The mission of the Watershed Management Group is to improve rural and urban livelihoods by integrating community development and conservation. We provide local residents and community groups with the knowledge and skills necessary to sustainably manage their natural resources.

Dear Readers,

Summer is upon us, and with this season of sunny days and hot temperatures come daily reminders of our fascination and daily connection to water. Water adds refreshment to our lives as we visit a nearby beach or lake, enjoy a cold glass of water, jump in the pool, or water our summer garden.

As you enjoy the ocean surf, a mountain stream, or a monsoon rain, take some time to observe the water around you, ponder its pathways, and develop a greater appreciation for what Mother Nature provides us.

We hope you enjoy our summer newsletter including news on WMG's new Board of Directors, water news from Australia , and tips to reduce your outdoor water use in the summer.

Sincerely,

Lisa Shipek, Executive Director

WMG News

A busy and successful spring season has come to a close with a brief respite from the completion of three water harvesting demonstration sites located in Tucson , AZ. Plans are already in the works for the next three demonstration sites and also an upcoming public workshop. WMG will conduct a water harvesting tour and slideshow on August 25 th at The Nature Conservancy office complex in Tucson .

The Board of Directors has just grown by five enthusiastic members, creating a Board of 12 dedicated members. The new Board will focus on increasing the capacity of WMG to meet the demands for water conservation around southeastern Arizona and refocus our efforts on community development. We would like to welcome the following people to WMG's Board: Emily Creigh, Marlena Hanlon, Ari Posner, Steve Safken, and Adam Springer. The new Board members bring extensive experience to WMG in business management, small-scale community development, green building, and adult education.

In addition to the new board members, two new interns, Gay Townsend and Emily Creigh, will be assisting with WMG's Greening Urban Watershed Program this summer and fall.

Water News

Australia Turns to Desalination Amid Water Shortage

Just two months ago, the first desalinization plant in Australia was installed in the coastal city of Perth . The desalinization plant pulls in water from the ocean and converts it to drinkable water, with the capacity to supply 20% of Perth 's daily water demand. Desalinization is becoming a more popular solution to water shortages as the technology becomes cheaper. Although the technology is becoming more efficient, desalinization plants still use a large amount of energy. Perth 's desalinization plant met this dilemma through developing wind power to fuel the plant. To read or hear the whole story by Michael Sullivan, visit the following link to NPR's website: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11134967&ft=1&f=1004 .

Desalinization plants are but one of many examples of the strong links between energy and water. Keep an eye out for more news on desalinization as other coastal areas like California turn to desalination as a way to supplement water supply.

Resource Management 101

Question: What are “ecosystem services”?

Answer: An ecosystem is the collection of interactions among living and non-living components and processes. Natural ecosystems provide many services which enable the sustained existence of plants, animals, and non-living components. Ecosystems also provide many benefits and services to humans which can include producing food, supplying clean water, improving air quality, and providing recreational opportunities. The services which benefit people are known as ecosystem services.

Ecosystem services are critical to the well-being of people. Ecosystems can be compromised by exploitation of resources, loss of diversity, and/or loss of habitat. This reduces the ability of the ecosystem to sustainably provide services to people which are critical to the livelihood of the community.

Sustainable Living

Tip #3: Mulch your garden to conserve water in the summer.

The summer heat can stress plants and people often respond by increasing the amount of water. However, the needs of plants vary widely during hot and dry times as well as the methods to reduce plant stress. First, native plants are typically adapted to the local climate and if established should not need additional water during the hot and dry spells. One possible exception might be a period of persistent drought during what should be a wetter season.

Watering of vegetable and non-native garden plants will typically need an increase in water during the summer. Drought and heat tolerant garden varieties can be chosen for summer vegetable crops and/or garden ornamentals. One way to reduce your water use in the summer garden is to add a thick layer of organic mulch. Mulch can be 2 to 8 inches deep, and you can use materials such as compost, straw, wood chips, and yard waste. Additional methods which can help reduce plant stress and the need for additional watering include:

•  Plant in sunken (4-10inches) basins rather than raised or level beds. Basins help collect and infiltrate rainwater when it does rain.

•  Use shade cloth or other canopy shade elements (e.g. tree or trellis) to reduce mid-day sun exposure of plants.

•  Water in the early morning hours to allow more water to infiltrate into the soil rather than evaporate in the heat.

•  Adjust irrigation schedules based on temperature, rainfall, and individual plant needs.

WMG Wish List

• 4 ft x 8 ft hauling trailer
• Ladder
• Garden tools (shovels, pick axes, hand trowels, etc.)
• Office space or storage space in central Tucson area
• Projector and projector screen
• Digital camera

A special thanks to : Diane Freshwater for donating an all-in-one printer, Jared Buono for donating a large shade tent, and Jo Thompson for donating garden trowels and gloves. Thanks!

Thanks to the following individuals who have generously contributed to WMG:

River Basin Level:

Donna Lines

Flowing River Level:

Silver Raindrop Level:

Dew Drop Level:

Thanks to the many businesses and non-profits who have recently donated to WMG:

Thanks to Tohono Chul for their contributions of native plants to our water harvesting demonstration sites.

Thanks to Wild Oats, Eclectic Pizza, Aqua Vita, and Fry's for their donation of food items for our water harvesting workshops.

Thanks to Antigone Books, Small Planet Bakery, Summit Hut, Argentina Polo and Leather, Xoom Juice, Beyond Bread, Sauce, Dominos Pizza, Hollywood Video, and Dripping Springs Texas for donating to our Earth Day fundraiser.

We would love to hear from you. Please submit your resource management questions, your own sustainable living tips, or any other general feedback to: lisa@watershedmg.org .

Support Watershed Management Group Today!

Contribution Levels:

• Dewdrop: $15
• Silver Raindrop: $50
• Flowing River: $100
• River Basin: $500
• International Watershed: $1000

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