Garden & Pesticides – Flows to Bay

While the intense storms that have been pouring it on us this year may ease the severity of our statewide drought, intense storming also poses a significant threat to the health of our local waterways. Heavy flows of stormwater runoff can transport harmful pollutants such as litter and animal waste from our urban landscape into our local waterways at an alarming rate.

It is more important than ever for our community to implement practices that can help us capture rainwater and prevent stormwater pollution. Luckily, rain barrels and rain gardens are great ways to capture and manage stormwater that flows from buildings and other hard surfaces before it goes down our untreated storm drains and into our waterways.

Schools are perfect locations to incorporate these rainwater harvesting features that serve to conserve water, reduce runoff, and improve stormwater quality in our urban environments, all while educating the youth on stormwater-friendly practices. Click here to learn more about Flows To Bay’s efforts to create rainwater resilient schools in partnership with the San Mateo County Sustainable and Climate Ready Schools Partnership Network.

Last year, Flows To Bay partnered with Half Moon Bay High School (HBHS) to install a rain barrel in front of the school. The project served as an opportunity for the school to increase their stormwater capture capacity and teach their students about the importance of rainwater harvesting and stormwater pollution prevention.

**Joseph Centoni and some of the HBHS students who worked on last year’s rainwater harvesting project.**

Half Moon Bay High School’s Rainwater Harvesting Project

Joseph Centoni, a dedicated Biology, Marine Ecology, and AP Environmental Science Teacher at HBHS, and a group of his AP Environmental Science students led the rain barrel planning and installation. Before installing the rain barrel, the students also created a rain garden, a shallow landscaped depression that captures, cleans, and absorbs stormwater runoff, in the front of the school. The result of all their efforts was a newly installed rain barrel that feeds water into the native drought-tolerant rain garden right next to it.

**Students working together to dig out a basin for the new rain garden at Half Moon Bay High School.**

**Students unloading gravel for their new rain garden basin at Half Moon Bay High School.**

“Students were involved in the installation, especially setting up the overflow area connected (rain garden), and they set the base. A few (students) really advocated for getting the rain barrel installed.”
Joseph Centoni, HBHS

Benefits of Stormwater Capture

Before they added these green infrastructure elements, Joseph said the school’s rain gutters just drained to the street, so by capturing runoff from the nearby roof, they will help reduce the flow of stormwater runoff that can carry pollutants into storm drains and then into our local creeks, the San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean.

Hands-on Curriculum

This rainwater harvesting project allowed the students to be directly involved in the installation efforts and gain hands-on experience that deepened their knowledge of stormwater pollution prevention. Joseph mentioned that the topics of rainwater harvesting and stormwater pollution prevention do come up in AP Environmental Science, but they are not a core part of the curricula. This project allowed his students to understand these topics on a practical level.

The project also helped them develop new skills. Joseph noted that some students had no idea how to do any kind of plumbing at all before the project, but they embraced the learning experience and put all the pipes together themselves.

Students as Sustainability Communicators

The students’ hands-on involvement in the project not only helped them learn the importance of rainwater harvesting, but also encouraged them to share this knowledge with their parents and peers. As sustainability communicators, these students can continue to educate others in the community about their project and the importance of rainwater harvesting.

Visualizing Change

Joseph emphasized the importance of their careful decision to place the barrel in the front of the school. He said there are locations on campus that may have been easier for installation but would not have much use for the water. The front of the school has perfect use for their rain garden project and also delivers extra benefits.

His AP Environmental Science students designed the informational signage out in front of the school that describes the project and features their artwork. Both the project and the signage are highly visible to the Half Moon Bay community and can be the catalyst for important conversations about stormwater management.

**Students putting the pipes together for the new rain barrel at Half Moon Bay High School.**

“Now that we have some of these (rain barrels) around, it’s catching on.”
Joseph Centoni, HBHS

**Students working together to install the new rain barrel at Half Moon Bay High School.**

HBHS and Cabrillo Unified Are Really Pouring It On

HBHS and the entire Cabrillo Unified School District are really pouring it on with their sustainability initiatives, and it’s all about collaboration! Joseph is a part of a fairly new district-wide sustainability committee that inspired him to take on this rainwater harvesting project at his school. As Joseph said, people must be catching on, because they currently have a rainwater harvesting project at every school in the district!

