BARONA ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM
California's Environmental Tribe

PRESERVATION: Nature’s Gifts

Living in harmony with nature is an important part of our heritage as a people, and we work to conserve all natural resources on the reservation. In this ever-changing world, we have embraced technology and woven it into our inherent respect for the earth.

Our multi-million dollar conservation program began in 1994 with a state-of-the-art water reclamation facility implemented in February 2000. We use and reuse all water resources via our water reclamation plant, have implemented a highly acclaimed and innovative rainwater runoff recovery program, closely monitor and control all irrigation processes, carefully select drought-friendly and indigenous plants and grasses, and utilizing energy and resource conservation efforts throughout the resort and the reservation.

These programs have enabled the conservation of more than 85 million gallons of water annually, the chemical-free reclamation of more than 510 million gallons of water, 100% of which is reused in golf course and resort irrigation, and a reduction of energy use throughout the resort and reservation. To our efforts, we have been awarded the
Audubon International – Bronze Signature Sanctuary Certification, “a model for sustainable natural resource management,” and were recognized by SDG&E for participating in the demand response and rolling blackout programs during California’s energy crisis.

We have honored our traditions of sharing both our resources and culture through philanthropic activities, technological advancements, environmental awareness, and by creating the county’s only Native American museum located on a reservation, with artifacts donated by Tribal families. Today, with our fate and our livelihood once more in our own hands, and our profound sense of community strengthened by our deep bonds with the people of San Diego, we are closer to our ancestors than ever.