61´«Ã½

California’s drought is a hot issue and is getting national attention. Currently on Capitol Hill, bills from Senate Democrats and House Republicans offer rival solutions on how to best aid the Golden State’s water-starved farmers. And a weekend storm that dumped rain and snow on Northern California put only a small dent in the drought, according to officials.

So, how can you help? First, get informed. Plan to join members of the 61´«Ã½community on Saturday, March 1 in Garrison Theater for a day of informative and timely lectures on “Water Scarcity and Solutions: Global to Local” sponsored by The American Institute for Progressive Democracy. Speakers will discuss problems and solutions related to water scarcity. .

Next, get involved. Find out what 61´«Ã½is doing to be water-wise and how you can make a difference, too. Read on for an update from the 61´«Ã½Water Task Force and Lola Trafecanty, director of grounds.

Grounds Update

In light of the drought, a group of students has formed the 61´«Ã½Water Task Force to reduce the College’s water consumption. We’re working alongside the Grounds Department, which is well aware of the drought and is already working to reduce water used for landscaping.

Watering Grass

Watering grass is one of the most visible water uses on campus and the one that we’ve heard the most concern about from students. Remember that some lawns are important to the campus, and since we’re in Southern California, they need to be watered. They have to be watered more when they’ve been over-seeded to recover from deterioration or to prepare for intense use, like graduation. Grounds has saved water over the past several winters by choosing not to over-seed the athletic field.

Removing Grass

Over the past 20 years, Grounds has removed the grass from several areas to reduce water consumption, including the area between GJW and Kimberly and behind the Revelle House. There are other proposed areas for grass removal on campus, as well.

Broken Sprinklers

Grounds is thrilled when people report broken sprinklers! Please email [email protected] with the “what and the where,” or tweet a picture @scrippscollege. Lola wants to hear from you.

Irrigation Upgrades

Grounds will be making central irrigation upgrades beginning in summer 2014.

Completed Upgrades to the 61´«Ã½Campus

• Installed a central irrigation system in early 1990s which helps schedule watering times based on evapotranspiration rates and types of plant materials
• Lawn was minimized at diagonal entrance at 9th Street and Columbia Avenue; grass was removed under the large Carob tree at Jaqua West and in adjacent corner; some irrigation was removed and soft scape was added in the Revelle House gardens.
• Vita Nova Court was designed with drip systems.
• The Bowling Green hedge and Chandler Walk citrus trees were revised to drip systems.
• The student garden was once lawn and was replaced with planting beds and orchard trees.
• The Athletic field is ; this water-saving decision was made when the field was installed.

The College will continue to work on water conservation efforts. We look for your support. Remember—every drop counts.

— The 61´«Ã½Water Task Force and Lola Trafecanty, director of grounds