Church pilot program aims to reduce water usage and increase sustainability through landscape makeovers
Utah, the second-driest state in the U.S., is home to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with over 2 million members within its borders. In a concerted effort to address the critical issue of water conservation, the church has launched a pilot program to significantly decrease water usage in its meetinghouses. The program involves landscape makeovers, including the reduction of grass lawns, improved irrigation systems, and the incorporation of drought-tolerant and native plants. The results of this initiative will be reviewed over the next two years to determine its viability on a wider scale.
Church’s Commitment to Water Conservation
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recognizes the importance of water conservation in Utah, particularly in light of concerns regarding the water levels of the Great Salt Lake. With over 5,400 congregations and approximately 2,700 church buildings statewide, the church has taken on the responsibility to address this critical issue. Jenica Sedgwick, the church’s sustainability manager, emphasizes that water conservation is an integral part of the church’s broader sustainability efforts.
Landscape Makeovers
The landscape makeovers at the selected meetinghouses aim to reduce water usage and increase sustainability. The church has already completed makeovers at 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, the installation of smart irrigation systems, and the addition of drought-tolerant, waterwise, and native plants. The church also considers enhancing aesthetics, improving habitat for pollinators, reducing the heat island effect, and enhancing building accessibility through added walkways.
Pilot Program and Future Actions
The pilot program will gather data and assess the effectiveness of the landscape makeovers over the next two years. This information will inform future actions and projects undertaken by the church. The aim is to identify the most effective water conservation and sustainable landscape practices, taking into consideration cost and feasibility. The church plans to continue learning and implementing these practices to create landscapes that bring pride to neighborhoods and communities.
Aligning with Religious Instruction
The landscape makeovers align with the religious instruction of caring for the planet and being wise stewards over it. Landscape contractors involved in the project express their appreciation for the church’s efforts to set an example in taking care of what God has given us. The church emphasizes that its sustainability practices align closely with its doctrine of earthly stewardship, which emphasizes preserving the earth for future generations.
Balancing Conservation and Aesthetics
The church aims to find a balance between water conservation, beauty, and neighborhood fit. David Wright, a landscape architect with the church’s Meetinghouse Facilities Department, highlights the importance of creating landscapes that are complementary to the neighborhood and acceptable to the community. The church strives to be conservation-minded while maintaining attractive buildings that are in harmony with their surroundings.
Conclusion:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is taking significant steps to address water conservation in Utah through its landscape makeover pilot program. By reducing water usage, improving irrigation systems, and incorporating drought-tolerant plants, the church is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. The outcomes of this program will inform future actions and contribute to the church’s broader efforts in caring for the earth and being wise stewards over its resources. As the church continues to prioritize water conservation, it sets an example for its members and the wider community to follow in preserving and protecting the environment for future generations.
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