When you think of the term "dryland," your mind might immediately jump to images of barren deserts with rolling dunes and cracked earth. However, the reality is that drylands are a much more diverse and complex category of ecosystems. They are defined by their low levels of precipitation and the resulting scarcity of water, but within this broad classification lies a spectrum of landscapes, each with its own unique characteristics and ecological value.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND DRYLANDS
Drylands are defined by the relationship between precipitation and potential evapotranspiration. Evapotranspiration is a combination of two processes: the evaporation of water from the soil and the transpiration of water from plants. In simple terms, it’s the amount of water that is lost from the land back into the atmosphere.
A region is classified as a dryland if its potential evapotranspiration exceeds its precipitation—meaning that the land loses more water than it receives in rainfall.
Drylands cover about 41% of the Earth's land surface and are home to more than 2 billion people. They include deserts, semi-deserts, grasslands, savannas, and Mediterranean ecosystems. These regions are not uniformly dry; rather, they vary in the degree of aridity. For example, deserts, like the Sahara, receive less than 10 inches of rain annually and are at one extreme of the dryland spectrum. In contrast, semi-arid regions, like the steppes of Central Asia, receive more rainfall but still face water scarcity challenges.
Yellow Rabbitbrush, Salt Lake City Utah - Photo Credit: Sam Kalk
Despite their harsh conditions, drylands are incredibly important to the planet’s ecological and social systems. They support a wide variety of plant and animal species that have evolved to survive in challenging environments, and they provide livelihoods for millions of people who rely on agriculture, herding, and other land-based activities. Drylands are also vital for carbon storage and play a role in regulating the global climate.
SPOKANE IS PART OF A DRYLAND ECOSYSTEM
Spokane might not immediately seem like a dryland to those who live here. We’re far from the scorching deserts of the American Southwest, and our landscape is punctuated with rivers, forests, and rolling hills.
Yet, Spokane is indeed part of a dryland ecosystem. Our region receives an average of just 16-17 inches of rain each year—significantly less than many other parts of the country.
This places us firmly within the category of a semi-arid climate, which is a type of dryland.
In the Inland Northwest, the limited rainfall is coupled with hot, dry summers and cold winters, creating a challenging environment for both natural ecosystems and human activities. Water scarcity is a concern, especially during the summer months when demand for irrigation increases. The combination of low rainfall and high evapotranspiration rates means that maintaining traditional, water-intensive landscapes can be both difficult and unsustainable.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR DRYLAND LANDSCAPING
Living in a dryland like Spokane presents unique challenges when it comes to landscaping and land management. Traditional landscaping practices often rely on high water inputs, chemical fertilizers, and non-native plant species—methods that are ill-suited to a dryland environment. These practices not only strain our water resources but also lead to landscapes that are not in harmony with the natural surroundings.
However, these challenges also present opportunities. By embracing the reality of our dryland climate, we can create landscapes that are more sustainable, resilient, and beautiful in their own right. The key lies in understanding the unique characteristics of dryland ecosystems and working with, rather than against, these natural processes.
EMBRACING REGENERATIVE PRACTICES
One of the most effective ways to create sustainable landscapes in a dryland environment is to choose plants that are native or well-adapted to the region’s climate. Native plants have evolved to thrive in Spokane’s specific conditions—they are drought-tolerant, resilient, and require minimal maintenance. By incorporating these plants into our landscapes, we can reduce our reliance on irrigation and create spaces that are not only more sustainable but also more reflective of the natural beauty of the Inland Northwest.
A 2022 Install by Dryland Revival with a Certified Wildlife Habitat Sign
In addition to plant selection, water management is a crucial aspect of dryland landscaping. Implementing water-efficient irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, can drastically reduce water waste. These systems deliver water directly to the root zones of plants, minimizing evaporation and ensuring that every drop counts. Rainwater harvesting systems are a valuable tool that can complement this, capturing and storing rainwater for use during drier periods.
A 2024 Dryland Revival Install on the South Hill showcasing a dry creek bed.
Soil management is arguably the most critical component of dryland landscaping. Healthy soil is the foundation of a sustainable landscape. In dryland regions, where water is scarce, it’s especially important to retain as much moisture as possible. Practices like mulching, composting, and building root systems help to improve soil structure, enhance water retention, and promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms. These practices not only support plant health but also reduce the need for additional water and fertilizers.
LEARNING FROM OTHER DRYLAND CITIES
Across the globe, cities located in dryland ecosystems have developed innovative practices to conserve water and make the most of their seasonal rainfall and snowfall. These examples offer valuable lessons for communities like Spokane that face similar challenges.
In Tucson, Arizona, for example, the city has implemented extensive rainwater harvesting programs. Homeowners are encouraged—and in some cases, required—to install rainwater harvesting systems that capture runoff from roofs and store it for later use in irrigation. The city has also promoted the use of "rain gardens," which are landscaped areas designed to capture and infiltrate rainwater, reducing runoff and helping to recharge local groundwater supplies. Brad Lancaster, an evangelist of and authority on rainwater harvesting and regenerative practices, hails from Tucson and has had a big impact on their policies on rainwater and its use.
Image Credit: from Brad Lancaster's harvestingrainwater.com
In Perth, Australia, which faces a Mediterranean-type dryland climate, the government has invested heavily in water-efficient technologies and public awareness campaigns. The city has implemented strict water usage regulations and encourages the use of native, drought-tolerant plants in landscaping. Perth's approach to urban planning also includes green infrastructure, such as permeable pavements and green roofs, which help manage stormwater and reduce the urban heat island effect.
Green Roofs - Image Credit: Wix
Back in North America, the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, has become a leader in xeriscaping—a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation. Xeriscaping uses native and drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation systems, and mulch to create beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes that thrive in a dryland environment. Albuquerque also offers incentives to residents who replace traditional lawns with xeriscape gardens, helping to conserve water on a city-wide scale (much like WaterWise Spokane does through the SpokaneScape Program).
Excerpt from SpokaneScape 2024 guidebook, featuring a picture of one of our dry creek beds on page 11!
These cities demonstrate that it is possible to live sustainably in dryland regions by adopting practices that work with the natural environment rather than against it. By following their lead and expanding on the already important work being done here, Spokane can also make strides in conserving water and creating landscapes that are both beautiful and sustainable.
Why We Started Dryland Revival
Understanding what it means to live in a dryland ecosystem was the driving force behind the creation of Dryland Revival. We saw the need for a new approach to landscaping in Spokane—one that recognizes and respects the unique challenges of our dryland environment. We wanted to create landscapes that are not only beautiful but also sustainable, resilient, and reflective of the natural world around us.
At Dryland Revival, our mission is to help our community embrace the beauty and resilience of dryland ecosystems. There are simply so many lawns to replace with drought-tolerant, native plants. By promoting dryland-friendly practices, we aim to create landscapes that are in harmony with the environment and that require less water, fewer chemicals, and less maintenance. We believe that by working with the natural processes of our dryland climate, we can create landscapes that are both sustainable and stunning.
A 2024 Install by Dryland Revival off the South Hill
In doing so, we’re not just creating pretty gardens; we’re contributing to a broader movement towards sustainability and environmental stewardship in Spokane. We’re proud of the work we do, and we’re excited to continue helping our community create landscapes that are as resilient as they are beautiful.
After all, when you live in a dryland, you learn to appreciate every drop of water, every resilient plant, and every opportunity to work with, rather than against, the land. And that’s what Dryland Revival is all about.
Want to get in touch? Fill out the contact form at drylandrevival.com/contact or give us a call at (509)560-4346
Comments