TreePeople Urge Southlanders to Save the Rain

The founder of the long-standing nonprofit environmental group TreePeople urged Angelenos this Earth Day to save rainwater for trees and plants around their homes.

"On this Earth Day it's more important than ever that people start capturing water and using it save the plants around their homes and the trees around town," Lipkis said, adding that trees in Los Angeles parks are dying due to a lack of rain water.

By catching runoff and using a rain barrel to irrigate a flower bed or potted plants, home gardeners can help conserve water, according to Andy Lipkis, founder of TreePeople. A statewide drought was declared in January after three years of below-normal rainfall.

Capturing rainfall in Los Angeles can help create a local, climate- resistant water supply, he said.

The average Los Angeles resident uses 123 gallons per day, he said.

"If we save five, or 10 or 20 gallons through this work, it makes a huge, huge difference," Lipkis said.

A free workshop on how to create a climate-friendly urban landscape is set for May 3 at the TreePeople headquarters, 12601 Mulholland Drive in Beverly Hills.

"When they find out how easy it is and how good it feels and that your own water capture is able to help you grow your own food, it becomes addictive," Lipkis said.

The organization is offering $10 rain barrels after rebates. Orders, which are being taken now, can be picked up on April 26 at the TreePeople's Mar Vista Green Garden Showcase at Grandview Elementary School, 3877 Grandview Blvd. in Los Angeles. Orders can be placed at http://www.rainbarrelsintl.com/events-order.asp?id=45.

--City News Service