Located in Rancho San Diego on the Cuyamaca College campus is the Water Conservation Garden. As its name implies, the mission of the garden is “to educate and inspire through excellent exhibits and programs that promote water conservation and the sustainable use of related natural resources.”
The garden is larger than you expect as you wander through the twisting pathways, and you can learn much about native plants, water conservation, and even things like composting, mulch, and irrigation through the interpretive sign boards.
There’s a wonderful children’s section and other exhibits include:
- Butterfly Pavilion (summer only)
- Cactus & Succulents
- Native Habitat
- Water-wise Victory Garden
- White Garden
- Gazebo
- Mulch Exhibit
- Sensory Garden
- Backyard Makeover
- Container / Potted Plants
- Amphitheater
- Soil Erosion
- Turf
- Permeable Pavement
- Composting
There are plenty of benches to pull up a seat and a few picnic tables to enjoy your picnic lunch or snacks (bring your own). The compacted dirt/sand paths are easy to navigate and should be fine for a stroller or wheelchair in most places. Near the entrance is the gift shop and clean restrooms with changing tables.
Adjacent to the Water Conservation Garden is the Heritage of the Americas Museum which is worth a visit to as well. Admission to the garden and museum is free on the second Friday of each month.
The Water Conservation Garden offers gardening seminars as well.
If you’re looking for a pleasant way to spend an hour or two, learn about our native habitats, get ideas for your own yard, and learn how we can be water-wise, you may want to check out the Water Conservation Garden.
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What You Need to Know
| Location: | 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W, El Cajon, CA 92019 |
| Transit: | MTS Bus 816 and 856 |
| Hours: | Sunday & Monday – Closed Tuesday – Thursday – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Friday & Saturday – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| Phone: | (619) 660-0614 |
| Website: | http://www.thegarden.org/ |
| Cost: | Adults $11 Seniors (55+), Students, and Military $8 Children (3-17 years) $7 Children (2 and under) Free FREE on the second Friday of each month. |
| Tips: | The parking lot is small, so you may have to park elsewhere on campus if it’s full. There’s a small gift shop, but no food available. You are allowed to bring your own food into the garden. |
| Date Visited: | 10 January 2025 |
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