Stormwater Pollution Prevention Events
JANUARY 2024
We all play a part in preventing stormwater pollution. Here are some ways to get involved in January and help protect our local waterways! All events are free unless otherwise indicated.
Ongoing beach and community cleanups help protect the County’s waterways from stormwater pollution and can preserve water quality for years to come. The County thanks the following beach and community cleanup event partners for their ongoing support in preventing stormwater pollution: I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD), Surfrider Foundation San Diego, San Diego Coastkeeper, San Diego River Park Foundation, Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve (TRNERR), San Diego Canyonlands, Buena Vista Audubon (BVA), San Diego Audubon, Preserve Calavera, Think Blue San Diego, Green Oceanside, Friends of Rose Creek, and ASCENDtials.org.
January 1
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9am to 12pm – Buena Vista Audubon Weekly Nature Center Garden Work Party. Learn more.
January 2
January 6
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9am to 11am – Surfrider Foundation San Diego Ocean Beach Cleanup. Learn more or register.
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9am to 11am – Surfrider Foundation San Diego Oceanside Pier Beach Cleanup. Learn more or register.
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9:15am to 11:30am – ASCENDtials Climate Cares Beach Cleanup and Kemetic Yoga, Torrey Pines Black’s Beach. Learn more or sign up by selecting the 1/6 date on the calendar.
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9:30am to 1pm – San Diego Audubon Community Restoration: Invasive Plant Removal at Fiesta Island Dog Park. Learn more or RSVP.
January 8
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9am to 12pm – TRNERR Monday Stewardship Cleanup and Restoration Session. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 12pm – Buena Vista Audubon Weekly Nature Center Garden Work Party. Learn more.
January 9
January 10
January 11
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3pm to 5pm – ILACSD Stay Classy O’Side: Martin Luther King Jr. Park Community Cleanup. Learn more or register.
January 13
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7:45am to 9:30am and 9:30am to 11:15am -- San Diego River Park Foundation Kayak Clean-Up. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 11am – San Diego Audubon Friends of Rose Creek Work Party. Learn more or RSVP.
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9am to 12pm – ILACSD Watershed Warriors: Invasive Species Removal at Harmony Grove. Learn more or register.
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9am to 12pm – San Diego River Park Foundation Clean & Green. Learn more or sign up.
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10:15am to 11:30am – ASCENDtials Climate Cares Beach Cleanup, Silver Strand Beach. Learn more or sign up by selecting the 1/13 date on the calendar.
January 15
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9am to 12pm – Buena Vista Audubon Weekly Nature Center Garden Work Party. Learn more.
January 16
January 18
January 20
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9am to 11am – Surfrider Foundation San Diego Moonlight State Beach Cleanup. Learn more or register.
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9:15am to 11:30am – ASCENDtials Climate Cares Highway Cleanup, Highway 75 at Coronado Island. Learn more or sign up by selecting the Jan 2024 date on the calendar.
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10am to 12pm – Surfrider Foundation San Diego Imperial Beach Cleanup. Learn more or register.
January 22
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9am to 12pm – TRNERR Monday Stewardship Cleanup and Restoration Session. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 12pm – Buena Vista Audubon Weekly Nature Center Garden Work Party. Learn more.
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9:15am to 11:30 – ASCENDtials Climate Cares Highway Cleanup, Highway 125 at Quarry/Elketon. Learn more or sign up by selecting the 1/22 date on the calendar.
January 23
January 27
January 29
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9am to 12pm – TRNERR Monday Stewardship Cleanup and Restoration Session. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 12pm – Buena Vista Audubon Weekly Nature Center Garden Work Party. Learn more.
Monthly/Ongoing or On Your Own Stormwater Pollution Prevention Events
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Tuesdays and Fridays, 9am to 12pm – San Diego River Park Foundation Assessment Field Teams (RAFT). Learn more or sign up.
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Tuesdays and Fridays, 9am to 12pm – San Dieguito River Park Foundation Dust Devils Trail Maintenance and Habitat Restoration Events. Locations vary. See January event calendar to learn more.
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Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9am to 12pm – San Diego River Park Foundation River Rescue Cleanups. Learn more or sign up.
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Saturdays – San Diego Canyonlands Cleanup and Restoration Events. Times and locations vary. See January event calendar to learn more.
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San Diego Surfrider Foundation Ongoing Solo Cleanups. Learn more.
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Coastkeeper San Diego Six Cleanup Challenge, Flexible Dates/Times. Learn more and see list of challenge sites.
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ILACSD Adopt A Beach, Adopt A Canyon Program, Flexible Dates/Flexible Times – Volunteer to help keep San Diego County maintained, safe, and beautiful. Run an independent beach/canyon cleanup at your chosen ‘adopted’ location at a date and time that works for you. Requirements include a minimum of three cleanups at your chosen site in one year and the reporting of detailed cleanup data to ILACSD. Learn more and adopt a location.
