To conserve rare and endangered plants suitable for growing in outdoor habitats at Quail Botanical Gardens. The conservation effort will be guided by the World Conservation Strategy as formulated by the World Conservation Union (IUCN).

Quail Botanical Gardens supports the San Diego County Water Authority's 20-Gallon Challenge campaign through the Garden's use of recycled water. Scenic trails at Quail allow visitors glimpses of many different horticultural habitats, many of which are irrigated with recycled water. Quail has used recycled water for three years and was the first botanical garden in California to use recycled water. Currently, Quail uses approximately seven acre-feet of recycled water annually in its gardens and is expected to expand recycled water use up to 25 acre-feet annually in the near future. Quail also supports the 20-Gallon Challenge through the use of drought tolerant plants and landscapes including artificial turf that is interpreted as an alternative to the water thirsty lawn. Quail Botanical Gardens was recently recognized by the WateReuse Association as the 2007 Recycled Water Irrigation Customer of the Year.