Stormwater Pollution Prevention Events
May 2023
We all play a part in preventing stormwater pollution. Here are some ways to get involved in May and help protect our local waterways! All events are free unless otherwise indicated.
I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) Community Cleanups – The following in-person cleanup events are being offered in May to divert litter from their respective watersheds and local communities.
-
May 6, 9am to 11am – Watershed Warriors: Ramona Cleanup – Attend the kick-off at Ramona Senior Center at 9am then collect trash around the Ramona community to divert litter from the San Dieguito. Offered in partnership with the County of San Diego. Learn more or register.
-
May 13, 9am to 11am – Our Lady of Guadalupe Cleanup – Attend the kick-off at the cleanup site and meet the Councilmember at 9am then collect trash from around the Sherman Heights community to divert litter from traveling to the Pacific Ocean. Offered in partnership with Council District 8 and SDG&E. Learn more or register.
-
May 13, 9am to 11am – Watershed Warriors: Fallbrook Community Cleanup – Attend the kick-off at the cleanup site at 9am and then collect trash from around the Fallbrook community to divert litter from the San Luis Rey. Offered in partnership with the Fallbrook Beautification Alliance and the County of San Diego. Learn more or register.
-
May 18, 3pm to 5pm – Sunset Sweep: Paradise Canyon Cleanup – Attend the kick-off at the cleanup site at 3 pm and then get out there to collect trash from around the Paradise Canyon to divert litter from the San Diego Bay. Offered in partnership with Paradise Gardens and Think Blue San Diego. Learn more or register.
-
May 20, 10am to 12pm – San Diego River Days Cleanup – Attend the kick-off site at Bay City Brewing Company at 10am then collect trash around Loma Portal to keep litter out of the San Diego River and Pacific Ocean. Offered in partnership with the San Diego River Park Foundation. Learn more or register.
-
May 30, 3pm to 5pm – Watershed Warriors: Spring Valley Cleanup – Attend the kick-off site at Lamar County Park at 3pm then collect trash from Memorial Day weekend celebrations to divert litter from the Sweetwater. Offered in partnership with Spring Valley Community Alliance and the County of San Diego. Learn more or register.
Surfrider/Coastkeeper San Diego Beach and Neighborhood Cleanups – Join the San Diego chapters of the Surfrider Foundation and Coastkeeper in their ongoing beach and neighborhood cleanups. Meet at the designated locations below and look for the blue Surfrider or Coastkeeper tent.
-
May 6, 9am to 11am – Ocean Beach Cleanup (Surfrider) – Help with a beach and street cleanup at Ocean Beach Pier. Meet at Ocean Beach Veterans’ Plaza. Learn more or register.
-
May 20, 9am to 11am – Moonlight State Beach Cleanup X Free BYOMug Coffee (Surfrider) – Help with a beach and street cleanup at Moonlight Beach. This month, Bird Rock Coffee will provide FREE COFFEE to anyone who comes to this cleanup with their own cup. Meet next to the restrooms. Learn more or register.
-
May 20, 10am to 12pm – Imperial Beach X Free BYOMug Coffee (Surfrider) – Help with a beach and street cleanup in Imperial Beach. This month, Bird Rock Coffee will provide FREE COFFEE to anyone who comes to this cleanup with their own cup. Meet on the sand behind The Spirit of Imperial Beach Statue in Imperial Beach. Learn more or register.
-
Ongoing – Solo Cleanups (Surfrider) – Participate in safe, physically distant ‘solo’ cleanups on your own – at the beach, in your neighborhood, at your local park, or anywhere in your watershed. Learn more about solo cleanup guidelines, how to tally your trash cleanup activity, and how you can make a difference in preventing trash from reaching the beach in the first place.
-
Six Cleanup Challenge, Flexible Dates/Times (Coastkeeper) – Form a group and participate in the Six Cleanup Challenge to positively impact communities and outdoor spaces up and down the watershed. Pick up trash from two challenge sites in three categories: coastal, inland, and urban. Receive a certificate of completion and appreciation packet as a prize. Learn more and see list of challenge sites.
