Efficient plumbing devices and wider use of desert landscaping has led to a marked drop in household water consumption over the past decade even as Phoenix’s population has grown, city officials say.

“I think people understand this is the desert and water is precious,” said Councilwoman Thelda Williams, a member of the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association. “We’ve (the city) had a conservation program a long time, and people have responded and use less water.”

Officials credit more-efficient devices, such as low-flow toilets, and desert landscaping for the reduction.

Research by Phoenix’s Water Service Department shows 1.5 million people lived in Phoenix in 2013, and about 375,000 homeowners had city water accounts. In 1998, about 1.2 million called Phoenix home, and 301,475 had water accounts. (Apartments and townhouses were not included in those numbers.)

Residential water use totaled 159 million gallons per day in 2013, down from 169 million in 1998, according to Gerard Silvani, a principal planner for the department.

City officials said about two-thirds of the residential water accounts belonged to single-family detached homes. It is in these homes where significant water use declined, said Douglas Frost, another principal planner.

“A lot of water use is driven by these folks,” Frost said.

Changes in landscaping

Water use dipped especially in the homes built from 2000 to 2013, Frost said. Two factors — efficient devices and fewer water-slurping lawns — appear to be the reason why people use less water, city officials said.

In the 1970s, for example, toilets used 3 to 4 gallons of water per flush, Frost said. After the early 1990s, the city’s plumbing standards were upgraded and toilets that used only 1.28 gallons of water per flush became available, he said.

The Phoenix Building Construction Code has required developers to install low-flow toilets since at least 2003, according to Phoenix Planning and Development Department officials.

Some homeowners also replaced their lawns with desert landscaping, Frost said, although tracking changes in landscaping and water use is difficult. Homeowners often change their landscape gradually, and a survey using aerial imagery found many homes don’t have either 100 percent lawns or desert landscaping, he said.

The water department found most homes have some combination of native species, imported species, rock and/or smaller plots of turf.

“While no detailed aerial imagery exists for the mid-1990s, water-use records and historical information suggest that most single-family homes were turf (grass) at that time, indicating that landscape changes account for a significant portion of the decline in water demand that has occurred since then,” Frost said.

The city continues to explore water-resources issues. This year, the City Council approved several measures, including partnerships with other entities to store water and reviewing Arizona’s groundwater laws.

Homeowner’s quest

When Susan Clark bought her Phoenix home in 2010, the house came with a yard designed for a lawn. The first year, she planted grass and her water bill skyrocketed to $200 per month.

She had a choice: Keep the lawn and pay the high water bill or kill the grass and replace the front lawn with desert landscaping. Clark chose the latter in 2011.

The project unfolded over three years. Clark and her daughter started by conducting research. They combed the pages of Phoenix Home Garden magazine for ideas. Clark, a Desert Botanical Garden volunteer, learned about how to convert a lawn. She also rode her bicycle through her neighborhood for ideas and attended classes.

“There is so much to learn about how you want it to look and what trees you want,” Clark said. “From the classes, I wanted my place to look like the Botanical Garden.”

She learned which desert plants used little water and which ones attracted bees and birds. She planted mesquite, creosote and desert willow and aloe, which require little water.

In 2012, Clark’s daughter, Angie Gaston, and grandson, Nathan, helped rip out an old tree in the front and began to shape the landscape. Her daughter helped her select which desert plants would work well.

Clark found out the irrigation system that came with the house did not fit her plan for desert landscaping, so she removed it.

When her landscape came together, Clark said, that portion of the water bill dropped to $10.

“I only had the expense of watering the lawn for a few months,” Clark said. “I cannot imagine what people spend on their lawns. For me, it’s been the best decision.”

Enhancing your space for the summer months

Villa Vici

Cheryl Gerber Photograph

As the mercury rises, so does the amount of time we spend outside enjoying the outdoors. We asked local businesses for ideas on how to enhance your outdoor living spaces during the warm weather months. Experts in everything from the mailbox at the front curb to the pool in the backyard, provide us with advice on how to beautify your home for summer as well as how to make it more comfortable and energy-efficient. Their know-how can help make a difference when the heat is on.   Few outdoor amenities are as coveted as a pool. In business for 30 years, Earl and Lisa Hardoin, owners of Paradise Pools and Spas, cover every aspect of pools and spas, from design and construction to maintenance and repairs and have their collective fingers on the pulse of the latest trends – such as naturalistic aggregate finishes, glass tiles along the waterline, automation that can be controlled from your cell phone, ledges, and LED lighting. In a city where summer temperatures routinely reach the 90s, the Hardoins also offer features like pool coolers that lower the water temperature in a day or so, as well as water features including waterfalls and fountains, which can have a slight cooling effect. “We adhere to the highest standards construction wise, but at the end of the day the client wants to truly feel confident in who they are dealing with,” says Earl. “The relationships we build with our clients far exceed any pool we’ve done.” Paradise specializes in turning clients’ ideas into beautiful, working pools and spas – even when space is limited. “Some of our favorite projects have been in smaller areas whether in the French Quarter or in a side yard,” adds Earl. “They end up being the most dramatic transformations.”

The lawns, gardens and other green spaces that surround our homes and businesses are integral to the way we live in summer. While most landscapers recommend late fall as the optimum time for a landscape overhaul, planting does occur year ‘round and there are ways to make sure your efforts aren’t in vain. “If you decide to plant, you need to keep it irrigated,” says Tommy Benge of the family owned Benge Landscaping, which specializes in irrigation, lighting, shutter walls and outdoor entertaining areas like kitchens, patios and pergolas. In addition to traditional irrigation systems (which tap into the regular water source), Benge installs irrigation systems with their own meters, a money saving alternative for clients. “It’s a longer process but we make it seamless and easy,” says Benge. Other ideas that Benge advocates for summer are the use of shade trees, which help reduce heat and energy consumption, and outdoor misting systems, which can lower the temperature by as much as 8 or 9 degrees. “With people saving money going on stay-cations instead of going on vacation, we’re pushing the idea of investing in your outdoor living,” says Benge. “For the price of a resort style vacation, you can have a vacation in your own backyard.”

Another way to maximize the beauty of your outdoor space is to consider buying some new furniture. Tanga Winstead of Villa Vici says that with their increased space at the company’s new location, “We’ve mixed it up and brought transitional furniture outside for increased living space and versatile products that serve multiples functions.” Villa Vici’s new outdoor collections feature lightweight cement, aluminum, teak, resin wicker, marine vinyl and slipcovered Sunbrella to provide texture, durability and resilience.  Additionally, she says, “Our cast polymer pieces light up the night sky as a bar or decorative object. These items can also be brought inside for multipurpose use. “

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Paradise Pools and Spas

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Max Home, which builds and remodels outdoor spaces, takes a custom approach designed to ensure customer satisfaction. In business for 10 years, owner and CEO Larry Closs says sunrooms are a foolproof answer for anyone looking to improve their outdoor living space. The reason: a sunroom combines outdoor and indoor living in one. “Heat, bugs and humidity – all the problems of outdoor living – a sunroom gets rid of them,” says Closs.  “It’s nice to enjoy the outdoor with air conditioning.” Max Home sunrooms can be screened in, enclosed with glass, outfitted with windows that open and with air conditioning. Closs says pergolas, often used as part of a garden concept or to cover a hot tub, are also an attractive option for keeping cool.

Maintaining your landscaping will go a long way toward giving your outdoor areas a finished look and keeping your plants healthy even in the dog days of summer. An all-natural product Gomez Pine Straw, sold at wholesale prices and delivered free of charge, has a host of benefits. It’s easy to use, biodegradable and soil-enriching. It’s also a renewable resource. “There’s no better mulch to use than pine straw,” says George Gomez, owner of the Mandeville based business.  “In the summer, it retains moisture and in the winter, it protects plants from dryness and cold.” Gomez adds that pine straw, available in needles and crushed form, is visually pleasing with indigenous trees and plants, in contrast to dyed mulches. He prides himself on his company’s excellent customer service. “You can call us and we can get it to you the same day,” he says.

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Benge Landscaping

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No outdoor space will look its best or be worth the investment if your home itself is suffering from deferred maintenance. If you’re looking to replace tired, timeworn windows, LAS Enterprises, in business for nearly 60 years, manufactures and installs vinyl windows designed to stand up to Southeast Louisiana’s climate. With hurricane season beginning June 1, LAS also offers other ways to renew the look of your home while safeguarding it from damage.  Their Home Guard Shutter Line (available in Colonial, Board Batten and Bahama styles) is comparable in price to wooden shutters and Florida Building Code (FBC) rated for hurricane protection. “Unlike wooden shutters, that crack, chip and fade over time, our shutters have the look of wood and are essentially maintenance-free,” says LAS owner, Rick Maia. “We know shutters, and we know hurricane protection. We have carefully engineered and manufactured our shutters for protection and security while maintaining aesthetics and keeping costs down for our customers.”

Pressure washing is another way to maintain your home and have it looking its best for the summer. It costs considerably less than painting and done annually can extend the life of your paint job. “Your appreciating asset deserves an annual bath,” says Kyle Kloor, who owns the family owned and operated Audubon Pressure Washing. With 20 years of experience specializing in commercial and residential jobs, the team at Audubon Pressure Washing prides themselves on their attention to detail. They tape all doors, windows and electrical areas to prevent water intrusion and use top-of-the-line machines with adjustable temperature settings and both hot and cold water technology. They have a range of detergents and antimicrobial agents to retard growth of mold and mildew (which is worst during summer heat and humidity) and they begin each job by covering plants and foliage with water to protect them. After cleaning fences and decks, they also can stain and reseal them.

Kloor and his technicians cater to the specific needs of each client and most jobs are done in a day.

 

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You’ve Got Mail!

