I just got Carmen Chu’s latest newsletter and it had this news for residents of the Sunset District:

Sidewalk gardens can not only make our streetscapes beautiful, but also help recharge the aquifer and reduce sewer overflow contamination of the ocean.

Plant*SF and the San Francisco Parks Trust are offering the free installation of a demonstration sidewalk landscaping garden in the Sunset District using native and drought tolerant plants and permeable pavers.

Corner properties are especially encouraged to apply.

To have a property be considered to receive free sidewalk landscaping, interested parties should email their contact information and property address to info@PlantSF.org by 5pm December 10, 2009. See www.plantSF.org for examples of sidewalk gardens.

About Plant*SF:

Plant*SF exists to promote permeable landscaping equally as sustainable urban infrastructural practice and as a beautification effort; by providing information to the public and by partnering with city and neighborhood organizations.

Plant*SF:

* Encourages and enables individuals to use an existing permit process to convert areas of the public right-of-way (sidewalks) to exposed-earth gardens;
* Advocates for and educates about the use of native and drought tolerant plant species;
* Coordinates with local organizations to facilitate plantings (neighborhood associations, Neighborhood Parks Council, Friends of the Urban Forest, WalkSF, SPUR);
* Works with city agencies to encourage permeable landscaping strategies as urban infrastructure (SFPUC, DPW, Parks & Recreation, Department of the Environment, Mayor’s Office);
* Researches related materials and methods;
* Advocates for sustainable water practices, such as ground water recharge, roof drain diversion and water reclamation; and
* Is dedicated to increasing the amount of urban plantings for the enjoyment of all.