Stormwater pollution prevention starts with you! Not sure where you or your school should start? Flows To Bay is here to help! Reach out to Flows To Bay (info@flowstobay.org) and we’ll help you get set up with a rain barrel or rain garden project on your campus.

Green Infrastructure is one of the most effective ways to manage stormwater runoff sustainably in our communities. By catching, storing, and treating rainwater, green infrastructure (commonly referred to as GI) helps us pave the way to a cleaner, greener tomorrow, whether in the face of larger storms or to build resilience during drought.

What is Green Infrastructure?

Green Infrastructure is a term that loosely refers to nature-based, engineered solutions to minimize stormwater runoff, with pollutant removal and flow control benefits. Operating on scales ranging from sidewalk installations to complete ecosystem restructuring, GI includes a number of infrastructure solutions that work together to improve the environment through nature-based, urban greening, and community enhancement projects.

**GI sites are a cost-effective and resilient approach to managing wet weather and pollutants associated with stormwater runoff.**

Here are some commonly featured components of GI projects and installations:

Biotreatment soil media – specially engineered soils designed to soak up soil relatively quickly while cleaning out pollutants
Mulch – helps retain moisture and maintain plant health
“Curb-cuts” – enable runoff to flow from streets, roads and parking lots into green infrastructure
Specialized vegetation – trees, sedges, rushes, and other perennials uniquely adapted to both wet and dry periods
Rain barrels/cisterns – harvesting and reusing rainwater is a great way for homeowners to reduce pollution, conserve water and minimize stormwater runoff impacts
Permeable/pervious paving – specialized pavers and paving materials that soak up runoff and allow stormwater to stay in place and infiltrate underlying soils or get cleaned up before going down the storm drain
Green roofs – shallow vegetated roof systems can help cool buildings, reduce runoff and beautify our neighborhoods

There are many great design examples in our Green Infrastructure Design Guide. Click to link to view more! www.flowstobay.org/gidg

GI installations filter rainwater that would otherwise flow over permeable surfaces, collecting pollutants along the way before the dirty runoff drains to local water bodies, like creeks, the Bay, and the Oceans. Aside from the core functions of GI, these innovative green facilities also result in environmental health benefits and community climate resiliency by managing flood risks, preparing for drought conditions, lowering heat island effects, and more.

Reducing Stormwater Pollution

GI provides natural filtration which reduces water pollutants from entering water bodies when it rains.

Decreasing Flooding

With the recent storms in San Mateo County and surrounding areas, there is a greater risk of flooding in areas with inadequate drainage networks. Green infrastructure helps mitigate flooding by increasing opportunities to slow the flow of water and improve existing drainage in these areas.

Preparing for Drought and Storming

When GI projects can absorb water, the retained water replenishes groundwater reserves. In some areas, during storm events, GI can absorb significant volumes of water, while excess runoff.

Supporting Wildlife

Green infrastructure projects also increase the natural habitat for wildlife – which helps the ecosystem thrive and maintain balance.

Lowering the Heat Island Effect

Adding trees and plant life to urban areas reduces “urban heat island” impacts where predominantly hardened landscapes and development cause radically warmer ambient air temperatures, especially during high-heat days. GI can naturally cool these areas, resulting in more comfortable living conditions.

Adding Beauty to San Mateo County

There’s no denying that green infrastructure beautifies the landscape, adding life and vibrancy while combating stormwater pollution and increasing climate resiliency.

**Green Infrastructure at Washington Park in Burlingame**.

**Stormwater improvements along Old County Road by the East Side Connect Project in Belmont**.

**Stormwater improvements to Colma Town Hall.**

GI Is A Game Changer In Stormwater Pollution Prevention

As we experience an increase in downpours, our existing green infrastructure projects in San Mateo County are working to effectively capture stormwater. When drought conditions re-emerge, the captured stormwater will help us through the dry spell.

GI is a game changer when chaotic water cycles present themselves. Water that might otherwise flood structures, contaminate water sources, or flow out to the Bay or Ocean unused is instead put to use for our communities in a variety of ways.

Latest Additions In GI Across San Mateo County

Some of the latest completed GI facilities in San Mateo can be found along San Mateo Dr. The project sits between the sidewalk and bike lane and collects stormwater, assists with flooding, and increases safety for cyclists and pedestrians by adding a buffer to the sidewalk and more visibility along the roadside.

