Knowledge

by Charlene Burgi

This week a friend sent an email containing a test that challenged the reader’s knowledge of science. I dropped all that I was doing and quizzed myself before sending it on to my daughter, son and Jack with my results. The gauntlet was officially thrown down and the game was on!

It seems the family loves these challenges, as we all get caught up in self-testing. It made me wonder if you, too, enjoy seeing just how much you know? Are you in? Okay, I am throwing down the gauntlet! Answers will be found at the end of the blog. No fair checking our website or internet for answers first!

1. How many water supply reservoirs does MMWD maintain on the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed and in West Marin? Extra points if you can name them all.
a. 3
b. 7
c. 12
d. None of the above

2. Which sprinkler heads are most efficient on a slope?
a. Impact heads
b. MP Rotators
c. Spray heads
d. Rotors

3. It is acceptable to mix various types of sprinkler heads on the same valve.
a. True
b. False

4. It is best to use pressure-compensating emitters on a slope.
a. True
b. False

5. As a whole, we use more water:
a. Washing clothes
b. Flushing toilets
c. Watering lawns
d. Taking showers

6. Clay soil doesn’t have any nutritional value.
a. True
b. False

7. All native plants are low-water users.
a. True
b. False

8. Evapotranspiration refers to:
a. Loss of water from the soil
b. Loss of water from plants
c. Both a and b
d. None of the above

9. The evapotranspiration rate is highest in:
a. Mid August
b. Beginning of September
c. End of April
d. End of June

10.  Toilet leaks can waste as much as
a. 1 gallon a day
b. 15 gallons a month
c. Too small to measure
d. 500 gallons a day

The next step we take in the family is to share our answers and where we got hung up. It opens up the discussion! Did you learn anything or was this just too easy? Did you share this test with your family, too?

Join Us for the Marin-Friendly Garden Tour on Saturday, May 18

If you haven’t registered for tomorrow’s Marin-Friendly Garden Tour, it’s not too late! This FREE, self-guided tour showcases nine Marin gardens designed to protect our local environment and conserve water. Discover native plant selections, edibles, rainwater catchment, wildlife habitat gardens, recycled materials, composting systems and more. Visit our website for last-minute registration details.

Answers

1. – b. MMWD’s reservoirs include Phoenix, Lagunitas, Bon Tempe, Alpine, Kent, Nicasio and Soulajule.
2. – b. Slow precipitation rates of the MP Rotators will allow the water to penetrate instead of run off.
3. – b. Each type of head throws out different gallons per minute, causing some areas to get too much water and other areas not enough–what we call a lack of distribution uniformity.
4. – a. Non-compensating emitters will lead to water running out faster at the bottom of the slope, leaving little emitting at the top.
5. – c. Lawns use the highest amount of water.
6. – b. Clay has nutrients trapped in its particles. Adding amendments can break down the particles and release the nutrients for plant needs.
7. – b. There are many aquatic native plants.
8. – c. Soil loses moisture through evaporation; plants lose water through transpiration.
9. – d. On average, plants require more water at the end of June than any other time of year.
10. – d. Can you believe that! You can lose up to 500 gallons a day!!

Garden Tour Sneak Preview: Going Native

by Greg Van Trump

Registration is still open for the 2013 Marin-Friendly Garden Tour, scheduled for Saturday, May 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It only takes a minute to sign up using our online registration system, and there’s no charge to attend! We hope you can join us.

The 2013 tour features nine inspiring gardens that showcase a variety of environmentally friendly practices, ranging from conserving water to creating wildlife habitat. Here’s a sneak preview of one of the gardens on this year’s tour.

Photo courtesy of David Long

To find California native species in a garden is fairly common in Marin, but a garden planted entirely with California natives is an exciting and rare find. Sectioned into riparian, woodland, meadow and chaparral plant communities, this hillside garden offers an easy way to experience a variety of native plant species at one convenient location. As you stroll along the crushed lava rock path that leads through the property, you will pass through riparian and woodland habitats, complete with a dry creek bed wandering down the side of the house and then exiting under two volunteer California live oaks. The path continues through a sedge transition meadow then across a dry meadow featuring drought-tolerant grasses, perennials, a variety of annual wildflowers and showy red and pink clarkias. Don’t worry if you are not keen on plant identification as nearly all the plants are labeled. And finally, a variety of chaparral species rounds out this wonderful exhibit of California natives. The dry meadow, chaparral and hedgerow areas are no longer watered, flourishing only on rainfall provided by Mother Nature. This garden is certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a Wildlife Habitat Garden and by the Bay-Friendly Coalition.

