April 22nd marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day – a global movement to celebrate our environment. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our families, communities and public outdoor spaces, we are reminded of the important connection between people and nature.
For more than twenty years The Water Conservation Garden has been at the forefront of protecting water and other natural resources. Twenty years ago, California faced a different type of crisis, a drought causing shortages in our water supply. Our community members wanted to take the right actions, but they didn’t know where to turn or what to do. In this moment, The Water Conservation Garden was created to demonstrate water saving techniques. Our community rose to the challenge by turning off their faucets, taking shorter showers, transitioning to drought tolerant landscaping, fixing leaks and much more.
Today we face a different kind of challenge, but like then, our community has come together. Our Garden would not be possible without support from our Joint Powers of Authority: Helix Water District, Otay Water District, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, San Diego Water Authority, Sweetwater Authority and the City of San Diego. The Water Conservation Garden applauds our water agencies for their continued dedication as essential workers to ensure safe and reliable water supplies during this pandemic.
Water is essential for all life on earth. We need it to grow food, keep clean, provide power, control fire and stay alive. This Earth Day, The Water Conservation Garden has set a goal to raise $50,000 between today and #GivingTuesdayNow on May 5th to bring our award-winning Ms. Smarty-Plants™ education program online.
Jennifer Pillsbury, CEO and Executive Director of The Water Conservation Garden urges, “Our work in education must continue, no matter where we are. With schools, offices and public gardens closed around the country, the need to provide fun, enriching, life-changing programs has never been as important as it is today.”
We call on our community today to make an investment in a cleaner, healthier and safer future for our planet. In honor of Earth Day on April 22nd, we hope you will consider a donation to The Water Conservation Garden’s Emergency Fund. In the wake of COVID-19, we are taking our award-winning environmental education programs online – but we cannot do it without you.
To learn more about The Water Conservation Garden, please visit: www.thegarden.org For further information, please contact us at: [email protected]
