Water District Sponsoring Landscape Conference

San Rafael landscapers who want to learn more about sustainable practices and technologies may want to attend a September conference sponsored by the Marin Municipal Water District.

The Bay-Friendly Landscape Conference will feature a program on "Transforming Urban Landscapes to Protect Our Water Resources."

This is the second biennial conference, geared toward Bay Area landscape professionals. It will introduce the latest in sustainable landscaping practices and offer opportunities for professional networking and development. The event will feature a keynote address by Brad Lancaster, author of "Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond," as well as a marketplace showcasing new technologies, services and products.

Sustainable landscaping experts will lead interactive sessions on rainwater harvesting, graywater systems, soil biology and composting, integrated pest management, landscaping for water conservation and more. 

Bay-Friendly is a holistic approach to landscaping and gardening that works in harmony with the natural conditions of the San Francisco Bay Watershed. Bay-Friendly practices foster soil health, conserve water and other valuable resources while reducing waste and preventing pollution. The Bay-Friendly Landscaping and Gardening Program was developed by StopWaste.org, an agency comprised of the Alameda County Waste Management Authority and Recycling Board. 

MMWD promotes Bay-Friendly practices as part of a comprehensive conservation program designed to help the district's customers save water outdoors. 

The conference is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 17, at St. Mary's Event Center, 1111 Gough St. in San Francisco. The registration fee for the conference is $125 for Bay-Friendly Coalition members, $150 for nonmembers, and includes an organic lunch. Register by September 1 to be entered to win a smart irrigation controller. For more information and online registration, visit www.bayfriendlycoalition.org.