San Diego River Park Foundation – The following river cleanup, field assessment, and water quality monitoring events are being offered throughout the month of May. Sign up for events as individuals or as a group.
-
Tuesdays and Fridays, 9am to 12pm – River Assessment Field Teams (RAFT) – On Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the month, the RAFT will walk different segments of the San Diego River to identify issues affecting the river, such as trash, debris, and illegal dumping. Learn more or sign up.
-
Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9am to 12pm – River Rescue Cleanups – On Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the month, come out and assist the core volunteer group with river cleanups. Locations change weekly and will be emailed to you the Wednesday prior to the Saturday cleanup events, and on Friday prior to the Wednesday cleanup events. Learn more or sign up.
-
May 7 and May 28, 9am to 11am – River Garden Club Cleanup – Help San Diego River Park Foundation staff or volunteers beautify the Point Loma Native Plant Garden and River Mouth at the river estuary. Cleanups take place every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. Activities include watering, planting, pruning, weeding, path maintenance, and more! Learn more or sign up for the cleanups on May 7th and May 28th.
-
May 13, 9am to 12pm – Clean & Green: River Days River Cleanup – Support a healthy river while interacting with a group of like-minded people by helping the core volunteer team with River Cleanups! Learn more or sign up.
-
May 13, 9am to 12pm – Habitat Restoration at the River Mouth – Help weed the trails and learn the difference between native, non-native, and invasive plants as well as work that is going on in the dunes. Event includes making a take home gift for upcoming Mother's Day! Learn more or sign up.
-
May 17, 8am to 12pm – Preserve Steward Day – Help Preserve Stewards care for the headwaters of the San Diego River by maintaining trails, removing invasive non-native plants, caring for native plants, installing irrigation, and more. Learn more or sign up.
-
May 19 (East County) and 21 (West County), 8am to 12pm – RiverWatch East and West Team Monthly Water Quality Monitoring – Come join the RiverWatch East and West teams to learn how to monitor the water quality of the San Diego River. Learn more or sign up for the events on May 19th and May 21st.
Buena Vista Audubon Weekly Nature Center Garden Work Party Events – May 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 9am to 12pm – Join the crew at the Nature Center on Monday mornings to do a little maintenance work around the native plant garden and trails. Learn more about the May 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th events.
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation – The following cleanup and restoration events will be offered during the month of May.
-
May 5 – Lagoona Kahuna 2023 Cleanup Challenge – (event timeslots and fees vary) – Help clean up the Agua Hedionda Lagoon by participating in small/large team cleanups (The Big and Small Kahuna Events) or individual/duo/family cleanups (The Mini Kahuna) throughout the day. The day includes paddle board and kayak events on the water, brain games, lunch, and adult beverages. Points will be awarded on the amount of trash collected, and weeds and invasive species removed. Learn more or register.
-
May 20, 9am to 12pm – May Restoration Event – Cove Drive Trail – Participate in the monthly restoration event at Discovery Center Trail to help with invasive species removal, native planting, and erosion control with fellow community members. Learn more or sign up.
Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve – Friday Stewardship Sessions – May 5, 12, 19, and 26, 9am to 12pm – Join stewardship volunteers on Fridays in May in caring for the resources of the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve by establishing, restoring, and maintaining the native plant gardens and habitat, removing graffiti and litter, and helping to clean up the beaches. Learn more or register for the May 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th.
San Diego Canyonlands Cleanup and Restoration Volunteer Events – Join San Diego Canyonlands and various communities in their local habitat restoration and cleanup efforts during the month of May. The work at each event varies but can include planting/caring for native plants, removing invasive plants, and removing trash and debris from restoration areas.
Preserve Calavera Restoration Events – Join Preserve Calavera to help with their May restoration events to improve the conditions of local watersheds. Help remove invasive species and/or plant native plants and seeds.
-
May 13, 9am to 10:30am – Rancho La Costa Preserve, Carlsbad. Learn more.
-
May 20, 9am to 10:30am – El Corazon, Oceanside. Learn more.
-
May 27, 9am to 10:30am – Rancho La Costa Preserve, Carlsbad. Learn more.
