Paul Herzog, Coordinator Ocean Friendly Gardens Program Surfrider Foundation

Background Surfrider Foundation – non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, we have 50,000 members and 90 chapters worldwide (84 chapters and 23 student clubs nationwide). Coordinator, Ocean Friendly Gardens Program. Work with: - Water supply/quality agencies, plus green waste & air quality - Private sector - Non-profits - Community-based organizations - Elected officials

Approach Watershed Approach - beyond conservation. - Retention of rainwater - Permeable soil & hard surfaces - Climate appropriate plants & drip irrigation + Carbon sequestration Hands-on activities – more than handouts Facilitating agencies collaborating Capture data – help meet state regs, e.g., MS4 Permit, 20x2020, AB 341, AB 32.

Communications to Membership and Affected Stakeholders Print & social media Blog Online map Tabling Neighborhood walks

Achieving goals and objectives Prop 50 & Prop 84 IRWM sustainable landscape grant programs CUWCC New Norm/Watershed Approach USEPA programs talking to each other – WaterSense & Green Infrastructure programs AB 2104 (HOAs, turf) Chapter talks, walks & workdays Building professional workforce

Current challenges Internal - Capacity – volunteer driven External - Silos & lack of collaboration - Lack of understanding about watershed approach - Turf rebates not promoting watershed approach - Lack of skilled workforce - Consumers under-valuing role of landscape & pros - Cheap “solutions” - artificial turf, no-cost retrofits

Anticipated challenges Internal - Funding to hire more staff External - Lack of innovation – need for Civilian Conservation Corps - Piece-meal solutions – one- offs; “__ __ Garden Friendly” - Opposition from traditional landscape industry

Recommendations to the ITP Watershed Approach – adopt & promote Integrated governance – engage fellow agencies Education – draw from MWD’s Cal Friendly class Training – invest in hands-on workforce development Data from each retrofit – common metrics, make accessible