 Reservoir Capacity 4/5/23: Emigrant Reservoir 43% full; Reeder Reservoir 61.3% full Get the most out of your water this season! |
| Early spring is the perfect time to get ready for the summer watering season. Performing a few important maintenance tasks now can help your landscape retain and improve water efficiency. Completing tasks such as aerating, amending soil, adding mulch and dethatching will sustain healthy soils that cycle nutrients, minimize runoff and retain water. When the time finally comes to start up your sprinkler system, these simple steps will help you get the most out of the water that you use. >> Aerating and amending your soil. Soil can become compacted over time, inhibiting water infiltration. Aerating your soil increases infiltration of water into the ground, improving water flow to the plant’s root zone and reducing water runoff. Raking in a layer of compost after aerating, feeds your plants and allows air and water to circulate more easily. >> Dethatching. Thatch is a layer of organic material between the green lawn and the soil. Thatch can act as a barrier that prevents vital water, air and nutrients from reaching roots. Spring is a good time to dethatch because conditions are optimum for rapid recovery and you are preparing the lawn for the coming growing season. >> Use mulch around shrubs and garden plants. This will help reduce evaporation, inhibit weed growth, moderate soil temperature, and prevent erosion. Visit the City of Ashland Fire Department’s website at www.ashland.or.us/resources for information on the appropriate types of mulches and where to use them in the landscape. You can also call 541-552-2231 for additional guidance on firewise landscaping practices. >> Plan ahead for a water-wise landscape. If you’re designing a new landscape or rethinking your current one, find helpful ideas on plants that are not only waterwise, but are also firewire, pollinator friendly, and deer resistant. Visit the City of Ashland’s Water-Wise Landscaping Website at www.ashlandsaveswater.org or call 541-552-2062 for more information. |
 Earth day 2023 Join in celebrating Rogue Valley Earth Day on Friday, April 21, from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at The Farm on the Southern Oregon University Campus in Ashland! Visit exhibits to learn more about water and energy conservation practices and how you can use these methods to make your home more efficient. |
| This information was complied by the Water Action Team of the Ashland Climate Collaborative. |