San Diego Audubon Habitat Restoration Events – The following work parties and restoration events will be offered during the month of May. The focus will be to help restore coastal dune habitat by removing invasive plants, replanting native plants, and conducting other land management activities.
-
May 13, 9am to 11am – Rose Creek Native Plant Garden Work Party – Join the Friends of Rose Creek to work on The Nature School’s native plant interpretive garden behind Rose Creek Cottage in Pacific Beach. Help weed, water, remove trash and invasive plants, and plant native species. This is an easy one-to-two-hour project and great for children of all ages. Learn more.
-
May 27, 9am to 11am – Wander the Wetlands and Restoration Work Party – Wander the Wetlands at Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve and help build Ridgway's rail nesting platforms, tackle invasive species, plant natives, rabbit-proof the restoration area, and more. Offered in partnership with UC San Diego Natural Reserve System and San Diego Audubon Society. Learn more.
The Living Coastal Discovery Center – Team Up to Cleanup: Pepper Park – May 7, 9am to 11am – Join other volunteers who are passionate about making an impact in their community to help Pepper Park and our ocean stay beautiful! This cleanup is also part of their Trail to Bay Challenge, which is comprised of 3 guided hikes and a cleanup. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and your friends! Learn more or register.
UCCE Master Gardener Association of San Diego – Demonstration Gardens at Carlsbad Flower Fields – May 1-14, 10am to 4pm – Stop by a wide variety of gardens including Whimsy Garden, Protea Garden, California Natives, and more. Master Gardener docents will be happy to answer any of your questions. Learn more by clicking any of the daily calendar links.
WaterSmart Residential Landscape and Irrigation Events – The San Diego County Water Authority’s WaterSmart Program is providing the following free online and in-person 3-Hour Landscape Workshops during the month of May. Funded in part by the County of San Diego Watershed Protection Program.
-
Online Workshops
-
May 3, 5:30pm to 8:30pm – Plants: Inspiring Choices for Our Region – Learn about which plants to use in designing a low-water-use landscape and why some are more water-efficient than others. Learn more or register.
-
May 10, 5:30pm to 8:30pm – Water & Irrigation: Utilizing a Precious Resource – Learn strategies to use our limited water sources wisely, including integrating stormwater capture elements into your landscape and conserving water through simple irrigation system retrofits. Learn more or register.
-
May 17, 5:30 to 8:30pm – Installation & Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment – Learn strategies for success in removing your turf and installing and maintaining your landscaping. Learn more or register.
-
Past Recordings – View past workshops.
-
Designer At Your Door Water Conservation and Landscape Makeover Service – Transform your yard into a beautiful water-saving landscape. Register and attend five 3-hour WaterSmart Landscape Workshops (above) and qualify to receive one-on-one support from industry professionals. Funded in part by the County of San Diego Watershed Protection Program. Learn more about homeowner eligibility and apply.
San Diego Botanic Garden – The following events are being offered in May.
-
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in May, 10am to 12pm – Monthly SAPLinGS Sessions – Children are invited to join for Science, Art, and Play in Garden Spaces (SAPLinGS) activities. Each month the focus will be on a different plant or nature-based theme. Science activities engage kids with cool science and hands-on learning that stimulates curiosity. Art activities focus on projects that spark the imagination. Scroll to May calendar for specific SAPLinGS dates of interest and to learn more.
-
May 6, 10am to 12pm – What is that Bug and What Do I Do About It In-Person Class ($$ fees vary) – Learn how to protect your plants, the garden, and the environment. Topics include how best to approach various pests and fungi in your garden, when to use a pest product, and which ones you can safely wash off with water. Registration closes on May 3rd. Fees include Garden admission. Learn more or register.
-
May 20, 10am to 12pm – Water Wisdom Workshop #1: Choosing Your Plants and Basic Design Ideas ($$ fees vary) – Attend part one of a three-part series on starting or enhancing your own water-wise garden and learning the basics of the right plant in the right place. Attendees will learn about beautiful, easy, water-wise plants that will invite wildlife and thrive in their landscape.Registration closes on May 18th. Fees include Garden admission. Learn more or register.
