Water Conservation
Facts and Tips
Chico's Drought-Tolerant Conservation Demonstration Garden
Cal Water's Conservation Garden in Chico boasts crushed-rock walkways and a wheelchair-accessible wooden bridge. The garden includes two stone benches in quiet, shady spots, where visitors enjoy over 110 kinds of trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers, ferns, and grasses. A large, colored reference and index map is on display, and brochures naming and locating the different beds and plants are available.
Designated beds have been specifically planted to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, showcase Butte County-native plants, sun-loving perennials, shade-loving ferns, ground covers, and a variety of grasses.
The Conservation Garden, located in the heart of scenic Chico at the corner of East First and Sheridan avenues, is open daily to visitors.
Background
Chico's Conservation Garden actually began in 1993, when Cal Water was contacted by a group of local landscape architects with an idea for a drought-tolerant demonstration garden. They hoped that Cal Water could provide a visible location for it. Station 34 seemed like the ideal spot, as it is located at a busy intersection and a freeway entrance.
The initial garden was completed in 1993 and expanded in 1997. In 2009, Cal Water partnered with Lifescapes -- a local landscaping maintenance company -- to help renew the entire site with additional drought-tolerant plants and a more effective watering system. The garden is considered to be a "work in progress" and will be updated every year to give our customers conservation ideas they can implement at home.
The Drought-Tolerant Conservation Demonstration Garden is included in the Bureau of Reclamation's California's Water-Wise Gardens web site.
Contact
Kit Roggli
California Water Service Company
2222 Dr. Martin L King Jr Pkwy
Chico, CA 95928
(530)-893-6300
E-mail: kroggli@calwater.com
Visitor Information
Hours: Always open
Size: One-quarter acre
Directions
From Hwy 99 north
Exit E. First Ave. and turn left. Garden is a half block on the left at the southeast corner of E. First and Sheridan avenues.
From Hwy 99 south
Exit E. First Ave. Turn right, then immediately left at Sheridan. Garden is on the left at the southeast corner of E. First and Sheridan avenues.
Conservation Garden Plant List
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