Landscape Transformation Puts Water-efficient Design on Display by Western Water May 22, 2026 Member Submitted News RIVERSIDE — Western Municipal Water District (Western Water) and March Field Air Museum hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 20 to celebrate the completion of a landscape transformation project in the museum’s Heritage Courtyard. The garden is designed to reduce outdoor water use and showcase climate-appropriate landscaping. In a region where outdoor irrigation accounts for a significant share of demand, this project shows that meaningful spaces can be reimagined to use water more efficiently. The project replaced approximately 20,000 square feet of non-functional turf with climate-appropriate landscape, an upgraded irrigation system, and installed interpretive signage, saving approximately 94,000 gallons of water annually. Supported by a $100,000 WaterSMART grant from the United States Bureau of Reclamation, the project highlights how collaboration can support real-world solutions that benefit both the community and long-term water reliability. Surrounded by memorials honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans, the updated landscape creates a welcoming setting for reflection while also serving as a living example of water-efficient design. Visitors can explore climate-appropriate plants, learn about outdoor water efficiency, and experience a landscape designed to support pollinators such as bees and butterflies, showing how sustainable landscapes can support both community spaces and Southern California’s future. “This project helps show what water-efficient landscaping can look like in Southern California, said Craig Miller, General Manager of Western Water. “Many people hear terms like ‘drought-tolerant’ or ‘climate-appropriate landscaping’ but may not know what that looks like in practice. By creating a highly visible and welcoming public space, this project can inspire others to rethink landscapes to better reflect our climate while still creating places people enjoy.” “Because of the museum’s location along one of the busiest freeways in Riverside County, this landscape is now visible to thousands of people every day,” said Jamil Dada. What was once a traditional turf area has been transformed into a beautiful and welcoming garden space that reflects the future of landscaping in Southern California while enhancing the visitor experience at the museum.” The Heritage Courtyard is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more about the project, visit WesternWaterCA.gov/TransformMarchField. To learn more about the March Field Air Museum, visit MarchField.org. ### Western Municipal Water District is one of the largest public agencies in Riverside County, providing water and wastewater (sewer) services to nearly 1 million people, both retail and wholesale customers who live, work, and play within 527-square miles in one of California’s most populous regions. Learn more: WesternWaterCA.gov
