Local Church Discovers Four Benefits from Turf Replacement Project

Local church installs a beautiful, sustainable landscape
Local church installs a beautiful, sustainable landscape

Jasmine Orozco, Public Affairs Coordinator I, Municipal Water District of Orange County 
May 20, 2026

A church in Irvine recently replaced over 36,000 square feet of grass with a beautiful, water-wise landscape featuring native plants. Through MWDOC’s Turf Replacement Rebate Program, projects like this help reduce water use while creating sustainable, community-focused spaces.

1. Prepared for the Future

California native or OC friendly plants are well-suited to the climate and require less water once established. By converting grass to native or OC friendly plants the landscape will be able to better withstand future droughts. In addition, switching to drip irrigation reduces runoff and allows water to be stored in the soil. Businesses and residents can receive rebates by participating in MWDOC’s Turf Replacement and Spray-to-Drip Programs.

2. Water Savings

This project is estimated to save more than 1.5 million gallons of water per year. Grass requires more water to stay green and more maintenance, such as mowing. Switching from grass to a sustainable landscape with drip irrigation saves water, time, and money. Check out the MWDOC Rebate Program before you start planning your water saving landscape project.

3. Creating a Pollinator Habitat

Local church participates in Turf Replacement Rebate Program
Local church after participating in MWDOC’s Turf Replacement Rebate Program

The church planted 29 trees within the project space, along with a variety of native flowering plants and shrubs. When mature, the trees will provide shade and can become homes for local birds.

The site now includes Narrowleaf Milkweed, which is a host plant for Monarch butterflies. Monarch butterflies only lay their eggs on milkweed plants, so they are essential to support the Monarch population. Plants with nectar and pollen were included in the design, like Woolly Bluecurls (Trichostema lanatum), Coulter’s Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri), and Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat (Eriogonum arborescens). Pollinators love these flowering plants!

4. New Use for Outdoor Space

The church added a decomposed granite pathway for a labyrinth. This feature was created for their fellowship to walk along and be at peace, surrounded by nature. There are also benches close to the path for members to sit and enjoy their new outdoor space.

Need landscape inspiration for your home or business? MWDOC is here to help! Visit www.ocwatersmartgardens.com for plant lists, fact sheets, and a watering guide.