Hands-On Water Conservation Learning
June 7 Community Workshops as part of the Next Generation Water Summit.
Santa Fe residents are invited to take part in a full day of free, hands-on community activities on Saturday, June 7, designed to celebrate and support local water conservation efforts. The Community Tours serve as the final chapter of the eighth annual Next Generation Water Summit, occurring on June 5-6 at the Roundhouse. These tours and workshops offer opportunities for residents to connect directly with the City’s water-saving initiatives and take home practical skills to create sustainable landscaping and gardening at their own homes.
The day begins from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. with The New Waterwise Garden Tour, launching at 801 W San Mateo (next to the sidewalk in front of the Public Utilities building). This self-guided tour highlights a series of native plant and pollinator-friendly gardens, with staff and community partners onsite to answer questions and share expertise. Giveaways include shut-off nozzles, native seeds, and planting guides to help implement waterwise practices at home.
Next, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., head over to Firebird Santa Fe for a Drip Irrigation Workshop led by Firebird’s expert staff. Participants will learn how to install and maintain DIY drip irrigation systems—an essential technique for efficient outdoor watering in Santa Fe’s arid climate. Attendees will receive a free drip irrigation guide to support continued success in their gardens.
Wrapping up the day is the Plant & Tree Selection Workshop at Plants of the Southwest from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. This session will explore how to choose the right trees and plants for Santa Fe’s changing climate, with giveaways including a Tree Selection Guide and a Native Plant Guide. Attendees will also receive 10% off for participating in the workshop.
In addition to various giveaways, event participants will be entered to win a rain barrel. For each stop they make on Saturday, June 7, participants will receive a raffle ticket, increasing their chance of winning the rain barrel.
Now in its eighth year, the Next Generation Water Summit brings together local, regional, and national water professionals to discuss solutions to the pressing water challenges facing the Colorado River Basin. While expert panels and keynote addresses from leaders like Deb Haaland and Mary Ann Dickinson will take place June 5–6 at the Roundhouse, June 7 is all about local engagement and action.
Santa Fe’s low per capita water use and thriving community partnerships make it a national model in water conservation. With free access to the Summit offered to all residents of Santa Fe City and County, and community events like those on June 7, the City continues to empower residents as key players in protecting and preserving our water future.
Specific event details can be found at nextgenerationwatersummit.com
