Encinitas goes earth-friendly in April

ENCINITAS — The city of Encinitas is sponsoring a host of environmental events throughout the month of April.
All month long, there will be a water saving contest with rewards of up to $200. In 500 words or less, write about the water-saving investments and habit changes you have made to quantifiably reduce your water usage in April. See contest instructions and applications for your particular water district at
www.cityofencinitas.org/greencommunity/watercontest2009.
The “Tree Walk & Talk – Plant Locally, not Globally” will be held April 11 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. This is a walking tour to learn about native versus non-native trees, appropriate plantings and proper maintenance. Discover why trees are important to you, the city and the planet. Wear sturdy walking shoes. Meet at Cottonwood Creek Park Gazebo on the corner of Encinitas Boulevard and Vulcan Avenue. Mark Wisniewski, landscape architect and consulting arborist, will coordinate the event.
On April 13, attend “Local Impacts of Climate Change: What you can do in Encinitas” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, with a meet and greet at 5:30 p.m. Andrea Cook, climate change program manager with The California Center for Sustainable Energy, will discuss impacts to the region, impacts on water and energy supply, renewable energy, new environmental laws, greenhouse gas emissions and tips to reduce your carbon footprint. Bring your own mug for drinks.
Creek clean-up at Cottonwood Creek is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 17 at the southeast corner of B and Third Streets. Join in on the monthly work day to help remove invasive plants from the creek. Wear long pants and closed toe shoes.
The water documentary “Flow” will be shown from 6 to 8 p.m. April 20 at the Encinitas Community Library, 540 Cornish Drive. A discussion will follow with local water conservation expert William Toone from EcoLife Foundation.
The Encinitas Garden Festival & Tour will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 25. The annual festival includes a self-guided walking tour of more than 20 secluded gardens in the Cardiff “composer district,” and the Gardener’s Marketplace. Exhibitors will provide information about low water and sustainable gardening and composting talks.
That same day, there will be a beach clean-up from 9 a.m. to noon at Moonlight Beach. Join the Encinitas Clean Water program staff and Solana Center for Environmental Innovation for a morning of environmental community service to help keep beaches clean. Meet at the concession stand picnic table area.
Other community activities at Quail Botanical Gardens include:
— April 9, Sustainable Landscaping
— April 14 and April 18, Build a Sustainable Organic Grow Box Using Hydroponic Wick Method
— April 25, Lady Bug Day
— May 13 and May 17 Bye Bye Grass class – Part I and II
— May 14 and May 21, Creating Magic With Succulent Plants
— May 20, Creating Container Gardens with Drought Tolerant Perennials, Succulents, Unusual Foliage, and Colorful Flowers
— May 28 and May 30, Creating Magic With Succulent Plants
For details, visit GreenCommunity@cityofencinitas.org.