Fun LID-GI Project at Vista County Courthouse

I love farmers markets. I love that these local farm-to-fork celebrations regularly and sustainably connect the people and their local land. I am so appreciative that during COVID, farmers markets continue to serve their communities. These outdoor gatherings represent a true Essential Service.

The Vista Farmer's Market, which is held each Saturday in the County Courthouse, is one of my personal favorites. Not only does it have the distinction of being the longest running market in the San Diego County region (open weekly, rain or shine, since 1981), it's co-located with great examples of sustainable design. In 2019, the Courthouse embarked upon a several million dollar parking lot resurfacing project. The project incorporates solar panels that not only provide clean energy to the site, but much needed shelter and shade for market-goers. The overhead coverage mitigates heat-island effect during the hot summer months and rain protection during the infrequent drizzles in the fall and winter. The parking lot also features several stormwater capture basins with pollution-treatment intent. I know that some of the market go-ers grumble but I delight in the xeriscape. The plants are finally starting to come into their own so asked mama to snap this pic of me near the inlet of one of the biggest central basins, right next to the picnic table where we ate market-fresh lunch. =)

Stormwater Outreach in downtown DC!

I was in DC in October 2020. When I was getting my post-airplane flight COVID test I was stupidly excited to see that the tent was set up in an area featuring multiple types of pavement, including permeable pavers.

When I was looking for the project placard, I saw that the local hydrologists had turned the USGS Potomac River monitoring station into an outreach opportunity. It was a nostalgic monitoring moment for me. This was probably one of the prettiest public-facing stations I've seen. I'll admit to gushing to the person doing the testing. You could see the confused bemusement crinkling her eyes above the mask.