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30 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MARCH 2022 Landscape Committee "Going Green" is a term that we hear a lot these days, especially in California, as we have been in a severe drought since the year 2000, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center. While we cannot control a lot of the responses to this situation, there are things that we can do, both individually and as a community. My husband and I moved here in October of 2019, and the photo below was taken on my patio the next August. It was quite an introduction to our new home and, while it was caused by humans, the intensity of the fire is directly related to the drought. So what can we do right here and right now? One of the first things our HOA did was reduce water consumption for our landscape. This is actually a good thing! If the correct plants are chosen for the landscape, then once these plants are established, they do not need as much water. The Landscape Committee is always cognizant of our particular microclimate here in Beaumont, and we want to continue to have a beautiful community without wasting water. Many of you will be aware that our irrigation schedule has changed, but rest assured that it is being continually monitored for changes based on season, rainfall, and wind. If you notice a plant struggling, we encourage you to let us know. The next question is what can we do as individuals, within our own homes? There are actually several things we can do to impact how many resources we are using. Monitor your watering. Winter is a time of dormancy for plants and their water requirements change. Check your system and reduce how often and how long you are watering in the winter and early spring. Extra water that goes into the drain is costly for each person, the community, and the planet. If you need to replace plantings in your yard, consider choosing native species. Most are naturally adapted for less water. There are lots of online sites that list these plants, including the California Native Plant Society. They also offer free information and help (www. cnps.org). Participate in the new compost bin project that started in January in California. There may be a learning curve to this but it will lead us to less impact on the climate eventually. Think about joining the Landscape Committee. It is a great way to help keep our community beautiful and preserve its value. These are just a few suggestions. There are many more ways to individually help and it's easy to find those online. It's often overwhelming to think about how one person can make a change when the issue is so massive. One by one, we can form a community that can continue growing and impacting the situation, not only for ourselves but for our children and grandchildren. As Lemony Snicket so eloquently said, "But if we wait until we're ready, we'll be waiting for the rest of our lives. Let's go." ~ Patti Pitts

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