by Connor DeVane, Programs Coordinator
Summer is here! I’m eagerly watching my tomatoes grow and ripen on the vine, and munching peaches in the meantime. As we settle in for a few months of hot and dry weather, my mind drifts to the Russian River — and not just because I could use a dip to cool off! I’m also thinking about the reduced flow we’ll have this year, and the drought we’re striding into. More importantly, I’m thinking about the competing needs for this precious resource and what I can personally do to help ease the strain on the river, our aquifers, the salmon and all the thirsty plants around the county. In 2015, this community took it upon ourselves to take collective action in response to historic drought, to protect what we love. With that in mind, we can’t think of a better time to launch the next leg of our Be the Change campaign: Save Water and Resources!
There are so many things we can do at home to ensure we’re using our fair share of water, and using it creatively. We can transform our landscapes to better manage water; we can harvest the bountiful rainwater that falls throughout the wet season (even in our worst drought year, Sonoma County saw 23 inches of rain!); we can install efficient drip irrigation systems; we can use greywater from our washing machines, tubs and sinks to water our gardens; and more! When we take these actions, our cumulative efforts can make a huge positive impact on local water resources.
Will you join us to Be the Change? How will you get started saving water? What other tricks or practices can you think of to save water? What others have you already incorporated into your life? Register for the campaign, pledge your actions, and tell us your story!