Largest Trash Cleanup in the World
International Coastal Cleanup Day Comes to the Bay
"America's new foundation will be built one community at a time, and that starts with you." President Obama's rallying call to action this year for his summer service project reminded us that we don't have to wait around for politicians to change the world. Change starts from the ground up. By starting in our own backyard, we can collectively make an impact in our global community. This "think global, act local" concept is exactly what International Coastal Cleanup Day is all about.
Blueprints for a Bioswale
Using Low Impact Development to Manage Stormwater
Nature is the ultimate landscape architect. From just a few molecules of stardust, natural systems have created a complex and beautiful world. Yet humans have altered or even destroyed these systems in many ways. We've dammed rivers and streams, channelized creeks, and paved over much of the green in our environment to accommodate more buildings, sidewalks and cars. One need only look at maps of the Bay Area 100 years ago to realize how many creeks, lakes and rivers we've lost. Thankfully, there is still hope. We can restore natural systems, and ensure the integrity of the built environment, by copying nature's ingenious blueprints - especially when dealing with rainwater.
What's in Your Watershed?
The Lovely Long-billed Curlew
The long-billed curlew is an epic bird. Not only is it the largest shorebird in North America, it also displays one the greatest aerial shows of any avian flier. During breeding season, the curlew flies in fast loops as part of a courtship dance. This ostentatious display attracts both feathered mates and human bird-watchers alike. Named for its long, slender bill and "cur-loo" call, curlews are also called "candlestick birds" and are the namesake for San Francisco's Candlestick Point.
Nature's Gardening Tips
Saving Water with Hydrozoning
As gardeners, we often strive to mimic the ease and rhythm of the natural world. It turns out we don't have to go far to discover nature's beauty tricks. We can learn one of nature's best management practices by strolling along the creek banks, coastal hills, and grassy meadows that grace the Bay Area. Looking closely, we see recurring patterns of the same thriving plants clustered together. Why is this? California natives and Mediterranean-type plants grow naturally in communities based on their shared specific habitat needs such as water, soil, light, and microclimate.