New GI Project on San Mateo Dr. in San Mateo

We welcome you to explore our GI story map where we showcase additional areas of green infrastructure throughout our beautiful county. This map will help you locate green infrastructure projects near you.

San Mateo County and surrounding areas are seeing record amounts of rain, but as meteorologist Richard Heim explained in the LA Times, “A few months of really wet weather, well, it’s not going to make much of a dent in these deficits that have accumulated over the years.” So, don’t let this fool you – water conservation efforts are as vital as they’ve ever been, and the San Mateo County residents who participated in this year’s rain barrel program are doing their part to harvest and conserve rainwater!

Capturing rainwater reduces the runoff that otherwise funnels into streets and picks up pollutants from all surfaces, including roofs.

Expanding the Program

After 4 rain barrel distribution events, Flows To Bay sent a total of 825 rain barrels home to over 450 San Mateo County residents. Those 825 barrels will capture 41,250 gallons of water each time they are completely filled!

Thank you to the Public Works Departments of Daly City, Millbrae, Redwood City, and San Mateo for hosting this year’s distribution events. Their assistance, paired with immense resident excitement and support, enabled us to double the number of distribution events compared to last year’s pilot program.

We’re seeing a significant and proactive mindset spreading broadly among communities with an interest in conserving water, preparing for large storm events, and turning rainwater into a resource. This is very exciting to see!

REID BOGERT, C/CAG STORMWATER PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Soaking Up the Rain

San Mateo resident and proud rain barrel program participant, Kevin, shared his excitement on social media through a series of Instagram posts. In his series, Kevin shocked friends and family by revealing that his 50-gallon rain barrel filled up with rainwater in less than a day!

Kevin jumped at the chance to order his barrel this year after hearing about the program last year and missing out on ordering a barrel before the program sold out. Kevin describes himself as “eco-conscious as the average person who’s just trying to do the best he can.” Interestingly, making a big impact isn’t as challenging as one might think! After participating this year and already seeing an immense payoff, ordering additional barrels next year is a no-brainer for Kevin. Kevin’s biggest takeaway after receiving his barrel?

It’s much easier than I thought it would be. Water that runs off a roof can be easily reused with very modest alterations. I don’t know why more people aren’t doing it.

KEVIN SIMPSON, SAN MATEO RESIDENT

Here are some other helpful rain barrel tips we picked up from our chat with Kevin:

When considering how many barrels to get, order more than you think. You’ll be shocked at how quickly your rain barrels fill up!
Use paver stones to level the ground and provide a platform for your barrel(s).
Kevin’s not the handiest guy in the world (his words), so don’t let your handiness skills deter you because setting up the barrel is “incredibly easy.”

Thank you, Kevin, for taking the time to share your experience with your community! Check out Kevin’s rain barrel setup and post series on Instagram @kevin_simpson_stargazer.

Do you have a rain barrel? You can make a positive impact by helping show the importance of this simple action in San Mateo County!

Share a photo of you with your rain barrel setup, tag @Flowstobay in your caption on Instagram and Facebook, and be sure to include the hashtag #FlowsToBarrel.

Add yourself to our interactive map to join the San Mateo County Rain Barrel Movement!

Interested in learning more about rainwater harvesting and gardening tips? Check out our recent blog!

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on future rain barrel events and giveaways!

Improving your garden by introducing native plant life is an easy and visually attractive way to protect our water resources from stormwater (rainwater) pollution! Native plants act as the “first line of defense” and filter pollutants that would otherwise travel to waterways. Working as a natural filtration system is just one of the many environmental benefits native plants provide.

The Benefits of California Native Plants

With winter on the horizon and the rainy season among us, now is the time to consider how colder and wetter conditions impact water conservation efforts in our yard and garden. California is still in a drought, so make the most of the gift of rain this season and incorporate native plants into your landscape to maximize the benefits of rain while minimizing rainwater runoff pollution!

San Mateo County receives an average of 24 inches of rain per year, with the rainy season lasting from October to May. During this period, the excess rainwater that does not soak into the ground travels on streets and pavements (also known as impermeable surfaces) and will pick up pollutants along the way into storm drains, which drain into local creeks, the San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. Because native plants are best suited for the semi–Mediterranean climate, their deep roots absorb rainwater and prevent runoff from ever reaching these impermeable surfaces.

