The water supply challenge continues to be an ongoing concern throughout the state and Pasadena. PWP recently received a grant from the Federal Bureau of Reclamation to build hügels at several sites in Pasadena. A hügel is a berm made of repurposed plant matter, logs and earth – with the goal of enriching the soil – the hügel helps to retain moisture, capture carbon and serve as an ideal concave for habitat restoration. The focus on enriching the soil, with efforts like a hügel, is an innovative way of developing long-term solutions that would require less watering to support the above ground cover.
The hügel project will increase native plants and trees, reduce heat island effect, and capture and help recharge local groundwater. Hügels support robust plants, shrubs, trees and landscape with minimal irrigation. The hügel, together with bioswales, slow the water coming onto the site, support tree growth and help water percolate back into the ground.
Specially, PWP has plans in November to install a hügel at the Sierra Madre median in the section in front of Field Elementary School and below PWP’s Jones Reservoir pumping facilities. PWP has had great success with several other hügels throughout the city and feel this nature-based technology will build healthy soil and save water in our landscapes
The Sheldon Reservoir and the Arroyo Seco are two such projects and you can learn more by clicking on the links below.
https://ww5.cityofpasadena.net/water-and-power/sheldonreservoirproject/
https://ww5.cityofpasadena.net/water-and-power/arroyosecoproject/
PWP has contracted a local vendor to help with the design and building of the Hügel garden. Construction is scheduled to begin in November 2021. To learn more or to check out the preliminary designs for the site, please visit
https://ww5.cityofpasadena.net/water-and-power/sierramadremedian/
