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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
An important issue for Utah's continuing economic development is water conservation. As the second driest state in the nation, one thing we all need to be concerned with is making sure we are protecting this most essential Utah resource. Patrick Newman, director of programs at Red Butte Garden, says it's important to embrace conservation efforts both inside and outside the home.
We typically use about 60 percent of our water outside, and the goal conservationists are working toward right now is to decrease that number by at least 25 percent, especially with Utah's expected population growth in the next 50 years. Education is a critical component of this initiative since overwatering is an issue. Much of the grass in our front yards is Kentucky bluegrass, which on average receives up to 50 inches of water a year, when it can thrive with nearly half that amount.
An exciting development happening for Red Butte Garden right now is the three-acre water conservation garden, now under construction. The garden is designed to help educate on what being water wise can look like. The timing is critical with the drought conditions Utah is currently facing, following a dry winter. This garden isn't covered in cacti or rocks but instead has vibrant, beautiful plants showcasing exactly how visually appealing water wise landscaping can be. It will be an important addition to this stunning 100-acre botanical garden.
A key to furthering the mission of being water wise is getting the next generation on board. This fall, Patrick says Red Butte Garden will be piloting a program in Utah's public schools called Botany Bins, which includes 8 lessons introducing participants to important principles of water conservation. Creating water wise landscapes isn't about giving up pretty plants, just adjusting to a mix of native and drought-tolerant plants.
Red Butte Garden remains an important Salt Lake City staple in what is quickly becoming a cultural campus for the state, next door to the stunning Utah Museum of Natural History. Starting next month, Red Butte Garden will be launching their summer concert series. For more information, visit redbuttegarden.org.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Red Butte Garden 300 Wakara Way Salt Lake City, UT 84108 801-585-0556 www.redbuttegarden.org
