The Natural Resources and Environmental Commission (NREC) of South Pasadena convened on July 22, 2025, to discuss various initiatives aimed at promoting water conservation and sustainable landscaping practices within the community. The meeting highlighted the accomplishments of the previous fiscal year and outlined goals for the upcoming year.

The session began with a review of the Landscape Academy, which successfully launched six workshops attended by over 200 participants. These workshops focused on water-efficient landscaping techniques, including California native plant selection and turf removal strategies. Participants received certificates of completion and various resources, such as seed packets and water-saving tools. The program was well-received, and staff indicated plans to expand course offerings based on community feedback.

The commission also discussed the distribution of compost and mulch, with 35 tons of compost and 9 cubic yards of mulch given away to residents during spring and fall events. Additionally, over 60 water conservation kits were distributed, encouraging residents to adopt water-saving practices both indoors and outdoors. A direct mail campaign reached approximately 10,000 residents, providing information on available rebates.

Key discussions included the need for increased outreach to historically unengaged demographics, particularly single-family homeowners with large lawns. The commission acknowledged that rising costs may have contributed to a decrease in rebate applications compared to the previous year. Suggestions were made to enhance marketing efforts and provide more direct support to residents interested in applying for rebates.

The meeting concluded with a review of budget allocations for the upcoming fiscal year. The commission discussed the possibility of increasing rebate amounts, particularly for turf removal, to incentivize more residents to participate in water conservation efforts. The staff emphasized the importance of gathering feedback from residents to better understand their needs and improve program effectiveness.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to sustainability and water conservation, with plans to continue engaging the community through educational programs and resource distribution. The commission will reconvene to finalize budget recommendations and further develop strategies for outreach and education in the coming year.