Electronic mail chimes to get your attention, so why not add a few bells and whistles to your snail mail? A custom aluminum mailbox from The Mailbox Guy is hand-cast and because of the nature of the molding process, no two are alike. “We’re extremely custom in what we do and how we do it,” says Wayne Schaub, co-owner of the business. “Our boxes are just that unique, not to mention the quality.” The Mailbox Guy offers eight designs (the most popular is the Ol’ New Orleans, which has fleur-de-lis accents) and a variety of colors and faux finishes ranging from French Quarter green to copper. Locally made and professionally installed, each comes with a 90-day warranty. Schaub notes that incorporating one of the company’s mailboxes into the front garden (versus at the curb) has become a popular trend with locals. “Mailboxes have almost become a garden accent,” he says. “It’s something different.”

 

This article appears in the Summer 2014 issue of New Orleans Homes Lifestyles

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How could the proximity of the neighbors come as a surprise? The average lot size for a new house in the Washington area is a generous 7,200 square feet, with a width of 60 feet. But the houses built on these lots are big, occupying about 40 feet of that width. This leaves only about 10 feet for each side yard and 20 feet between you and your neighbors, said Dan Fulton of John Burns Real Estate Consulting in Reston, who has studied the Washington housing market for more than two decades.

The second challenge: You can’t just go down to the big box store nursery and select a good screening tree. In a new-home community, you have to do some fact checking first.

The local homeowners association (HOA) may have rules on your landscaping choices, dictating not only acceptable tree species but also the height in some instances, including that of a “living fence” between side yards, said Rockville lawyer Thomas Schild, who represents condominium and homeowners associations in the Washington area. Most HOAs in Maryland and Virginia do not address this, but some do. For this reason, homeowners should check the HOA documents before developing any landscaping plans, he said.

You’ll also have to locate the swales on your property because you can’t plant trees or shrubs in them. A swale is a shallow ditch. In new home communities, they run across individual lots channeling rainwater into the storm sewer system. Swales are often so shallow that homeowners have no idea they are there, especially when the grading is so subtle the yard appears to be essentially flat. Despite its near invisibility, a swale serves a critical function. Legally you cannot plant anything in it that will impede the flow of water or affect a neighboring property.

The location of the swales will be indicated on the site plan of your lot, which your builder included in the documents he submitted to get a building permit for your house. If your builder is still active in your community, you should be able to get this information from his sales agent or someone in his construction trailer. If not, you may have to go the office where your builder applied for a permit to get a copy of your site plan.

Once you get the site plan and study it, you’re likely to discover that a swale runs along one or both of your side-yard property lines (half of it is on your side and half on your neighbor’s), exactly where you envisioned a “living fence” of screening trees. You may still be able to implement this plan if the swale is narrow enough, said Jim Baish, a Frederick landscape architect and land planner who has designed the land-use plan for many new-home communities in the Washington area. For example, a 5-foot-wide swale down the middle of the 20-foot-wide area between houses would leave you 7¹/
₂ feet to work with, enough room for a row of small evergreens, he said.

Your site plan may also indicate a utility easement running across your front yard where underground lines for electricity, gas, cable and phone are buried, Baish said. The easement can be as wide as 15 feet from the curb toward your house; inside this area, a utility has the right to remove a tree if its roots are causing a problem. This is far less likely if you contact “Miss Utility,” a local service (District and Maryland, 800-257-7777; Virginia, 800-552-7001) that arranges for each utility to come and locate its lines, usually by spraying a different stripe across your lawn, so that you can factor this into your tree-planting decisions.

When you’re finally ready to start selecting trees, you’ll discover that much of the advice has changed since you bought a tree for your old house 20 years ago. Back then, the emphasis was on ornamentals and bigger trees that looked good and were easy to maintain. The easy-to-maintain part is still true, but ecological and environmental considerations are the new starting point.

Today, local foresters and horticulturists urge homeowners to favor native tree species wherever possible because they have a much higher tolerance for Washington’s cold winters, hot and occasionally dry summers, and changing climate. Urban forester Samantha Wangsgard of Fairfax County’s Urban Forest Management Division said her office also urges homeowners to pass on widely planted native species such as the red maple and consider less familiar ones such as the swamp white oak. A neighborhood with too many of the same tree can quickly become denuded if those trees become diseased, she said.

At the same time, the experts also said that sometimes a nonnative is your best option. For example, the flowering dogwood, whose blossoms are the state flower of Virginia, is susceptible to a debilitating fungus. Wangsgard said her office now recommends the hardier Appalachian spring dogwood, a cultivar that was developed in Maryland to be more disease resistant. It’s a pretty seamless substitution, she added, because the cultivar’s blossoms so closely resemble Virginia’s state flower that only an expert will notice the difference.

In many new home communities in the outlying suburbs, another desirable trait in a tree species is leaves that are distasteful to deer. Sterling horticulturalist Josh Kane has found that deer do, in fact, have preferences, avoiding some evergreens, including the native eastern red cedar and the nonnative arborvitae family. But Kane was quick to add that nothing is completely deer proof. In harsh winters like the one we just experienced, Kane said, “deer ate everything. If deer could eat it, they were eating it.”

Some issues with tree planting are the same as they have always been, new house or not. Many homeowners grossly underestimate the eventual size of a small, 1-inch-diameter “starter” tree and plant it too close to their house. Ten or 15 years later, when the tree’s branches are pushing up against windows or stopping up gutters, it will have to be removed.

Such a costly mistake can be avoided if you put your trees in spots that can accommodate them at maturity. If a tree may reach a height of 50 feet, you need to plant it in a spot that will accommodate both the canopy of such a big tree (a circle with a diameter equal to the tree’s height at maturity, in this case 50 feet) and its root system, which will eventually occupy about the same sized area. To keep a 50-foot tree from hitting your house, it should be planted 20 to 25 feet away, Wangsgard said.

This means that you’ll have to shelve your ideas about a large, sheltering shade tree for your front yard because it will be too shallow. For a typical 60-by-120-foot lot, there’s only 20 to 25 feet from the curb to the house. But you could put a large shade tree in your back yard, which is typically 55 feet deep for this size of lot.

When you factor in all these considerations, what trees are good candidates for your new yard?

●
Privacy
The most suitable tree for a privacy screen along your side yard is the nonnative arborvitae, a cylindrically shaped evergreen with scale-like leaves instead of needles. There are more than a 100 varieties of arborvitae. Wangsgard said the two her office recommends — the dark green American arborvitae and the Columnar oriental arborvitae — do well in the Washington area. In addition, both do well in wet soil, a periodic circumstance if you plant them next to a swale.

On the downside, each one can grow as high as 30 feet, and they require pruning. The emerald green arborvitae, which Baish has recommended, does not grow as tall but still requires pruning. The maintenance required with an arborvitae may sound onerous, but Baish said it’s fairly easy because with arborvitae you can do the pruning with electric shears.

●
Distance: Because the arborvitae is so widely planted, Wangsgard suggested intermixing it with Foster’s holly or Nellie Stevens holly, both nonnatives that will require periodic pruning that can also be done with electric shears.

Though the neighbors at the back will be farther away than the ones to the sides of your new house (with a typical backyard depth of 55 feet, the neighbor’s house directly behind you would be 110 feet away), you may want some privacy screening around your back yard to create an additional private outdoor living area that you can use during the warmer months. Two native species that Wangsgard recommended are the eastern red cedar (which looks like a large juniper bush) and American holly. Both of these can reach a height of 30 to 40 feet, so you should plant them at least 10 feet inside your lot line.

●
Shade: You will certainly want to plant some shade trees in the front, and there are plenty of choices that are appropriate for a smaller front yard in a typically sized suburban yard of a new house. The downey serviceberry, the Allegheny serviceberry and the eastern redbud are three hardy native species that reach a height of only about 20 feet, Wangsgard said. And if you hanker for dogwood, there’s the nonnative Appalachian spring.

●
Back yard: A 55-by-60-foot back yard of a typical suburban lot could accommodate one majestic shade tree that could eventually exceed 50 feet in height, such as the aforementioned native swamp white oak or the native sycamore. You could also consider smaller native shade trees whose mature height will be somewhere between 25 and 50 feet, including the river birch and the persimmon, Wangsgard said.

For a comprehensive list of recommended trees species for this area, which includes helpful information on native species, projected tree canopy and environmental tolerances, go to
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/
dpwes/publications/pfm/chapter12.pdf
. The most helpful information is on pages 65 to 78.

Katherine Salant has an architecture degree from Harvard. A native Washingtonian, she grew up in Fairfax County and now lives in Ann Arbor, Mich. If you have questions or column ideas, she can be contacted at salanthousewatch@gmail.
com or www.katherinesalant.com.

Have you noticed how your garden is constantly changing? Plants grow larger; new ones get added; others die; and trees may be lost in storms. Over the years, a landscape can change radically from its original look.

How your family uses your yard also changes over time. Kids grow up and no longer a need a play area. As gardeners age, they often have to adapt the garden to make it less labor intensive.

Now is a great time to study your landscape and develop plans for needed changes. Spend the summer refining your ideas, and you will be ready when our prime planting season for trees, shrubs and ground cover arrives in late October.

First, analyze your landscaping needs. Sit down with the family and decide what the yard needs to provide. Determine whether you need to screen unsightly views, open up space by remove overgrown shrubs, create shade or privacy, provide an area for children to play, change or enlarge the outdoor living area or give your home a more attractive appearance.

Once you’ve decided how you’d like your outdoor space to look, consult landscaping books to help you refine your ideas and gardening books tailored to our area to help you select the right plants. Also talk to other local gardeners, LSU AgCenter Extension agents and garden center and nursery staff for advice.

Some points to keep in mind:

• Consider the future maintenance of your new plantings.

• Select insect- and disease-resistant plants that are well adapted to our area. Make sure that they will not grow too big for the location where you intend to plant them.

• Choose plants that will thrive in the growing conditions of the location where they will be planted. Consider the amount of sun and drainage they will receive. Remember flowerbeds are high maintenance.

• If you feel you’re simply indulging yourself when you purchase trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants, here’s some information that will make you feel good.    

Landscaping brings quite a few economic benefits. A well-landscaped home generally sells more quickly and at a higher price than does a comparable home lacking a nice yard (there are even TV shows on improving curb appeal, and landscaping is a big part).

Trees and shrubs, unlike many purchases, appreciate in value as they grow larger and more beautiful.

