Water Conservation

Resilient Landscapes Start with Conservation

WSU Extension Spokane County Master Gardener volunteers helped residents significantly reduce outdoor water use by providing free or low‑cost, research‑based education through classes, demonstration gardens, downloadable resources, garden tours, and individualized guidance. In close partnership with the City of Spokane’s Water Stewardship program, volunteers reinforced consistent conservation messaging and connected residents to water‑efficient landscape conversion services, including the City’s Designer‑At‑Your‑Door program, which offers personalized, water‑saving landscape designs.

In 2025, 1,614 residents attended water‑conservation classes, 1,201 received individualized water‑use guidance through plant clinics and outreach events, and 688 locally authored fact sheets were downloaded or requested. Forty‑two volunteers contributed 265 hours maintaining the WaterWise demonstration garden, where residents considering landscape conversion received guided tours and practical examples of drought‑tolerant design.

Education translated into measurable behavior change: 63% of Master Gardener trainees reported beginning or increasing their use of native and drought‑tolerant plants within six months of training. The City of Spokane confirmed more than 100 home landscapes converted at least 300 square feet of publicly visible area to low‑water‑use plants, irrigation, and mulch—many households exceeded minimum requirements by converting entire front yards.

As one class attendee wrote to the mayor, the program is “a fine example of leveraging expertise from different organizations to maximize the benefits and minimize the costs to the community.” Through education, demonstration, and partnership, the Master Gardener Program is helping Spokane residents create attractive, water‑efficient landscapes that protect the region’s water future.