The Water Conservation Garden – The following events are being offered in May.
-
Spring Garden & Butterfly Festival – May 6, 9am to 3pm – ($$ fees for some event experiences) – This year’s festival includes a variety of unique experiences and workshops, as well as live bands, food vendors, a plant sale, and more. Entry into the event is free, but there are fees for some of the event experiences. Below are descriptions of some of the unique experiences being offered.
-
9am to 2:30pm – Landscape Design On-Line Consultation – ($$ fees vary) – Receive helpful advice from professional landscape designers and architects on how to make changes to your landscape, incorporate water-wise plants and materials, qualify for a rebate, or obtain guidance for installing a new water efficient landscape. Offered in 45-minute timeslots. Learn more or register.
-
9am to 3pm – Petting Zoo with Experiences – ($$ fees vary) – The "Garden of Eden Mobile Petting Zoo" will join the Festival with 25-30 animals including "David" the mini Appaloosa stallion & "Hannah" the Vietnamese Pot Belly Pig, Silkie Roosters, hoppin' bunnies, cute chicks, baby goats, female sheep, and "Mary & Louise" the Peking Ducks! Purchase tickets at the event. Learn more.
-
9:30am to 2:30pm – Butterfly Releases – ($$ fees vary) – Release your very own butterfly to nectar on nearby flowers in the beautiful outdoor Butterfly Pavilion and native Habitat Garden. Offered every half hour. Learn more, register or buy tickets.
-
10am to 11:30am – Native Landscaping Principles – Learn about the importance of planting with natives in a fun and inspiring workshop provided by San Diego Canyonlands Director, Clayton Tschudy. Unincorporated residents of San Diego receive FREE Landscape Design Consultation (at a later date; note limited supply) and a FREE native plant if registered to attend this class. Sponsored by the County of San Diego. Learn more or register.
-
10:30am to 11:30am – Ms. Smarty-Plants™ Spring Fling Pollinator Party – ($3 fee) – Come dressed as your favorite pollinator and learn about bees, butterflies, and other pollinating friends. Enjoy an interactive show and a day of pollinator activities and a nice treat with Ms. Smarty-Plants™. Learn more, register, or buy tickets.
-
1pm to Close – World Labyrinth Walk – “Walk as One at 1” to create a rolling wave of peaceful energy across the globe in celebration of World Labyrinth Day. Learn more.
-
1:30pm to 2pm – Garden Tour – Walk the trails with a Docent Tour Guide, see beautiful water-saving landscapes, and learn what makes a garden flourish. Learn more.
-
May 17, 9:30am to 10:30am – Lil’ Sprouts Storytime with Ms. Smarty-Plants Spring 2023 – Join Ms. Smarty-Plants™ on the 3rd Wednesday of every month for a featured story followed by a nature craft. Storytime is free with Garden Admission. Registration will close on Monday, March 13th. Learn more or register.
-
Wednesdays in May, 3pm or 4pm – Landscape Design On-Line Consultation – Spring 2023 – ($$ fees vary) – Receive helpful advice from professional landscape designers and architects on how to make changes to your landscape, incorporate water-wise plants and materials, qualify for a rebate, or obtain guidance for installing a new water efficient landscape. Offered in 45-minute timeslots beginning at 3pm or 4pm. Learn more or register.
Landscape and Water-Savings Webinars – A series of landscape and water-savings webinars are being offered throughout the month of May. Dates and times vary. Hosted by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. See calendar and learn more or register.
-
Drip Irrigation Fundamentals – Learn how to save your landscape by understanding soil moisture balance, key components of a properly installed drip system, typical problems with drip and how to avoid them, and developing a successful maintenance practice.
-
Rainwater Harvesting – Learn how to design your yard using watershed-wise landscaping including criteria and considerations when selecting rain capture methods such as swales, berms, cisterns, and hardscapes.
-
California-Friendly Native Plant Webinar – Learn how to design a yard using the four principles of gorgeous and watershed-wise landscaping including building healthy soil, capturing rainfall, selecting native plants that minimize water use, and controlling irrigation.