Trees also add economic value to homes by helping to reduce heating and cooling bills. Trees work as nature’s air conditioner and heat pump, providing shade in the summer and sheltering your home from cold winds in the winter. Summer is a great time to decide where more shade is needed.

Landscaping also benefits the environment. A mature tree removes 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air each year and releases approximately 13 pounds of oxygen. Plants, such as lawn grasses, control water runoff, a major source of water pollution, slow erosion and allow water to be more readily absorbed into the soil.

Trees, shrubs and flowers in the landscape also provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.

It’s nice to add to the value of your property and help the environment, but the most important benefit of landscaping is the personal enjoyment it brings to outdoor living. So go ahead and indulge your love of gardening. It will pay off in the years to come.

TODAY

Red Cross blood drive: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Virginia College, on the Red Cross bloodmobile, 920 Cedar Lake Road, Biloxi. To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org. Sponsor code, VCBILOXI.

Summer Reading Programs: 10 a.m. Wednesdays thru July 9, St. Martin Public Library, 15004 Lemoyne Blvd., Details: 392-3250.

Mono-Printing on Clay: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, Ceramics Studio, 386 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. Learn the art of transferring paintings to terra cotta clay and create wall hangings. Cost: $35. Ages 12 and older. Details: 374-5547.

Gulf Coast Symphony Guild luncheon: 11:30 a.m., Biloxi Yacht Club, 408 Beach Blvd. Installation of officers and presentation of Jean Capps Service Award. Details: 872-2936.

Overeaters Anonymous meeting: 1-2 p.m., Long Beach Library, meeting room, 209 Jeff Davis Ave. Meetings held every Wednesday. Details: 493-0539.

Summer Reading Programs: 2 p.m. Wednesdays thru July 9, Gautier Public Library, 2100 Library Lane. Details: 497-4531.

Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport Authority meeting: 2 p.m., third floor of the terminal.

Sons of the American Legion meeting: 5:30-6:30 p.m., 3824 Old Spanish Trail, Gautier. Details: 497-6422.

Canine Obedience: 6:30 p.m., D’Iberville Recreation Center, Kajja Road. Eight-week basic training class. Trainers have more than 30 years of specialization for any breed and size. Cost: $75 pre-entry, $90 first-class night. Details: 832-3320.

THURSDAY

Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce post-legislative session update: 8-9:30 a.m., Golden Nugget Casino Biloxi. Details: 604-0014.

Harrison County Utility Authority board meeting: 9 a.m., Intraplex Industrial Park, 10271 Express Dr., Gulfport.

Downtown Farmers Market Festival: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., under Interstate 110 overpass on Howard Avenue, Biloxi. Vegetable baskets, cookbooks and homemade goods. Details: 435-6339.

Summer Reading Programs: 10 a.m. Thursdays thru July 10, Ina Thompson Moss Point Library, 4119 Bellview St.. Details: 475-7462.

Literary Elements: 2 p.m., East Central Public Library. Theme: Authors, Arts and Literature. Featuring Linda Inman and Rita Johnson at the kickoff party. Details: 588-6263.

Summer Reading Programs: 2 p.m. Thursdays thru July 10, Pascagoula Public Library, 3214 Pascagoula. Details: 769-3060.

28th annual Coast Coliseum Summer Fair: 5-10 p.m. June 5, 5-11 p.m. June 6, 1-11 p.m. June 7, 1-10 p.m. June 8, 5-10 p.m. June 9, 5-10 p.m. June 10-12, 5-11 p.m. June 13, 1-11 p.m. June 14, 1-8:30 p.m. June 15, Mississippi Coast Coliseum, 2350 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. Free admission every day for children under 12 and for adults Sunday-Thursday. Admission $5 on Fridays and Saturdays for ages 13 and older. Pay-one-price armbands for rides are $23, good for 5-10 p.m. weekdays, 1-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Live music and entertainment. Details: 594-3700.

Astronomy Zone: 5 p.m., St. Martin Public Library. Theme: Constellation Pendants. All materials provided. Details: 392-3250.

Think Like an Entrepreneur class: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Innovation Center, 1636 Popp’s Ferry Road, Biloxi. Details/registration: 396-8661 or 392-9741.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy, Mon Bachelor/Bachelorette Showcase: 6 p.m., IP Casino Resort, Biloxi. Benefits Mental Health Association of Mississippi. Tickets: $30 each including hors d’oeuvres, drinks, raffles, auction and the Myles Sharp Band. Details: 864-6274.

Literary Feud: 6 p.m., Pascagoula Public Library. Details: 769-3060.

Long Beach Community Bicycle Ride: 6 p.m., Town Green, Jeff Davis and Third Street. Bring bike and helmet. Five-mile loop through city for all ages. Details; 297-7229.

Pharmacist from Burnhams: 6 p.m., Ina Thompson Moss Point Library, 4119 Bellview St. If interested in career in pharmacy, find out what it takes. Details: 475-7462.

American Legion Post 1992 executive committee meeting: 6-7 p.m., 3824 Old Spanish Trail, Gautier. Details: 497-6422.

Fourth annual Purple Knights Donors Banquet: 6:30 p.m., Pelican Landing Convention Center, 6217 Mississippi 613, Moss Point. Theme: Maintaining Success Through Perseverance. Keynote speaker: William Gervin. A social hour and silent auction will begin at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $40 for silent auction and dinner. Details: 206-3049.

Coast Big Band summer concert: 7:30 p.m., Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center, 1600 Government St., Ocean Springs. Features 25-piece band. Cost: $12.50. Details/tickets: coastbigband.com.

FRIDAY

Hurricane Hunters lecture series: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Biloxi Visitors Center, 1050 Beach Blvd. Hunters, based at Keesler Air Force Base, will highlight their experiences tracking hurricanes. Details: 377-2056.

Lights! Camera! Action!: 1-4 p.m., Pass Christian Public Library, 111 Hiern Ave. Teaches art of visual storytelling through film scripting, directing, shooting, video editing and screening processes for teenagers 13-18. Registration required. Details: 452-4596.

17th annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic: scales open 3-8 p.m. June 6-7, Point Cadet Marina, Biloxi.

Blues and BBQ: 5-8 p.m., Marshall Park, Ocean Springs. Tickets: $20 each, for plate and entertainment by Band of Gold. Presented by Historic Ocean Springs Association to raise money for a new roof for old bandstand at center of the park. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Tickets in advance at Foley Ransom’s Law Office, 912 Robinson Ave., near the park or by calling Herb Moore at 875-6995.

First Friday celebration: 5-8 p.m., downtown Biloxi, Water Street and Magnolia Arts District. Support local businesses and enjoy live entertainment and giveaways. Details: 435-6339.

Shrek Family Cooking class: 6-7:30 p.m., Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport. Cost: $25 one parent and child, $5 additional child. Menu includes Swamp Slime. Details: 897-6039.

VFW Post 6731 steak dinner: 6-8 p.m., 4321 W. Gay Road, D’Iberville. Cost: $14. Details/to-go orders: 392-1152.

French Club Friday night dinner: 6-8 p.m., 182 Howard Ave., Biloxi. Cost: $8. Entertainment at 6:30 p.m. Details: 436-6472.

Joppa Shriners steak dinner: 6-8 p.m., Joppa Shrine Center, 13280 Shriners Blvd., Biloxi. Cost: $14 adults; children under 10 get free hotdog or hamburger and chips. Details: 392-9345.

American Legion Post 1992 roast pork or tilapia dinner: 6-8 p.m., 3824 Old Spanish Trail, Gautier. Cost: $8. Entertainment. Details: 497-6422.

Ocean Springs Elk Lodge 2501 fish/steak dinner: 6:30-8:30 p.m. 2501 Beachview Drive. Cost: $18 steak, $12 fish. Details: 872-2501.

Third annual Words and Music Community Culture Series concert: 7 p.m., Pass Christian City Hall Courtyard, 111 Hiern Ave. Featuring Pass Christian Community Orchestra. Bring lawn chair or blanket. Sponsored by Friends of Pass Christian Library. Details: 452-4596.

“The Oldest Profession”: 8 p.m. June 6-7, 2 p.m. June 8. Biloxi Little Theatre, 220 Lee St. Cost: $10. Tickets/details: 4blt.org or 432-8543.

“Dinner with Friends”: 8 p.m. June 6-7, 2 p.m. June 8, Bay St. Louis Little Theatre, 398 Blaize Ave. Cost: $14 adults; $10 seniors, veterans, military and students with ID; $6 children 12 and under. Details/reservations: 467-9024 or bsllt.org.

Friday night dance: 8-10 p.m. June 6, 13, 20, 27, Amour Danzar, 9355 County Farm Road, Gulfport. Cost: $10. Casual dress. Details: 324-3730.

Family movie night: 8:15 p.m., Beach Park, 600 City Park St., Pascagoula. Featuring “Grease.” Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Details: 990-1174.

SATURDAY

23rd annual Deborah Washington Memorial Soap Box Derby: 9 a.m., downtown Moss Point. Ages 8-17 race homemade engine-less cars. Sponsored by Chevron and the Black Employee’s Network at Chevron. Details: 990-7389.

Bunk bed building: 9 a.m.-noon, First Christian Church, 2111 15th St., Gulfport. Building project involves raising of money and donations to buy lumber to make bunk beds for children in foster care. Beds are built then delivered to families.

Mississippi Business Women Spring Meeting: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., noon lunch, Ocean Springs Library, 525 Dewey Ave. Details: 238-1529 or 826-1024.

Honoring our Veterans Car Show: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Biloxi VA Campus, near Buildings 53 and 15, 400 Veterans Ave. Co-sponsored by Mississippi Beach Cruisers and Biloxi VA’s Community and Public Affairs. Details: 392-6134.

Overeaters Anonymous meeting: 9:30-10:30 a.m., Hancock Medical Center, baby waiting room, 149 Drinkwater Road, Bay St. Louis. Meetings held every Saturday. Details: 493-0539.

Early childhood parenting program: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Moore Community House, 684 Walker St., Learn about pre-natal and newborn brain development, and get training. Details: 223-1983.

