Jim Danza will lead discussion on protecting Ventura County’s rivers, creeks and streams.
On the evening of Thurs., April 19, Ventura Land Trust (VLT) will host a community environmental lecture entitled “A River Runs Through It – the Beauty, Benefits and Importance of Ventura County’s Waterways,” at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. Beginning at 7 p.m., this second in VLT’s 2018 Environmental Speaker Series, will he led by Jim Danza, Asst. Professor of Geography at Oxnard College.
Jim Danza will highlight the importance of understanding, appreciating and protecting Ventura County’s rivers, creeks and streams and will discuss river water conservation, the importance of flood plains, the need for urban planning along watersheds, wildlife/urban interface and VLT’s ongoing restoration work along the Ventura River.
“I have spent the past 35 year advocating for the protection of rivers and watersheds,” said Danza. “To imagine Ventura County without it’s rivers, is to imagine our county without its agriculture or human settlement. Whether through the rivers’ flows or its interaction with groundwater or soil, rivers are a source of life.”
According to Danza, the numerous rivers, creeks and streams that run through Ventura County provide water for drinking, growing crops, manufacturing, energy and transport. They also help to prevent erosion, dispose of waste and provide natural protection from flooding.
Now in its third year, the Ventura Land Trust’s Environmental Speaker Series is one of many ways VLT works to educate the public about important environmental topics. The non-profit land trust’s Big Rock Preserve, where they lead free outdoor environmental field trips for local students and community groups, suffered significant damage in the Thomas Fire.
A suggested donation of $10 per person will be collected at the door to go toward fire restoration work at Big Rock Preserve. Space is limited and reservations are highly encouraged. RSVP at: http://www.venturalandtrust.org/environmental_lecture_20180419
James “Jim” Danza is an Assistant Professor of Geography at Oxnard College and President of the Friends of the Santa Clara River Board of Directors. Danza has 25 years of experience as a professional planner (urban, environmental, and water resources), adjunct professor, environmental leader, and wilderness skills educator. He has degrees in Geography and Environmental Studies and is a certified planner under the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). His professional experience includes water resources and environmental planning, including lead civil planner at Naval Base Ventura County for 21 years.
The Ventura Land Trust (formerly the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy) is dedicated to permanently preserving and protecting the land, water, wildlife and scenic beauty of the Ventura region for current and future generations. Founded in 2003, the 501(C)(3) non-profit organization is supported by over 600 members, local businesses and government partners. The land trust manages 90 acres of land along the Ventura River and is negotiating the purchase of its first hillside property. The Ventura Land Trust’s offices are located in the Poinsettia Pavilion. For more information, visit www.venturalandtrust.org.
