Ecology Center to hold water management workshop

When it comes to questions about managing water during a drought, many Valley residents are parched for answers.

To that end, the Sonoma Ecology Center is offering a free water workshop on June 13 to demonstrate ways to utilize “best practices” in conserving water during what SEC officials are describing as “the driest part of a fourth year of drought.”

“Managing Water When Water is Scarce,” taking place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Sonoma Garden Park, will provide a comprehensive approach from two perspectives: How to plant for conservation, and ways to capture more water.

Irrigation, low-impact design, and hands-on experience are on the program, as well, according to a SEC press release.

Ecology Center water experts at the workshop will explore the many ways to conserve water using appropriate plant selection, soil preparation, and simple methods to hold moisture where plants most need it, especially during the establishment period for new plantings. Participants will learn how to apply water-saving principles and when to make changes to water use as landscapes mature. There will be a hands-on opportunity to learn low-water-use irrigation design and installation techniques.

The workshop will be led by Seth Dolinsky and Mark Newhouser. 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 more than 20 years.

Newhouser is the Sonoma Ecology Center Restoration Program Manager. He has more than 20 years experience in plant and habitat restoration, including planning, design and construction. Newhouser has designed and built numerous stormwater management features and supervised the installation of the low-impact design features at the SEC Garden Park.

According to SEC officials, the new Low Impact Design project at the Sonoma Garden Park is a demonstration of stormwater management that local residents and business owners can apply to their landscapes and hardscapes.

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

To register for the workshop, visit sonomaecologycenter.org.