The Bay-Friendly Landscaping & Gardening Coalition

The Bay-Friendly Landscaping & Gardening Coalition encourages a holistic approach to gardening and landscaping that works in harmony with the natural conditions of the San Francisco Bay Watershed. Bay-Friendly practices foster soil health and conserve water and other valuable resources while reducing waste and preventing pollution. Working in partnership with many local agencies and organizations, the coalition encourages behavior changes that lessen the impact of conventional landscape practices and provides the home gardener with skills for creating a beautiful and healthy Bay-Friendly garden. Gardening and composting workshops are available, along with books, online information, and referrals for nurseries and landscapers.

Goals of the Bay-Friendly Landscaping & Gardening Coalition include:

- Reduce waste & help meet recycling goals.
- Reduce water use on landscapes by 50% or more.
- Nurture healthy soils while reducing fertilizer use.
- Use integrated pest management to minimize chemical use.
- Prevent or reduce storm water pollution to our local creeks and bay.
- Lower maintenance associated with mowing and shearing.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Create wildlife habitat.

Workshops and classes are running now for home gardeners and landscape professionals. Landscaping professionals can learn how to become Bay-Friendly Qualified. Home gardeners can learn how to sheet mulch their lawn in place and put in a garden, or they can hire help from a list of Bay-Friendly Qualified Professionals.