-
Garden Design Workshop – Learn how to identify critical steps for successfully designing a watershed-wise landscape including developing a successful planting plan, developing a palette of climate-appropriate plants, and sizing and siting the rainwater capture area.
-
Irrigation & Water Use Efficiency – Learn how to design a yard using the principles of watershed-wise landscaping. Topics include overview of an irrigation system, programming a controller, why drip over spray, and easy ways to conserve water.
-
Turf: Remove, Replace, or Maintain Organically – Learn how to design your yard using principles of watershed-wise landscaping including removing your lawn without chemicals, building healthy soil, and selecting climate-appropriate and water-wise plants.
-
Goodbye Grass: Qualify for a Turf Replacement Rebate – Learn about replacing your lawn with a watershed-wise landscape, including removing turf without the use of chemicals, replacing it with climate-appropriate plantings, and how to apply for a turf replacement rebate.
California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Naturehood Monthly Gardening Webinar – Milkweed, Monarchs & You – May 9, 5:30pm to 6:30pm – California is home to a variety of native milkweeds. Find out how you can grow them to support monarchs at all stages of life! Learn more or register.
I Love a Clean San Diego (ILACSD) Waste Reduction Events – The following waste reduction events are being offered in May.
-
May 3, 11am to 12pm – Organics Waste Recycling Webinar – City of San Diego – Learn the importance of diverting organic waste from our landfills, how to properly dispose of food waste through the curbside organics recycling program including, and how to reduce food waste in the kitchen through meal planning and food storage. Sponsored by the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department. Learn more or register.
-
May 3, 3pm to 4pm – Food Scraps Recycling Webinar for San Diego Businesses, Part 1 – Learn how to successfully implement organic waste recycling at your place of work including tips and tricks for food scraps recycling and case studies from local businesses who have implemented changes successfully. Learn more or register.
-
May 10, 3pm to 4pm – Creating a Zero Waste Business Webinar for San Diego Businesses, Part 2 – Learn how to create a zero-waste business by incorporating sustainable solutions in the workplace. Topics include the basics of zero waste, ideas to get started, and case studies from local businesses who have implemented changes successfully. Offered in partnership with the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department. Learn more or register.
-
May 13, 10am to 2pm – Oil Filter Exchange Event – Unincorporated County Residents – Recycle your used oil and oil filter at participating AutoZone Centers. Bring in a used oil filter and receive one free. Offered in partnership with the County of San Diego. Learn more and find participating AutoZone Centers.
-
May 18, 5pm to 6pm – Green Routines Webinar – Learn how to eliminate waste from your daily routine by adopting zero waste practices throughout your home. Topics include sustainable product swaps, recommendations for local zero waste businesses and shops, and recipes for DIY zero waste cleaning and personal care products. Offered in partnership with the City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department. Learn more or register.
Solana Center for Environmental Innovation Waste Reduction Events – The following residential and business online and in-person events are being offered in May.
-
May 9, 2pm to 3pm – SB 1383 Compliance – Commercial Food Waste Prevention Webinar – County of San Diego – Learn strategies to reduce food waste, save money, and get ahead of state regulations impacting your business. Topics will include impacts of food waste on your business and the environment, food waste legislation (SB 1383), practical tips and strategies to prevent food waste and save money, and guidance on food donation, liability protection, tax incentives, and how to get started. Funded by the County of San Diego Recycling. Learn more or register.
-
May 17 – Free E-Business Waste Pickup – A free e-waste pick-up service is being offered to businesses in San Diego County. Register by the second Friday (May 12) of the month for the following Wednesday pickup. Urban Corps will contact you to confirm pick-up. Offered in partnership with Urban Corps. Learn more or sign up.
-
May 20, 10am to 11am – Green Living Tour – Learn how to live a more sustainable lifestyle with some easy steps to address issues around water, waste, and soil health. You’ll see sustainability in action as you explore worm bins, grey water systems, innovative compost projects, a water-wise garden, a tool lending library, and more. Tour is free with a suggested donation of $10. Learn more.
