Greener Davis Facebook

Nov 14
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GreenerDavis
Got cartons? Starting in December, there will be a drop-off location in Davis where people can bring empty and rinsed cartons for recycling. More information coming soon!
Nov 14
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GreenerDavis
When water flows down the street gutter and into a storm drain, it enters a series of underground pipes that carry the water away from properties and streets. This storm drain system is designed to protect the City from flooding by conveying stormwater to detention ponds, drainage channels and lift stations, then out to local waterways and the ocean. In portions of Davis north of I-80, most stormwater flows directly from the streets to local ponds (West Area Pond, Evergreen Pond, Julie Partansky Pond, Sutter Davis Hospital Pond, the Cannery Pond and the Core Area Pond), then through drainage channels to the Willow Slough Bypass, then out to the Yolo Bypass, the Sacramento River and the ocean. In portions of Davis south of I-80, the stormwater flows through various drainage channels and then is pumped into the Yolo Bypass. Unlike wastewater that goes down the drains inside a home (via sinks, showers, toilets, etc.), stormwater is not treated and is one of the leading causes of water pollution in the United States. When stormwater carries pollutants (such as dirt, trash, animal waste, oil, gas, fertilizers, pesticides, metals, etc.) to our local water bodies, it not only harms aquatic plants and animals, but can also cause adverse effects on our use of water for swimming, fishing, drinking and agriculture. Because of these factors, it’s important to remember that only rain belongs in a storm drain. https://www.cityofdavis.org/city-hall/public-works-utilities-and-operations/stormwater/pollution-prevention-at-home
Nov 12
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GreenerDavis
If you start to see large flocks of turkeys around town, it's not because the wild turkey population has grown excessively. It's just that time of the year when local wild turkeys form large foraging groups (instead of roaming around alone or in smaller groups) and meander around wider sections of town. It can be quite a sight to see a large flock of 40 turkeys in your neighborhood! Turkeys can be fun to watch, and they help to keep pests like slugs, snails, and cockroaches out of the garden, but they can also behave aggressively, tear up landscaping in search of food, leave a mess on sidewalks, and pose a traffic hazard when crossing busy streets. To encourage peaceful coexistence with our large, feathered neighbors, please do not feed the turkeys. Turkeys are able to find appropriate food on their own. Statewide, the wild turkey population is healthy and thriving. Here are some other ways that you can help to reduce conflict with wild turkeys in your neighborhood and around town: • If you use a bird feeder, keep the area below the feeder clear of fallen seed. • If turkeys begin feeding under your bird feeders, remove the feeders until the turkeys stop visiting the site. This may take several days to weeks. • If turkeys are causing problems in your yard, consider installing motion-detecting sprinklers. • If your dog has free roam of your yard, you’ve got a built-in deterrent. Wild turkeys typically will not enter yards with dogs. • If confronted by a wild turkey that has lost its fear of humans, an open umbrella or walking stick may help steer it out of your path. Turkeys rarely make aggressive physical contact with humans. Be assertive and dominant. Let that turkey know you're in control. • Avoid sudden stops or swerves when encountering turkeys in the roadway. If safe to do so, slow down to 10 mph and proceed. The turkeys will move out of the way. Find more tips on the Living with Wildlife webpage: https://www.cityofdavis.org/city-hall/public-works-utilities-and-operations/urban-wildlife/tips-for-living-with-wildlife

Rainwater Harvesting

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Rainwater harvesting is the practice of capturing, infiltrating or utilizing rainwater for irrigation use rather than allowing it to run off the property. Learn about the City of Davis permit requirements for collecting rainwater.

May 6, 2015 Rain Water Retention Workshop Presentations and Handouts

Rainwater Harvesting & Retention

Benefits swale

Conserve water
Improved water quality going into storm drains
Provides habitat for plants, animals and insects

Design

Direct rain water away from impervious pavement
Connect downspouts to rain barrels/cisterns or landscaping
Use landscape contours to direct and retain rainwater

Landscape Features

Swales: vegetated landscaped depressions that absorb pollutants and infiltrate runoff
Dry creek beds: stone-lined channels that promote infiltration and convey water
Rain gardens: shallow vegetated basins that collect, retain and infiltrate runoff
Pervious paving: allows rainwater to infiltrate back into the soil and reduces and infiltrates runoff

Rain Barrels & Cisterns

Capture rainwater to improve quality and store for dry months
In winter, water captured can be used for indoor plants
Hold between 40 to 75 gallons of water
Need to have a screen to keep debris and mosquitoes out
Cisterns are larger scale systems that can require pumps and involve more extensive work and permitting