Posted by: site admin @ 2:03 pm
A recent article in the HB Independent newspaper said the prices for water may be going up. On my recent visit to Shipley Nature Center and an excellent lecture, “What Happened to the Pond?” by Juana Mueller, attendees sat in a shaded grove near the beautiful Redwoods and heard that we are sitting on an aquifer in Huntington Beach. Because of our fortunate position, our water prices and access to water is better than most cities in Southern California. But, our prices will go up in 2009, Mueller said. Why? Water levels are way down. Mueller and the Shipley Nature Center volunteers have watched the Shipley pond rise to record levels, then dwindle and disappear. Mueller explained that it took some research to find out why this was happening. Frequent talks with the Water District pros provided answers and much more. Mueller, a volunteer, and the non-profit org. board have set goals to inform and educate the public on the need for water conservation. As we sat and listened, we could look at a conservation garden which was planted as an example of what residents can do themselves to create drought resident gardens that replace grass. A special, popular event in the fall will help speed you toward getting your garden or lawn changed over before the water prices are due to spike in 2009. Native Plant Sale is one of Shipley’s annual events to help the public adjust to the changing environment in a pro-active manner.