at all- which is an important element of sustainability in these increasingly uncertain times.

A lifeguard stand that normally sits on the edge of the water at Folsom Lake is now hundreds of feet away.

Coffeeberry and deergrass make excellent additions to a yard focused on native plants. They are hardy and require no water once established.

As a response to this historic drought, some city governments have taken the step of advising residents to cut water use and to abstain from watering lawns. We wondered what else folks were doing to conserve water, so we asked some of our Living Arroyos volunteers.

“I don’t wash my car; it can stay dirty.  And I take 3-4 minute showers.”  Matthew Bridges, Diablo Valley College student

“I teach my girls about grey water by having them put their bath water in buckets and take it out to the lawn – we can’t waste a drop!” Nancy Shin, San Ramon

“People are being forced to rethink their lawns, and some are opting to use native plants that require little to no water.” Cindy Angers, Livermore

“The shower takes a couple of minutes to get hot, but I don’t want to waste that water.  I capture the cold water with buckets and use it to water my trees.”  Angeline Edsinger, Pleasanton

Thank you to all of you with conservation on your minds – you’re doing everyone a favor!