Climate Resilient Landscape Outreach Project

2018

$10,000

$5,000

The project has three main goals:

1. To assist property owners on implementing water conservation techniques and practices through on-site landscaping, irrigation and water system assessments, as
   well as aid in plant selection, resiliency, and suitability of the regions landscape to the Okanagan climate.
2. To reduce outdoor water use in residential and commercial landscaping by building resiliency to drought.
3. To continue to develop a region-wide approach to climate change adaptation and the need for water conservation.

This project aims to support residents on improving water use efficiency and encourage resilient landscaping coordinated through the Okanagan Xeriscape Association (OXA). In 2016, OXA began delivering education workshops on residential landscaping to address:

• WaterWise landscaping by choosing native, drought tolerant plants.
• Water quality protection by adapting yard maintenance activities to protect riparian
  areas and prevent stormwater pollution.
• FireSmart principles to protect properties from wildfire risks.

The success of these workshops has encouraged OXA to develop a larger program involving both workshops and landscape consultations. The project’s success will be measured by public feedback and response levels from the onsite consultations, surveys, and workshops as well as during the midterm and final reporting phases of the project.

Specific deliverables include:

• On-site consultations with home owners throughout the Okanagan, conducted by Xeriscape experts.
• Conduct a minimum of 4 workshops in the RDCO area to support outreach efforts that mirror what is being done in the North and South Okanagan. This will be established through collaboration with other partners.
• Information sharing of the outcomes of the on-site assessments / consultations. The site assessment evaluation sheet can be used to measure property owners interest and knowledge on the effects of drought, water wise landscaping, smart irrigation, storm water management, invasive species, composting, lawn alternatives, landscaping for biodiversity (natural gardening), FireSmart landscaping (where 3 appropriate-interface areas), and lakeshore/creekside landscaping best practices for water quality protection.
• Increased presence on social media and posts regarding the project goals and workshop information.
• Supporting and promoting the Make Water Work program by utilizing current pledges from previous years.