February 2018

About the Garden

THE GARDEN: A LEADER IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION~Over 35,000 visitors annually~More than 800 species of plants~750+ members and 70+ volunteers~32 water efficient landscape exhibits~Over 80,000 people reached annually ~National, State and local award winning children’s education, Ms Smarty Plants™

The Water Conservation Garden, located on Cuyamaca College, is a 6-

acre public garden created by GCCCD, Otay Water District and Helix

Water District and opened in 1999.

Background

1999 Garden Constructed by GCCCD, Helix and Otay, and was operated and funded by a JPA.

2011 Garden owned and 75% funded by JPA, but is operated by Friends of The

Garden

Property Owners:

JPA:

Operators:

Operating and Funding Agreement is between JPA and Operators

Background 1999 Garden Constructed by GCCCD, Helix and Otay, and was operated and funded by

JPA

2011 Garden owned and 75% funded by JPA, Operated by

Friends of the Garden 2016 Operating and Funding

Agreement expired in June.

Need for clarification of funding, roles and responsibilities.

Basic Questions for The New Agreement

What are the JPA funds intended to be

used for by The Garden?

How is the Garden raising money

to support itself?

How will the JPA interact in determining

the future of the Garden?

What are responsibilities of

reporting to the JPA?

Key Changes in The Agreement

7

FUNDING: Funding from the JPA is now clearly defined with expectations of what those funds pay for and what they do not pay for over the next 5 years

EARNED REVENUE: The Garden must increase revenues independentfrom the JPA and contribute to the endowment. This will be shown in an annual Business Plan

REPORTING: The new Agreementclearly definesreporting and analytics procedures and timing toensure that the JPA and their memberboards are up to date

COLLABORATION: Collaboration of resourcesand ideas is critical to the success of The Garden and is now part of the newAgreement.

Summary of Revised Agreement

• A 5 year Term of Funding Agreement

• A communication plan that allows for direct

communication

• A detailed and Board approved endowment growth plan

• A written policy of shared resource consideration

• Requirements of reporting (quarterly and annually)

• There is no change to License Agreement between GCCCD and the JPA

What’s coming next?Community ~ Collaboration ~ Growth ~ Leadership• Increasing our collaboration with Cuyamaca College

• Providing improved visitor experience

• Pursuing East County tourism

• Promotion of The Garden throughout the San Diego County Region

• Increasing and expanding our endowment

• Expanding and improving exhibits

THE GARDEN HAS NEW HOMES FOR EVERYONE….

A home for two Desert Tortoises, theAnimal kingdom’s perfect water Conservationists, coming summer of2018 from a generous donation by Jean Immenschue of Ivanhoe Ranch

THE GARDEN HAS NEW HOMES FOR EVERYONE….

A Garden cottage for Ms Smarty Plants!

THE GARDEN HAS NEW HOMES FOR EVERYONE….

A bigger and better classroom for our students both young and old!

THE GARDEN HAS NEW HOMES FOR EVERYONE….

And last but not least…

Hoot and Hollaour two nesting Barn owls at The Garden providenature observation and education opportunities everyday!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME BUT MORE

IMPORTANTLY THANK YOU FOR BEING A

VALUED AND IMPORTANT PARTNER WITH THE

GARDEN FOR MORE THAN 18 YEARS.

QUESTIONS?