Free workshop: smart water use in the garden

The Sonoma Ecology Center brings conservation experts together on Saturday, June 13, for the free workshop “Managing Water When Water is Scarce,” 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Sonoma Garden Park.

Experts in water management will show how to plant for conservation, and ways to capture more water. Topics include the many ways to conserve water using appropriate plant selection and soil preparation, plus simple methods to keep moisture where you want it when plants most need it, especially for new plantings.

Presenter, Seth Dolinsky, has designed and installed water conserving landscapes throughout Sonoma, including the Sonoma Community Center rain garden. He has been farming, gardening, and landscaping for over 20 years. Smart use and control of water is a key focus for his work and business, New Land Systems.

Mark Newhouser, the Sonoma Ecology Center Restoration Program Manager, has over 20 years experience in plant and habitat restoration, including planning, design, and construction. He has designed and built numerous stormwater management features and supervised the installation of the Low Inpact Design (LID) features on the June 13 tour.

The park’s new LID project is a demonstration of stormwater management that local residents and business owners can apply to their landscapes and hardscapes. It directs, detains or temporarily holds stormwater runoff in a way that reduces erosion and flooding, keeps the garden green, and helps recharge groundwater.

Participants will see several LID features hidden away in subtle features throughout the Sonoma Garden Park, as well as more prominent features such as water storage tanks and roof water catchments systems.

There is no charge for this workshop, though donations ($5 suggested) will be accepted.

Reserve space at sonomaecologycenter.org.