Red, White and Blueberry Festival: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., LN Depot Plaza, Ocean Springs. Presented by Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street-Tourism Bureau. Details: 875-4424.

Ocean Springs Art and Antiques Market: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center, 1600 Government St. Browse handcrafted and fine art goods and tour the center. Details: 818-2878.

Community fair: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Hope Credit Union, 188 Porter Ave., Biloxi. Food, face painting, live entertainment, health screenings and more. Details: 374-1667.

Clay Babies preschool class: 10:30-11 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-noon, Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, Ceramics Studio, 386 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. Ages 2-7. Material fee: $10. Details: 374-5547.

Multicultural Fair: 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Biloxi Town Green. Informational booths, live entertainment, arts and crafts, ethnic foods and more. Details: 860-0913 or 236-7330.

Collage for a Cause: 1-4 p.m. June 7-8, Diamondhead Continuing Education Center. Participants will make two collages, one will be donated for fundraising. Instructor: Christina Richardson. Cost: $160, plus $25 supply fee. $25 deposit required. Details: 222-7018.

Landscaping lecture: 2-3 p.m., Mississippi State University Crosby Arboretum, Picayune. Author Bob Brzuszek speaks on his new book, “A Sustainable Regional Landscape”. Cost: $5 nonmembers. Details: 601-799-2311.

Gulf Coast Stamp Club meeting: 2:30 p.m., St. Martin Library, LeMoyne Boulevard.

2014 Gulf Coast Baptist Training Union pageant: 5 p.m., Good Deeds Community Center, Gulfport. Young women representing local churches compete for Miss Congress title.

Ocean Springs Elk Lodge 2501 spaghetti dinner: 5-7:30 p.m. 2501 Beachview Drive. Cost: $10. Details: 872-2501.

Gulf Coast Women’s Center for Nonviolence inaugural $3,000 drawdown: 6 p.m., Frank Gruich Sr. Community Center, 591 Howard Ave., Biloxi. Cost: $30. Event includes raffle, silent auction and music. Details: 436-3809.

Let’s Go to the Hop benefit: 7 p.m., IP Casino Resort third floor ballroom, 850 Bayview Ave., Biloxi. Tickets: $40 in advance, $50 at door. Proceeds benefit Gulf Coast Health Educators. Food, entertainment, silent auction, vacation raffle and more. Details: 324-3730 or 265-2197.

Jackson County Outstanding Citizen banquet: 7 p.m., Gautier First United Methodist Church, 2717 U.S. 90. Honoree: James Henry LeBatard. Sponsored by Gautier Civitan. Tickets: $35, available at The Flower Patch, 3204 Ladnier Road, Gautier. Details: 497-6210.

Dancing Under the Stars: 7-11 p.m., IP Casino Resort, Biloxi. Entertainment, swing contest, silent auction, food and chance to win a vacation. Ticket: $40 in advance, $50 door. Dance lesson available 30 minutes before event. Benefits Gulf Coast Health Educators. Details: 860-7530 or 265-2197.

Cabaret fundraiser: 8 p.m., Gulfport Little Theater, 2600 13th Ave. Cost: $10 adults, $5 ages 18 and under. Entertainment will include local performers. Benefits Children’s Miracle Network. Details: 806-7066.

Blues Bash annual fundraiser: 8-11 p.m., 100 Men Hall, 303 Union St., Bay St. Louis. Music by Guitar Bo Miss Dee, silent and live auctions, and presentation of the 100 Men Hall Visionary Award to the Leo Seal Family Foundation. Tickets: $60 per person includes reserved seats, hors d’oevres and portrait by a caricature artist; or $250 per person/$400 per couple for the 100 Club membership, an exclusive season pass to events. Details: 342-5770.

French Club Saturday night dance: 8 p.m.-midnight, 182 Howard Ave., Biloxi. Cost: $8 single, $15 couple. Music by Nick Mattina and the Checkmates. Details: 436-6472.

SUNDAY

VFW Post 6731 breakfast: 8-11 a.m. June 8, 15, 22 and 29, 4321 W. Gay Road, D’Iberville. Cost: $6.

Red Cross blood drive: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Sacred Heart Catholic Church, parish hall, 10446 LeMoyne Blvd., D’Iberville. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org. Sponsor code, SACREDHEARTDIB.

Ocean Springs Elks Lodge 2501 country fried steak and eggs breakfast: 9-11 a.m., 2501 Beachview Drive. By the Ritual Team. Details: 872-2501.

Jazz Society jam session: 2-5 p.m., Gulfport Elks Lodge 978, 12010 Klein Road. Adults only, casual dress. Cost: $6 nonmembers. Details: 392-4177.

JUNE 9

American Legion Post 1192 meeting/election: 7-8:30 p.m., 3824 Old Spanish Trail, Gautier. Details: 497-6422.

JUNE 10

Integrating Mental, Behavioral, Physical and Spiritual Health: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. June 10-11, Biloxi Civic Center, 578 Howard Ave. Sessions include: social work ethics, music therapy, virtual dementia tour, elder suicide, fundraising and more.

Watercolor journaling workshop: 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays through June 24, Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center, 1600 Government St., Ocean Springs. Instructor: Rhonda Iris Richmond. Learn an expressive way to record ideas, document experiences and develop drawing and painting skills. Cost: $100 for members, $115 for nonmembers. Details: 818-2878.

Piano master class: 10 a.m., Academy of Music, 1902 24th St., Gulfport. Cost: $5. Details: 863-1388.

Summer Reading Programs: 10 a.m. Tuesdays thru July 8, Ocean Springs Municipal Library, 525 Dewey Ave. Details: 875-1193.

Red Cross blood drive: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., The Boyington Health Care Facility, on the Red Cross bloodmobile, 1530 Broad Ave., Gulfport. To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org. Sponsor code, BOYINGTON.

Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association Gulf South Chapter luncheon: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Golden Nugget, Biloxi. Theme: Event planning. Cost: $20 members-students, $30 nonmembers. Reservations required. Details: 872-6370.

Web Page Design workshops: 1-4 p.m., Pass Christian Public Library, 111 Hiern Ave. Presented by Andy Collins of Mississippi State Extension Service. Class size limited. Details/registration: 452-4596.

Summer Reading Programs: 2 p.m. Tuesdays thru July 8, Vancleave Public Library, Mississippi 57. Details: 826-5857.

VFW Post 6731 Ladies Auxiliary meeting: 6 p.m., 4321 W. Gay Road, D’Iberville.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom workshop: 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays through June 24, Mary C. Cultural Center, 1600 Government St., Ocean Springs. Instructor: Ashley Rodriguez. Beginners will learn how to operate and navigate the selected software. Cost: $90 for members, $100 for nonmembers. Details: 818-2878.

Under the Tuscan Sun Italian cooking class: 6-8:30 p.m., Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport. Cost: $30 member, $35 nonmembers. Details: 897-6039.

NAACP-Gulfport branch: 7 p.m., Isiah Fredericks Community Center. Details: 897-2916.

JUNE 11

W.O.W. POW WOW luncheon: Noon, Lyman Community Center, 13472 U.S. 49 North, Gulfport. Speaker: Eric Ward and Debor’ah Drayton Ward. Cost: $10 for catered lunch. Bring new or used shoes for Caleb Shoes project. Details: 832-1714 or 424-0098.

Coast Singles of Mississippi meeting: 5:30 p.m., St. Martin Library, 15004 Lemoyne Blvd.. Details: 875-3138.

“Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat”: 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 15th Street at 24th Avenue, Gulfport. Youth choir and orchestra of First United Methodist Church of Allen, Texas. Enjoy musical production. Details: 863-0047.

French Club men’s meeting: 7 p.m., 182 Howard Ave., Biloxi. Details: 436-6472.

JUNE 12

Summer Magic: An Explosion of Color: 5-7 p.m., Pass Christian Public Library. Reception for show that will hang throughout June.

How to Develop a Business Plan class: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Innovation Center, 1636 Popp’s Ferry Road, Biloxi. Details/registration: 396-8661 or 392-9741.

Technology for grandparents: 6 p.m., Ina Thompson Moss Point Library, 4119 Bellview St. Bring gadgets and learn how to use them by Janet Beatty. Details: 475-7462.

Seventh annual International Food and Wine Tasting: 6:30-9:30 p.m., Island View Casino, Gulfport. Must be 21 years and older. Silent auction, entertainment by Jesse Hill. Cost: $50 tickets in advance, $60 at the door, $500 reserved table of 10. Benefits Congregation Beth Israel. Details: 539-1655.

Tailgatepalooza: 7-9 p.m., Hard Rock Casino Biloxi, 777 Beach Blvd. Benefits Special Olympics. Honorary hosts include Southern Miss football coach Todd Monken, Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen, USM assistant coach Matt Luke and LSU Assistant Athletic Director Justin Vincent. Music and food. Cost: $50 per person, reserved tables available. Details/tickets: 206-7424.

JUNE 13

French Club golf tournament Friday night shrimp boil: 6 p.m., 182 Howard Ave., Biloxi. Cost: $8 plate for nongolfers. Entertainment by Brandon Green. Details: 436-6472.

Third annual Blues at the Beach concert series: 6-8 p.m., Pascagoula Beach Park. Music and food. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Hosted by Emerge Pascagoula. Featuring Lisa Mills. Details: 938-6639.

Ocean Springs Elks Lodge 2501 Philly cheese steak dinner: 6-8 p.m., 2501 Beachview Drive. Details: 872-2501.

Steve Weeks performance: 7:30 p.m., Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport. Weeks is a national kids/family musician. Cost: $5. Details: 897-6039.

“Scenic Drive”: 7:30 p.m. June 13-14, June 19-21, Randolph Community Center, 315 Clark Ave., Pass Christian. Cost: $10. First production by Pass Christian Theatre Project, a program of Pass Christian Main Street. For tickets, sponsorships: 452-3315. For more on the season’s productions: 263-2498.

Movie Night at Point Park: 8:15 p.m., Pascagoula Beach Park. After Blues at the Beach, “Grease” will be featured. Details: 938-6639.