Consider planning your visit to this garden around noon, when the property owner will discuss “Gardening with California Natives”—one of three free garden talks included as part of the tour.

Why Conserve Water?

by Charlene Burgi

It was the question in the upper left-hand corner of the saveourh2o.org website that caught my attention. I wondered if the average person tosses away the question of conserving water like a worn-out pair of shoes. For me, the question took me back to a conversation I overheard a few weeks ago between Jack and our 80-plus-year-old neighbor.

They spoke of water rights, which drew me in as I hoped to glean more knowledge about a subject I knew little about. During the conversation, I learned that our ranches had first rights to our allotments, but others downstream were only given second rights to the use of that water. It was easy to understand the concern of those who might need more water than they were allowed—especially where one’s livelihood hinges on having enough water for cattle and crops. The conversation had me running to the computer to find out how these rights were established, and I found, as a side note, that the ‘49er gold rush played a huge part in the water laws of California!

While exploring the subject, I considered what water rights meant to me growing up in San Rafael. Awareness seemed to be the missing link between the two worlds. We grew up believing we had the right to turn on the water without thought of how that use would affect our neighbor. We had no restrictions regarding the time of day or year we could use water. The only minor concern was how that usage would show up on the water bill, and as a child, that thought barely crossed my mind—let alone the idea that this was a resource we needed to share with others!

Our awareness of water changed when the 1976-77 drought came. Everyone scrambled to conserve as reservoirs became dangerously low. MMWD customers cut back their consumption by 63 percent. Heritage landscapes were sacrificed to stretch our water supply for indoor use. Creative ideas about how to save water were shared in local newspapers and seen on television ads. The talk carried over to social events, educational institutions and the dinner table. Lack of rain sharpened our awareness. Many of us who lived in Marin during those days continue those water-saving habits today.

Though retired, I continue to read about water. There is a real concern about the lack of usable water for our world’s growing population. Many places suffer from horrible drought. Even in Marin—where we’re fortunate to have access to clean, local water—our supply is limited. We depend on rainfall captured in our local reservoirs. Still, most of us take for granted that when we turn on the faucet the water will be there. I wonder what we all need to do to raise our awareness to a higher level? What can you do to improve the conservation practices in your home? Are your toilets the most efficient? Is the garden mulched? Are you using smart controllers programmed to replace only the amount of water lost through evapotranspiration? Can those actions take care of our neighbors who may not have enough water?

Check out the saveourh2o.org website. There are many conservation ideas and resources for both the homeowner and the professional. You’ll find short videos demonstrating various methods of improving irrigation systems, as well as links to manufacturers’ manuals, suggested literature, tips and more. Let me know what you learned, or share your conservation ideas with other readers. Let’s all sharpen our awareness!

Endangered Baker’s Larkspur Faces New Challenge

by Jaimie Baxter

This post is the fourth in a year-long series celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. Read the previous post here.

Baker’s larkspur in bloom near Soulajule Reservoir (Doreen Smith 2000)

When you think of a species in peril, what comes to mind? In the San Francisco Bay Area, most would say the mission blue butterfly (Aricia icarioides missionensis) or the coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). These two species are well-known in the Bay Area for their dwindling numbers and declining habitat. The mission blue butterfly was Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s (GGNRA’s) “Species of the Year” in 2011. This meant that educational programs, events and restoration activities throughout the year on GGNRA lands were focused on this sensitive species. As for the coho, these salmon gained front-page real estate in the San Francisco Chronicle more than once for their spectacular spawning rituals. So, what about the lesser-known endangered species? The ones that are not awarded “Species of the Year” but still face habitat threats and alarming declines in population numbers? Endangered species such as the Baker’s larkspur (Delphinium bakeri) have not received the same attention, but they face the same threat of extinction.

The plight of the Baker’s larkspur has been mentioned in past MMWD blog entries, yet much needs to be done to spread the word about this species that only has one small, wild and natural occurrence in the entire world. This population exists on a steep slope in an oak woodland near Soulajule Reservoir in West Marin. Habitat conversion, grazing and roadside maintenance activities have contributed to declining numbers of Baker’s larkspur populations in other areas. Early in 2010, the Marin Municipal Water District, the US Fish & Wildlife Service and the UC Botanical Garden partnered to find suitable habitat in which to plant nursery-propagated specimens of the endangered Baker’s larkspur. Along with members of the California Native Plant Society, these partners planted the larkspur at three sites near Soulajule Reservoir. Directly after the planting, monitoring efforts were encouraging, and optimism filled the air for this fragile, blue-and-purple flower.

Holly Forbes of the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden demonstrating how to build a banana slug fence barrier to be placed around Baker’s larkspur planting locations (Jessica Missaghian MMWD 2012)

Unfortunately, the latest reports state that, while some one-year-old plants survive, it’s too early to know if they will continue to survive the years to come. Holly Forbes of the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden says, “The banana slugs are eating the adult plants. I guess the larkspurs are just so tasty we need to find sites the slugs can’t reach.” Banana slugs are native to Marin County, are often yellow in color and sometimes spotted with brown—just like an overripe banana. To them, the Baker’s larkspur is tasty and because of this, MMWD, the US Fish & Wildlife Service and the UC Botanical Garden attempted to make banana slug cages to protect planted areas. As Holly mentioned in her recent report, the banana slugs are still making dinner of the larkspurs, unfortunately. So, not only have the Baker’s larkspur faced immense pressure from human disturbance, they are now being preyed upon by banana slugs. When will these attractive wildflowers get a break?

Although the mission blue butterflies and coho salmon get the most attention, there are other species disappearing in our wake, other species such as the Baker’s larkspur. But we’re not giving up! Despite initial problems with predators, we hope to gain the upper hand on the banana slugs and help the Baker’s larkspur survive and flourish.

A Mother’s Day Thought

by Jaimie Baxter and Janet Klein

The spring season provides us with a plethora of presents—wildflowers, gorgeous weather and new offspring of our favorite wild animals. If you are lucky enough, you may have the opportunity to witness a northern spotted owl fledging and its mother sitting together on in a tree or a doe licking her fawn clean in an open meadow.

Imagine this scenario. It is early morning and you are running along your favorite trail. Your ear buds are in and your running pace is set. You look to your left and East Peak is glowing in the distance. You look right to the open grassland, and suddenly you see a baby fawn sitting all alone in this open field. You are in awe of the cuteness of this small, brown-and-white-spotted creature. You stop running and tiptoe closer to it. As you get closer, you realize that the mother is nowhere in sight. She must have abandoned her young, or worse, been eaten by a mountain lion. Your mind goes into protection mode and you think that someone must do something. Since you are the only one around, you think it’s up to you to take this fragile fawn to an animal rescue center. STOP!

MMWD equipment operator Darrel Patchin returns a “rescued” fawn to the hiding place carefully chosen by its mother before she went off in search of food. This Mother’s Day, please remember that most babies found in the woods are not lost.

Fawn season has kicked off with an unprecedented number of “kidnappings” this year: concerned folks “rescuing” newborns that appear to be completely alone, when mom had simply settled them down for a nap and gone off to graze. Of the fawns brought to WildCare already this year, nearly all appeared hydrated and recently fed, meaning an attentive parent was nearby.

What should you do if you find a fawn alone? Keep going—Mom will re-emerge when no people are around.

If you should happen upon an animal that appears injured, ill or otherwise in need of help, don’t attempt to provide that help yourself. It is never okay to remove a wild animal from its natural home on the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed. Instead, contact the Marin Humane Society at (415) 883-4621. Their staff is prepared to assess the situation, determine if rabies or another disease is potentially involved, and take appropriate action.

Creative Thinking

by Charlene Burgi

When I get a new idea, I head out to the workshop and barn. Stored treasures are found in and around those buildings. Most items are intended for purposes other than to be used in the garden, but it is where I go to let my imagination run wild! For example, behind the shop are scraps of lumber salvaged from building our home. Jack uses the wood for fueling the wood-burning stove in his shop, but I envision those scraps turned into needed raised planters. Sitting in the barn are old wood-framed windows rescued from garage sales, which could become cold frames to house and protect seedlings. Various lengths and diameters of PVC are always at the ready in case of underground breaks or leaks, but I see future frames for cages built to protect the blueberries and raspberries from our neighboring deer, squirrels, rabbits and birds.

Garden shed

Salvage can be found everywhere. My garden shed was a single-car garage that we rescued from a local rancher who wanted to raze it. Jack backed his trailer up to the structure and managed to lift the building up high enough to drive it over the dirt roads to home. I must admit we looked like the Beverly Hillbillies driving down the road, but I had a vision and purpose! With the shed in place, I now dream of using some of those old windows and turning the structure into my “play house.” Currently there is a dirt floor, yet as I look around I see unused chipped pavers, broken bricks and clay pots, and assorted flat rocks on the property. A mosaic floor will add to that shabby chic garden shed that is already filled with garden tools, assorted pots, bags of soil, and all the toys needed for a gardener’s delight. Visions of wisteria, sweet peas and morning glory grow in containers and soon promise to frame the exterior.

A few years ago a student in my irrigation class shared pictures of his rubble walls. He used old wine bottles, broken concrete and miscellaneous rocks, then filled the voids with various low-water-using plants such as creeping thyme, succulents, campanula and saponaria. The outcome was stunning. Recently, I saw another gardener who had built her raised planter beds out of wine bottles set three to four deep on end with the bottle necks buried in the soil. In both cases using the materials at hand meant money saved and less to the landfill.

Even if you aren’t planning a project as elaborate as these, there are many opportunities to reuse and recycle. Think of all the ideas shared in past blog posts. We’ve use cardboard for sheet mulching, clear gallon jugs with the bottoms cut off to protect tender new plants, popsicle sticks to identify seedlings, saved toilet paper and paper towel rolls acting as organic mini planters to start seed, and compost bins made of pallets to house rich organic material destined to go back into the garden.

Our salvaging doesn’t stop there. Jack and I need to build a protective fence around the vegetable garden, and my eyes drift to the old fence posts saved off the property from years past. Stacking them in a crisscross pattern will enhance the garden. Wire mesh will line the back side to prevent rabbits from entering, and I can already visualize the seedling peas and cucumbers clambering up the wire mesh for easy picking.

Let your creative juices flow. Are there items you can rescue and repurpose? Do you have rubble or waste that can be transformed into something delightful? Please share those ideas with the rest of the readers.

A coop built of salvaged fencing material is home to these chickens. Check it out on the Marin-Friendly Garden Tour May 18.

If you are wondering what ideas you can utilize, don’t miss MMWD’s free Marin-Friendly Garden Tour on Saturday, May 18. The self-guided tour is from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Register online and we will email you the Garden Guide with addresses and driving directions. Several of the featured gardens make use of salvaged and repurposed materials. The tour might offer new ideas and find you rescuing trash to create a unique landscape that captures the interest of those entering your garden gate.

Why is Marin-Friendly Gardening Important?

by Robin McKillop

Perhaps the interconnectedness of gardens, watersheds and people is nowhere more apparent than in Marin. Almost all of our water supply comes from local rainfall, collected from local watershed lands and stored in local reservoirs. Unlike most Californians, people in Marin live in the same watersheds that supply our water, witnessing first-hand the impacts of our activities on our local waterways. It’s apparent that what we do in our gardens has a direct impact on water quality in our local creeks and waterways, and on the plants and animals living here.

Marin Municipal Water District watershed lands total over 21,000 acres, and are home to over 400 species of animals and 900 species of plants, including many rare, threatened and endangered species. The watershed comprises only 0.2 percent of the area of California and five percent of Marin County, yet 15 percent of the state’s native plant species and 50 percent of the county’s can be found here. Lagunitas Creek, which begins above district reservoirs near the peak of Mt. Tamalpais on land owned by MMWD, is a spawning and rearing ground for endangered coho salmon and steelhead trout. It supports one of the best populations of coho salmon in California.

In addition to its critical role in nature, water plays a central role in our gardens. All plants need water to survive, but different plants need different amounts of water. Many plants that grow in Marin naturally have adaptations that allow them to survive through our hot, dry summers without any supplemental irrigation. Other plants, like thirsty lawns, require constant watering and maintenance. In Marin, a lawn the size of a tennis court needs about 400 gallons of water per day in July to remain healthy. That’s equivalent to having 16 people each taking 10-minute showers at your house every day! When you consider that irrigation systems are never 100 percent efficient, even more water is needed. Much of this water is wasted due to runoff, which travels into local waterways carrying harmful chemicals and other pollutants with it.

Marin-Friendly gardening is grounded in the notion that there’s a better way to achieve productive, beautiful gardens and minimize our impact on the environment. Marin-Friendly gardens use practices sensitive to our local environment, particularly ones that conserve and protect our precious water resources.

Want to see Marin-Friendly gardening in action? Join us for the Marin-Friendly Garden Tour on Saturday, May 18.