Symposium: Home Landscaping in a Changing Climate: Fire Smart, Water Wise and Biodiverse

Saturday, February 29
9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Marin Art & Garden Center | 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross | Livermore Pavillion

Tickets: $75 general. $60 student . Includes lunch by Panera Bread and wine & cheese reception, 4:00 - 6:00 pm


Co-sponsored by Marin Conservation League, Bee Audacious, California Native Plant Society, and Marin Art & Garden Center
As the climate warms and the weather gets less predictable, Bay Area home gardeners find themselves facing contradictory directives from public agencies that are each trying to address one part of the looming problem. It seems as though we may be facing a lot of hard choices. Or can we find a way to work with nature to have home landscapes that are resilient to fire and drought, yet still thrive and offer beauty and habitat both for us and other creatures?

We are putting on this symposium because we believe we can have it all. Taking an integrated and diversified approach simplifies maintenance, produces he a lthier living spaces and creates natural resilience to temperature swings. Come hear a gathering of experts tell of methods to manage water, enrich soil, and build fire-wise landscapes with thriving plants that encourage biodiversity. Go home re-energized, full of nature-affirming ideas you can apply to your own land. Renewal can happen anywhere. Why not start with your favorite place?
MCL's positions on u pcoming ballot measures
MCL does much of its advocacy work before governmental bodies to ensure that environmental values are consistently upheld in public policy. Periodically we shift into a different mode - that is, working to influence public policy at the ballot box. The March 3 election brings that opportunity! Continue reading for MCL's position on three important upcoming ballot measures.
Yes on Measure C
This critical initiative, if approved by the voters, will create the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority ( MWPA ), bringing together the county’s key fire-fighting resources in collaborative preparedness and protection of our communities from wildfire. It will also incorporate environmental practices into fire-safe vegetation management: As the MWPA concept evolved over past months, MCL and other organized environmental and climate interests actively participated by drafting language in the MWPA measure to ensure that climate and environmental concerns will be incorporated into the many programs and actions the measure proposes – that vegetation is not viewed solely as fuel for wildfires but also valued for its essential ecological functions in the landscape and its complex role in both carbon storage and release and managed accordingly.
 
On March 3, vote Yes on Measure C.
No on Measure D
Protect San Geronimo Valley's water quality, wildlife, and sensible planning options for public safety and recreation on the 157-acre former San Geronimo Golf Course site.
A narrow special-interest group has crafted this ballot measure, which would require that any future proposed land use for the property other than "golf course" be approved by all Marin County voters. If approved, Measure D could jeopardize reasonable and beneficial future uses of the site for restoration of endangered fish and wildlife habitat, critical new fire department headquarters, and a variety of new nature-based recreation opportunities. This "planning-at-the-ballot-box" measure would also set a bad precedent by potentially subjecting all of Marin County's local community plans (28 total) to countywide referendums, thereby taking away local decision-making authority and negating sound environmental planning.
 
Save Marin County from bad planning and vote NO on Measure D.
Measure I
While Marin Conservation League supports most publicly funded transit, it does not support renewing the SMART sales tax (Measure I) at this time.

MCL's concerns are:

  • SMART's greenhouse gas emission reductions have been minimal given the cost.
  • SMART has increased traffic congestion and air pollutants from autos in some cities.
  • SMART's rail infrastructure is not adapted to sea level rise.
  • SMART's long-promised bicycle/pedestrian pathway remains incomplete.

Until SMART addresses the issues above and improves its transparency and accountability, MCL does not support extension of the quarter-cent sales tax for SMART at this time. Read MCL's letter to SMART District's Board of Directors for more detailed information.
Community Events

Friday, February 28, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Meet: Creek Park, Sir Francis Drake Blvd. & Center Blvd., San Anselmo

Join 350Marin, the Sunrise Movement, the Sierra Club Marin Group and Sustainable San Rafael for a rally and march in San Anselmo. They're going to tell Chase, Bank of America, Citi and Wells Fargo to end their massive money pipeline supporting fossil fuel extraction!

Environmental Forum of Marin presents: Impacts of Bay Area Sea-level Rise, how can nature help?

Tuesday, March 17, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Corte Madera Community Center, 498 Tamalpais Dr.

Now is the time for Marin communities to develop and implement plans for adapting to sea-level and groundwater level rise. Come learn about recent research findings that affect you and how to support proposed solutions. Experts from UC Berkeley and San Francisco State University/Estuary & Ocean Science Center bring their expertise to talk about Marin’s challenges and opportunities for adaptation.

MCL Committee Meetings
Attend MCL Committee Meetings and be part of MCL's important advocacy work! Your participation brings fresh energy and viewpoints.

Interested in the issue but can't attend? Request to be added to the committee distribution list and receive agendas and minutes delivered to your inbox. Please specify which committee(s) you are interested in.

Contact the MCL office for additional details at 415-485-6257 or email us.
MCL Climate Action Working Group Meeting
Friday, February 21, 9:00 - 11:00am
175 N. Redwood Dr., San Rafael | Tamalpais Conference Room
Co-chairs: Sarah Loughran, Bob Miller, Doug Wilson

MCL Land Use and Transportation Committee Meeting
Wednesday, March 4, 1:00 - 3:00pm
175 N. Redwood Dr., San Rafael | Muir Woods Conference Room
Chair: Susan Stompe

MCL Fire and the Environment Working Group Meeting
Monday, March 9, 3:00 - 5:00pm
175 N. Redwood Dr., San Rafael |Muir Woods Conference Room
Leadership team: Nancy Benjamin, Larry Minikes, Mike Swezy

MCL Parks and Open Space Committee Meeting
Thursday, March 12, 3:00 - 5:00pm
175 N. Redwood Dr., San Rafael | Muir Woods Conference Room

 MCL Agricultural Land Use Committee
Friday, April 24 , 9:30am - 12:00pm
Marin County Farm Bureau, Point Reyes Station
Co-chairs: David Lewis and Jeff Stump
Membership
Since 1934 MCL has helped conserve more than 11,000 acres in Marin and has advocated for policies to steward all protected land. Today MCL continues to fight for you in many areas: for clean water, clean air, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and for a resilient Marin community and well-stewarded, biodiverse lands that can better withstand the effects of climate change. We cannot do any of this without the help of our members.

Thank you for your support.
Marin Conservation League
175 N. Redwood Drive, Suite 135
San Rafael, CA 94903
415-485-6257
The Marin Conservation League was founded in 1934 to preserve, protect and enhance the natural assets of Marin County. Marin Conservation League is a membership-driven 501C3 non-profit organization. Membership dues and contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.