The Xeriscape Council of New Mexico was formed in 1986/87 after green-industry professionals interested in the use of native plants in conservation attended a Xeriscape Conference in Los Alamos, New Mexico.
The Xeriscape Council is education and project oriented. Its primary project is an annual conference on topics in water conservation and landscape. The Council brings high-level globally oriented experts and speakers to Albuquerque for the two-day conference, and free public seminars that are held at a two-day Expo following the conference. The public sessions focus on more practical ‘how to’ seminars on design, plant selection, irrigation and maintenance.
The Xeriscape Council incorporated in 1998 and received 501(c)(3) status in 1999. It conducts educational programs, training sessions and conferences on the general topic of Xeriscaping and its role in water conservation. The Council produces books, materials and reports, and conducts other general consulting activities on the topic of conservation.
The Xeriscape Council’s main goal is to educate New Mexicans and others about water conservation, and to promote native, low-water plants and landscaping/irrigation methods in New Mexico as a means of water conservation. According to Council President George Radnovich, the Xeriscape Council of New Mexico has accomplished its original goal through multiple promotional means, while influencing the City of Albuquerque in its current water-conservation initiatives. Those initiatives include a water-conservation ordinance with associated rebate programs that encourages water-conserving landscapes and irrigation methods, as well as indoor water-saving technologies. The Council continues to work closely with the City of Albuquerque on water-conservation efforts.
2008 marks the eighth year that Intel Corporation has been a sponsor of the Xeriscape Council. Since 2006, Intel Corporation has been the primary sponsor for the organization’s annual conference. Intel Corporation’s generous contributions allow the Xeriscape Council to host world-renowned speakers and to enhance informational materials for all registrants.
Intel Corporation itself is a model of large-scale water conservation. They have demonstrated how much water can be saved in an industry that requires a high volume of water in its processes. We are extremely proud and appreciative to again have Intel Corporation as our co-sponsor for the 2009 Water Conservation/Xeriscaping Conference & Expo.
Membership in the Xeriscape Council is open to the public; however, only active members may serve on its board of directors. Members include landscape architects and designers, horticulturists, management consultants, landscapers, Master Gardeners, extension agency professionals, homeowners, and grounds maintenance workers. The Council meets monthly throughout the year to plan and manage its activities. Its only regular, on-going expenses are its post office box and website. There is no paid staff and no specific office space. Meetings are held at the offices of Sites Southwest in Albuquerque.
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