Lawn Conversion Workshop: Day 1

Learn to convert a lawn to create a water-wise garden that provides pollinator habitat and complies with HOA & Zone 0 fire safety!
About this Event

Join us on Sept 26 for a hands-on, public workshop series to transform a water-thirsty lawn into a lush, productive demonstration garden! This design will comply with Homeowners Association guidelines and meet the new Zone 0 fire safety standards.

This project builds community connections while teaching practical skills to design a vibrant, climate-resilient landscape. Through two interactive public installations in Vallejo, you will learn how to replace high-water lawns with diverse ecosystems that thrive on a fraction of the water.

Key Learning Topics

• Rainwater Harvesting: Capture rainwater to protect against both drought and flooding.
• Drip Irrigation: Install high-efficiency irrigation systems to maximize every drop.
• Soil Health: Build rich, living soil using proper planting and mulching techniques.

Environmental & Community Benefits

• Climate Resilience: Lowers local temperatures, shades neighborhoods, and sequesters carbon through increased biomass.
• Habitat Creation: Establishes welcoming spaces for birds, pollinators, and beneficial insects.
• Air Quality: Filters and cleans the air using a diverse selection of climate-appropriate trees and plants.

Come build community, connect with nature, and leave inspired with the tools to replicate these water-wise methods in your own backyard!

Day 1: Saturday, Sept 26- Earthworks

The focus of this day will be laying the foundation of this demo garden. Learn how to create swales, which are trenches that capture rainwater in the ground, divert roofwater to those swales and sheet mulch to protect and build healthy soil.

Volunteer tasks: digging a swale, moving and spreading wood chips.

* wear closed toe shoes, bring gloves and a refillable water bottle

* Lunch will be provided, bring your own lunch if you have special dietary needs

*this event is designed for ages 12 & up

Day 2: Saturday, Oct 3- Planting and Irrigation

The focus this day will be learning about the plants selected and how to install drip irrigation. We will be learning about native plants and selecting the best trees to create shade.

Volunteer tasks: planting, moving wood chips and installing irrigation

If you have any questions please contact [email protected]

Name of Future Demonstration Water Efficient Garden TBD

This project is made possible through the support of the and we are very grateful for their contribution. Demonstration gardens are part of the

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