JUNE 14

Ocean Springs Elks Lodge junior fishing rodeo: 7 a.m.-noon, weigh-in ends at 1 p.m., Ocean Springs Elks Lodge, 2501 Beachview Drive; Fort Bayou Bait Shop, 1022 Legion Lane; and Ocean Springs Marine Mart, 1320 Harbor Drive. Preregistration at these locations, 3-6 p.m. June 13. Details: 872-2501.

Alzheimer’s Walk for the Cure: 7:30 a.m. meet at We Care Hospice, 8 a.m. walk begins, 3725 Main St., Moss Point. Registration: $10 and collect donations or pledges for Alzheimer’s Association. Route is a 5.5-mile walk or 2-mile option. Details: 474-2030 or 623-5004.

Bobby Ladnier Benefit Poker Run: 8:30 a.m. registration, begin at the Little River Marina, 3200 Dumas Road, Moss Point. Proceeds go to the Bobby Ladnier relief fund. Event includes poker run, plate lunches, auctions, raffles, music and more. Donations accepted. Details: 407-595-6649 or 251-359-4249.

Seat Weaving at the Beach: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Pavilion 1 of Buccaneer State Park, Waveland. Jo Rusin and Adrian Boudreaux, instructors. Bring picnic lunch, all ages invited. Details: 466-4891.

Health fair: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Christian Education and Life Center, 2205 Convent Ave., Pascagoula. Provided by Gulf Coast Health Educators.

Community blood drive in honor of Diana LaFontaine: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Fenton Community Center, 2369 Kiln-DeLisle Road, Kiln. To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org. Sponsor code, DIANA.

Digital photography workshop: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center, 1600 Government St., Ocean Springs. Instructor: Ashley Rodriguez. The workshop is exclusively for SLR cameras. Learn the intricacies of working in manual mode with your SLR camera. Details: 818-2878.

Second annual McLeod Park BBQ Cookoff and Classic Car Show: 11 a.m.-6 p.m., McLeod Park, 8100 Texas Flat Road, Kiln. Cost: $25 two-man team. Live music, silent auction. Sponsored by Friends of McLeod Park.

Congo Jam Christian Music Festival: 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Fort Maurepas, Ocean Springs. Free Christian concert featuring The Barber Brothers, Matt Cowart Ministries, New Gospel Travelers, Tezel Oaks, Centurion Faith, Damascus Road, Wake the Kings, Keesler Chapel Band and the Crossroads Praise Team. Provided by Crossroads Nazarene Church. Details: 872-0214.

South Mississippi Latin Fest: 1 p.m., Coast Coliseum, Biloxi. In conjunction with Coliseum Summer Fair, family friendly activities, presentations, Latin market, contests and live World Cup soccer shown on big screen. Limited VIP seating. Details/tickets: 382-2574.

Ocean Springs Elks Lodge 2501 Flag Day celebration: 2 p.m., Biloxi VA Hospital, 400 Veterans Ave., building 17. Details: 872-2501.

Henna art exhibit and tattoos: 4 p.m.-dark, Gallery 220, 215 Main St., Bay St. Louis. Presented by artist Lori K. Gordon, as part of Second Saturday Artwalk. Anyone purchasing a piece of art for a minimum of $20 will receive a free henna tattoo. Details: 601-590-1512.

American Legion Post 1992 flag retirement ceremony: 5:30-7:30 p.m., 3824 Old Spanish Trail, Gautier. Details: 497-6422.

Downstage Productions Bunco game night: 6 p.m., Nugent United Methodist Church, 13183 John Clark Road, Gulfport. Snacks, silent auction and prizes. Cost: $20. Details/tickets: 314-4612.

Junior Auxiliary of Biloxi-Ocean Springs annual Kids Gala: 7 p.m., Beau Rivage Resort Casino Magnolia Ballroom, Biloxi. Proceeds benefit children in communities of Jackson and Harrison counties. Live entertainment by 2Hypnotic, silent auction, live auction raffle and food. Sponsorships begin at $500. Tickets per couple are $100. Details/tickets: 990-3133.

JUNE 15

Mississippi Gulf Coast Camp BlueBird fundraiser/silent auction: 4-7 p.m., Biloxi Visitors Center. The camp, scheduled for Nov. 21-23 at Seashore Campgrounds in Biloxi, is for adult cancer survivors and newly diagnosed patients. Many participants needs sponsorships to attend. Tickets to the fundraiser are $30 a person. Details/tickets: 238-3911 or 818-9611.

JUNE 17

Harrison County Development Commission Board of Commissioners meeting: 8:15 a.m., 12281 Intraplex Parkway, Gulfport. Details: 896-5020.

Stained glass workshop: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesdays through July 15, Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center, 1600 Government St., Ocean Springs. Instructor: Pam Coppola. Learn the basics of glass cutting and stained glass window construction. Cost: $150 for members, $160 for nonmembers. There will be a $50 supply fee per session for each student. Details: 818-2878.

Bike Biloxi: 6 p.m., ride begins at Eco-Geno Bike Shop, 820 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Biloxi. Enjoy a 6.75-mile bike ride throughout downtown. Helmets required. Details: 435-6339.

One Night in Bangkok Thai cooking class: 6-8:30 p.m., Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport. Cost: $30 member, $35 nonmembers. Details: 897-6039.

june 19

Jackson County Senior Awareness Fair: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Jackson County Civic Center, 2902 Shortcut Road, Pascagoula. Jackson County seniors age 60 and older attend for free. Event includes lunch, military salute, food drive, health and wellness booths, door prizes and more. Wear island-theme attire. Details: 596-0407.

Promoting Your Business Online: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. Presenter: Andy Collins, Mississippi State University Extension Service. Space limited. Details: 762-3391.

Cash Flow Projections for your Business Plan class: 5:30-7 p.m., Innovation Center, 1636 Popp’s Ferry Road, Biloxi. Details/Registration: 396-8661 or 392-9741.

Naturally Sue Ellen: 6 p.m., Ina Thompson Moss Point Library, 4119 Bellview St. Demonstration of making soap from goat milk. Details: 475-7462.

Tripletail Angler Seminar: 6-8 p.m., Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, 703 East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs. Cost: $25. Details: 669-8612.

Florribean Fusion culinary class: 6-8 p.m., Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center, 1600 Government St., Ocean Springs. Experience the marriage of the Caribbean, Florida and Gulf Coast cajun cuisines. Instructed by Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College chef Todd Riley. Cost: $55 for members, $65 for nonmembers. Details: 818-2878.

JUNE 20

Second annual Gulf Coast Coin Show: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 21, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 22. Biloxi Civic Center, 578 Howard Ave. Over 40 dealers and 70 tables offering coins, currency, stamps and other collectibles for buy, trade or sale. Door prizes awarded. Details: 435-8880.

Summer solstice celebration: 5-8 p.m., Walter Anderson Museum of Art, 510 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs. Music by Elli Perry and Erin Miley of New Orleans. Must be 21 or older. Cost: $40. Details: 872-3164.

French Club Friday night dinner: 6-8 p.m., 182 Howard Ave., Biloxi. Cost: $8 plate. Details: 436-6472.

“Seussical Jr.”: 7 p.m. June 20, 3 and 7 p.m. June 21. Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport. Cost: $7 students, $10 seniors and military, $13 nonmembers. Details: 897-6039.

JUNE 21

Stepping for Diabetes: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Milner Stadium, Gulfport. Provided by the Gulf Coast Health Educators.

Power House of Deliverance: 9 a.m.- 2 p.m., Mississippi Extension Center, Bay St. Louis. Provided by the Gulf Coast Health Educators. Health screenings with education material on diabetes, cardiovascular health and weight management.

Harrah’s Gulf Coast Great Lawn opening show: 5 p.m. opens, 6 p.m. concert with A Thousand Horses and Darius Rucker plus fireworks display. Formerly known as Grand Casino Biloxi, 280 Beach Blvd.

Tim Shelton performance: 7 p.m., Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center, 1600 Government St., Ocean Springs. Shelton is the founder and lead singer of the bluegrass band, NewFound Road. Tickets: $12. Details: 818-2878.

French Club Saturday night dance: 8 p.m.-midnight, 182 Howard Ave., Biloxi. Music by Nick Mattina and the Checkmates. Cost: $8 single, $15 couple. Details: 436-6472.

JUNE 24

Civil legal workshop: 10:30 a.m., Ocean Springs Senior Center, 514 Washington Ave. Topics of social security, birth certificates, wills and trust preparation. Sponsored by Mississippi Center for Legal Services Corporation and Jackson County Civic Action Committee. Details: 800-959-6752, ext. 2919.

How to promote your business or nonprofit using social media: 1-4 p.m., Pass Christian Public Library, 111 Hiern Ave. Presented by Andy Collins of Mississippi State Extension Service. Class size limited. Details/registration: 452-4596.

Lebanese cooking class: 6-8:30 p.m., Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport. Cost: $35 member, $40 nonmembers. Featuring Emile Koury. Details: 897-6039.

JUNE 26

Annual CCA Ship Island Chapter fundraiser: 6 p.m., Great Southern Club, Gulfport. Live and silent auctions, food, raffles and more. All proceeds benefit the Coastal Conservation Association of Mississippi-Ship Island Chapter. Cost: $55 single, $85 couple. Details: 223-8476.

Meet a freelance reporter: 6:30 p.m., Ina Thompson Moss Point Library, 4119 Bellview St. Meet lobbyist for Trent Lott, Dennis Smith. Details: 475-7462.

JUNE 27

Living Proof Live: 5:30 p.m. doors open, 7-9:30 p.m. show. June 27, 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. June 28, Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi. Features Bible teacher/author Beth Moore. Sponsored by LifeWay Christian Resources. Storytelling and Bible teaching specifically designed for women. Cost: $69. Details: 800-254-2022.

French Club Friday night dinners: 6-8 p.m., 182 Howard Ave., Biloxi. Cost: $8. Details: 436-6472.

41st Army Band’s Independence concert: 7:30 p.m., Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center, 1600 Government St., Ocean Springs. Forty musicians form a complete orchestra and perform jazz, rock, country and Western. Free. Details: 818-2878.

