San Rafael, CA – Something as common as water from a downspout can contribute to erosion and poor water quality in creeks. Roofs, driveways and other impervious surfaces prevent rain from soaking into the ground and allow more rainwater to enter creeks. Forceful runoff during storms can exacerbate stream bank erosion and degrade wildlife habitat.
MCSTOPPP offers workshops to help residents learn about stormwater runoff (Sam Wilson photo).
Marin residents can learn how to remedy these issues by attending a free, hands-on workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, February 27 at Old Mill Park in Mill Valley.
The workshop is offered by the Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (MCSTOPPP) and Marin Resource Conservation District. Participants will roll up their sleeves to implement creek bank stabilization techniques, erosion control methods, invasive plant management, and native vegetation planting. The workshop also will cover protection for our creeks and waterways from fine sediment, pesticides, pathogens and other pollutants that can harm wildlife and water quality.
“This workshop provides a great opportunity to learn about how rain barrels and rain gardens can help residents manage stormwater and how and when to use erosion control techniques on any landscape,” said Raul Rojas, Director of the Marin County Public Works Department (DPW).
Marin residents with creekside property are encouraged to attend along with any residents interested in Marin creeks. Registration is limited and online registration is required. Old Mill Park is at the intersection of Throckmorton Avenue and Old Mill Street, across the street from Old Mill Elementary School.
Workshop partners include Point Blue Conservation Science, Prunuske Chatham, the City of Mill Valley, Mill Valley StreamKeepers, Sloat Garden Center, Full Service Brushless Car Wash of Marin, Repurpose, and Zero Waste Marin.
Marin’s 11 cities and towns, the County of Marin and the Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District began addressing stormwater pollution collaboratively in the early 1990s. MCSTOPPP was created in 1993 to prevent stormwater pollution, protect and enhance water quality in creeks and wetlands, preserve beneficial uses of local waterways, and comply with state and federal regulations. It is administered by the County Flood Control and Water Conservation District and staffed by Marin DPW employees.
If you are a person with a disability and require information or materials in alternative formats – or if you require accommodation to participate in a county program, service or activity – please contact department staff at (415) 473-7331 or (415) 473-4381 (voice/TTY) or e-mail disabilityaccess@marincounty.org.