Ocean Friendly Gardens

Urban runoff (surface water from our yards, driveways and streets that flows directly into the oceans through our storm drains) contributes to 80% of the pollutants found in our oceans. Although runoff is greatest when it rains, it occurs year round as a result of improper irrigation, car washing, hosing down of driveways and sidewalks are just a few of examples. As water flows to the ocean, it picks up pollutants such as fertilizer, pesticides and oil. Unlike sewage, this water is not treated before reaches the ocean.

In a properly functioning hydrologic cycle, runoff would be absorbed by the ground and vegetation allowing the water to percolate back into the ground to be naturally filtered, as it eventually makes its way back into the water table. The mass amounts of concrete that comprise Los Angeles disrupt this cycle and, as a result, the majority of our runoff rushes straight to the ocean.

Ocean Friendly Gardens (OFG) and parkways utilize CPR© for the garden to significantly reduce wet & dry-weather runoff entering the watershed and ocean:

• Conserve (a) water, (b) fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides (water pollutants), (c) energy (moving water around the state is the #1 user of energy, (d) and reduce the use of gas-powered maintenance machinery (air pollutants) through use of native plants.
• Permeability increased – utilizing materials for a driveway, walkway and patio that allow water to percolate into the soil.
• Retention devices like downspout redirects and rain chains as well as bio-swales, creek beds and dry wells.

For more info & to see pictures of the first demonstration garden done by one of the Chapter’s OFG groups, see the OFG blog: www.oceanfriendlygardens.org.

Volunteer with the Chapter’s OFG Program

OFG Chapter volunteers will be trained to evaluate the needs of people who attend an OFG Workshop (see below) and do on-site assessments and hands-on work. Jobs will include:

• directing people to the OFG blog, online resources and other available resources fill out an assessment form & review Do It Yourself info & other available resources
• working on a homeowner’s landscape
• referring people to professionals when the need is beyond the Chapter’s capacity

Volunteers must attend an OFG training, and can sign up by emailing WLAM OFG Coordinator:
oceanfriendlygardens@surfriderwlam.org

Landscape workshops, plus free tools & info on incentives!

Surfrider Foundation is partnering with West Basin Municipal Water District to provide free workshops. Surfrider brings the water quality component while West Basin bring the water supply perspective.

Check our calendar for upcoming workshops!  Next up: in the WLAM Chapter area: Oct 10th, Malibu (9am-12noon, register at www.scesc.com). But you can attend workshops in other areas (primarily South Bay), so sign up for one if you can make the trip.