**(Native plants absorb excess rainwater and prevent runoff from reaching impermeable surfaces**.)

Permeable surfaces on the other hand work to counter the effects of runoff from rainwater and irrigation. Permeable surfaces are areas of land that contain materials such as mulch and turf. These materials allow water to trickle through while filtering out pollutants. There are also permeable paving surfaces for driveways and walkways, such as interlocking concrete pavers, porous asphalt, and pervious concrete. The combination of native plants and permeable surface materials prevents harmful chemicals and waste from traveling through the environment when it rains.

When deciding which native plants to surround your permeable walkways and driveway, consider adding Yerba buena, Hummingbird sage, or other climate-friendly plants. These plants do well in areas like San Mateo County, meaning you can enjoy a thriving yard that’s both beautiful and environmentally beneficial all season long. For more plant-related recommendations, check out these resources from the UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo & San Francisco Counties.

Maximize the Power of Native Plants with Your Very Own Rain Garden!

Have you heard about rain gardens? Do you know how they work? If not, we’ve got you covered!

A rain garden isn’t a garden of rain – it’s actually a garden comprised of native shrubs, flowers, and perennials planted in a shallow hole made for rainwater collection. Rain gardens with native plants are a powerhouse for rainwater absorption.

**(Rain gardens help reduce runoff and support local waterways.)**

Rain gardens are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally functional. The strategic placement of rain gardens allows rain runoff (or stormwater runoff) to absorb into the garden’s flower bed, soaking up the rainwater that would usually sit at the foundation of your house or erode your soil.

To help you install your own rain garden and convert a traditional lawn to a water-efficient landscape at the same time, check out the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency’s (BAWSCA) “Lawn Be Gone” community-based rebate program. If you are a customer of a BAWSCA member agency, you are eligible to receive $1-4 per square foot of lawn replaced and can earn an additional $300 by adding a rain garden!

To see if you’re part of a BAWSCA member agency and for more information about the “Lawn Be Gone” rebate with rain garden addition, visit our “Rain Gardens & Rebate Program” web page here.

Support Our Waterways and Your Wallet through Rainwater Harvesting

**(Collecting rainwater in barrels and cisterns is optimal and more cost-effective for watering plants than tap water.)**

Rain barrels are containers positioned next to homes and other standing structures that collect water from downspouts or gutter converters during rainfall. Cisterns are large tanks used for the same purpose – usually for large properties and commercial buildings.

The water collected in rain barrels can feed the native plants in your garden during drought, which cuts down on potable water usage and reduces your water bill. Further, rainwater is optimal for gardening because rainwater is free of the chemicals and additives that are present in tap water, which compromises soil quality over time.

Like native plants, rain barrels and cisterns collect rainwater that would otherwise run onto the pavement/street and wash pollutants, debris (leaves), and chemicals (like motor oil) into nearby waterways through storm drains. When this happens, the water quality and organisms that live in neighborhood creeks, the San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean are impacted.

Learn more about the benefits of owning a rain barrel, the countywide rain barrel rebate, and if you qualify for an additional rebate from BAWSCA here. The combined rebates can cover up to 100% of the per-barrel price (pre-tax) for qualifying applicants!

Use Your Winter Garden to Improve San Mateo County

Use this winter season to make the most of natural resources. Turn rain (or stormwater) runoff into nutrients for plants and wildlife when you use rainwater collection in your winter gardening routine. Score some environmental brownie points by using native plants in your winter landscape, installing a rain garden, or using rain barrels to conserve water.

Simple actions like adding native plants and installing rain barrels and rain gardens are essential to creating a more resilient ecosystem in San Mateo County now and for future generations. Used individually or in unison, these actions significantly impact the surrounding environment and can benefit wildlife, preserve water and soil quality, and make San Mateo County a healthier place to live.

To learn more about stormwater pollution, native plants, rain barrels, and rain gardens, visit flowstobay.org.

Share a photo of you with your rain barrel setup, tag @Flowstobay in your caption on Instagram and Facebook, and be sure to include the hashtag #FlowsToBarrel – we’d love to see you in action making that positive impact!

**(Shaleen of Redwood City with her 50-gallon rain barrel.)**

In 2020, Burlingame residents Don Donoughe and Beth Concoby were ready to make a change. They were not only well aware of California’s need to conserve water, but also tired of their browning lawn and the routine mowing it required. Thus, what started off as an idea to install a single rain barrel blossomed into a full-fledged landscaping “redo,” complete with 5 large rain barrels and a rain garden!

