When managed poorly, stormwater run-off can erode and wash away topsoil that can pollute our waterways with sediment, chemicals, and nutrients. Join us at the beautiful Water Conservation Garden to learn how to combat these concerns, whether in your small backyard or larger farm, or ranch. Solana Center Educator Deanna Milton and guest speaker Craig Kolodge, PhD, Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control, will explore effective compost application as a means of watershed protection through a case study of the manure composting demonstration site at Ramona's International Equestrian Center. This workshop will conclude with a tour of the Water Conservation Garden’s watershed protection features.

About the guest speaker: Craig Kolodge, Ph.D., is the former academic advisor, field plant pathologist, and county director for the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) in Santa Clara County. He currently serves as the Business Development and Sustainability Manager for San Pasqual Valley Soils. Craig is a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) and an expert in the use of compost-based Sustainable Management Practices (SMPs) for stormwater management and industrial pollution management (Trainer of Record for Qualified Industrial Stormwater Practitioner - QISP statewide program). 

Compost Strategies Discussed

• Mid-scale windrow composting

• Compost, compost socks, and compost blankets

• Water catchment basins and rock interrupters

• Native plantings

Made possible through generous funding by:

Thanks to our host: