"Re-imagining Our Relationship with Water" - A Case for Support for The Water Conservation Garden

RE-IMAGINING OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH WATER

The Water Conservation Garden Capital and Endowment Campaign Case for Support

Prepared by the University of San Diego July 2013

The Water Conservation Garden Capital and Endowment Campaign

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“Water is the basis of life, and on this

planet only a tiny share—less than

one percent of all water—is available

for nearly 7 billion people and a

myriad of freshwater aquatic

ecosystems. It's that tiny share of

freshwater that we have to use to

meet all of our needs—irrigation,

industry, drinking water, and

sanitation—and the needs of

thousands, if not millions, of other

species that we share the planet

with.”

-‐-‐ National Geographic

The Colorado River Source of 50% of our Region’s Water Supply

CONTENTS

Re-imagining Our Relationship With Water

The Garden’s Beginnings

The Garden’s Essence

Why the Garden?

Garden Milestones

The Garden’s Impact

Annual Operating Budget

The Opportunity

Investing Wisely in the Future


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RE-IMAGINING OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH WATER The early pioneers of the American West had a bold vision for the arid, desolate desert that we now call Southern California. They imagined lush, green land, robust agriculture, thriving businesses and vibrant communities. The area lacked one critical resource, however, to bring this vision to life: water. The beautiful, prosperous Southern California that we love and call home today, is the result of nearly a century of dams, canals, and pipelines to divert this precious resource from two distant places to our desert region. Averaging only two inches of rainfall annually, Southern California imports 80% of its water supply. We rely on 30% of our water from the rain-rich Northern California Bay-Delta, and another 50% from one of the most critical water sources in the West: the Colorado River. The Colorado River is of vital importance, not only to the West, but also to the economy of the entire nation. And we are not alone in our reliance on this iconic river. Thirty million people and thousands of acres of farmland across seven states and Mexico continually depend on this finite source to meet a variety of needs. The food we eat, the fuel we use, the clothes we wear, the products we buy, and the energy we consume all require water. Increasing demand, drought, population growth, and climate change all threaten the river’s supply. Today, this lifeblood of our nation no longer reaches its delta at the Gulf of California. While alarming, there is hope. Over 70% of residential water usage in Southern California is for beautiful lawns, gardens, pools, and other luxuries designed for a more humid climate. By learning to live within the water resources of our desert landscape, we have the power to reduce our demand, and ultimately change our relationship with water. And The Water Conservation Garden is leading the way. The Water Conservation Garden is a living, breathing, hands-on demonstration facility, showcasing six beautiful acres of innovative water conservation solutions to solving Southern California’s most critical challenge: water. Visitors are transported on a whimsical journey that educates all ages to understand our true arid landscape, what native and water-wise plants are most suitable for our climate, and how to develop efficient irrigation and water re-usage systems.


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By demonstrating the true value of our most precious resource, The Garden inspires behaviors that extend well beyond our outdoor landscape to all areas of our lives touched by water. Solving our water dependency is key to our region’s continued prosperity and survival. The value of our homes, businesses and security of our jobs all depend on a sufficient and sustainable supply of water. As the Colorado River continues to recede, there was never a more critical time to act than now. We have the ability to influence the future by taking steps today to inspire all Southern Californians to re-imagine their relationships with water. To do so, however, will require critical investment to expand The Garden’s existing facilities and innovative programs. We invite you to join us on this important first step of our journey… Our region’s existence depends on it.


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THE GARDEN’S BEGINNINGS If you lived in Southern California during the severe droughts of the early 1990’s, you may remember the strict restrictions on water usage imposed on all residents. That wake up call was alarming. Seeing both the need and opportunity to educate the community on water, its history, and future in our region, the major water powers planted the initial seeds of an innovative water conservation garden. Realizing how critical the development of this extraordinary public asset truly would be for the future of our region, the founders took great care in achieving its creation. From conception to public opening took nearly one decade. Today, The Garden has grown to nearly six acres of beautiful water-wise native plant landscaping, innovative irrigation demonstration exhibits, a magical butterfly pavilion, whimsical architecture, and dozens of sprawling and informative walking tour paths. In 2011, governance of The Garden was transferred to The Friends of the Water Garden, an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. THE GARDEN’S ESSENCE Our Mission: To educate and inspire through excellent exhibits and programs that promote water conservation and the sustainable use of related natural resources. Our Vision*: A Southern California living within the water resources of our desert climate, and the mighty Colorado River once again flowing to its end.

* In lieu of an existing Vision Statement, the USD Consulting Team created this statement for consideration.


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WHY THE GARDEN? We are experts. We are leaders. We forge collaborative partnerships across all sectors of our region and economy. We showcase innovative water conservation solutions, inspiring people to take action to change their relationship with water. We believe that changing water usage behavior today is the single most effective way to solving the inevitable water deficit of tomorrow. We have the expertise, tools, solutions, and partnerships. But we are running out of time.

“No other botanical garden open to the public in Southern California dedicated solely to water-‐wise landscaping and innovative water conservation solutions is changing behaviors and relationships with water as we are.”

John Bolthouse Executive Director The Garden

“Projecting current trends, if you

continue business as usual without

any innovation, eventually you’re

going to get to a point where you’re

not going to have enough water to

cover population demands.” Business Week


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GARDEN MILESTONES 1991-1992 • Garden concept adopted as a combined immediate/long-

term solution for water conservation by East County Water Conservation Council.

• Joint Powers Authority officially formed as Water Conservation Garden Authority (WCGA). Garden conceptual design commissioned and created by Jon Powell.

1995 • WCGA incorporated as non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

1999-2000 • Garden officially open to public in summer. • Garden recognized and awarded: President's Award and Merit Award for design from

San Diego Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects; Orchid for design from San Diego Annual Orchids and Onions Awards program; and the "Watering Can" kiosk wins Best New Exhibitor Award and an Award of Merit at the Del Mar Fair.

2001-2002 • San Diego County Water Authority and the City of San Diego join the Garden. • Receives 2001 Constructor Award by Associated General Contractors of California for the

Garden's contribution to the East County community. 2006 • The Garden reaches 30,000 annual visitors. • Garden acquires additional land from Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. 2007 • Garden wins the Rain Bird Corporation's Intelligent Use of Water Award. • The Sweetwater Authority joins the Water Conservation Garden Authority on 1/1/07. • New exhibits open, including Bird and Butterfly Garden; Fire-wise Landscape exhibit; and the

Irrigation Exhibit. • The Garden joins the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense partners program. 2008-2009 • The Garden reaches over 50,000 people on-site and 100,000 offsite. • Ms. Smarty Plants™ programs begin. 2010-2012 • Amphitheater shade installed. • School tours and assemblies reach 25,000 children • John Bolthouse hired as The Garden’s second Executive Director • Garden operations and governance transferred to Friends of the Water

Conservation Garden, an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit.


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THE GARDEN’S FUTURE VISION & IMPACT To save our region – and reach our vision of a Southern California living within the water resources of our desert climate – will require vast behavioral changes. As experts in behavior change, we have the solution. Our innovative model includes four key components:

1) Raising Awareness Communicating the issue and solutions is the first step in inspiring behavior change.

2) Educating We believe educating visitors both onsite and through offsite outreach is the key to lasting change, with emphasis on educating children today for greatest impact tomorrow.

3) Inspiring to Action For education to be successful, it must inspire people to action. Whether its children redesigning their school yard garden with water-wise plants, or homeowners installing our innovative irrigation systems – inspiring behavior change is at the heart of what we do.

4) Unique Tools

No other botanical garden in the region showcases six acres of hands-on, innovative, educational exhibits and tools in such a fun, whimsical way.

Our innovative model transforms visitors’ experiences and inspires long-term behavior changes. And we do it in a fun, approachable, way… Stepping through the gates of The Garden, visitors are transported on a fun, magical journey to a futuristic world of…

… Vibrantly colored butterflies … Gloriously flowering succulents

and cacti … Lush alternative-turf meadows… … Innovative water conservation

systems… … and much, much more.

Through our innovative model, visitors are transported to a vision of the future…the world we all need to live in now, if we are to survive…

…not the mirage that surrounds us today.


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ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET FY2013 Financial Snapshot

REVENUE Agency funding $ 540,000 Grants and contracts 108,000 Contributions 121,000 Earned income 133,000

TOTAL REVENUE 902,000 EXPENSES Program services 703,000 Management and general 123,000 Fundraising/other 61,000

TOTAL EXPENSES 887,000

BUDGET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) $ 15,000 The Garden continues to remain in sound financial condition. With a $900,000 annual operating budget, the majority of funding (nearly 60%) comes from the member water districts, though that funding has been and continues to decline as The Garden grows and becomes more independent and financially self-sufficient. The remainder of The Garden's funding comes from grants from foundations and corporations and government contracts (12%), contributions and in-kind donations from individuals (13%), while the balance (approximately 15%) comes from earned income through memberships, gift shop sales, facility rental, fee-for-services education programs, and special events. The Garden maintains a healthy cash reserve, minimal liabilities, and has no debt.