Two years later, Don and Beth have noticed how their rain garden has influenced not only their own enjoyment of the yard, but also their neighbors’. “We’re noticing more people in our neighborhood… I think you somewhat become a catalyst that people see you [making the change] and then others follow.” Plus, they’ve even noticed neighborhood kids enjoying their yard. “They seem kind of fascinated,” noted Beth. One time a little boy passed by and said “Oh, now THAT’S landscaping.”

Early Beginnings

Driven by Beth’s weariness of the grass lawn and Don’s interest in capturing water on-site, the two began researching rain catchment systems. Don reached out to contractors they had heard about from a webinar and was quickly introduced to the idea of a rain garden. Beth found the idea particularly appealing, as they could keep rain water on-site from their rain barrels for use around the garden, while the new landscaping would absorb any excess water into the ground instead of heading straight for the Bay. Plus, Beth noted that “if we were going to do it, installing just one rain barrel made no sense… you might as well capture as much rain as you can.” So, Beth and Don decided on five big rain cisterns, each with a capacity of 530 gallons, and a whole new landscape for their yard. A drip irrigation system connected to their cisterns would help water their reimagined landscape into a self-sufficient system.

Two Years Later

Today, Beth and Don are noticing a plethora of benefits from their rain catchment setup!

Water Capture: Don and Beth’s entire setup now captures around “80 to 90% of the water off the roof… either into the rain barrels or the soil.”
Water Bill Savings: While the new plants required an initial increased water usage to become established, Don mentioned that they “are starting to realize more savings now”
Maintenance & Aesthetics: Their new rain garden is not only practical, but also beautiful! Don said, “It’s nice to not be out there cutting grass…trying to make the yard look nice because it’s so much more interesting now. And it’s low maintenance. So, there’s more than just the water savings. It just looks really good.”
Reduced Herbicides & Pesticides: By having a rain garden filled with native plants, “you’re not using any herbicides or insecticides. So that is reducing the pollution going to the bay from runoff” said Beth.
Pollinators: Beth has noticed that their yard now attracts quite a few pollinator friends like bees and hummingbirds.

Lastly, the two now enjoy the fun and satisfaction of their landscaping switchup! For example, Don told a tale of how heavy storms from last December filled up their rain barrel tanks, causing overflow into the swale. “We basically had a little creek out there that was full of water. And it was very, very exciting… It was fun to see!”

Key Lesson Learned from Don & Beth

Feeling inspired to start on your own rain garden or rain barrel journey? Here’s some advice from our water capturing champs!

Don and Beth both agreed that it’s crucial to decide on your project’s scope early on. Whether you’re working with a professional contractor or planning to DIY your rain catchment setup, having a defined scope can help you plan, remain within your budget, and get an idea of how much work will be required.

When asked if they would recommend it to anyone else, Beth responded with “Oh, absolutely… I think it’s pretty important to do what you can to get drought tolerance and to remove thirsty plants.” Plus, Beth noted, “We get more joy out of our yard without the grass. It’s more interesting. We enjoy spending time in it more.”

So, whether you want to capture and conserve water with growing concern for the drought or simply want to do away with a browning lawn, consider implementing your very own rain catchment system! Everything from a single rain barrel to a complete landscaping switch up makes a difference.

Additional Resources

Rain Barrel Resources: Learn more about rain barrel benefits and the opportunity to receive a rebate up to $200 by checking out this page.
Rain Garden Rebates: Learn about the Lawn Be Gone! and Rain Garden Rebate Program here.
Rain Garden Blog: Check out this past blog post on rain gardens, what they are, and how to get started.

Meet our latest community champion, Nazima C. from Redwood City! Last Fall, Nazima took the initiative to transform her yard’s lawn into a thriving rain garden, home to beautiful drought-tolerant plants and magnificent pollinator friends. Now Nazima enjoys sipping her morning coffee, chatting with the neighbors, and soaking in the sun in her very own oasis amidst urban life.

“It’s very comforting,” Nazima said. “You open the front door, you have this beautiful garden in front of you, and it doesn’t matter that nonsense is going to hit your plate during the day; you just open the door and have 5 minutes sitting on the steps, watching nature do its work, and you think ‘ok, now I can start my work.’”

