Irrigation oddity

The "main" to the SIG area is from the small conference center. There is a cut-off valve, and regulator on a 3/4" line. Odd thing is the pvc pipe used to extend it is 1".

Tools & Supplies

My two assistants and I got lots of the initial tools, supplies and shelving. Anyone know what the tool is next to my left knee? This is first batch of tools, as we're assuming we'll have 10 regular volunteers, so we'll need to tool up for this number. Note the 2x4's in back and new shelving box in corner of picture.

Water Use Area & Drainage

After the VC crew cleaned up the parking lot, we quickly discovered that we had not accounted for this. The 2 parking lot sections slop into the SIG and we're installing drains into the storm drain.

We're going to add wash area under each of the bib's with crushed rock so things stay more orderly. The DG will simply get mucky. We'll add boarder, remove DG and fill with crushed rock.

More irrigation

Oh the woe's of irrigation... Antonio found out that the line from the main had dirt in it, and it clogged up the filter. This is now fixed. Only to find that main by greenhouses had a joint problem, which is now fixed (pictured above). As my friend once said "Making a mistake is not the issue, it's how quick you fix them". Thanks Valley Crest and Facilities!

Bib's finished

The double spigot bib's will be very handy: hook hose up on bottom and still have another spigot handy. One bib on shed, and another by garden area. The irrigation controller electrical was finished (yellow cord). Also the water and electrical were finished up in the green houses. Very nice progress.

Irrigation

Above: Irrigation controller, electric & future hose bib

Above: Potable water main line, outside fence, with filter (130 micron) and cut-off valve

Above: Valve box. Rainbird valves with pressure regulator inserts (25psi)

Above: 2nd future hose bib and 3 unfinished laterals.

All SIG water is potable and filtered (130 micron). The irrigation system includes 6 valves throughout the 3 garden areas and all pressure is at 25psi, for micro emitters. The hose bibs will be terminated with dual spigots, so if a hose is attached, you can still use the 2nd spigot.

Building pad's uneven

The 4 building pads on the landscape drawing were not leveled nor even when the site prep was done by Valley Crest. No attempt was made, nor when asked about this later, the answer was simply "it was to contract". All knowledgable visitors ask about why the pads were not done. The shed will have to a footing and skirt added.

Day 12: shed & prep

The storage shed is "finished". We found that the locations for the greenhouses and the shed were not leveled properly originally. Thus the shed will have to be trimmed with hardware cloth to keep critters out. The greenhouses need to have the plot leveled, and the water electrical runs extended. Also Anthony wanted a large fish tub installed, which the facilities crew is doing. We thought we might get a back-hoe...

Day 11: Shed

The shed from Tuff Shed was delivered and installed today (took all day!). Windows on the back for natural light, door facing work area and opening with prevailing wind, work bench and shelves will be helpful. When I do this again (??), I'll make sure the pad is level, as we now have to go back and make sure the leveling gaps don't become to home to canyon critters. Video: click here.

Andy, Simon and Javier from facilities are figuring out how to level the 2 green houses and the dimensions for the large fish tub. Andy had the great idea to get the on-campus back-hoe to dig the hole for it.

Day 10: Site prep

Grand-D came by with mother, Callie, and visited today. Valley Crest continues finishing up: DG is mostly complete, final pieces of irrigation, and topping garden area with layer of compost (nice touch). Got soil sample and sent to Wallace Laboratories, "Standard Agricultural Soil Suitability Analysis" test. TufShed called about delivering shed... but site needs to be deemed "finsihed" first.

Day 7: Site prep

Valley Crest is wrapping up the DG installation. We finalized the changes for the garden irrigation system, including a provision for 3 oak trees inside the garden. Met with fencing contractor today, and we're looking at "Design Master Fencing", the same as used at the Fullerton Arboretum. Video: click here.

Day 5: Site prep

Two colors of DG, the lighter color is already on path. Valley Crest crew is laying edging on path. Trenching is complete and Facilities has already run electrical.

Day 3: laying out

The site has been leveled, general layout chalked in, the main trenching for potable water has been run, and pictured the trail border material is being installed. This border will help keep the DG in place. Video Tour: click here. Video trencher: click here.

Day 1: ground breaking

Valley Crest crew begins grubbing and leveling ground. Video: click here.