Thing you can do for the Watershed

Suggested Actions by Individuals That Will Help Protect and Enhance Resources

 Collectively, actions taken by individuals can have even more impact than actions by agencies

IN PERSON

·         Continue to learn about the resources in the watershed through review of Watershed U materials, web links, studies and reports  - see the Watershed Links and each session pages for LOTS of materials

AT HOME

·         Use water efficiently inside and outside on my property – contact your water district for free and rebate programs on water efficient appliances

For Casitas customers, visit http://www.casitaswater.org/waterconservation/waterconservation.htm, scroll down to the bottom for freebies and rebates

·         Use only  appropriate plant materials in my landscape – non-invasive and native species

·         Minimize or eliminate use of pesticides and fertilizers

·         Dispose of animal waste properly

·         Prepare for floods and fire by limiting planting close to structures and setting structures back from creek and river beds – http://ucanr.org/safelandscapes

·         Reduce or eliminate water runoff from my property using low impact development practices

·         Install rain barrels or other devices to capture and use rainwater for irrigation and other purposes on my property

·         Install approved gray water systems for reuse of gray water on my property

·         Improve irrigation efficiency for landscape and crop plantings – utilize professional resources (NRCS, RCD, U.C. Cooperative Extension), when needed.

Resources: Ventura County Waterwise Gardening - http://www.ventura.watersavingplants.com/

UC Cooperative Extension Home Gardening: http://ceventura.ucdavis.edu/mg_menu/

Surfrider Ocean Friendly Gardening: http://www.surfrider.org/ofg.asp

IN YOUR COMMUNITY

·         Stay engaged by participating in the Ventura River Watershed Council and other groups working to protect resources – such as Ojai Valley Green Coalition, local water districts, the cities and County, Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, Ventura Hillsides Conservancy,  Surfrider, Matilija Coalition, California Native Plant Society (Channel Islands Chapter), Sierra Club (Los Padres Chapter)

·         Get involved in restoration projects, clean-ups, and community gardens – or start them! Volunteer opportunities include the Ventura River Stream Team, Ojai Creek Restoration with Ojai Valley Green Coalition, the land conservancies, Los Padres National Forest, Ventura County Master Gardeners, and local gardens

·         Report water quality problems, poaching, or other harm to wildlife  - 1 888 DFG-CALTIP(888 334-2258)

·         In elections, get educated and vote!

·         Utilize the many trails and recreation areas within the watershed – and take your kids, friends, neighbors…..

Please send Sabrina your ideas on what to add, sldrill@ucdavis.edu