Nazima’s Yard Transformation Tale

In the Fall of 2021, Nazima had been receiving rather pricey water bills, yet was well aware of the current drought affecting all Californians. She decided it was time to switch up her home’s landscaping.

“Psychologically, people have this notion of grass: it’s in all the Hollywood films, it’s the white picket fence, it’s the lawn. It’s quite a mental leap to get rid of it, but the moment you do you never look back. It’s a huge improvement. Just make that jump. Make that leap!”

After looking around online, Nazima came across the Lawn Be Gone! Program that offers rebates to residents who replace their lawns with a drought-tolerant landscape, with an additional $300 rebate to include a rain garden. Rain gardens are a landscaping technique that involve drought tolerant plants and a shallow depression designed to naturally capture rainwater. These gardens help to reduce flooding, clean water, create natural habitats, and beautify the yard while saving you money!

Nazima then coordinated with a representative from the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA), drew up the garden plans, scheduled a pre-inspection, got the plans approved, and received her rebate in a mere 2 weeks—all of which she found “seamless” and “very straightforward.”

While Nazima emphasized the ease of the rebate process, she noted that “the really compelling part was that the choice of plants was so huge… If you were going to rip up your grass and do something new, it wasn’t going to be cookie cutter to what everyone else had. You can really do a lot with the amount of space that you have.”

Digging Into Change

Equipped with experience in contracting work, Nazima’s husband got to work in removing their lawn and setting the foundation for their new garden. Meanwhile, Nazima used BAWSCA’s list of over 2500 approved plants to pick out their new plantings. With the wide variety of choices, she was able to choose plants that fit her preferences. “I wanted pollinators, so I was looking in the salvia range,” she said. From start to finish, the entire process only took them 1 week to complete.

Soaking up the Benefits

Less than a year after their landscaping switch up, Nazima is thrilled at the abundance of pollinators that now enjoy the garden alongside herself, her husband, her neighbors, and even passerby. The little slice of nature right in her front yard attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. “The salvias are all beautiful and they really do attract the hummingbirds, you walk out and there will be 5 and you think wow, how lucky am I to live here!”

Additionally, Nazima noted that all of her new plants have flourished with essentially zero maintenance. While her previous lawn required regular watering and care, the rain garden has been largely self-sufficient. Nazima even said she went away on vacation for three weeks, but upon her return, you would never be able to tell she was gone just from looking at the yard!

Insights from Nazima

The most important piece of advice Nazima would give to anyone considering implementing a rain garden is that “it’s not as hard as you think it is.” Aside from that, here are some additional insights from our water-wise champ:

Picking out Plants: “You just have to be organized, and it’s really hard to hold on to this at that moment, but everything is going to grow and spread so you don’t need as much as you think you do.”
Practicing Patience: “You have to be patient, but it only takes about 6 months for everything to really flourish.”
More Admiring, Less Maintenance: “Once [the plants are] established they need minimal care, 99% of the time it’s just admiring.”
Cost: “The [Lawn Be Gone and Rain Garden] rebates pay for the plants, and at the end of the day you won’t worry about how much you spent on it because it just brings you so much joy.”

So, if you’re looking to beautify the yard, attract more pollinators, spend less time maintaining, or simply save money on your water bill, why not consider digging into your very own lawn transformation project? Particularly in light of the current drought, you can stay ahead of the curve and make the swap from a grass lawn to a water-wise and beautiful landscape.

Get more information on the Lawn Be Gone! And Rain Garden Rebate Program here and even check out this past blog post to learn more about rain gardens.

In San Mateo County, we often look forward to winter rains to bring life to spring flowers and luscious gardens. However, they may also bring troublesome weeds. While herbicides may seem like the most convenient option, there are safer, less toxic alternatives. Keeping a few eco-friendly weed management tips in mind will help avoid unnecessary pollutants from entering the Bay and impacting our health.

The Impact of Pesticides On Our Waterways

Reaching for a gallon of herbicide is often the first thing we think of when dealing with invasive weeds. While it’ll do away with the weeds, it can also harm our waterways in the process. As we receive spring rain, any pesticides in the soil will be carried in the runoff that will ultimately make its way into the ocean or the Bay. Remember, stormwater is not treated and anything lingering in our soil will find its way into the creeks, the Bay, and the ocean. Even very small amounts of pesticides can be lethal to marine life, birds, and other life forms.