REVENUE

Agency funding $616,000

Grants and contracts $144,000

Contributions $19,000

Earned income $16,000

TOTAL REVENUE $805,000

EXPENSES

Program services $821,000

Management and general $21,000

Fundraising/Other $27,000

TOTAL EXPENSES $869,000

Change in net assets -‐$64,000

Net assets at beginning of year $150,000

NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR $86,000


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THE OPPORTUNITY To reach our vision and solve our regions’ looming water – and economic – crisis, The Garden has identified the following three Campaign Initiatives:

1) Facility Expansion Renovating existing and building of new facilities

2) Program Expansion Expanding what we are already doing well, and creating new, innovative exhibits and experiences

3) Endowing the Future Ensuring The Garden permanently lives and grows for generations to come

INITIATIVE 1 – EXPAND & BUILD A NEW EDUCATIONAL PAVILION Achieving our bold vision will require critical investment to expand existing facilities and build a new Educational Pavilion. The existing Education Center, Gift Shop, and Administrative Offices, all located in a single 2,500 square foot building accommodating up to 30 people at one time, have long since reached functional capacity. Education Department staff members are dangerously overcrowded in what was intended to be a storage unit. This new, expanded home would be a state-of-the-art LEED certified Gold building, showcasing cost-effective, energy efficiency at the highest level. Not only would the facility provide the required space and resources necessary to maximize staff and volunteer effectiveness, but would also greatly expand the number of educational classes and innovative water conservation programming available to the community. INITIATIVE 2 – PROGRAM AND EXHIBIT EXPANSION Innovative, whimsical, and inspiring exhibits are the hallmark of The Garden’s many assets. Expanding current exhibits while also continually developing fresh, new, leading-edge showcases are both critical components to bringing our vision to life. INITIATIVE 3 – ENDOWING THE FUTURE To support our efforts to develop innovative water conservation solutions, The Garden needs to build a robust unrestricted endowment. The Garden’s educators push the boundaries of knowledge and their explorations take them in innovative directions. Endowment funding provides the financial flexibility for The Garden to adapt and thrive as technology and new water conservation solutions evolve.

A gift to unrestricted endowment is a long-term investment in The Garden’s mission and innovative model, providing the personal satisfaction of creating a lasting legacy that will ensure The Garden experience for generations to come. It provides The Garden the ability to be agile, to respond to changes in government funding, and to address priorities as they arise.


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OUR INVITATION: INVESTING WISELY IN OUR FUTURE

The Garden was the realization of a bold vision, and we invite you to join us in the next chapter of that bold vision. Through The Garden’s Capital and Endowment Campaign, we will invest wisely in our water future today, so that we can ensure adequate water supplies to sustain our region for generations to come.

§ Capital and program expansion will provide The Garden increased ability to execute its Mission of promoting innovative water conservation and the sustainable use of related natural resources.

§ A strong endowment will provide financial stability, allow staff to focus on priority programs, and facilitate long-term financial planning and growth.

The Garden proposes a Capital and Endowment Campaign to raise $3.5 million, to achieve our bold vision, drastically change water conservation behaviors, and ultimately save our region from irreversible drought and desolation.


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CAPITAL AND ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN BUDGET

FACILITY EXPANSION & NEW EDUCATIONAL PAVILION $1,500,000

Over the past year, The Garden held approximately 300 programs, with close to 35,000 community members in attendance. The existing classroom in the Education Center has a maximum occupancy limit of 30 people and the building is old and outdated. To increase levels of education provided to the community, renovation and expansion of the existing facility and building of a new Education Pavilion is needed.

PROGRAM EXPANSION $750,000 To achieve our bold vision, expansion of The Garden’s nationally recognized, award-winning innovative programs is required. Program expansion plans include: increasing both onsite and offsite access to educational programs; updating existing exhibits; creating new, targeted programming for audiences not currently reached; and also developing new, innovative exhibits as new technologies and solutions are discovered. ENDOWING THE FUTURE $1,000,000

By supporting the endowment fund through the Capital and Endowment Campaign, your generosity will enable The Garden to provide approximately $40,000 annually for core operating support of our innovative model in perpetuity. These funds are critical to The Garden’s sustainability as they will help offset the slated annual declines in Joint Powers Authority funding (currently 60% of annual revenue) to the organization over the next five years. CAMPAIGN COSTS $250,000

In addition, the Campaign will include costs that are beyond usual operating expenses such as campaign planning, donor recognition, campaign consultant fees, special recognition events and ceremonies, coordination, collateral materials, and other operating support. This will ensure that The Garden effectively manages the process toward achieving the Campaign goal. TOTAL PROPOSED CAPITAL AND ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN $3,500,000

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WAYS TO SECURE THE FUTURE The Water Conservation Garden’s Capital and Endowment Campaign provides a unique opportunity to directly impact the re-imagining of our relationship with water now to help solve our water dependency to ensure our region’s continued prosperity and survival for generations to come. There are several ways you can make a gift to the campaign:

• Cash Gifts or Pledges - Gifts made in their entirety are welcomed and appreciated. However, having the option to pay a gift over time often makes it possible to make a larger gift total gift. A pledge made to The Water Conservation Garden’s Capital and Endowment can be paid over a period up to five years, but will make an immediate impact on our campaign goals.

