The South Coast Watershed Resource Center is now managed by our friends Art From Scrap. Please contact them at artfromscrap.org

For a region whose high quality of life is defined in part by swimmable waters, legendary surf breaks and pristine beaches, it shouldn't be surprising that South Coast residents are eager to learn how they can protect our creeks and ocean.

Built at the request of the County in response to growing concern about the South Coast's water quality, the Watershed Resource Center makes the connection between healthy watersheds and each of our own personal habits ­ such as cleaning up after pets, landscaping with native plants, and properly disposing of everyday chemicals.

On the South Coast, we have approximately 50 short, steep watersheds that start in the Santa Ynez Mountains, flow through the foothills and coastal plain, and ultimately empty into the Pacific Ocean. When it rains, large volumes of water quickly move through our watersheds — flushing pollutants and threatening to flood the people living in the natural flood plains.

Other features of the Center include a native plant area, an ocean view deck, a wetlab for testing water samples, and a special area for the building of a tomol — the traditional redwood plank canoe used by early Chumash people. A research area open to the public includes two on-line computers and a small library.