Our History
Our History
The mission of The Water Conservation Garden is to educate and inspire through excellent exhibits and programs that promote water conservation and the sustainable use of related natural resources.
For almost 30 years, the Water Conservation Garden has nearly six acres of displays that showcase water conservation through a series of beautiful themed gardens, such as a native plant garden, formal garden, compost exhibit and a vegetable garden, as well as how-to displays such as mulch and irrigation exhibits. The Garden also features a native butterfly pavilion and hatchery as well as a Desert Tortoise Exhibit that is open spring and summer each year. Please visit our Exhibits page for more information.
The Garden offers many programs and services including:
- Workshops on Gardening, Sustainability, & Wellness.
- Adult, youth and community education programs. School tours by appointment. Large group tours by appointment.
- The Dorcas E. Utter Butterfly Pavilion and Hatchery featuring open door butterflies native to Southern California and the host and nectar plants they love.
- Large community festivals and specialized events throughout the year featuring family-friendly activities.
- The Water Conservation Garden is available to rent for weddings, birthdays, celebrations of life, fundraisers, corporate events, and other intimate gatherings in a beautiful and sustainable outdoor setting.
- Volunteer-run Gift shop with a curated collection of unique, one-of-a-kind items including local art, garden photography, crafts, jewelry, up-cycled items and garden essentials. 90% of the items in our gift shop are made by our volunteers.
- Succulent plant arrangements for sale created by our volunteer succulent team
- College internship program
Community Driven
The Water Conservation Garden operates thanks to support from water district dues, memberships, donations, grants, facility rentals, and sales from its plant and gift shop.
In response to a prolonged drought in 1991, the concept of a Xeriscape water conservation garden was born from the East County Water Conservation Committee. By 1995, the Water Conservation Garden Authority gained tax-exempt status (EIN: 33-0639414).
On May 15th, 1999, construction of The Water Conservation Garden concluded, marked by the inaugural volunteer/docent class led by Dorcas Utter. The Garden opened its doors to the public, initiating tours and hosting events in its spacious amphitheater. It was honored with the Orchid Award from SD Orchids and Onions Awards, as well as the President’s Award and Merit Award from the SD Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Since then, The Garden has transformed into an educational hub catering to passionate gardeners. It provides a tranquil setting for leisurely walks, hosts wellness programs, and community events. Moreover, it remains an invaluable resource for those seeking knowledge on water-wise and California-Friendly® gardening practices. In our garden, all are embraced, including our four-legged friends.
The Water Conservation Garden Authority has tax exempt status under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code as an organization described in section 501 (c) (3). EIN# 33-0639414.
The Garden is located in El Cajon on the campus of Cuyamaca College. The Helix and Otay Water Districts conceived the idea of The Water Conservation Garden as a response to the drought in the early 1990’s. The water districts joined with the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District to create a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) that resulted in the creation of The Water Conservation Garden. The Water Conservation Garden Authority operates with a board of directors representing each JPA member. Our Current JPA members consist of Helix Water District, Otay Water District, Sweetwater Authority and the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA)
A Garden for All
As a garden we promote the biodiversity of plants and we recognize diversity of people and perspectives makes our garden and community stronger. The Water Conservation Garden is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) within all aspects of our daily operations, including our exhibits, programs, staff, and board. Leveraging a strong foundation of existing policies and practices, our aspiration is to cultivate an institution that is as diverse as the communities we serve.
GOAL 1: Identify and adopt a culture and value system that understands, respects, and promotes diversity and inclusion in all aspects of The Garden.
GOAL 2: Maintain and create opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to participate in Garden programs.
GOAL 3: Recruit, retain, and recognize a diverse workforce and board at The Garden.
GOAL 4: Establish equity, diversity, and inclusion best practices that shape and impact the workforce, the workplace, and the community.
In May 1999, The Water Conservation Garden opened with a 4.5-acre plot on the Cuyamaca College campus. Thanks to an additional land donation by the college, The Garden has grown to 6 acres and expanded its offerings to include a Desert Tortoise Exhibit, a vibrant Children’s Garden, and regular community gatherings—all focused on water-wise landscaping and sustainable living—enhancing its role as both an educational and social hub for the region.
Nationally recognized for leadership in water conservation, The Water Conservation Garden was honored by the American Public Gardens Association as one of the top eight gardens in the United States for excellence in community education programs. The Garden has also received the prestigious Orchid Award from the San Diego Orchids and Onions Awards, as well as the President’s Award and Merit Award from the San Diego Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. We are a dynamic, ever-evolving garden—growing alongside our community and continually advancing sustainable practices for a healthier, more resilient future.
The Water Conservation Garden has proudly offered youth and adult education programs for over two decades, empowering the community with knowledge and tools for sustainable living in a fun and impactful way. We are honored to be an accredited Level II Arboretum, reflecting our ongoing commitment to plant diversity, conservation, and public education. Our impact has been recognized by the community as well, being voted “Best Garden/Nursery” by readers of the East County Californian and awarded both “Best Educational Facility” and the “Environmental Stewardship Award 2022 and 2024” by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce. These recognitions affirm our role as a trusted, community-centered resource for environmental education, sustainability, and stewardship.
Alyssa Lavine Photography
