Note: This site is for reviewing legacy plan of work data from 2007-2011. If you are looking for the current plan of work interface, visit pow.nmsu.edu.

Impact Report

For plan Conservation and Efficient Use of Water (Los Alamos County)
Date November 2, 2009, 11:43 am
For Objective Long-term Show long-term objectives
Impact Report As identified by the local horticultural advisory committee, water conservation education remained a major focus of the Los Alamos horticulture agent during the reporting period. Major collaboration continued with the Department of Public Utilities. The distribution of informational inserts in two monthly utility billings looked at irrigation system efficiency as their primary focus. The inserts are distributed to 7200 households and businesses throughout the county. Post-distribution surveys show that not only are the inserts well received, but that over 60% of the readers increase their knowledge by over 75%. There were also a number of public programs, including two plant selection presentations, two general xeriscape presentations and a presentation by nationally renowned xeriscape author Marsha Tatroe, who made a presentation of the evolution of a xeriscape garden. The total number of participants in these programs exceeded 153 participants with over 82% of the participants indicating a better that 80% increase in knowledge about basic xeriscape principles and selection of plants adapted to Los Alamos County. The horticulture agent spent considerable time preparing an information pamphlet for local businesses on using planted containers as a way to increase there “business curb appeal and conserve water at the same time. The pamphlet contained information on all aspects of container gardening during all four seasons of the year. It was prepared in collaboration with the Los Alamos Small Business Development Center as a part of larger effort to increase the appeal of Los Alamos businesses fronts. A container garden was established at the Los Alamos Visitors Center as an example to local businesses. The information was also made available on-line. In addition, the agent hosted two workshops to local businesses and landscape contractors on irrigation system efficiency as part of “best practices” guidelines being developed in collaboration with the Los Alamos Small Business Development Center. There were 19 businesses and contractors attending the workshops. Continued progress was made in the development of the Los Alamos Demonstration Garden, a ¾ acre garden devoted to demonstrating water conservation principles to county residents. There was continued progress on the reestablishment of the oasis, transition and xeric plantings, as well as continued work on the herb garden. There were also new plantings of native shrubbery in the native area of the garden. Work began on two new plantings. The first is a planting featuring shade tolerant plants for heavy soils. The second, a project to build a vertical rock garden featuring plants that can establish in the vertical spaces between rocks. Both situations commonly found in Los Alamos county gardens. An estimated 750 people visit the garden each year and community surveys continually a vast majority (74%) of the citizens find garden of “great value”. The agent made 907 one-on-one contacts specific to water conservation and xeriscapes during the reporting period (includes primarily plant selection and proper irrigation techniques, selection and use of mulches and general cultural contacts (includes fertilizing, pruning, etc.) One-on-one contacts continue to be a major part of the water conservation effort. Surveys of sample clientele indicate an average of over 75% gain in knowledge about the specific water conservation issue discussed in consultation with the agent. Overall, outdoor water use has continued to trend downward since water conservation efforts were started in earnest in 2002.