Girl Scout Troop and Santa Ana Cultivate Water-Wise Garden
An exciting collaboration has taken shape between Girl Scout Troop 6326 and Santa Ana’s Water Resources Division. Together, they have been working diligently to establish a water-wise, California-friendly demonstration garden at the Center Street entrance of the City Yard. This joint effort aims to promote water conservation practices and environmental stewardship within the local community.
To ensure the success of this project, the City staff and their landscaping contractor have closely collaborated with the Girl Scout Troop throughout the five-month process. They cleared the site by removing trees and turf, coordinating educational workshops for the girls, provided all project materials and resources, and assisted with planting.
The 10-year-old Girl Scouts actively participated in a series of workshops as part of the project. They engaged in an introductory design webinar where they voted on their preferred California-friendly plants for the demonstration garden. Subsequent Hands-On Workshops (HOWs) focused on essential project aspects such as establishing a healthy soil foundation, selecting suitable plants for Santa Ana’s ecosystem, efficient irrigation techniques, and proper plant care.
This project holds great significance for Girl Scout Troop as it plays a pivotal role in their pursuit of earning the Bronze award this year. Meeting the award criteria involves demonstrating measurable water savings and incorporating water and environmental stewardship throughout the project. To support the girls in this pursuit, a special consultant provided guidance on documenting their accomplishments and telling their story.
Girl Scouts, with the help of the Water Resources Division, are producing a video that will showcase their Troop’s journey from the project’s inception to the final demonstration garden. The video will serve as a powerful tool to raise awareness, inspire the community, and encourage Santa Ana residents to adopt water-wise practices.
In recognition of the Troop’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement, the Water Resources Division will present each Girl Scout with a certificate of participation at a special ceremony.
Through this collaboration, Santa Ana’s Water Resources Division and the talented Girl Scout Troop are fostering a sense of environmental responsibility and inspiring a community-wide commitment to water conservation. The new water- wise demonstration garden stands as a testament to the power of partnerships and the potential for positive change in our local ecosystem.