Testimonials

Why the Watershed Management Group’s Co-op Program Has Been Important to Me, to Tucson, and to Dry Areas around the World

I’ve been volunteering with the Watershed Management Group for nearly two years now.  During that time, I’ve helped harvest rainwater, grow shade, and reduce street storm runoff at several City of Tucson Ward Council offices, at several mini-parks around town, and in numerous homeowners’ back yards.  It’s been a fantastic experience to see barren lots that allow all rainwater to flow to the street become transformed into lush, inviting, shady spaces that sustain people, birds and other wildlife.

This co-op is something I got turned onto by my friend, Arlene.  I was having a problem with a crack in the foundation of my house and I needed some expert advice as to how to go about taking care of what had been deemed a water problem.  I had known for a long time that my house sat a little lower than the street level and that eventually I would have to do something about it.  She glowingly reported how the Watershed Management Group co-op had done a workshop at her house to catch the water that ran off of her roof in the rain, and that involvement with them could provide a low cost way to catch and manage the water running off my house during a rain.  She also mentioned that they had a grant to do a workshop which I could apply for.  I applied for membership and the grant at the same time.  I met with Lincoln, a co-op member and workshop leader, to discuss my house and my particular problem.  I felt very confident that I was receiving the advice