Conservation Expo Attracts Thousands

Thousands of conservation-minded consumers turned out Saturday to gaze at drip-irrigation gardens and low-flush toilets featured at the Department of Water and Power’s Conservation and Garden Expo at the Sepulveda Garden Center.

DWP officials said another 3,000 to 5,000 people are expected to attend the expo today at the Sepulveda Garden Center in Encino. The event is designed to educate homeowners and renters about water and energy conservation, and includes exhibits such as a water-saving garden and an electric van.

“We’re entering the hottest time of the year and people will have to start being careful,” DWP spokeswoman Stacy Geere said. “Outdoor gardening and air conditioner use will increase, so we’re trying to show techniques to conserve that will not cause drastic changes in their lifestyle.”

In addition to exhibits and demonstrations by DWP staff on how to conserve energy and water, several vendors manned booths and sold products ranging from hot water recirculating systems for showers to energy-saving stoves.

Many of the attendees appeared to be taken with a drip irrigation system that had been installed in a rose garden.

“The popularity of systems like this goes in spurts, but it’s really up right now,” said Sam Tobey of Salco Products, which was selling the system. “A lot of people have been coming by.”

One homeowner, Roland Sicard of Sylmar, said he attended the expo hoping to find innovative conservation ideas.

“We’re already doing a lot of this stuff, but there’s always room for more,” he said.

The show at 16330 Magnolia Blvd. will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.