The outstanding 11 year old one-of-a-kind Water Conservation Garden transitioned from a public Joint Powers Authority to 501(c)(3) nonprofit status as of January 1, 2011. Friends of the Water Conservation Garden - a new 10 member volunteer board - now serves as the governing authority for the Garden, supported by an experienced, dedicated professional staff. The Garden has over 50,000 visitors per year, and impacts tens of thousands more via its award-winning educational outreach programs. Recognized by Sunset Magazine as "one of the 10 best gardens in the West", research has shown that 60% of those visiting the Garden make changes in their landscaping behavior in order to reduce water consumption while retaining attractive, sustainable, enjoyable landscaping. Keys to continued growth and success of the Garden will be: (1) on-going enlistment of committed, effective volunteer board and committee members; (2) on-going development of a broad range of new public and private members and funding sources, while retaining significant existing support from regional water agencies; (3) clearly establishing recognition that the Garden is a uniquely important and valuable asset for all of Southern California not just San Diego's East County; (4) expanded educational and administrative facilities. A successful, prospering Garden translates directly to successfully helping to sustain our region's water-dependent quality of life.