Plant Of The Month: California Fan Palm (Washingtonia Filifera)
One palm tree has lived in California for thousands of years, and it calls the desert oasis of our Coachella Valley home. The local Cahuilla people harvested its fruit and utilized its fronds for clothing and shelter long before Palm Springs existed on western maps. In fact, the name “Palm Springs” comes from these palms found along natural water sources, or springs. […]
March 5–11 Is National Groundwater Awareness Week
Groundwater is a vital resource for California, providing up to 60% of the state’s total water supply during droughts and supporting the agriculture industry, which generates over $50 billion in revenue each year. However, unsustainable use of groundwater has led to significant declines in groundwater levels and the depletion of some aquifers, which can have negative consequences such as increased costs, reduced water availability, and land subsidence. […]
Agency Spotlight: MSWD 70th Anniversary Celebration
Mission Springs Water District is turning 70! Join us as we celebrate this platinum milestone during a fun-filled community event featuring children’s activities and games, face painting, music, dancing, community partner booths, and MSWD’s award-winning water. The event will take place on Friday, February 3, 2023, from 4-7 p.m. at Mission Springs Park in Desert Hot Springs. […]
Landscaping Tip Of The Month: Add To Your Outdoor Living Space
One way to save water outdoors is by reducing the area of your backyard that needs watering – and adding to your outdoor living space can do just that. By creating or extending your outdoor living space (including your patio or deck), you cut back on the amount of water required. Adding attractive planters and container gardens in areas of your yard can add color and interest, and also allow you to use less water overall. And it’s a great way to make your backyard more enjoyable for you and [...]
Plant Of The Month: Pink Muhly (Muhlenbergia Capillaris)
Ornamental grasses are often overlooked elements in a lush, water-efficient landscape. This is a shame, because grasses add interest, texture and other unique features. They can soften the rigid outlines of cacti and succulents, and reinforce the arching, fountainlike theme offered by ocotillo or vase-shaped trees. Grasses also add color, depending on the species and season; some even have striking fall foliage. Others have persistent seedheads that rustle and sway in the wind like golden ornaments, adding the sense of sound and movement like no other plant form. […]
Help Us Celebrate National Engineers Week: February 19-25, 2023
Throughout time, engineers have turned imagination and fantasy into reality. The modern world we live in wouldn’t be possible without the marvels of engineering. For example, consider the invention of the wheel as one of the oldest examples of how engineering has transformed our lives. […]
