EARTH SMART ACTIONS

Action:
Drought Tolerant
​Plant Search

Action Overview

Have you ever wondered what “drought tolerant” plants are and why they’re so popular in California? Droughts are periods of time with below average rainfall that can lead to a shortage of water. California has a long history of experiencing droughts, especially in recent years. Additionally, some parts of California  rely on imported water from the north and from the Colorado river, making water conservation a priority especially in times of drought. 

One way that cities and water agencies work to conserve water is to encourage residents to replace their water-thirsty landscapes—such as tropical plants and lawns—with water-wise landscapes. Drought tolerant plants are acclimated to lower rainfall conditions and are able to grow and thrive without needing much extra water. Not only does this save water, but it also saves money on your water bill. A true win-win! 

In this action, you will survey your yard and your neighborhood to provide your community leaders with valuable feedback on how well their efforts are working to promote the switch to drought tolerant plants.

How to Identify Drought Tolerant Plants

You can identify drought tolerant plants by looking for adaptations that enable them to survive in low water environments. 
Long narrow leaves shed heat without losing much water
Fleshy leaves store moisture
Leathery foliage loses less water
Aromatic leaves with volatile compounds cool foliage
Slow growth conserves limited water supplies
Thin, waxy, needle-shaped leaves prevent water loss
Waxy leaves reduce evaporation in windy weather
Bulbs keep plants dormant until water is plentiful
Wooly leaves slow air circulation and evaporation
Small leaves reduce evaporation
Grey and silver leaves reflect light and heat

Action Instructions

  1. Gather materials: pencil and clipboard
  2. Print the Drought Tolerant Plant Search Data Sheet.
  3. Walk around your yard and your neighborhood and evaluate the drought tolerant plants. 
  4. Report your findings to the city using the button below.

Evaluate and Report

Your jurisdiction wants to know about the water-wise landscapes in your community. This information will give them insight into the need for educational resources. ​Submit your findings to your jurisdiction.
SUBMIT FINDINGS
info@bckprograms.com
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