Governance of the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon will transfer from a coalition of municipalities to a newly formed nonprofit, it was announced today.
The Water Conservation Garden, which was created to teach drought resistant landscaping, is now governed under a joint powers authority comprised of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College District, Helix Water District, Otay Water District, Sweetwater Authority, the city of San Diego and the San Diego County Water Authority.
The operation of the garden will transfer to the nonprofit Friends of the Water Conservation Garden by January 2011.
Officials with the garden said the new governance structure will give it more operational flexibility and fundraising ability.
"Our mission is promoting water conservation in the Southern California landscape through excellent exhibits and programs that educate and inspire the public," said Chuck Muse, president of the garden board. "This move will enhance that mission."
Garden hours and operation will stay the same during the transition.
The Water Conservation Garden has 16 exhibits that demonstrate water- smart and fire resistant gardening and landscaping. It also has a bird and butterfly attraction.