What: A "sustainable garden," designed to function like a mini-watershed that retains and recycles storm water, shades the ground and cleans the air, will be dedicated and demonstrated amid a simulated rainstorm. In the absence of a natural gully washer, "rain" will be provided by the UC Davis Fire Department's tanker truck. Where: Western Center for Urban Forest Research and Education, located in the Department of Environmental Horticulture, UC Davis When: Wednesday, Oct. 20 Dedication: noon Simulated rainstorm demonstration: 12:30 p.m. Speakers: Dedication speakers will include Mary Nichols, secretary of the California Resources Agency; Frederick Teichert, executive director of the Teichert Foundation; and Greg McPherson, research scientist with the Western Center for Urban Forest Research and Education. Background: One of the biggest present-day ecological challenges is the need to make our towns and cities more efficient in their use of natural resources. In many urban areas, the natural cycles of water, energy and material are disrupted, resulting in air and water pollution, flooding, urban "heat islands" and overflowing landfills. The sustainable garden was designed to use water runoff from nearby roofs for irrigation and to make use of drought-tolerant plants and a solar-powered irrigation pump. Light-colored and permeable paving reduces runoff and decreases heat absorption. Strategic tree planting saves energy, and recycled materials are used whenever possible. The garden will serve as an outdoor laboratory for students and faculty to learn more about effective multipurpose solutions to regulate the flow of water, energy and materials. The garden was installed by UC Davis students, faculty and staff and designed by a group of UC Davis landscape architecture students. Directions: Take Interstate 80 to the UC Davis exit. Turn right onto Old Davis Road. Continue past the information booth and turn right at the first stop sign. You'll still be on Old Davis Road. After you go through the first stop light, turn right into the first driveway at the Department of Environmental Horticulture. Place a media business card on the dashboard of your vehicle to park free.