-
May 20, 10am to 12pm – All About Worms Workshop – City of San Diego – Learn about the benefits of vermicomposting (composting with worms) and turning food waste into nutrient-rich castings for your garden. Topics include how to feed your worms and which foods are suitable, troubleshooting and maintaining your worm bin, and harvesting and using finished castings. Offered in partnership with Allied Gardens/Benjamin Library. Funded by City of San Diego Environmental Services. Learn more or register.
-
May 21, 10am-11:30 am – Composting and Manure Management Workshop – County of San Diego - Learn the basics of traditional composting as well as the particulars associated with composting livestock manure on-site. Topics include creating a closed-loop manure system that will reduce hauling costs, enrich your soil, and conserve water on your property. This event will be hosted at the Walnut Grove Park located at 1950 Sycamore Drive, in San Marcos. Learn more or register.
-
May 24, 5:30pm to 7:30pm – All About Worms Workshop – City of Encinitas – Learn about the benefits of vermicomposting (composting with worms) and turning food waste into nutrient-rich castings for your garden. Topics include how to feed your worms and which foods are suitable, troubleshooting and maintaining your worm bin, and harvesting and using finished castings. Offered in partnership with the San Diego Botanic Garden. Funded by the City of Encinitas. Learn more or register.
-
May 31, 6pm to 7pm – Vermicomposting Basics Webinar – City of Encinitas – Learn the benefits of vermicomposting (worm composting) as an environmentally-friendly way to turn your food waste into nutrient-rich castings for your plants or garden beds. Includes tools, materials, and steps to start a vermicompost bin, how to feed your worms, and which foods are suitable. Funded by the City of Encinitas. Learn more or register.
The Living Coastal Discovery Center – Learn the basics on how to start your own compost pile and turn food waste into nutrient-rich soil by attending the following on-site and virtual events. Chula Vista residents can purchase a Soil Saver compost bin for $35 after attending one of the City’s composting workshops or the Spring 2023 Master Composter Course. Sponsored by the City of Chula Vista. Learn more or register.
-
Every Sunday in May, 2pm to 3pm – On-site workshop free with admission.
-
May 7, 2pm to 3pm – Virtual workshop.
- Pre-recoded workshops – View video compost workshops
SD Environmental Services One-Day Collection Events – City of San Diego – May 13, 9am to 1pm – A one-day household hazardous waste (HHW) collection event will be held at the Chollas Operations Yard at the corner of College Grove and Caminito Chollas. Learn more.
San Diego Fix-It Clinic and Goodwill Industries – May 13, 11am to 1pm – Join Goodwill Industries of San Diego County at their San Ysidro location as they host a fix-it clinic focused on providing hands-on guidance to you on assessing, disassembling, and possibly repairing broken or non-functioning electronics, appliances, computers, toys, clothes, etc. Only one item allowed. Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Learn more and pre-register.
Free Drop-Off and Recycling – City of Lemon Grove – May 6, by appointment – The City of Lemon Grove is offering a free recycling drop-off event for household hazardous waste (HHW) including batteries, bulbs, electronics, paints, chemicals, medical sharps, and more. Learn more.
Rainwater Harvesting Workshops & Free Rain Barrel Giveaways – Various Dates in May – The County of San Diego's Waterscape Rebate Program is hosting free rainwater harvesting workshops throughout the month of May and will be giving away a free rain barrel for those in attendance (limited availability). Call (619) 777-9071 or submit an interest form to learn more.
I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) Miramar Landfill Bus Tours – City of San Diego Residents Only – May 2, 9am to 11am – Attend this two-hour bus tour for a peek behind the scenes to find out what really happens when you dispose of waste and clear up the myth of throwing something “away”. Offered in partnership with the City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department. Learn more or register.
Center for Watershed Protection – 2023 Webcast Series: Webcast 4 – Realistic Restoration Targets in Urban Areas ($159 fee) – May 24, 10am to 11:30am Pacific Time – This presentation will provide information on urban stream restoration and high stormwater runoff based on the experience of Fairfax County, Virginia’s Stormwater Planning Division. Topics include how regulatory drivers shape outcomes, as well as current efforts to set realistic goals, adapt restoration methods for higher functioning reach, and establish rigorous monitoring programs to measure outcomes. Learn more or register.
|
