Sharks and conservation showcased at SmartScape Expo

There was something for everyone at the Laguna Beach County Water District’s annual SmartScape Expo last weekend.

Attendees to the free event pet sea stars and baby leopard and gray smoothhound sharks, courtesy of Orange Coast College, while just steps away kids painted animals such as whales and fish on a mural of the ocean staffed by Wyland Foundation volunteers.

Vendors were on hand to discuss irrigation drip timers and drought-tolerant plants, which take on extra importance this year with the state’s record drought.

The district received much help from Saddleback College students and staff, who spent the week leading up to the two-day event laying groundcover, including decomposed granite, while constructing raised planter beds to showcase succulents and other California natives.

The district gave out 400 free bags of compost and 235 rain barrels, while seeing an increase in overall attendance from a year ago, Assistant General Manager Christopher Regan wrote in an email.

—Bryce Alderton

Twitter: @AldertonBryce