Editor’s Note: If you’d like to learn more about this project and other ways your organization can increase the sustainability of your site, attend the “Increasing Environmental Sustainability on Your Site” session on Tuesday, January 28, that is part of our upcoming virtual summit, Activating Environmental Care and Strength at Museums and Historic Sites. Register for the summit here.

By Alison Bruesehoff, Executive Director, and Alfred Alonzo, Director of Operations, Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site and Museum, Long Beach, California

Built in 1844, before California was a state or Long Beach was a city, Rancho Los Cerritos offers a window into California’s past, showcasing the transformation from a sprawling Spanish land grant to bustling cities. The 4.7-acre historic site was home to some of the most prominent people of California’s early history. Before it was a historic site and museum in Long Beach, Rancho Los Cerritos was 27,000 acres of expansive territory, upon which a myriad of historic events took place. We embrace the stories of all of the people who once called the 27,000 acres home. From cattle ranch to sheep ranch, to tenement, to historic landmark, Rancho Los Cerritos is steeped in a rich and diverse history.

As stewards of this heritage, we continuously seek to preserve its legacy while embracing the challenge of contemporary issues such as environmental justice, climate justice, and eco-sustainability. Water conservation has become one of the major issues of our time and the time for action was yesterday. As stewards, charged with the preservation of this historic site, including our living collection—our historic gardens—we felt that we had to truly invest in water conservation efforts, while also finding a way to educate our community on the importance of water to all life on Earth.

One of our recent endeavors, Looking Back to Advance Forward, involved installing a water capture system that uses stormwater to feed our irrigation system. This system exemplifies the delicate balance between preservation and innovation that museums and historic sites must consider when undertaking capital improvement projects. The elements of the project, while designed to serve a site of several acres, can be scaled down to the residential level.

We implored several water capture techniques, all of which can be implemented in a residential home. Although we installed a 22,000-gallon cistern in our driveway to capture and store rainwater, a rain barrel can offer the same advantages for a much smaller capture area—a residential home. We also used pervious concrete to allow stormwater to naturally recharge the groundwater table. The average homeowner can accomplish this by simply installing pervious concrete or pavers. Anything with a permeable surface will allow water to naturally infiltrate into the ground.

There are many methods for capturing and storing stormwater as well as other practices that folks can explore to conserve water in the home. There is no singular solution, but rather a myriad of options to make an impact. From installing aerators on faucets to limiting shower times, no effort is too small—the key is to be cognizant of the issue and make decisions that lessen your impact. It is equally important to share your successes with others and educate them on the importance of sustainability.

Scaled down idea for stormwater retention

Throughout our water capture project, engaging with the community and fostering educational opportunities was a primary objective. We wanted the water capture system not only to serve as a functional upgrade but also as a model and teaching tool for water-wise, sustainable practices and historical preservation. We are currently developing water-centric programming to educate visitors about the importance of water conservation and the historical uses of water at Rancho Los Cerritos. We encourage residents to share their water-wise ways with their neighbors and friends too.