Utah-based church pilot program aims to reduce water usage through landscape makeovers
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, headquartered in Utah, is taking significant steps to address the state’s water scarcity issue. With Utah being the second-driest state in the U.S., the church has launched a pilot program to decrease water usage through landscape makeovers at select meetinghouses. The program aims to reduce grass lawns, improve irrigation systems, and incorporate drought-tolerant, waterwise, and native plants. This initiative aligns with the church’s broader sustainability efforts and its commitment to caring for the environment.
1: Addressing the Water Conservation Challenge
Utah, with over 2 million members of the church within its borders, faces a critical water conservation challenge. In response, the church has undertaken a pilot program to transform the landscapes of its meetinghouses. The goal is to significantly decrease water usage by implementing sustainable practices and reducing reliance on water-intensive grass lawns.
2: Landscape Makeovers in Progress
Six meetinghouses across Utah have already undergone landscape makeovers as part of the pilot program. These include properties in Castle Dale, Clearfield, Ogden, Salt Lake City, and St. George, with plans for Lehi in the near future. The makeovers involve the removal of grass lawns and the of drought-tolerant grass, plants, trees, and rocks. The new designs aim to enhance sustainability and reduce water consumption.
3: Evaluating the Pilot Program
The church plans to review the results of the pilot program over the next two years. Data gathered during this period will inform future actions and help determine the viability of these water conservation measures on a wider scale. The church aims to learn from the pilot projects and identify the most effective and cost-efficient practices for sustainable landscaping.
4: Beyond Water Conservation
The landscape makeovers go beyond water conservation efforts. The church’s meetinghouse projects also consider enhancing aesthetics, improving habitat for pollinators, reducing the heat island effect, and increasing building accessibility through the addition of walkways. The aim is to create landscapes that are not only sustainable but also visually appealing and complementary to the surrounding neighborhoods.
5: Aligning with Religious Instruction
The landscape makeovers align with the church’s religious instruction to care for the planet and be wise stewards of its resources. The church emphasizes the importance of preserving the earth for future generations and views sustainable practices as part of its doctrine of earthly stewardship. By setting an example through these pilot projects, the church hopes to inspire its members and the wider community to prioritize environmental responsibility.
Conclusion:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is taking a proactive approach to address water scarcity in Utah through landscape makeovers at its meetinghouses. By reducing grass lawns, improving irrigation systems, and incorporating drought-tolerant plants, the church aims to significantly decrease water usage. The pilot program will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and feasibility of these measures. As the church continues to prioritize sustainability, it sets an example for its members and the wider community to care for the environment and be responsible stewards of the earth.
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