Because the majority of potential water savings – and waste – in urban landscapes

is related to landscape water use.

Factors include: An over-reliance on high water-use plants; irrigation system inefficiencies; obstacles impacting
design, installation, maintenance, and management, including lack of water management awareness and expertise;
and the perception that a water-efficient landscape is visually unappealing.

Because what we do in our landscapes has a direct effect

on the health and wellness of people, plants, animals, and waterways.

The New California Landscape:

• Promotes a balance between our urban landscapes and the environment.
• Offers a greater emphasis on site stewardship and resource efficiency, especially water and energy.
• Enhances our own landscape and that of the community in terms of beauty, diversity, cost-effectiveness, value,
  quality of life, and health.

The New California Landscape is an integrated approach to the design, installation, and management of our
landscapes for the protection, preservation, and quality of soil, water, energy, and air. These landscapes are designed
to manage water runoff, protect and promote habitat, reduce waste, promote reuse and repurposing of materials,
reduce the use of harmful products, and mitigate negative impacts on our environment.

The New California Landscape supports a rich diversity of California native and climate-appropriate plants,
locally sourced materials, and beneficial insects and wildlife.

Eco-Friendly Landscape Design Plans for the New California Landscape integrate strategies for the
efficient and effective use and management of resources, while raising environmental awareness.

They incorporate and demonstrate principles and practices of:

• River-Friendly Landscaping Guidelines (RFL), a watershed-based approach to landscaping. More
  information at riverfriendly.org.
• Low-Impact Development (LID), an approach to land development and re-development for managing
  storm water as close to its source as possible. More information at water.epa.gov/polwaste/green.
• Model Water-Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), best management practices to conserve water
  supplies, prevent water waste, and comply with State law, the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act of
  2006 (Assembly Bill 1881, Laird). More information at water.ca.gov/wateruseefficiency/landscapeordinance
• The “New Norm” for California Landscapes (CUWCC), a watershed-based model for sustainability,
  resource efficiency and protection, environmental stewardship, market transformation, and quality of life.
  More information at cuwcc.org.

Every step--small or large--is part of the solution to the environmental challenges we face. Use these resources,
information, and landscape design plans, which can be adapted to conditions specific to your site.

You, too, can have a landscape that is aesthetically pleasing and in harmony with our environment - -
This is The New California Landscape.

*Term used by California Urban Water Conservation Council (CUWCC).