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06-25-26 | News
The project mission was to implement the approved Landscape Design Guidelines to create and develop high-impact, high visibility campus areas, to improve storm water management and accessibility, to reduce over 125k of turf, and to beautify the landscape. Distinguishing design aspects include developing a native habitat, natural storm water management, recycled water use for irrigation, accessible pathways, native/adapted drought tolerant species, and educational opportunities. Site challenges for this campus include its hillside location with an overall elevation differential of 215 feet, made of terraced plateaus and steep slopes. The campus is surrounded by native habitat zones including coast sage scrub, oak woodland, and riparian while many existing non-active turf areas remain from the original 1968 campus. This process included engaging the District, campus stakeholders throughout the design process. Approvals were gained from Moulton Niguel Water District for the recycled irrigation systems and from the Division of the State Architect for the improved circulation routes.
The successful outcome of the projects results in a reduction of turf saving 5.5 million gallons of irrigation water annually for which Saddleback College received the Water Districts President' Water Hero Award. This project is being used by the Water District as an example for its commercial customers. The extensive native and adapted ornamental plant and tree species not only improves the native habitat but offers an increase opportunity to support education and serve as outdoor classrooms. An important to Southern California, the addition of trees improves the microclimate for pathways and parking areas reducing the urban heat island effect.
To see more School & Corporate Campus projects, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/landscape-articles/sneak-preview-of-the-school-and-campus-issue
For more information about submitting a project, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/research/editorial/editorial-submissions.php
Saddleback College Campus Landscape Improvements
Mission Viejo, California
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The School & Corporate Campus Issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. Saddleback College Campus is one of several great projects we are excited to showcase on LandscapeArchitect.com.
The project mission was to implement the approved Landscape Design Guidelines to create and develop high-impact, high visibility campus areas, to improve storm water management and accessibility, to reduce over 125k of turf, and to beautify the landscape. Distinguishing design aspects include developing a native habitat, natural storm water management, recycled water use for irrigation, accessible pathways, native/adapted drought tolerant species, and educational opportunities. Site challenges for this campus include its hillside location with an overall elevation differential of 215 feet, made of terraced plateaus and steep slopes. The campus is surrounded by native habitat zones including coast sage scrub, oak woodland, and riparian while many existing non-active turf areas remain from the original 1968 campus. This process included engaging the District, campus stakeholders throughout the design process. Approvals were gained from Moulton Niguel Water District for the recycled irrigation systems and from the Division of the State Architect for the improved circulation routes.
The successful outcome of the projects results in a reduction of turf saving 5.5 million gallons of irrigation water annually for which Saddleback College received the Water Districts President' Water Hero Award. This project is being used by the Water District as an example for its commercial customers. The extensive native and adapted ornamental plant and tree species not only improves the native habitat but offers an increase opportunity to support education and serve as outdoor classrooms. An important to Southern California, the addition of trees improves the microclimate for pathways and parking areas reducing the urban heat island effect.
To see more School & Corporate Campus projects, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/landscape-articles/sneak-preview-of-the-school-and-campus-issue
For more information about submitting a project, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/research/editorial/editorial-submissions.php
Filed Under: JUNE 2026, SCHOOL & CORPORATE CAMPUS, SADDLEBACK COLLEGE CAMPUS LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS, MISSION VIEJO, CALIFORNIA, NUVIS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, LASN
