Join
Today!
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Surfrider Foundation
Ventura County Chapter
PO
Box 1028
Ventura CA 93002-1028
(805) 667-2222 |
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Native California Plants

Ceanothus sps.
California Lilac

GGalvezia
speciosa
Island Snapdragon

Encelia Californica
Bush Sunflower

Sisyrinchium bellum
Blue Eyed Grass
Natives
of Southwest U.S.

Berlandiera lyrata
Chocolate Daisy
Calliandra californica
Baja Fairy Duster |
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Ocean
Friendly Gardens
Solving the urban runoff problem, one gardern at a time...
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Example of an urban
watershed
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This is the Sanjon
watershed in the city of Ventura. All water that
originates in the non-shaded areas naturally flows into the
Sanjon Barranca eventually reaching the ocean.
Due to urban development
the natural creek within the city has been enclosed in an
underground storm drain or above ground concrete channels
until it reaches the beach. |

Prince Barranca goes
underground |

Once above ground, the
barranca is contained in a concrete channel... |

and then again, back
underground. |
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Meanwhile
much of the city is covered in non-permeable surfaces so
water from rain, residences, parks, car washing, etc. flows
directly into the concrete storm drain system. As the water
journeys over the urban watershed, oil, pet waste,
pesticides, detergents, and other by-products of urban life
is carried to the ocean without benefit of natural
filtration or bacterial breakdown. |
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Wide residential street (Ocean
Ave) |

Main St. in midtown |

Sanjon Rd. |

Main St. Downtown |
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Water is rapidly delivered to the ocean
along with all the pollutants it encountered on it's way
through the urban watershed. The result is a
frightening brew of chemicals,
petroleum products, pet sewage and trash. |
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Outflow of Sanjon/Prince
Barrancas |
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