That’s why it’s so important to limit pesticide use as much as possible and implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques when dealing with weeds. IPM is a strategy that emphasizes less-toxic pest management methods that address the root cause rather than symptoms of pest problems.

*Allowing native plants to grow in your garden can attract beneficial pollinators.*

Know What’s Growing In Your Garden

The first step in dealing with weeds safely is to know how to identify them. Weeds can be hard to identify, and as a result they often all end up being treated the same. It’s easy to forget that while weeds may be annoying, they are just plants growing in the wrong spot. They’re not always harmful in gardens, and may even be beneficial. Some so-called weeds attract pollinators and introduce nutrients into the soil. If you have specific questions about identifying a weed or coming up with a management plan, you can ask a Master Gardener by sending them an email here.

On the other hand, some weeds are invasive species that can be detrimental to gardens we spent lots of time building as well as to native wildlife. Check out the California Invasive Plant Council for resources to identify invasive plants.

*Pulling weeds by hand can be incredibly effective, either by hand or with the help of tools.*

Controlling Weeds

Once you’ve determined that a plant is a harmful weed, decide on the least toxic way to get rid of it. Fortunately, there are ways to treat pesky weeds without the use of toxic chemicals. They include:

Utilizing mulch: Weeds have a harder time growing through mulch and the ones that do are often easy to pull! Mulch also helps keep the soil underneath moist, so you can reduce the amount of times it needs to be watered.
Hand pulling: Weeds can be easy to pull by hand, or with the help of tools, when they’re still young and the soil is wet.
Sprouting new life: You can help your yard by using ground cover which makes it harder for weeds to grow. After pulling a weed from your lawn, sprinkle some grass seeds over the spot to encourage grass to grow back there.
Mowing: Mowing before weeds have the chance to grow helps to keep them more manageable.
Take care of your soil: Many common weeds grow in dry soil, compact soil, or poorly draining soil. Identifying the weeds in your garden and what kind of soil conditions are encouraging their growth is the first step in deciding how to amend your soil to discourage those weeds.

Learn more about eco-friendly weed management here.

Interested in Learning More?

If you’re looking for more weed identification tips and eco-friendly tips for weed control check out this recording of our Spring Blooming: Eco-Friendly Weed Management webinar!

On Saturday, January 29, 2022, Flows To Bay held an event to distribute 396 pre-purchased 50-gallon rain barrels to San Mateo County residents. Residents from 17 of the county’s 20 cities and towns and unincorporated areas picked up their barrels at Lyngso Garden Materials in San Carlos.

We distributed 396 50-gallon rain barrels.

This was Flows To Bay’s second rain barrel distribution event in three months and was organized to accommodate residents’ unexpected enthusiasm for rain barrels. This program was initially launched as a pilot program in September 2021 as an effective water capture and conservation strategy against California’s ongoing drought condition. Flows To Bay distributed 330 purchased rain barrels at the first event on November 13, 2021. After this initial event, there were still nearly 200 residents on the waitlist for a rain barrel, prompting a relaunch of the program once inventory became available.

“This program aimed to educate residents about the water conservation and pollution prevention aspects of rain while providing an easy and affordable way to take action. The countywide rain barrel rebate funded by the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County and agency partners coupled with this rain barrel program is just one way that we hope to underscore just how valuable water is as a resource. Clean water, a healthy community—it’s truly a team effort!”
REID BOGERT, C/CAG STORMWATER PROGRAM SPECIALIST

The countywide rain barrel rebate program that provides a minimum $50 rebate per rain barrel. Residents can take advantage of the rain barrel rebate program with any qualifying rain barrel purchase and can get additional information at flowstobay.org/rainbarrel.

Beyond water conservation, capturing rainwater also improves the water quality of our local creeks, the San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. Rainfall funnels into streets, collecting urban pollutants from all surfaces, including roofs. These pollutants then flow into storm drains and nearby waterways without treatment. Runoff is the number one source of pollution in our waterways nationwide. Rain barrels help reduce the number of pollutants that reach our waterways.

Reid Bogert, C/CAG Stormwater Program Specialist, loads rain barrels into a truck bed.

Just how much of an impact did this program have?

At 50-gallon capacity a piece, the combined 726 rain barrels purchased from this program will be able to capture 36,300 gallons of water each time the barrels are filled. This also means 36,300 gallons of runoff that won’t enter our waterways, reducing the amount of pollutants that reach our waterways.

