PWP Helps Transform Pasadena Fire Stations with Drought-Tolerant Gardens

PWP partnered with Pasadena FD and the Pasadena Housing Department to remove all available turf and install drought-tolerant gardens at all the fire stations in the city. – Courtesy photo

By Staff

Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) is committed to helping City facilities do their part to save water. Recently, the utility partnered with the Pasadena Fire Department and the Pasadena Housing Department to remove all available turf and install drought-tolerant gardens at all the fire stations in Pasadena. To celebrate Water Awareness Month, PWP will officially unveil the project at the Drought-Tolerant Demonstration Garden and Fire Station Open House on Saturday, May 19.

The family-friendly event will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Fire Station 37 on 3430 E. Foothill Blvd. PWP and Pasadena Fire Department will join forces to present a water conservation-themed open house, including activities such as landscape design demonstrations, a plant scavenger hunt for kids, station tours, raffle prizes, a meet and greet with firefighters, and more.

“Our fire stations and team work closely with the community,” said Fire Chief Bertral Washington. “This was a great opportunity to showcase the beauty of drought tolerant gardens and demonstrate how easy it can be [to] transform [an] outdoor space and achieve water savings.” A combined total of 9,961 square feet of turf was removed at Fire Stations 32, 33, 36, 37 and 38, which is estimated to save more than 448,245 gallons of water per year. The installations were completed through a partnership with the Pasadena Housing Department Maintenance Assistance and Services for Homeowners (MASH) program.

The garden is part of PWP’s larger commitment to maximizing water savings at City of Pasadena facilities through the Community Demonstration Gardens project. PWP has installed prominent signage that educates visitors on the features of a drought-tolerant garden. The signs highlight the variety of California-native plants, the design plan, and the water-conservation measures used in the garden.

Residents and businesses who are interested in creating their own drought-tolerant gardens can download each fire station landscape design, and view before and after photos of each project. To learn more you can visit the PWP’s website.