Popular trail renamed for conservation champion Judy Abdo, one of Metropolitan’s longest-serving board members
HEMET – The Wildflower Trail at Diamond Valley Lake was named today in honor of Judy Abdo, a longtime Metropolitan Water District board member and water conservation advocate who encouraged Southern Californians to embrace landscaping with native and drought-tolerant plants.
Officials, family and friends joined to celebrate Abdo, who represented the city of Santa Monica on Metropolitan’s Board of Directors for 28 years until retiring last year, making her one of the longest-serving board members in the organization’s history.
“This trail symbolizes Metropolitan’s now institutionalized values championed by Judy, where conservation has moved beyond the temporary measure for drought management, and now literally contributes to supply,” said Metropolitan board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr.
Abdo was also an early supporter of “California Friendly®,” a trademark registered by Metropolitan in the early 2000s to spotlight the beauty and benefits of water-efficient and native plants like those that give the Wildflower Trail its name. In addition to her work with Metropolitan, Abdo served on the Santa Monica City Council, including two terms as mayor, and had a distinguished career as an elementary school teacher, a school district administrator and leader of a foundation and nonprofit.
“Focusing on our environment and working to make sure future generations understand the value of water and our earth has always been important to me,” Abdo said. “I am thrilled with this honor and am so glad this beautiful trail and outdoor area are available to all who come to visit and learn here.”
In addition to offering seasonal opportunities to walk amongst California poppies, arroyo lupines, Canterbury bells and other California wildflowers, the 1.3-mile Wildflower Trail offers beautiful views of Metropolitan’s Diamond Valley Lake — Southern California’s largest drinking water reservoir. The trail is part of the nearly 13,500-acre Southwestern Riverside County Multi-Species Reserve, which was created as mitigation for the construction of the reservoir.
“This reservoir represents a cornerstone of our region’s water reliability, a sanctuary for wildlife, and a place where people can experience the beauty of nature,” Metropolitan General Manager Deven Uphadyay said. “It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful planning, visionary leadership, and environmental stewardship can work together to benefit all Southern Californians. Judy Abdo understood this well and we are grateful to celebrate her contributions to our region.”
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state-established cooperative that, along with its 26 cities and retail suppliers, provides water for 19 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management programs.
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