
When you see water flowing from someone’s landscaping and down the rain gutter, it’s a sign that too much water is being used. While certainly wasteful, this excess irrigation water may seem pretty harmless to the surrounding environment. You might even suspect that neighboring wildlands benefit when runoff flows into them. More water for thirsty plants and animals, right? However, the damage it does to nearby canyons becomes clear when you hit the trails.

The Buck Gully trail system was improved and re-introduced in 2012. The City of Newport Beach worked with Irvine Ranch Conservancy to improve the trail system and they continue to maintain the trails. The most common maintenance issue is repairing damaged trails that result from irrigation runoff from landscapes.
When the trail is muddy, normal trail use creates holes and ruts where people walk and bike. When the trail dries, these ruts harden, creating rough spots along the trail. Future trail users avoid these spots, which sometimes means walking slightly off-trail and widening the path, damaging habitat in the process.

The City of Newport Beach continues to educate its residents and nearby cities by hosting a free workshop for residents interested in learning more about water-wise landscaping. Learn how to select plants that are drought-friendly, manage your irrigation system, and save money by using water more efficiently. To participate in this free workshop, email ConservationInfo@newportbeachca.gov or call (949) 644-3195 to reserve your seat. RSVP required.
The next landscape workshop will be at the Newport Beach Civic Center at 100 Civic Center Dr. in the Community Room on April 23rd, 2015 from 6-9 pm. Light refreshments will be served.