by Kathy Whitlow, Office Manager
Our normally quiet “shoulder” season seems busier than ever this year. Right now, I’m trying to find time in my calendar to finish up my yard projects before the fall rain and (hopefully epic!) winter snows come.
Even on a relatively flat lot like mine, there is an enormous potential for erosion. Some studies have estimated that up to 1 ton – yes, a ton! – of dirt can run off all of those impermeable surfaces (my driveway, roof, and concrete patio) into culverts, storm drains and area streams.
My goal? To complete projects to keep as much water on my property as possible by gently directing water off my roof, driveway and patio towards vegetation, mulched areas or basins. Nature does a great filtering job if we give her a chance!
How? My project list includes maintaining the gravel under my roof driplines, around the edges of my driveway and under my raised porch as well as spreading mulch over bare dirt.
Why? I love playing in the watershed! I want to help make our natural environment more resilient, so she can handle whatever else we, as humans, or Mother Nature throws at it.
My free River-Friendly Landscaping (RFL) site evaluation showed me what to do, it can help you, too.
And if you implement the recommendations in the site evaluation, rebates of up to $1,000 can help you pay for the work! While the seasonal RFL program is wrapping up, you can call Erin Casey today 530-550-8760, x7; be first on the list for spring.
Thank you to the donors of the Truckee River Watershed Council and the State Water Resources Control for funding RFL.
Photo: Mulching bare soil areas and installing gravel under driplines helps to protect this Glenshire property from erosion and water damage. View more examples of erosion control measures local homeowners have installed in our online gallery. Credit: TRWC.