Heritage Gardens are certified landscaped areas designed to honor the cultural and natural heritage of the Columbia River Basin while utilizing waterwise gardening practices. En espanól.
Introduction: The North Yakima Conservation District (NYCD) purchased the USDA Service Center building several years ago. At that time, the building was landscaped with lawn that required regular watering. Typical lawn water needs for the Yakima Valley total 32 inches of water (WSU Ext) which equates to 20 gallons/square foot. NYCD envisioned a landscaping that would use less water and provide an educational example of low water use plants. We estimate that the new landscaping will reduce water usage by 50-75%. Many plants would benefit pollinators and complement the Heritage Garden Program that is growing in popularity. In the spring of 2022, the North Yakima Conservation District was awarded a Terry Husseman Account grant through the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE). These funds were combined with district monies to support the Water Wise Demonstration Project.
Background: the demonstration garden provides an aesthetic and educational location for the public to learn more about the environmental and water quality benefits of native and low water landscaping. Low water use plantings highlight the benefits of minimal or no supplemental water needs, reduced fertilizer use, ground water protection, habitat for wildlife and pollinating insects, local beauty, and low maintenance landscaping in the Yakima Valley’s arid climate. A small area has riparian species planted along colored river rock that represents a stream. These plantings provide a visual example that focuses on water quality benefits such as stream shade, water temperature reduction, soil stability, as well as the benefits to fish and wildlife.
North Yakima Conservation District 