History of the Conservation Garden Park
Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District began
its water conservation campaign in 1999 as a way to extend its existing water supplies
and defer costly new water development projects. The Conservation Garden Park was
one of its first programs. Originally built to showcase waterwise landscaping examples
that homeowners could use, it also included a waterwise retrofit of the District’s
headquarters landscaping, which replaced acres of turf . Garden Fairs were held
in the new garden beginning in 2001, allowing the public to become familiar with
the Garden, get ideas for their own landscapes, and even buy waterwise plants.
By 2003 District staff began to realize that more was needed to educate the public
on the principles of waterwise landscaping, so plans were made to expand the Garden.
A master plan was created for the entire 10-acre headquarters site, encompassing
the original garden and extending all the way out to 1300 West. An aggressive fundraising
campaign was launched to help raise money for the design and construction of future
garden phases, and a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization was created (the
Jordan Valley Conservation Gardens Foundation) to support the District in
its fundraising. While not enough was raised to complete the entire master plan,
enough funds were generated to add another 2.5 acres.
This addition was completed in spring 2009, and included interactive educational
exhibits on how to achieve a waterwise landscape—no longer just examples of finished
waterwise landscapes. As a result of this elaborate expansion, visitation shot up
dramatically, increasing over 50 percent since construction began.
During the 2.5 acre expansion, plans were already being drawn up for another exciting
phase of construction: a new state-of-the-art LEED designed
Education Center, including a new entrance drive with bridge and additional
parking to accommodate visitors. The Education Center features three classrooms,
a catering kitchen, office space, open views to the Garden, an expanded main garden
plaza, and much more.
Garden Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission
Inspiring, educating and empowering our communities to be waterwise.
Vision
A culture that promotes individual, community and environmental well-being by embracing wise stewardship of water resources.
Values
- Education: We teach personal responsibility for conserving water, and empower people to make the most of our shared water resources.
- Leadership: We model and advocate the highest and best use of water.
- Stewardship: We care about the environment and strive to protect it through efficient and sustainable use of Utah’s water resources.
- Synergy: We partner with others to facilitate efficient and sustainable water use.