JUNE 28

Second annual Paddle at the Dock: 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. race. The Dock Bar and Grill, 13247 Seaway Road, Gulfport. Races include 1-mile kids race, 14 and under. One- and 3-mile recreational race. Eight-mile elite race. Cost: $50 early registration, $60 day of the event. Race registration includes race, raffle, award, after party and T-shirt with lunch. Details: 669-1802.

Socks N. Pockets: 2 p.m., Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport. Literacy program sponsored by Quota International, Mississippi Gulf Coast. Details: 897-6039.

JUNE 30

Beginning pottery class: 5:30-8 p.m. Mondays through Aug. 4, Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center, 1600 Government St., Ocean Springs. Instructor: Mark King. Learn about centering, raising the vessel and other necessary skills to create pottery. Limited to five students per class. Cost: $200 for members, $230 for nonmembers. There is a $25 supply fee per session for each student. Details: 818-2878.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Returning to the thriving and exciting community of The Woodlands, Texas, for its 12th year, the Fall Home Garden Show The Woodlands is planning its most exciting event yet.

On Saturday and Sunday, August 23 and 24, hundreds of industry professionals — from globally recognized brands to local businesses — will fill The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel Convention Center with everything needed to “Create Your Dream Home.”

“Whether you are building a new custom home or planning a remodeling project, everything you need will be at this show,” said Tony Wood, president of Texwood Shows, the show presenter. “This will be a one-stop shop for all of your designing, remodeling or building needs.”

Wood said exhibitors include professionals in windows and doors, siding, lighting, awnings and screens, landscaping and lawn care, patios, pools, spas and decks, nurseries, trees and plants, granite, cabinets, countertops, carpeting, hardwood floors, skylights, outdoor kitchens, kitchen and bath design, roofing, garage doors, storage solutions, blinds and shutters, pest control, door refinishers, aging-in-place solutions and universal design.

“We will also have homebuilders, remodelers, designers, decorators, and outdoor living experts– all here to help attendees with all the information they need to create their dream home,” added Wood.

Wood-Mode Inc., a name long recognized for excellence in fine custom kitchen cabinetry, will be well-represented by Designer Kitchens, which will be presenting one of Wood-Mode’s newest designs from its Contemporary Lifestyles collection.

“Designer Kitchens is actually building a fabulous Wood-Mode kitchen for our show.” said Wood. “After the show, it will be moved and featured in their showroom.”

The Hunter Douglas “Fashion in Motion” exhibit combines today’s hottest window-fashion trends with tomorrow’s technology. These well-designed window fashions do more than simply cover a window. Learn about the new Hunter Douglas motorization and automation apps for variable light controls and privacy options — a dream home must!

The Cunningham Gas Outdoor Cooking Stage will have live cooking demonstrations all day, using two of their top-sellers: the Primo Ceramic Grill and the FireMagic Grill. Outdoor-living experts, including Stewart Land Designs, will feature award-winning designs and outdoor-living ideas that will add to the enjoyment of your dream home.

Back by popular demand this year is the Cyclers Brewing Craft Beer Tent, featuring their unique and flavorful brews. “This year we’re adding wine to the mix,” said Wood. “The folks at Llano Estacado Winery, the largest, best-selling premium winery in Texas, will be on hand with tastings of their products. It will be a great place to rest and relax during the show.”

Organizing consultant Ellen Delap, one of the many popular speakers at the show, will be joined by nationally acclaimed green architect LaVerne Williams, Joann Ontiveros with Carol’s Lighting, home-stager extraordinaire Mary Scalli, color expert Cal Morton, and organic gardening experts John Ferguson and Mark Bowen, and “The Lazy Gardener” Brenda Beust Smith will share her tips on low-water landscapes.

Randy Lemmon, host of the KTRH 740 GardenLine Radio Show will be broadcasting live from the show. He will also be one of the speakers at the show — a great opportunity to get all your gardening questions answered!

Stop by the Nature’s Way Resources In-Show Garden Center to get ready for the fall planting season. Shop and save at the show on fruit trees, herbs, veggies, perennials, heirlooms and native plants!

The speakers’ schedule will be posted soon at the website link provided below, along with a complete list of exhibitors.

Wood said he is proud to have The Woodlands Children’s Museum back this year as the nonprofit partner for the 12th Annual Fall Home Garden Show. The museum will offer a fun activity for children attending the show. As part of its annual Wreath Whimsy fundraiser, museum representatives will be taking pre-orders for its popular fresh Christmas wreaths, embellished with decorative bows made by museum staff. Take advantage of this chance to order early for the holidays.

Over 200 exhibitors, all professionals and experts in their fields, will be on hand featuring every product and service you need to “Create Your Dream Home.”

The 12th Annual Fall Home Garden Show at The Woodlands will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 24. Tickets are $9 for adults, $8 for seniors and free for children under 12. Parking is free. The event takes place at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel Convention Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive, 77380.

For more information on the 12th Annual Fall Home Garden Show The Woodlands, visit WoodlandsShows.com, where a discount coupon for $1 off show admission will be available, along with special offers from exhibitors.

SHOW INFORMATION SUMMARY:

What:

– The 12th Annual Fall Home Garden Show The Woodlands

Where:

– The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel Convention Center

– 1601 Lake Robbins Drive

– The Woodlands, Texas 77380

When:

– Saturday, August 23, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

– Sunday, August 24, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Tickets:

– Cash only. Adults $9, Seniors $8 and free for children under 12.

– An ATM will be located near the ticket window.

– Parking:

FREE parking in the parking garage behind the Convention Center next to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Six Pines and Lake Robbins, with a covered walkway to the Convention Center. Visit the website provided below for additional parking information.

A $50 million, very green apartment development is in the works for the River Market, the final chapter in transforming what was once a gritty railroad yard into a new neighborhood.

Developer Jonathan Arnold is planning an approximately 300-unit development called Second and Delaware that promises the latest in energy efficiency while allowing residents to get their hands dirty working their rooftop gardens.

“We want to make it affordable for downtown workers and students up to empty-nesters from Johnson County who want a great view of the river and downtown,” Arnold said.

The development, which is now before the City Plan Commission, would restore the historic street grid of the River Market, the area where Kansas City was born, by reconnecting Second Street with Wyandotte Street.

It’s also being built to last.

As opposed to many new apartment projects these days, the structural frame of the four- and seven-story buildings comprising Second and Delaware will use concrete, not wood.

The 16-inch-thick walls will not only make the apartments quieter, but require 70 to 80 percent less energy to heat and cool the units.

The green roofs planned for the buildings also won’t be just for show and insulation — they’ll allow residents to grow their own gardens.

“You won’t have to choose between a house and an apartment; you can still get your hands dirty gardening,” Arnold said.

It’s all part of a development approach that Arnold believes will continue the durable precedent of the adjoining historic River Market buildings while also appealing to 21st century real estate investors seeking long-term returns.

Although it may cost more to build upfront, Arnold said the payoff is better rents and cheaper operating costs over the long haul.

“We’re not interested in being a 20-year project,” the developer said.

The lead architect is Jeffrey White of Pawling, N.Y., with participation from Kansas City-based Clockwork and Draw Architecture. The exterior facade will be brick and stone, echoing the style of the late 19th and early 20th century buildings of the River Market.

The layout of the development calls for a four-story building fronting Second Street and a seven-story building on the north side overlooking the Missouri River with a private courtyard between.

Residents will have access to community rooms on both ends of the top floor of the taller building. They will include full kitchens and outdoor terraces with views of the river and downtown skyline.

A 100-foot-wide pocket park open to the public also is planned between the Second and Delaware project and the Market Station apartment development.

Financing has been arranged by Oppenheimer Co., and Arnold Development Group is applying for a loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Once the necessary approvals are obtained, work could begin within five months with completion anticipated in June 2016.

Arnold has an unusual pedigree as a developer.

He came to Kansas City in 2002 from New York City and started a business in the River Market, Arnold Imaging, that specialized in computer-generated architectural renderings for developers including the Cordish Co.

In 2004, along with Chris Sally, he got into the development business, first converting a historic building into the First Main Lofts and then renovating the nearby Gallo Produce Building at 140 Walnut St. into office space.

Then in 2011, Arnold was hired by the United Nations to help with the organization’s “Rio+20: The Future We Want” environmental conference. It was a follow-up to a 1992 event in Rio de Janeiro where world leaders gathered for an Earth Summit.

Arnold’s role was to take the ideas submitted by people all over the world to a website established for the Rio event, and then translate them into a photorealistic computer animation. Some of what he learned about sustainability and best design practices is being incorporated in his River Market development.

The Second and Delaware apartments also would be a cornerstone project for the northwest edge of the River Market.

It would fill the last gap remaining on Second Street between the First Main Lofts and the 323-unit Market Station apartments that opened in 2010 at Second and Wyandotte. Arnold has owned part of the four-acre site since developing the First Main Loft project in 2004.

“I had always considered it for a phase two project, but then the market downtown slowed down during the recession,” he said. “When the streetcar was announced, we decided to expand and gain site control of the entire block.”

The Second and Delaware development is about 11/2 blocks from the route of the planned downtown streetcar.

The project also would be the final chapter in replacing what for many years was an eight-acre rail yard operated by Kansas City Southern. Longtime River Market residents recall the racket created by plastic beads being sucked into hopper cars, and the cinder-strewn muddy tracks that ruined Second Street.

The Market Station project redeveloped a large chunk of the old Kansas City Southern site, but the remaining section has been an eyesore field of stones and weeds since the rail yard closed.

Deb Churchill, the president of the River Market Community Association, described Arnold’s Second and Delaware plan as “phenomenal.”

She also noted it would complete a $3.5 million street reconstruction and landscaping project done by the city in 2008.

“I think it’s great it will finish out Second Street and bring more connectivity to that area,” she said. “It also will continue the landscaping on Second Street.”

Dana Gibson, a pioneer developer in the River Market with Mel Mallin, said the pace has quickened with the addition of so many new residents.