California Native Plant Society (CNPS) – Exploring Calscape, the Tool for California Native Gardeners - Online Event, January 8, 7pm to 8:30pm – Explore the many different features of this amazing Calscape.org website and tool that allows Californians to learn what plants are native to their neighborhood. Calscape tells you all about the plants, their water needs, soil preferences, ease of growth, and much more. You can find out what nearby nurseries carry each plant and what butterflies and moths host off of them. Learn more or register.
UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program Urban and Community Webinar Series – Peach Leaf Curl and Springtime Fruit Tree Diseases Webinar, January 18, 12pm – In this webinar learn to identify and manage fruit tree diseases such as peach leaf curl, fire blight, and others. Learn more or register.
San Diego Botanic Garden – The following events are being offered in January.
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Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 10am to 12pm – Monthly SAPLinGS Sessions – Children are invited to join in for Science, Art, and Play in Garden Spaces (SAPLinGS) activities. Topics vary and will focus 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. Learn more.
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January 18, 10am to 12pm – Succulent Heart Topiary – ($$ fees vary) – Create your own heart topiary table decoration with a variety of succulent cuttings from the Garden. Registration closes on January 13th. Garden admission included in the class fee. Learn more or register.
Landscape and Water-Savings Webinars – A series of landscape and water-savings webinars are being offered throughout the month of January. Dates and times vary. Hosted by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. See calendar and learn more or register.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Deciphering Your Irrigation Controller – Learn about your irrigation controller including understanding irrigation’s role in maintaining a soil moisture balance, outlining the purpose of a weather-based controller, reviewing basic terminology and programming principles, identifying special functions like cycle & soak, and troubleshooting typical problems.
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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.
WaterSmart Residential Landscape and Irrigation Events – The San Diego County Water Authority’s WaterSmart Program is providing past recordings of 3-hour landscape workshops that focus on a variety of topics with a “do-it-yourself” approach. Topics include landscape design and maintenance, soil identification and health, turf types and removal tips, plant selection, rainwater catchment, irrigation retrofits, and project installation. View past workshops.
The Living Coastal Discovery Center Compost Workshops – The following events will be offered in January.
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7 de enero, de 11:30am a 12:30pm – Bilingual Workshop – Aprenda los conceptos básicos sobre cómo comenzar su propia pila de compostaje y convertir los desechos de alimentos en tierra rica en nutrients. Asista a estos talleres in situ, gratis con la entrada. También se encuentran disponibles talleres de video pregrabados. Patrocinado por la Ciudad de Chula Vista. Obtenga más información o regístrese.
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January 14thand 21st, 11:30am to 12:30pm – Sunday Compost Workshops – Learn the basics on how to start your own compost pile and turn food waste into nutrient-rich soil by attending these on-site workshops, free with admission. Pre-recoded video workshops are also available. Sponsored by the City of Chula Vista. Learn more or sign up for the January 14th, and 21st
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January 28, 11:30am to 12:30pm – Vermicomposting Workshop – Learn how to build and care for your own worm bin. Learn more or register.
Solana Center for Environmental Innovation Waste Reduction Events – The following residential and business events are being offered in January.
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Free E-Business Waste Pickup – January 17 – A free monthly e-waste pick-up service is being offered to businesses in San Diego County. Register by Friday January 12th for the Wednesday January 17th Urban Corps will contact you to confirm pick-up. Offered in partnership with Urban Corps. Learn more or sign up.
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January 20, 27, and February 3, 9:30am to 12pm – 3-Week On-Farm Composting Course – Ramona ($25 fee) – In this 3-week composting course that focuses on farms, ranches, or large properties, you’ll learn how to manage crop residues, manures, and other organic waste while creating a stellar soil amendment. Topics include composting basics and management, composting/water saving benefits, neighbor-friendly composting best management practices scaled to farms, and what is permissible on farms without permits. Residents of unincorporated County of San Diego will receive preferential registration. Sponsored by the County of San Diego Public Works in partnership with the San Diego Country Estates Association. Site location International Equestrian Center in Ramona. Learn more or register.
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January 24, 2pm to 3pm – SB 1383 Compliance – Commercial Food Waste Prevention Webinar – 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. Sponsored by County of San Diego Public Works. Learn more or register.
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January 31, 6pm to 7pm – Pulling Back the Lid on Recycling Webinar – Learn about the basics of recycling including the importance of recycling paper, plastics, cans, and organics, basic recycling practices for single- and multi-family dwellings, background on how recycling works and how new products are created, and ways to reduce your waste before disposal. Funded by the City of Encinitas. Learn more or register.
I Love a Clean San Diego (ILACSD) Waste Reduction Events – The following waste reduction events are being offered in January.
