Living Desert teaches conservation during historic drought

Experts say it would have to rain 20 inches to put a dent in our drought. Californians are already required to live under water restrictions, but there is always room to do more. People went to the Living Desert to learn about our living drought.

More than five hundred people showed up at the Desert Horticulture Society of the Coachella Valley’s Annual Community Garden Expo, now at The Living Desert. While looking at native cacti and plants, people learned how to conserve water and support local wildlife.

“It just made me more aware of how all the water the desert has been getting for years, people have just been taking for granted,” said Palm Desert resident Marcia Holzman.

Marica is one of many people captivated by Bob Linstead. He’s been the plant propagator at the Living Desert for 24 years.

He says by simply propagating, or picking parts of native plants and replanting them in our gardens, we can help the desert thrive.

“We can cut our water bills, we’re being asked to cut then 10, 15, 20 percent, we can easily do that and yet have wonderful blooms, butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and have peace of mind,” said Linstead.

All five water agencies in the Coachella Valley were there for a new, state-funded initiative CVWaterCounts.com.

“You can plug in your zip code and it will immediately link you to their water conservation web page, you can learn about what is available for your water district. It’s a great, great tool,” said Mission Springs Water District administration officer John Soulliere.

On the website, people can find out about rebates, conservation tips and regulations.

“We must learn that just presence of water is good, but we don’t have to water for long durations,” said Linstead.

“Go ahead and call the water district and find out any way they can save. find out how much trouble they’re going to be in if they don’t start keeping the water running down the gutters, stop that from happening,” said Holzman.