• Gifts of Appreciated Securities - A gift of appreciated securities may provide an attractive tax advantage while providing significant support to the Campaign.

• Real Estate - A gift of real property and/or a residence may provide a beneficial tax advantage for donors and their heirs. Our Development Officer is available to discuss details with you.

• Other Assets - Other assets, such as tangible personal property, are often welcomed. Our Development Officer is available to discuss details with you.

• Planned or Deferred Gifts - Planned or deferred gifts, such as charitable trusts, life income gifts, gift annuities and bequests may provide tax advantages and life income to donors. Planned or deferred gifts are especially appropriate for an endowment.

• Endowed Chairs - An endowed chair honors and recognizes the distinction of superior

educational faculty while providing invaluable financial support above and beyond salary, for use in research, teaching or service activities.

• Tribute Gifts - Tribute gifts allow you to make a charitable donation in the name of an individual or organization that has touched your life. Often, the most appreciated gifts are those that help others.


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DONOR RECOGNITION Water Conservation Garden Capital and Endowment Campaign supporters will receive recognition through an array of opportunities. They include, but are not limited to:

§ New building naming opportunities § New exhibit naming opportunities § Inclusion in our Waterfall of Donors Wall § Recognition during special events

Recognition benefits can also be customized to meet your needs. As a member of The Garden “family,” we recognize the importance of keeping you informed through our donor newsletter and annual report. In addition, you will have an opportunity to meet with the key leaders of The Garden and will receive invitations to special events and seminars. We are committed to keeping you apprised of the impact and program we provide to the communities we serve.

THE GARDEN’S GRATITUDE The Garden is committed to leading change. We are uniquely positioned to solve our region’s water issues…and there was never a more critical time to act than now. We have the ability to influence the future by taking steps today to re-imagine our relationship with water. Thank you for joining us on this important journey today…

On the left is a staggering image of

what the Colorado River’s end looks

like today. No longer reaching the

ocean, what remains is a dry,

desolate, arid wasteland.

If we do not act now, the same fate

awaits our region.

Thank you for joining us on this

important journey...

The Colorado River Delta The long expanse where the Colorado River has run dry, No longer reaching the ocean

THE GARDEN’S LEADERSHIP Board of Directors Dr. Richard Wright, President Professor Emeritus of Geography, San Diego State University

Eleanor Garnet, Vice President Former CEO, N.N. Jaeschke, Inc.

Dr. Harold Bailey, Treasurer Registered Civil Engineer and La Mesa Planning Commissioner

Sue Ellen Benson, Secretary Retired Elementary Teacher, Lifetime Member of The Water Conservation Garden

Tom Allingham, Board Member Owner, Backflow Services of La Mesa

Tony Embrey, Board Member Retired Financial Manager for Federal Government

Dr. Cindy Miles, Board Member Chancellor of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

Cheryl Minshew, Board Member Retired Educator and Business Owner; President of the Rancho San Diego Rotary Club

Rich Restuccia, Board Member Director of Water Management Solutions, ValleyCrest Companies

Elyssa Robertson, Board Member Principal Biologist, REC Consultants, Inc.

Suzie Wiest, Board Member General Manager, Miramar Wholesale Nurseries

Luis Generoso, Ex Officio (JPA Representative) Water Resources Manager, City of San Diego Public Utilities Department

Staff John Bolthouse Executive Director

Heather Carlton Office and Gift Shop Manager

Jillian Chu Education Assistant

Lorraine Frigolet Development Officer

Kay Mc Grath Bookkeeper

Daniel Mayorga Horticulture Technician

Pamela Meisner Director, Education

Tamara Michaels Educator

Elizabeth Ramos Director, Marketing and Events

Paul Redeker Director, Horticulture and Facilities

Steven Zampanti Facilities Assistant Campaign Committee John Bolthouse

Lorraine Frigolet

Dr. Richard Wright

Tony Embrey

Cindy Minshew

The Water Conservation Garden Capital and Endowment Campaign Case for Support

July 2013

Documents

"Re-imagining Our Relationship with Water" - A Case for Support for The Water Conservation Garden