Water Smart Workshops

Room with people

Water Smart Workshops

Upper Water partners with UC Master Gardeners and Green Media Creations to offer free, public workshops on water conservation. Classes cover a range of practical topics (see below) and some classes may be available in Mandarin or Spanish.

Upper Water hosts the following workshop classes:

  • California-Friendly Landscape Training for Residents
  • Turf Removal
  • Rainwater Capture
  • Irrigation and Controller Basics
  • Leak Detection
  • Sustainable Garden Design
  • Professional Series

Katherine Vazquez, Water Resources Analyst I
katherine@usgvmwd.org 
(626) 443-2297

2026 Landscaping Workshops

Gardening with Native Plants from the San Gabriel Valley and San Gabriel Mountains (webinar) with UC Master Gardeners
Workshop Details: Learn how to create a beautiful, water-wise, and wildlife-friendly garden using California native plants. This workshop explores the benefits of native plants, how to choose species suited to your local region, and where to find resources and reputable native plant nurseries.

  • Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.-7:15 p.m.
  • Click here to register.


Garden Design Seminar – Presented in Mandarin (in-person) with Green Media Creations |  庭院设计研讨会

Workshop Details: Learn how to design a beautiful, climate-resilient landscape that conserves water and works with the natural environment. This workshop covers rainwater harvesting, hydrozoning, plant selection, and landscape design principles to help create sustainable, low-maintenance outdoor spaces. | 想要打造一座既美观又能适应气候变化的庭院吗?本设计研讨会将带您了解如何规划景观,使其能够收集雨水、节约资源,并能很好地适应当地环境。

Irrigation & Controller Basics: Smart Watering (webinar) with Green Media Creations
Workshop Details: Learn how to improve irrigation efficiency through proper system management, controller programming, and water-saving techniques. This workshop covers irrigation basics, common system issues, smart controllers, drip irrigation, and strategies to promote healthy landscapes while reducing water waste.

  • Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
  • Click here to register.

Fire Resilient Gardening (IN-PERSON) with UC Master Gardeners
Workshop Details: Learn practical guidance on fire resilient gardening and landscaping, including plant selection, maintenance practices, and design principles that reduce fire risk. This workshop is ideal for homeowners, gardeners, and community members interested in safer, more resilient landscapes.

  • Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Location: City of Azusa (Tentative) – Location TBD
  • Click here to register.

Fire Resilient Gardening (webinar) with UC Master Gardeners
Workshop Details: Learn practical guidance on fire resilient gardening and landscaping, including plant selection, maintenance practices, and design principles that reduce fire risk. This workshop is ideal for homeowners, gardeners, and community members interested in safer, more resilient landscapes.

  • Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.-7:15 p.m.
  • Click here to register.

Rain to Roots: Water for Your Garden (webinar) with Green Media Creations
Workshop Details: Learn how to capture and use rainwater in your landscape through techniques such as rain gardens, swales, and storage systems. This workshop covers how to select the right approach for your property, manage runoff, and maintain rainwater features for long-term performance.

  • Thursday, December 3, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
  • Click here to register.