Composting
Composting is an easy and effective way to recycle food scraps, lawn clippings, and other yard waste, thereby reducing the amount of refuse that goes into the landfill while creating a valuable, soil enriching resource. If you have food scraps from your kitchen, you can compost, even if you don’t have a yard. This presentation is designed to simplify the composting process and will teach participants how a compost pile works, how to start and maintain a compost pile, and troubleshooting when issues arise with compost.
Native Plants
Native plants grow naturally in our arid climate and do not have the excessive water requirements of those plants from other locales. In addition, the use of native plants provides valuable habitat for wildlife and can be quite beautiful. This presentation explains the benefits of installing a native plant garden, how to integrate them into traditionally sod-based residential landscapes and how to take proper care of them once installed.
Stormwater Pollution
Stormwater pollution occurs when pollution enters our storm drains with runoff water. This water and the pollutants travel through our watershed and end up in the Pacific Ocean. Stormwater pollution has had a significantly negative impact on our environment, but the good news is that this kind of pollution is easily prevented. This presentation will explain how storm water pollution happens and how participants can positively impact the amount of pollution that enters our watershed.
Rain Gardens
As the amount of impervious surfaces such as sidewalks, streets and parking lots has increased, the amount of water filtration through the ground has decreased. Most of our rain water ends up in storm drains where it travels to the Ocean which is unfortunate, since rainwater is necessary for adequate ground water recharge. This presentation outlines a great solution to the problem by describing the benefits of rain gardens, which capture precipitation and create a beautiful focal point in yards. Participants will learn the basics of rain garden creation for implementation in one’s own landscape.
Water Use Efficiency
Water is a vital natural resource. Unfortunately, due to the combination of current drought conditions, an aging water conveyance system, and climate change, the amount of water available to Southern California has significantly decreased in the face of an exponetially expanding population. Using water supplies efficiently is the key to reducing how much water we use. This presentation explains where our water comes from, the factors that affect our water supply and extensive tips on how to use water more efficiently.