“When Mel and I started 30 years ago, there were 28 people living in the River Market,” Gibson said. “With Jonathan’s project, we’ll exceed 2,000 people. The more the better.”

Arnold said the final number of apartments is still being refined for his project, but there will be between 275 and 308 units. There will roughly be 56 studio units averaging 550 square feet; 119 one-bedroom units from 650 to 850 square feet; and 100 two-bedroom units from 930 to 1,300 square feet.

A two-level underground garage will have 508 parking spaces.

Second and Delaware is one of three apartment projects announced or underway in the River Market.

A 137-unit development called River Market West is now being built at 228 W. Fourth St., and developers hope to break ground soon on the 56-unit Centropolis project at Fifth Street and Grand Boulevard.

Not all the news has been good lately in the River Market. Last month, Populous, a major Kansas City sports architecture firm, announced it was leaving its custom-built headquarters at 300 Wyandotte for new quarters near the Country Club Plaza in late 2015.

Its departure will cost the area daytime customers who are Populous employees, but real estate observers are hopeful new tenants can be found for the 93,000 square-foot building.

To reach Kevin Collison, call 816-234-4289 or send email to kcollison@kcstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @kckansascity

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The 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited receives an EPA-estimated 20 mpg combined fuel economy.

The recent redesign of the 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited is rather solid.

Inside the 2014 Highlander Limited, the new infotainment setup is easy to use and the climate controls are simple to understand and operate.

The 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6.

The 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited comes in at a base price of $44,450 with our tester topping off at $46,156.

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DIGITAL EDITOR ANDREW STOY: Following the Corolla, Toyota has another very solid core vehicle redesign on its hands with the Highlander. Exciting it isn’t, but everything a premium three-row crossover shopper could want is available, particularly in this Limited with Platinum Package edition.

Let’s talk interior, since the outside is typically inoffensive — you’ll neither love it nor hate it, thus removing a potential purchase objection by default. Where my previous Highlander experience was one of nasty plastics, this Limited is a lovely place in which to spend time. An expansive open shelf runs 2/3 the length of the dash in one of those simple yet ridiculously useful ideas no one else uses — it’s perfect for cell phones, wallets and other items occupants might want to stow yet have easy access to.

In the rear, folding and sliding second-row seats offer tons of legroom when the third row isn’t needed (90 percent of the time) yet allows you to customize the interior space for the needs of various occupants. An easy seat-side slider permits third-row inmates to easily tip and slide the second row for ingress/egress, and once they’re reclined a bit those rear seats are reasonably comfortable and spacious for the occasional use they’re likely to see.

On the open road the Highlander is, in a word, unobtrusive. Everything is just a little better than the segment average — it’s quieter, feels slightly faster and handles bumps and curves with just a bit more confidence. Those who know me know I’m not prone to waxing eloquent about the merits of Toyota transportation appliances, but the Highlander’s utter competence is remarkable in its completeness. It’s like the world’s best accountant — it’ll never make the opposite sex swoon, but you can count on it absolutely in every situation.

Yes, our tester was expensive but it was also about as loaded as one could option a 2015 Toyota Highlander — realistic transaction prices for a nice one will likely parallel those of the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot and Hyundai Santa Fe in the high $30K range, and the Highlander is arguably better than any of them.

The 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited is a solid core vehicle redesign for the Toyota lineup.

EDITOR WES RAYNAL: I was pleasantly surprised by this 2015 Toyota Highlander — this is a hell of an improvement and way less boring than the outgoing Highlander. No, it’s not cheap, but is illustrative of the length and expense people might go to so they don’t drive a minivan.

The exterior looks a lot better being far more handsome and angular. On the inside there is better build quality and interesting shapes plus more soft-touch materials on the dash and armrests and such. I really like the little shelf running the width of the dash, which is handy for storing small stuff. All the controls are perfectly logical to use and feel like decent quality — it took about a minute to figure out the functions. That’s nice for a change.

It’s unremarkable to drive (that’s why I mention the minivan above), though is almost Lexus-quiet on the road and feels quite a bit more solid/robust than the outgoing model. The body motions also feel a lot better controlled than I remember in previous Highlanders.

In sum, it’s not thrilling — it’s about as inoffensive as these things get. Plus it’s less Sienna-like and as I said, quite a bit less dull. And no doubt it’d last a long time.

The 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited comes in at a base price of $44,450 with our tester topping off at $46,156.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR GRAHAM KOZAK: “Didn’t realize you took home a minivan last night,” my roommate told me as he was getting ready to take off for the day. He wasn’t trying to be snarky — he simply didn’t realize that the 2015 Toyota Highlander is totally, definitely an SUV and not a minivan.

Or do most Highlander buyers not realize that their three-row people-hauler is a minivan, not an SUV? I’m not sure. The Highlander isn’t too sure, either. Its unibody construction meant it was always more Sienna than FJ Cruiser. Yet its styling was decidedly trucklike, at least when it was introduced in 2000.

Now in its third iteration, the Highlander — whatever it is — has settled down to become a handsome vehicle. Its interior coddles like a nice van: Quiet, functional, not too much hard plastic. Exterior sculpting is more butch from nose to tail, though, and driving position is somewhat more upright.

Driving is an un-taxing experience, with the smooth V6 punching well above its stated 248 lb-ft of torque. It never sounds particularly stressed; perhaps Toyota has figured out how to perfectly dial in its eight-speed gearbox.

The Highlander isn’t going to see rock-crawling duty any time soon, and there are no silly “sport lines” in this loaded model’s build sheet. But it’ll handle whatever suburban task you hand it, whether that’s carting people, groceries or landscaping supplies.

If you’ve absolutely loved what we’ve had to say about our long-term Mercedes-Benz GL350 Bluetec tester, but can’t or won’t stomach the $81,705 as-tested price, this Toyota Highlander Limited with Platinum Package is a possible compromise. You won’t get that massive Tristar on the grille or the premium-feeling interior, and the Toyota’s not quite as big inside (though you don’t lose as much cargo capacity as its substantially shorter wheelbase would suggest).

But you will enjoy a smooth powertrain, a shape that is not unpleasant to the eye and three-row functionality without the stigma of minivan ownership.

The 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR JAKE LINGEMAN: I went on the launch of this car in California, and found it adequate in every area, but excelling in none. It’s an average SUV for someone who wants good view of their surroundings, decent mileage and relative comfort, along with some family and storage space.

The third-generation Highlander got a redesign, which adds a little bit of flair into an otherwise tame blueprint. The big front intake makes it look a little more aggressive, and the fog lights on the Limited trim set the look off well. In back, it’s very similar to the last generation. I will admit that the profile view looks sharp. The side sheetmetal looks muscular and the window shape adds to the sleekness.

Power is fine from the V6. It’s better if you keep it in sport mode. The eight-speed transmission is basically smooth, and fuel mileage seems acceptable for this class of vehicle.

Inside, the seats are comfy — taking a page out of the Lexus book — and you really do get a good view of the road. The new infotainment setup is easy to use and the climate controls are simple to understand. I like the cord pass through in the dash for phone chargers and the panoramic sunroof, too.

This particular SUV is still a little too plain for me, but it’s a fine vehicle in all other respects. Would I buy it? No. I still like the Ford Explorer better, and if I was thinking cheaper and smaller, the Mazda CX-5.

2014 Toyota Highlander Limited with Platinum Package

Base Price: $44,450

As-Tested Price: $46,156

Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V6; AWD, eight-speed automatic

Output: 270 hp @ 6,200 rpm, 248 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,508 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 18/24/20 mpg

AW Observed Fuel Economy: 17.5 mpg

Options: Tow hitch with wiring harness ($699); remote engine start ($499); glass breakage sensor ($299); body side mounting ($209)

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  • Toyota
  • Highlander
  • Luxury

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN 6) — Multnomah County officials are renewing an aggressive effort to sell a jail in North Portland’s Rivergate area that has sat vacant since it was built.

Built at a cost of $58 million, the Wapato Jail has never housed a single inmate since it was completed in 2004, according to city commissioners. Voters approved the bonds to pay for the jail, but no money was ever secured to run the 525-bed facility.

County officials said the falling crime rate made the jail unnecessary.

“We need to either sell it [or] lease it and get it on the tax rolls, so our vulnerable populations will be able to use those resources,” said Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith.

According to county officials, $300,000 a year is spent on just maintaining the Wapato Jail. The money covers utilities, landscaping and preventing the pipes from freezing in the winter.

Now, the county has issued a request for information to hear ideas about what to do with the vacant prison.

“I actually had the somewhat whimsical title of Wapato Facilities Commander although I outnumbered the inmate population – one to nothing,” said former Multnomah County Sheriff’s Sgt. Bruce McCain.

McCain called Wapato Jail the county’s biggest albatross and said he wonders if the massive facility – built as a jail – can effectively be used for anything else.

“I’m not sure anybody would want to buy it and own it,” said McCain. “The one use – the possible use that I’ve actually promoted – is a one-stop multiple service homeless shelter.”

However, Union Gospel Mission’s Executive Director Bill Russell said he doesn’t think that idea is feasible.

“I don’t think it’s feasible. It’s too far away from the city. It’s way up in an industrial area. There’s no public transportation. There’s no way to access, and the cost is pretty high,” said Russell.

County officials said the property is assessed at about $40 million.

Texas AM AgriLife provides leadership in statewide projects, education

COLLEGE STATION — After a long dry period, many parts of the state have finally received some badly needed rain, and those with rainwater harvesting systems have been reaping the rewards of this belated gift from Mother Nature, said Texas AM AgriLife water resources experts.

“Rainwater harvesting is a time-tested and effective means of water conservation and irrigation,” said Billy Kniffen, retired Texas AM AgriLife Extension Service statewide water resource specialist and past director of the American Rainwater Catchment Association. “And with drought affecting much of Texas, interest in rainwater harvesting from industry, various levels of government and homeowners is increasing. People in general are becoming more receptive to implementing these practices.”

