Wilderness Park

The Wilderness Park Renovation Project

(Montclair, CA) The Chino Basin Water Conservation District (CBWCD) announces the completion of its Wilderness Park renovation to create a community learning opportunity for water conservation information.  A total of 39 new species and 63 new trees were planted (see a complete list of our trees here). The tree selections were derived from a list of parameters which included low water use, minimal maintenance, flower and/or foliage colors and adaptability to residential landscapes in this region.  These tree species are from all over the world including Africa, Asia, Australia, California and other parts of the U.S. Twenty-two existing trees in various states of old age and decline, coupled with being high water users were removed. All of the wood from these felled trees was saved for future uses, and all of the branches were chipped to provide mulch in the park.  These practices kept materials from going to the landfill.

New high efficiency irrigation systems for water conservation were designed and installed to support the new tree plantings and turf area.  The new turf area, reduced 50% from the former design, utilizes highly efficient rotor type overhead sprinklers.  The new tree plantings use a deep watering system, up to three feet in depth, discouraging shallow rooting and promoting deep roots, while increasing water conservation by eliminating overspray and run off.  The entire park irrigation system uses recycled water, thereby conserving dwindling potable water resources, and adding a little nitrogen fertilizer with every irrigation cycle. All areas that are not turf are covered with donated tree chippings which act as a mulch and provides soil water retention, soil building properties, cooler surfaces for root growth, weed suppression and erosion control.

“We are so pleased with the redesign of Wilderness Park.  The District has created a wonderful environment for learning more about water conservation and appropriate selection, planting and irrigation of trees for our climate zone,” said  CBWCD Board President Kati Parker.

To encourage the general public to visit Wilderness Park, enjoy its beauty and learn more about tree selection, planting, irrigation and water conservation, permeable meandering decomposed granite pathways and six sitting benches have been installed. A recycling station, several waste and doggie stations will create a cleaner and more sustainable environment.  An assortment of large and small boulders makes for interesting conversation and aesthetics.   Wilderness Park is open to the public and can be utilized for water conservation education, researching tree selections for the yard, and a place to play or relax.  The park is open seven days a week.

The Wilderness Park has over 40 different types of trees.   To download the detailed list of trees, click  here: