“No Dumping, Drains to Ocean”, “Make a Splash, Curb Urban Run-Off” are the messages found in our South Orange County neighborhoods. Run-off water from our homes is full of nutrients from landscaping, pet waste, oil and other urban contaminants that drain directly into the creeks and then to our beaches. Every year, beaches are routinely closed due to the high levels of pollution caused by urban run-off.
Wetlands serve to act as a natural biofiltration system to protect the ocean however most of the wetlands have been destroyed by being ‘tamed’ into cement riverbeds for flood control or dredged for marinas. Several communities have been successful in recreating marsh-like systems for capturing run-off to naturally filter and clean the water before it is released into the watershed. Today, we rode along Sienna Botanica, a smaller man-made natural biofiltration ‘riverine’ that uses plants and soil to filter urban run-off in Ladera Ranch community.
A great walking/running/casual bike riding trail runs along the riverine on Sienna Parkway. My favorite part of the trail was the ‘frog park’. In tribute to the many frogs that live along the stream, dozens of frog statues were placed around the park and trail. I have also attached a picture of one of my favorite native California flowers: the matilija poppy.
Wetlands serve to act as a natural biofiltration system to protect the ocean however most of the wetlands have been destroyed by being ‘tamed’ into cement riverbeds for flood control or dredged for marinas. Several communities have been successful in recreating marsh-like systems for capturing run-off to naturally filter and clean the water before it is released into the watershed. Today, we rode along Sienna Botanica, a smaller man-made natural biofiltration ‘riverine’ that uses plants and soil to filter urban run-off in Ladera Ranch community.
A great walking/running/casual bike riding trail runs along the riverine on Sienna Parkway. My favorite part of the trail was the ‘frog park’. In tribute to the many frogs that live along the stream, dozens of frog statues were placed around the park and trail. I have also attached a picture of one of my favorite native California flowers: the matilija poppy.
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