The rainwater harvesting system at the Menard Public Library irrigates many plots of native plants and includes a rain  garden area. A 2,500 gallon galvanized tank collects water from the library’s roof. (Texas AM AgriLife Extension Service photo by Justin Mechell)

As a long-time AgriLife Extension agent and water resource specialist, Kniffen has been involved in the planning, design and/or implementation of dozens of large- and small-scale rainwater catchment systems for offices, schools, community centers, libraries, hospitals and other facilities throughout Texas. Several of his many projects have been in his home county of Menard, with one notable example being the Menard Public Library.

Kniffen, along with Texas Master Gardener and Texas Master Naturalist volunteers, helped install a 2,500-gallon galvanized tank, along with drip irrigation and a rain garden to capture water runoff.

“One inch of rainwater dripping from a 1,500-square-foot roof can easily catch 600 gallons of water,” Kniffen noted. “At the library, the metal rainwater harvesting tank collects rainwater from two downspouts, and the water is used to irrigate more than 50 plots of native plants common to the region. Runoff goes into a shallow, flat bottom pond that would catch a two-inch rainfall event and have it infiltrated into the soil within 24 hours. Rainfall over that amount would overflow into an irrigation ditch.”

Another section of the library captured water using a “storm chamber” that stores and gradually releases water into the surrounding landscape.

“For years, AgriLife Extension and Texas AM AgriLife Research personnel have been involved with rainwater harvesting projects, demonstrations and education throughout the state,” said John Smith, AgriLife Extension program specialist, College Station.

This 5,000-gallon rainwater harvesting tank at the education building of the World Birding Center in Edinburg provides irrigation for flowering plants and shrubs that attract a variety of birds, dragonflies, butterflies and more. (Photo courtesy of Marisa Rodriguez)

In Edinburg, Smith and the AgriLife Extension horticulturist for Hidalgo County, Barbara Storz, worked with World Birding Center manager Marisa Rodriguez on a rainwater harvesting system at the facility’s education center.

“I designed the catchment system and the center employees installed it,” Smith said. “It has a  5,000 gallon tank and a 3,000 gallon tank to capture water from the center’s roof surface.”

Smith said the rainwater harvested at the center is used for irrigating a large variety of native flowering plants and shrubs that help attract and support birds, butterflies, dragonflies and other creatures of interest to nature fanciers.

Storz said in addition to providing water for the plants, the rainwater harvesting system is used as an educational tool to teach about the need to preserve and conserve water resources.

“Furthermore, here in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, nature tourism is a major economic sector and facilities like this create interest and attract more people to the area, which helps our economy,” she said.

Another Texas AM AgriLife effort geared toward educating people about water conservation is the WaterSense home at the Texas AM AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Dallas. The home, completed in March of last year in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 and the City of Dallas Water Utilities, received a 2013 Texas Rain Catcher Award from the Texas Water Development Board.

“The Texas AM AgriLife Research and Extension Center is to be commended for implementing new technology that promotes rainwater harvesting and the benefits of water conservation,” said board member Kathleen Jackson.

This facility is the first of its kind in North Texas to receive certification as a renovation project and the first WaterSense home to have a rainwater harvesting system as one of its water-saving features, said Clint Wolfe, AgriLife Research urban water programs manager for the center. The system provides an efficient alternative source of irrigation by using captured rainwater for landscaping.

He said the rainwater harvesting system for the WaterSense home consists of a 1,000-gallon polyethylene tank with a first flush diverter and fill tube. The tank provides water to seven drip irrigation zones and two spray zones outfitted with a one-horsepower self-priming pump.

Dotty Woodson, AgriLife Extension program specialist in water resources in Dallas, explains the rainwater harvesting system at the WaterSense Labeled Home to professionals at the recent Turfgrass, Landscaping and Irrigation event. (Texas AM AgriLife photo)

“The home’s garden area consists of low-water-use native and adaptive plants, so the landscape has been designed to be sustained solely by supplemental irrigation from captured rainwater,” Wolfe said. “The WaterSense Labeled Home has provided an exceptional opportunity for people who visit the center to learn about rainwater harvesting and many other indoor and outdoor methods of conserving water.”

An example multi-family dwelling on the Dallas center grounds next to the home is equipped with a 1,500-gallon tank for landscape irrigation, along with individual 35-gallon rainwater barrels in small, enclosed backyard patio areas.

Lawn irrigation accounts for a major part of water use in urban areas, so the center is also investigating rainwater harvesting efficiency related to this specific application.

The center has four free-standing rainwater harvesting test sheds each with a roof surface area of 150 square feet and an associated turfgrass area of 225 square feet. Three of the sheds collect rainwater into three 55-gallon barrels, which provide irrigation for the lawn. A fourth shed is also equipped with three barrels, but these are filled with city water, not rainwater, for test control purposes.

“The purpose of these sheds is to provide a scaled-down version of the surface area of the roof of a typical urban home in Dallas and other metropolitan areas and the typical area of lawn,” said Dr. Fouad Jaber, a specialist at the center with a joint AgriLife Extension and AgriLife Research appointment. We are investigating the efficacy of rainwater harvesting in conjunction with storm water runoff and pollution.”

The water from the barrels is used to irrigate the turfgrass lawn by different irrigation scheduling methods, including soil moisture-based, evapotranspiration-based, and timed irrigation of the type used by the typical homeowner.

“This provides us with important data on how much water is needed, as well as the runoff reduction and water quality benefits of rainwater harvesting systems,” Jaber said.

In severely drought-stricken Wichita Falls, AgriLife Extension water resource specialist Drew Gholson took the lead in planning, designing and installing a startup rainwater harvesting project at an area high school.

“I was approached last year by the agricultural science teacher at Iowa Park High School to design and install a rainwater harvesting system to help them with their horticulture class and their greenhouse water needs during this time of drought,” Gholson said.

Gholson said he took measurements and “did the math,” calculating that the building the system would be affixed to was 200 feet by 120 feet and even if rainfall was collected from only one side of the building it would amount to 7,200 gallons collected for every inch of rainfall.

“That got their attention,” he said. “This part of Texas has been especially hard hit by drought and the idea of being able to collect and use that much water when needed was very appealing to them. We worked through how much they could collect and store, and the Iowa Park ISD school board approved an amount to install the system – PVC pipe, tanks, a pump and other components. They already had gutters in place, so we worked with those.”

Gholson and his father installed the initial system on a Saturday, ensuring correct placement of conveyance pipes and splitting rainfall collection distribution into two downspouts so the gutters didn’t have to support too much weight.

“Since that day, they have doubled the storage and collection area to 12,000 gallons and there is a line connecting the rainwater storage system to greenhouse.  Now the students will be able to use rainwater for their plants when they come back in the fall.”

Gholson said while every system is different, he hopes more people throughout the state will see such systems and they will spark ideas for designing and installing their own.

The AgriLife Extension office in Kaufman County office has plastic containment tanks covered by wooden slats. The large unit holds 3,000 gallons and the two small barrels each hold 55 gallons. (Texas AM AgriLife Extension Service photo by Justin Mechell)

“Of course, we practice what we preach when it comes to the Texas AM University System,” Smith said. “In addition to some large rainwater capture systems on the Texas AM campus in College Station, we have them at several of our AgriLife Extension county offices and at other system facilities.”

He said AgriLife Extension facilities with rainwater harvesting systems include agency county offices in Atascosa, Brazos, Colorado, Comal, Culberson, Denton, Fort Bend, Fayette, Grandbury, Hays, Hidalgo, Menard, Montgomery and Taylor counties.

“One of our biggest statewide efforts is educating people on the use of rainwater systems and giving them hands-on demonstrations of how to construct their own basic home rainwater harvesting system,” Smith said “Of course, we also have more advanced programs for those who wish to take on larger rainwater harvesting projects.”

Smith said AgriLife Extension personnel, as well as trained Master Gardeners and Master Naturalist volunteers, provide instruction in rainwater harvesting education and hands-on demonstrations.

Educational outreach and hands-on demonstrations on how to construct rainwater harvesting systems, such as this basic home rainwater system do-it-yourself workshop, are a large part of Texas AM AgriLife efforts toward greater statewide water conservation. (Texas AM AgriLife Extension Service photo)

“We have rainwater harvesting demonstration programs in various counties throughout the year,” he said. “Over the years, we estimate that tens of thousands of people statewide have attended one or more of these programs, receiving instruction on how to build and maintain rainwater harvesting systems. While most of these are smaller workshops of 50 or less, we also participate in water conservation-oriented events that draw upwards of a thousand people.”

Smith said publications on rainwater harvesting by Texas AM System experts are available for a cost at the Texas AM AgriLife Extension Bookstore website, http://agrilifebookstore.org. Enter the word “rainwater” into thesearch field on the home page.      

One of the most popular publications, “Rainwater Harvesting: System Planning,” has recently been translated and is now also available in Spanish,” Smith said.

Additional information on rainwater harvesting, events and training can be found at http://rainwaterharvesting.tamu.edu. Texas residents wanting to know about a rainwater harvesting program in their area may also contact the AgriLife Extension office in their county.

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Other rainwater harvesting projects in which Texas AM AgriLife has been involved include these locations:

8th Avenue Post Office, Fort Worth

Alpine Public Library, Alpine

Aspermont USDA Service Center, Aspermont

Brazoria Environmental Education Station, Angleton

City of Denton Clear Creek Nature Center, Denton

Culberson County Courthouse, Van Horn

Kaufman County Xeric Garden, Forney

Kemp City Park, Kemp

Kerr Wildlife Management Area, Hunt

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin

Los Indios Family Learning Center, Los Indios

Luling Foundation, Luling

McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis

Myers Park Rain Garden, McKinney

Ozona Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center, Ozona

Prairie Paws Adoption Center, Grand Prairie

River Bend Nature Center, Wichita Falls

Samaritan House, Fort Worth

San Juan Park, San Juan

Scurry-Russer High School, Scurry Texas

South Campus Garden Learning Center Rain Garden, Kaufman

Texas 4-H Conference Center, Brownwood

Tolar Elementary School, Tolar

Tom Green County 4-H Building, San Angelo

Victoria County Master Gardener Association, Victoria

Wall Elementary School, Wall

Ward County 4-H Building, Monahans