Spring Quarterly Newsletter – 2018

 

Update from our Executive Director

Composting Key to Regenerative Agriculture

There’s a lot of buzz about regenerative agriculture, particularly its ability to capture carbon in soil and in aboveground biomass, as well as for the many benefits it offers farmers, consumers and local environments. According to regenerative agriculture, the answer lies beneath our feet. 

Soil loss is a global problem and growing worse around the world, at an alarming rate.  Its cause is multi-fold, but unsustainable land-use practices, such as intensive industrial farming techniques and over-grazing, are known to cause erosion.

“We are losing 30 soccer fields of soil every minute, mostly due to intensive farming,” according to Volkert Engelsman, an activist with the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements.

A new United Nations-backed study states that a third of the planet’s land is severely degraded. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has recently stated that due to erosion and soil degradation, we have only 60 years of topsoil left.
 

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Rotline Question: Figeater Beetles 

I found these GIANT two-inch grubs in my compost.  My neighbor said they are the Japanese beetle.  Should I be concerned?

Don’t worry, be happy, these are compost helpers that have little to no negative impact in your garden.  Large grubs like you describe are most likely the larvae of the big iridescent green Figeater beetle, Cotinis mutabilis, a noisy, bumbling aviator. The larvae feed on decaying matter so there is no worry that they will eat your plants.  
 

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Rainwater is a Free Resource – Catch it!

Capturing rain from your roof is a quick way to conserve water and help prevent pollution by reducing the amount of runoff entering our storm drain system. And, you can use your catch to help irrigate your landscape!

Did you know that San Diegans are eligible for a $35 rebate on the purchase of a 50 gallon rain barrel, for savings of up to $70 for the purchase of two barrels? Luckily, we offer top quality rain barrels made of 100% recycled material at a discounted price from manufacturer Ivy Rain Barrels.

Pre-order Rain Barrels for Pick Up in Fallbrook or Alpine

You can pre-order rain barrels for pick up anytime at the Solana Center in Encinitas, or, for those of you living in North and East County – we’re coming to you! Pick up your pre-ordered rain barrel at a Rain Barrel Pick-Up Event in Fallbrook on April 15th or Alpine on April 21st. Pre-order by Sunday, April 8th for pick up in Fallbrook or Sunday, April 15th for pick up in Alpine.

3 EASY STEPS

1. Order online by selecting your pick up location and then click “Buy Now”.
2. Apply for your rebate at SoCalWaterSmart.
3. Pick up your PRE-ORDERED barrels anytime at the Solana Center Encinitas, or at a Rain Barrel Pick-Up Event in Fallbrook or Alpine.

 

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Sustainable Landscaping Workshops

Learn how to reduce green waste, conserve water, and improve soil at two free workshops on Saturday, April 7, 2018. These workshops are designed for professional landscapers, tree trimmers, and landscape company staff, but all are welcome!  Attend both workshops or choose the one that interests you. Both workshops are approved for Continuing Education Units (CEU) for Landscape Industry Certified recertification by the National Association of Landscape Professionals.  

Residents of unincorporated San Diego County receive preferential registration. Other registrants will be placed on a wait list. If space is available, registration will be opened to non-residents 1 to 2 weeks before the start of the course in order of wait list.These workshops are funded by the County of San Diego.

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Tree Pruning & Debris Management Workshop 

Saturday, April 7, 2018
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Escondido
Free with refundable deposit

 

 

 

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Composting & Debris Management Workshop

Saturday, April 7, 2018
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Escondido
Free with refundable deposit

Volunteer Spotlight: Jill Giraud

How did you find Solana Center and why do you volunteer with us? 

I have been on Solana Center’s mailing list for years, and have bought composters and rain barrels here. I read about all the advertised compost trainings and sadly passed them throughout my employed life because I did not have enough time.  When I retired and was looking around for productive ways to be of service, Solana Center was a no-brainer. Now I have finally obtained formal education in composting and my pile is hot! (sometimes)
 

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Help Us Recognize Our Volunteers!

We appreciate our volunteers for all their amazing work in the community and try to show them in as many ways as possible. One of our favorite ways is Toast to Compost, a festive annual celebration of all the wonderful things volunteers have done in the past year! If you would like to support our volunteers, donate to our annual Toast to Compost celebration filled with good vibes, food, and merriment. We are grateful for donations of the following:

• Monetary donations
• Tableware (reusable cutlery, plates, cups, etc)
• Decorations
• Prizes (gift cards, tickets, garden accessories, etc)

If you would like to make a contribution, email volunteer@solanacenter.org or click the donate button below. We are also offering an Internship position to assist with the design and coordination of the event. See more details here.

Thank you for your generous support!

 

 

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Become a Solana Center Board Member

At Solana Center, our mission is to mobilize the local community to address our region’s most pressing environmental issues. If the health of the environment is important to you, with your professional skills, you can make a positive impact on Solana Center’s Board of Directors. Email our Board President Lindsey Sheehan, lrsheehan@gmail.com to learn more about being part of a team that makes a difference in the community and beyond. 

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Thank You to Our Donors & Supporters

• The M.A. Beyster Fund, J.F. Beyster Fund, and the San Diego Foundation for their generous support of our community composting program. This funding will enable us to provide real solutions for reducing waste at the community level. 
• Four Fin Creative  
• Suzanne Muller
• Kellogg’s Care$ on behalf of Natalie Knopp
• Barbara Potts
• REOTEMP Instruments
• Lindsey Sheehan 
• Mary Ann Stone

 

 

This newsletter is possible through generous support from the City of San Diego Environmental Services, the City of Encinitas, and the County of San Diego