Center for H2O Experience The mission of Friends of Balboa Park is to preserve Balboa Park’s legacy for future generations through park-wide projects. Challenge How can we... • share workable water-wise practices proven by our projects in Balboa Park? • multiply the benefits of park projects by educating visitors, students, and staff how to use these same practices in their homes, work- places, and communities? • introduce use of eco-tourism and eco-education to showcase Balboa Park and the Water-Wise Program as leaders in the area of sustainable tourism in San Diego? Projected Outcomes - Multiplying The Water Savings from the Park • Water savings each time someone implements a water-wise practice learned via the Center. • Large impact on water savings due to audience pool drawn from the park’s 12 million annual visitors, numerous school programs, and city staff participation. • Even more water savings resulting from the Center’s Internet global reach. • Establishment of Balboa Park as a recognized international best prac- tice in water management and as an eco-tourism destination, resulting in economic benefits to San Diego. Solutions • The Center for H20 Experience: Conduit between the public and the Water-Wise Program. • Focus on teaching water-wise practices to visitors, students, and staff based on successful park projects. Examples: -Staff learn to use the new mapping technology -School children learn how to plant native horticulture that attracts and feeds native birds -Adults, children, and staff learn how to reclaim various grades of water for irrigation, cleaning, and other outdoor purposes • Headquartered in Balboa Park, local reach through on-site learning activities in the park; global reach through website. • Diverse instructional methods such as videos, classroom training, tours, on-line programs, technical symposia, and experiential programs; each rooted in the principles of eco-education. • Assessment of how many people participate and impact on their water saving behavior.