Conference to Explore
Ecotourism's Potential for the
Ojai Valley's Environment,
Economy and Community

With a reputation as Shangri-La, a noted commitment to its natural and cultural resources, and a long history as a sanctuary for spiritual and physical rejuvenation, Ojai seems perfectly poised to join in the growing global trend of Ecotourism. On Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15, an interactive forum will be held to explore the possibilities of bringing together the Ojai Valley's unique assets for an Ecotourism initiative, with the goal of creating a plan of action.

Taking place at Meditation Mount Conference Center, and sponsored by the Ojai Valley Green Coalition and the Ojai Forum on the New Economy, the Ecotourism Conference will include panelists and speakers from businesses and organizations including the Ojai Chamber of Commerce, the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, local farms, environmental organizations, spiritual centers, and lodging and transportation businesses, among others. Topics include potential ecotourism packages and itineraries, ecotourism models in other communities, eco-certification programs for businesses, the potential for community and environmental improvement and economic development, leadership structure and seed funding possibilities.

"The intent of this conference is to begin a conversation among the businesses and organizations in the Ojai Valley that are already offering services which could be included as part of ecotourism," says conference organizer Mike Weaver. "We want to explore how an Ecotourism initiative could benefit Ojai's environment, economy, and strengthen our community."

The Ojai Valley Green Coalition, with the mission of advancing a green, sustainable, and resilient Ojai Valley, is the non-profit organization leading the initiative. "Our vision is for Ojai to be a place where people can come and learn and have great experiences, then bring back innovation and inspiration to benefit their lives and their home communities," says Kathy Nolan, Green Coalition board president.

The conference takes place from 9:30 am to 4 pm on Saturday, April 14, and from 10 am to 1 pm on Sunday, April 15. Space is limited, and registration is required. A $35 registration fee covers lunch on Saturday and refreshments. Meditation Mount Conference Center is located at 10340 Reeves Road in Ojai. Click here to register and for further information.

EarthPlay Saturday, April 21

In celebration of sustainable living, global awareness and the joy of nature, we're hosting with Food for Thought, Oak Grove School, and the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy this once-a-year community event.

Happening on the beautiful Oak Grove School campus, 220 W. Lomita St. from 11 am to 4 pm, EarthPlay will include student performance pieces, environmental exhibitors, children's activities galore, live music, a sustainable transport showcase (and bike valet), and local foods.

Click to learn more about:

Student participation

Buying EarthPlay raffle tickets

Being an exhibitor

Schedule for FREE trolley service to and from the event

Last Call until Fall to Help
with Creek Habitat Restoration

The lower West Barranca in Libbey Park. The removal of non-natives has daylighted this creek and restored flow to the area, which benefits the steelhead trout habitat downstream.

Ojai Valley Green Coalition is spearheading volunteer recruitment for current creek restoration work in Libbey Park being led by the C.R.E.W. Please join us for our next work days: Saturday, April 28 and Saturday, May 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We will be removing invasive non-native plants and reestablishing native habitat.

A hat is highly recommended, as are long pants and closed-toed shoes or boots. The Coalition will provide work gloves, tools, water and snacks, but feel free to bring along your own gloves and digging tools.

Parking is available at the lower Libbey parking lot off of South Montgomery Street. To check in follow the signs to the work site near the old jailhouse building in lower Libbey Park (between the bike path and the park's lower tennis courts). Those under the age of 18 will need a liability release waiver signed by a parent or guardian. For more information or for waivers please email or call (805) 669-8445.

May Gathering - Save the Date!

February Winter Gathering

Be sure to come to the next Ojai Valley Community Potluck and Program on Friday, May 11, 6:30- 9:00 p.m. at Chaparral Auditorium, 414 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai. Local water experts will explain how the Ventura River watershed acts and reacts to drought periods. Mingle with neighbors, share a potluck supper and learn practical steps each of us can do to save water and make our watershed more resilient to drought.