by David Goldstein
The official theme of this year’s Earth Day is “Invest in Our Planet,” according to Earthday.org, the largest organizer and coordinator of Earth Day events. In keeping with the theme, many of the organizations staffing booths at this year’s events will promote incentives for electric cars, solar panels, water-efficient appliances, and other investments. Local events will also provide education, information, and fun.
Since this year’s Earth Day, April 22, is on a Saturday, most local events will be held on the official day of commemoration. However, as usual, events all this month will celebrate Earth Day.
April 20, at Ojai Farmers’ Market, 3 to 7 PM, at 414 E. Ojai Ave, organizers of Earth Day celebrations are encouraging walking, biking, or riding the Ojai City Trolley by giving a $2 voucher to each person who does not drive to the event. This “market money” can be used to purchase items from the market’s farmers, all of whom do not use pesticide and grow crops within 20 miles of the city. The event at the market will feature live music, dancers, booths with non-profit organization representatives, and handmade goods. An opening ceremony will be led by a Chumash elder, and speakers will explain regenerative farming, oak tree preservation methods, and other subjects. Also, the O-Haiku competition winner will be announced. Haiku poems, due to [email protected] by April 10, should be about “The Business of Bees” sculpture at the Ojai Valley Business Park in Bryant Circle.
April 21, at Ventura County Government Center, Noon to 1 PM, the Ventura County General Services Agency Earth Day Tour will meet at the Hall of Administration fountain and visit environmentally important sites on the campus. This will include tours of water efficient landscaping, pervious pavement, and a compost site. Register in advance by using the QRTY code at https://www.ventura.org/general-services-agency/earthday/
April 22, In the Ojai Cocoon, 6:30 to 8:30 PM (show starts at 7), 11966 North Ventura Ave, Ojai, an Earth Day concert will feature Sonic Butterfly, the Pixies, and Smitty and & Julija. Sonic Butterfly bills itself as an “instrument of transformation,” an acoustic, chromatic long-string harp with strings over 60 feet long, reaching over the audience. The Ojai Pixies are a girls’ choir, singing classical, pop, and other tunes. Julija Zonic, a music educator and vocal director, will perform original music. Tickets ($25 for adults, $15 for kids) are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ojai-earth-day-concert-sonic-butterfly-the-pixies-and-smitty-julija-tickets-602670492667 .
April 22, at Big Rock Preserve, 9 AM to 1 PM, volunteers will remove flood debris and invasive weeds. Reservations are required for this important land stewardship work, but before volunteering, consider the Ventura Land Trust’s warning of hazards from exposed roots, poison oak, sun exposure, and wildlife.
April 22, at Hayden Preserve, 10 AM to 11:30 AM, 234 Canada Larga Rd, Ventura Land Trust educators will coordinate a program for young children and their parents. Participants will play games, collect bugs, work on crafts, and read books designed to educate about nature. Register at www.venturalandtrust.org/events.
April 22 and 23, 11 AM to 3 PM, at the Agricultural Museum, 926 Railroad Ave, Santa Paula — Museum of Ventura County will celebrate Earth Day with displays and presentations. On the first day, the Native Plant Society hosts a Native Plant Sale and garden tours. A game booth will teach players about pollinators and plants. The second day’s highlights include a wildflower and weed show, iNaturalist training, and tips for identifying plants. For more information, see https://venturamuseum.org/event/vc-plants-to-know-and-grow/ or call 805/525-3100.
Ventura County Public Works Agency Environmental Resource Analyst David Goldstein may be reached at (805) 658-4312 or [email protected]
