West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin) and the City of Inglewood (Inglewood) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week to unveil an Ocean Friendly Garden (OFG), as part of West Basin’s Ocean Friendly Landscape Program, at Inglewood City Hall (City Hall). West Basin Division II Director Gloria D. Gray joined Inglewood officials and community partners for the event.
The 1,503 square-foot sustainable garden, located in front of City Hall, features drought-tolerant plants that thrive in dry climates and will conserve water during times of drought. Installed with the help of service area residents, the OFG demonstrates drought-tolerant techniques and encourages residents to implement similar gardens at home.
“As we have seen in recent times, changing climate conditions can impact our water supply, so we must continue to conserve,” Director Gray said. “Through our conservation programs, like our Ocean Friendly Gardens, and partnerships with our service area cities, we inform our communities of ways to use water efficiently.”
The Ocean Friendly Landscape Program is part of West Basin’s overall Water Reliability Program to reduce dependence on imported water, increase conservation and develop drought-proof local water supplies. To date, West Basin has completed 15 of its 16 planned OFGs throughout its 185 square mile service area.
Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts said, “As the City of Inglewood is renewing its economic, fiscal and capital infrastructure, it is important to safeguard the environment in a sustainable manner. The Ocean Friendly Landscape Program is an example of smart design while simultaneously conserving water and beautifying our landscapes. The City of Inglewood is honored to be a site for this demonstration program.”
The project was funded by the City of Inglewood, the California Department of Water Resources and the Water Replenishment District of Southern California. It was built in partnership with G3 Green Gardens Group, Organic Water & Waste Solutions and Surfrider Foundation’s South Bay Chapter.
For more information about West Basin’s Ocean Friendly Garden and other water conservation programs, visit westbasin.org.
