ALAMEDA COUNTY WATER DISTRICT PARTNERS WITH LOCAL ECOLOGY AND AGRICULTURE FREMONT TO SUPPORT THEIR NEW COMMUNITY GARDEN AND EDUCATION CENTER

Partnership includes ACWD funding for installation of efficient irrigation systems and water-efficient landscape classes at their new location

Fremont, Calif. — Local Ecology and Agriculture Fremont (LEAF) is one step closer to setting up shop at its new home at the City of Fremont’s California Nursery Historic Park (CNHP). Once established at the new site, LEAF will be able to demonstrate water-efficient irrigation methods and host landscape classes for Tri-City residents thanks in part to funding from ACWD.

ACWD has provided LEAF with $2,500 to assist the nonprofit with elements of its community garden and education center, including:

·         Materials to install efficient drip irrigation systems for 30+ raised community gardening beds.

·         Water-efficient landscaping classes, site demonstrations, and workshops that emphasize water efficiency.

LEAF’s project plan also includes greenhouses to propagate plants, including native and drought tolerant species.

“We are excited about our partnership with LEAF,” said Stephanie Nevins, ACWD Water Conservation Supervisor.  “This partnership builds on the District’s water conservation efforts and we are happy to provide funding to help make LEAF’s plan a reality,” added Nevins.

LEAF’s project will allow more residents of Fremont, Newark, and Union City to grow produce in a local community garden. Educational workshops on sustainable practices, such as efficient irrigation methods and proper plant selection will also be held at the project site.  Workshops will be free, but advanced registration is typically required. As part of a City of Fremont park, the garden will be open to all for inspiration.

“Having ACWD as an ally in our efforts helps make our vision of a larger more visible presence for ecology in the Tri-City area a reality,” said Mia Mora, LEAF Board of Directors and Project Manager.

LEAF was established as a nonprofit membership supported organization in 2009 to promote sustainable and ecological practices.  Approximately 600 people participate in LEAF, which maintains and supports six community gardens throughout Fremont.  For more information and LEAF’s class, workshop, and event schedule visit: www.leafcenter.org/.

ACWD’s Water Conservation Program offers a variety of services and incentives for both residential and business customers.  For more information visit www.acwd.org or call 510.668.4207. 

# # #

For nearly 100 years, the Alameda County Water District has supplied water to the residents and businesses of southern Alameda County. ACWD supplies drinking water to the more than 331,000 people living in the cities of Fremont, Newark, and Union City. For more information, please visit www.acwd.org.