This program far exceeded its initial goal of selling 100 rain barrels. San Mateo County residents showed such enthusiasm for conserving water with rain barrels that several individuals waited until after the distribution event ended for the possibility to buy unclaimed rain barrels.

“It’s very exciting and encouraging to see such enthusiasm and increased demand for this bulk discounted rain barrel program, as we approach our second event. C/CAG works on various issues that affect quality of life in San Mateo County, including addressing stormwater runoff and planning for climate change, among others. This rain barrel program attempts to address water resilience from a holistic standpoint, while bringing accessible and affordable options into our communities. This is exactly the type of impact we strive to make. We could not be happier with the results of this program and look forward to expanding it in years to come.”
MARIE CHUANG, CHAIR OF THE C/CAG BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COUNCILMEMBER, TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH

Residents may still take advantage of the rain barrel rebate program with any qualifying rain barrel purchase. To learn more visit flowstobay.org/rainbarrel.

By using specially designed vegetated areas, rain gardens are a great way to capture and manage rainwater flowing from buildings and other hard surfaces before it goes untreated and unused down the storm drain. Schools are fantastic opportunities to incorporate rain gardens and other greening features as a way of reducing flow and water quality issues related to rainwater in an urban environment, while also providing significant environmental, learning, and mental health benefits for students and teachers.

The City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG), which is home to the San Mateo Countywide Pollution Prevention Program, funded and partnered with Ravenswood School District and Belle Haven Elementary School in Menlo Park to install a rain garden on the Belle Haven campus. The first time effort was created to help advance schoolyard greening and eco-literacy programs in the county, featuring pollution prevention as part of its overall approach to managing stormwater runoff more sustainably and using rainwater as a resource rather than a waste.

The installation project took place over the course of three days (December 17-19). The rain garden planning and installation were spearheaded by Kevin Perry, principal of Urban Rain Design and C/CAG consultant with the support and help of UC Davis students, teachers, and local community volunteers. Community partner, Lyngso Garden Materials in Redwood City, donated landscape materials that helped make this project a success. The result was a newly planted rain garden featuring California native plants which we hope will help reduce urban heat island impacts, prevent small-scale flooding on campus, invite a diversity of beneficial flora and fauna, and become an outdoor classroom to support resilient learning.

In addition to this rain garden project, C/CAG will also be installing rain barrels at four different schools throughout the county before June 30, 2022, and looks forward to being able to continue supporting schoolyard greening projects like these in the future. Learn more about schoolyard greening and the Climate Ready Schools Partnership here.

Community volunteers lend a hand in the planting and mulching of the new garden

What is a rain garden?

A rain garden is a shallow landscaped depression designed to capture rainwater from a roof, driveway, or street. The rainwater runoff is absorbed into the soil which is planted with flood and drought-resistant plants.

What are the benefits of rain gardens?

Rain gardens bring many benefits, both to your yard and the environment!

Reduce flooding: Rain gardens help reduce localized flooding during rainy days, and they direct rainwater runoff into your garden, away from your building’s foundation.
Clean water: As captured rainwater infiltrates through the soil and plant roots, pollutants such as chemicals, fertilizer, and oils get filtered out.
Create natural habitat: The native, drought tolerant plants that grow in the rain garden provide excellent habitat for local pollinators such as bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
Beautify your yard and save money: Rain gardens are beautiful landscape features that cost less to maintain than water-guzzling lawns.

Get a rebate for installing a rain garden!

To make the deal even sweeter, you may be eligible for a Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) Lawn Be Gone! Rebate. Customers of the following participating agencies can get a rebate for removing their lawn and an additional $300 rebate for installing a rain garden!

Brisbane/Guadalupe Valley Municipal Improvement District
Mid-Peninsula Water District
Millbrae
North Coast County Water District
Redwood City
Menlo Park
San Bruno

See the Rain Garden Rebate Terms and Conditions for more information.

Rain garden inspiration

Need some more inspiration before deciding if a lawn conversion or rain garden is right for you? Here are some resources you can use to get inspiration for your rain garden project.

View before and after rain garden designs below. Click and slide the tab tab in the middle of each image to see what a difference a rain garden can make!

If you have a rain garden, let us know. Share your story and pictures with us by filling out the form below. We’d love to feature your project and share it with San Mateo County residents!

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