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

Water-Wise Landscaping

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Landscape irrigation can account for up to 65% of water use in the Sacramento Valley. Consider removing turf and installing water-wise landscaping to cut back on irrigation use. You may also consider a weather-based irrigation controller or rain sensor. Rain barrels and grey water systems can retain irrigation water on site and reduce overall water use. Eschscholzia californica

Sustainable Landscaping

Go beyond water-wise landscaping and consider making your landscape more environmentally-friendly and sustainable in addition to reducing water usage.

Environmental Benefits of Sustainable Landscaping

Reduce Water Use
Less Maintenance
Less Green Waste
Reduce Runoff
Improve Wildlife Habitat
Foster Healthy Soils
More Benefits

Fire-Resistant Landscaping

Fire resistant landscaping uses fires-resistant plants that are strategically planted to resist the spread of fire to your home. Fire resistant plants are often drought tolerant and include plants such as sage, California fuchsia, and red monkey flower. For recommendations on plant types and more important tips on fire-resistant landscaping, visit the CalFire webpage.

Tips to Create a Sustainable Landscape

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Integrate Compost: improve soil health and productivity.

Mulch: conserve water by reducing moisture evaporation from the soil. Mulch can also reduce weed populations, prevent soil compaction and keep soil temperatures more moderate during our warm summers.

Harvest Rainwater: reduce stormwater runoff and keep water onsite

Utilize Grey Water: consider using grey water to supplement your irrigation

Plant Choice: choose the right plant for the right place

Climate-Ready Landscapes (City of Davis)

Sustainable Landscaping in California

The New California Landscape Drought Toolkit

UC Davis Arboretum Planti ng Plans (California Native Garden, Low Maintenance Garden, Wildlife Attracting Garden)

UC Master Gardeners of Placer County "Resources for Finding the Right Plants for Your Landscape"

Plant Choice

Choose plants appropriate to your soil and micro-climate

Watch spacing - plan for mature plant size

Choose low-water plants

Consider other benefits like pollinators

Remember that even low-water plants still need regular water during establishment

Arboretum All-Stars Plant Database

Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (searchable plant database)

Why Garden with California Native Plants

Low Water Plant Characteristics

Grayish leaves
Fuzzy or hairy leaves
Thick or waxy leaf coat
Small or needle-like leaves
Vertically held leaves
Succulents
Plants with summer dormancy (ex. bulbs)

Plant Sun Exposure

Sun to Part Shade: Plants should do well in direct sunlight for most of the day or shade for part of the day. Can tolerate exposure to hot afternoon sun.
Part Shade: Plant should do well in dappled shade. Plant will tolerate sun exposure in the morning but must be protected from the hot afternoon sun.
Part Shade to Shade: Plant should do well in dappled shade or full shade. Will tolerate some sun exposure in the morning but must be protected from the hot afternoon sun.
Shade: Plant requires full shade. Will do best if it never gets direct sun exposure during the hot summer months.