Marin County, California's Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (MCSPPP) was having trouble finding a good picture of a rain garden for a calendar with water pollution prevention tips. The Program's Education and Outreach Coordinator, Gina Purin, was looking for a picture that clearly showed a rain gutter downspout directed into a bio-swale.
Gina was familiar with the Marin County Surfrider Chapter and Chapter Chair, Scott Tye. After hearing about Surfrider's Ocean Friendly Gardens Program, and liking the picture we gave them, OFG became the February cover shot for “Detain The Rain.” As with past year's calendars, MCSPPP will be putting the 2014 version on their website to be downloaded for free.
28,000 calendars were printed and distributed. 23,000 were included as an insert in a Marin newspaper, l.The Independent Journal. The other 5,000 were given to sister agencies: Marin Municpal Water District, Zero Waste Marin, and Marin wastewater treatment agencies.
The Council For Watershed Health in the metro Los Angeles area also produces a great sustainable landscaping calendar. Its calendar can be purchased and used as a tool for raising awareness and funds for a Surfrider chapter.
The Council's Drew Ready says he can fill some small 10-50 piece orders, but calendars are limited this year (the sooner they can be ordered the better). Drew is open to working with on chapters on incorporating OFG ideas - and Surfrider's name (for a small fee) - to be included in the 2015 calendar!