Trees near the Chen Neuroscience Research Building at Caltech (Photo – Colorado Boulevard Newspaper)
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California will mark the planting of its 4,000th tree through its Turf Replacement Program Wednesday at the California Institute of Technology, where nearly 100,000 square feet of grass is being replaced with California-Friendly and native plants.
By News Desk
The milestone is part of a larger Caltech project that includes 60 new trees and the replacement of portions of unused lawn with more sustainable landscaping. Eleven trees will be planted Wednesday as part of the project.
The project provides an example for campuses, businesses and other nonresidential property owners facing a new state requirement that prohibits the use of potable water on nonfunctional turf beginning in 2027.
Caltech is using Metropolitan’s rebate program to help reduce the project’s cost. The new landscaping will include native plants and indigenous trees intended to provide cooling and shade, capture runoff and contribute to groundwater storage. The design also will enhance habitat for local pollinators and other wildlife.
The project also helps Caltech comply with AB 1572, which bans the use of potable water on nonfunctional turf.
More than half of all water use in Southern California occurs outdoors, according to Metropolitan. Its Turf Replacement Program provides rebates to institutions, businesses and homeowners that replace grass with water-efficient California-Friendly® and native plants.
The program has transformed more than 235 million square feet of lawns and saved enough water to serve about 84,000 homes annually. In 2024, Metropolitan added a tree rebate of $100 per tree planted, for up to five trees per project.
The milestone planting is scheduled for 10:00 am Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Caltech in Pasadena.
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