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January 20, 10:30am to 11:30am – Sustainability at Home Workshop – Learn how to eliminate waste from your daily routines. Topics include zero waste practices to adopt in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room and home common areas, as well as recommendations for local zero waste businesses. Attendees can also make and take home DIY zero waste cleaning and personal care products and participate in sustainable product swaps at the Swap and Shop booth. Site location Otay Mesa-Nestor Library. Sponsored by City of San Diego Environmental Services Department. Learn more or register.
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January 24, 4pm to 5pm – Green Business Solutions Webinar – Learn how to implement lasting sustainable practices at your business. Topics include the importance of a zero-waste workplace, how going green can improve company culture and economic growth, and how to increase employee engagement. Offered in partnership with Wells Fargo. Learn more or register.
San Diego Fixit Clinics, Spring Valley, January 20, 10am to 1pm – Learn how to reduce waste by fixing things instead of throwing items away. Bring your broken, non-working items—electronics, appliances, computers, toys, bicycles, clothes, and more—for assessment, disassembly, and possible repair. Workspace, specialty tools, and guidance to help you take apart and troubleshoot your item will be provided. Hosted by Zero Waste San Diego. Learn more or register.
City of San Diego 50th Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program Through January 23rd – Trees may be recycled at a variety of drop-off sites throughout the San Diego community. See drop-off site locations and learn more.
Through January 2024 (dates vary depending on city) – Countywide Christmas Tree Recycling – Help divert your Christmas tree from the landfill following your holiday festivities! Many communities in San Diego County have options for Christmas tree recycling at your curbside collection or at various drop-off locations. Options will include both incorporated and unincorporated areas of the County. Locations are listed at WasteFreeSD.org.
South Bay Sustainable Communities Network Monthly Compost Pile Turnings – various days, timeslots and cities – Join South Bay Sustainable Communities Network for monthly turnings of their soil saver compost bins at select compost hub locations throughout South San Diego County. Compost hubs are also available to community members to drop off food scraps. Scroll to bottom of home page to check calendar for hub locations and dates.
11th Annual Campus RainWorks Challenge Launch – Registration January 2nd through January 24th, 2024; Entries due May 24th, 2024 – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Water has launched the 11th annual Campus RainWorks Challenge —a design competition open to colleges and universities in the United States. The Challenge encourages undergraduate and graduate students to foster effective stormwater management and climate resilience practices that showcase the environmental, economic, and social benefits of green infrastructure. Learn more on the EPA Challenge webpage and Campus RainWorks brief.
California Coastal Commission K-12 Coastal Art & Poetry Contest – Entry deadline 5pm, January 31st, 2024 – This contest is open to kids in grades K-12 and focuses on a California coastal or ocean theme. Awards will be provided for both art and poetry entries in five grade categories K-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Poems and artwork must be student’s original work. Winners will be announced in early April. Learn more or enter.
San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy Speaker Series – Connecting Creatures, Climate, and Communities with Chris Khoury – January 3, 6:30pm to 8pm ($$ fees vary, donations accepted) – Join this event for a thought-provoking and inspiring series that explores the intricate connection between creatures, climate, and communities within the San Dieguito River Valley. Learn the ways in which our delicate ecosystem intertwines, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and solutions to a sustainable future. Site location Del Mar Town Hall. Learn more or get tickets.
I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) – The following pollution prevention/education events will be offered during the month of January.
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January 24, 5pm to 6:15pm – Think Blue Brigade – Speak with a Specialist High School Students Career Panel – Join this free virtual career panel discussion to help determine if the environmental industry is for you. This is targeted toward high school students seeking to explore their career options. Learn more or register.
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January 25, 7:15pm to 9:30pm – RiverBlue Screening – Through this documentary, learn about the world’s most polluted rivers by taking a deep dive into the global fashion industry. A Q&A session with a panel of local sustainability experts will follow the conclusion of the film. The film screening begins a two-part ‘World without Water: Solution to Pollution’ event series. Sponsored by Think Blue San Diego. Site location Warren Auditorium at the University of San Diego. Learn more or register.
California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA) Seminar Series – State of the Union, California Stormwater Online Event – January 25, 10am to 3pm ($$ fees vary for non-members) – This seminar will cover 2023 accomplishments and 2024 priorities, perspectives on the year ahead, the California legislative outlook, public participation, outreach and engagement requirements, and more. Learn more or register (non-members).
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Preschool Playdates Program – Daily program Monday through Friday, 9am to 1pm ($$ fees vary) – All children ages 3 to 5 are invited to join the daily program for nature themed lessons and activities. Each day will include environmental education and literacy, a craft made from recycled materials, outdoor play and more. You can choose to register for the entire week, four days, three days, two days or one day a week. Topics vary by month with the January topic being Deep Blue Sea. Learn more or register.
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