Visit the new Shadetree Nursery Web site .

Irvine Ranch Water District is a co-sponsor of The Shadetree Partnership Nursery Project. This innovative nursery employs the latest technology and trends in water management. The goal of the nursery is to grow trees common to all nurseries in an environment that promotes water conservation and lowers operating costs. Currently the nursery is growing approximately 4,000 trees. Nearly two dozen varieties of seedlings are planted directly into 15- gallon containers. The model nursery was developed from a mere notion into its final form at the local University of California, Irvine when it was officially dedicated in September of 1996. The nursery goal is to have 16,000 seedlings growing at the nursery by September, 1999. The three-acre nursery will serve as an example for the ideal Southern California nursery. 

A dual pipe watering system incorporates the use of reclaimed (recycled) water along with potable water. The use of recycled water in a nursery environment serves many goals. Using reclaimed water helps to conserve the region's limited supply of potable water. Conservation of the potable water in Southern California enables us to be less dependent on imported potable water. 

Reclaimed water piped from the IRWD treatment plant has been trusted as an irrigation alternative to domestic water for many years by the agricultural community. Secondly, the use of recycled water also lessens the demand for nitrogen additives used by the farming and planting industries throughout the state. 

This nursery uses data from the local California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) station to measure evapotranspiration rates. CIMIS evapotranspiration data is reviewed daily. Knowing the local evapotranspiration enables the nursery water management to know exactly how much water the seedlings need. The nursery takes the idea of replenishing the trees with only the exact amount necessary further through the use of micro-sprayers. Micro-spray emitters placed inside each individual plant container allow only the amount of water that the plant needs to be released. This innovation will provide a great benefit to the industry. Currently, most nurseries in Southern California utilize an overhead watering system. The amount of domestic water run-off from this type of system is water wasteful. By implementing CIMIS data along with the micro-spray emitters in this model nursery project, conservation of water as well as cost savings are achieved. 

The variety of trees grown in the nursery includes California oaks, sycamores and Monterey pines. The proof of the project will be concluded through an experiment using the Monterey pines. One group of seedlings will be grown to full size trees with the irrigation of recycled water. An equal amount of Monterey pines used as a control group will be irrigated with domestic water. This research project conducted by the University of California will document and analyze the growth rate, needle color and overall tree quality of both groups of trees. Monterey pines are a popular variety used by the cut Christmas tree industry. The cut Christmas tree industry is monitoring and helping sponsor the project and are hopeful about the possibility of using reclaimed water instead of potable water. The project will prove that the average nursery along with specialty industries can benefit from the methods developed. This is a five- year demonstration and will be an on-going project. So far, the project has shown that there is no discernible difference in using reclaimed versus potable water. 

A further innovation of the project is that the seedlings are planted in the containers by volunteers from the community. An IRWD staff member is responsible for recruiting volunteers through The Shade Tree Partnership, the non-profit organization sponsored by grants and IRWD support. There is broad-based community support from six surrounding cities consisting of community groups such as the National Charity League, Cub and Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Key Clubs, Associated Square Dancers, Lions Club, Soroptimist, students, other civic organizations and many IRWD employees. The benefits of enlisting the help of willing volunteers arefar-reaching. The volunteer planting of the seedlings makes the setup and maintenance of the nursery very cost efficient. Volunteers have the opportunity to become familiar with the use of recycled water for irrigation purposes. The reclaimed water industry standards are so high that there is no reason the community should fear its use. When the time is right the seedlings will be transplanted into the community with the help of volunteers. Volunteers learn about and develop appreciation for these nursery grown trees which will help beautify and protect the local environment. 

IRWD's initial investment was minimal. The Irvine Ranch Water District entered into a five-year ground lease with the University of California at Irvine for the nursery demonstration project. As a means of payment, the University receives 300 trees per year and the volunteers to plant them. This amounts to a total savings of $22,500 per year, which is the cost of having trees installed by a contractor. 

Although the nursery is an ongoing project, the success is evident by the 4,000 seedlings currently growing strong. Once the trees are mature, they are transplanted into the community. This water conservation project has provided trees that are essential to the community. The trees will provide years of aesthetic value and help to promote a healthful environment.