Thursday, September 11th: Our first event features 5th generation Australian farmer and permaculture teacher, Darren Doherty who will share his knowledge about, "Restoring Nature with Regenerative Agriculture: Creating Resilient Farms, Landscapes and Communities".

Known internationally, Darren, the originator of the "Regrarian Platform," will outline how he develops regenerative agricultural systems. An integral part of his process is 'IntegriPasture,' an integrated framework providing for multiple species pastoring and localized processing, logistics and marketing.

Darren will be introduced by local organic food entrepreneur John Roulac, who will also be presenting on carbon farming. (See full article for event details)

Thursday, September 25th: Our second event "Urbanism Matters - Why Healthy Urbanism is Essential for Healthy Communities", features Nick Deitch of Main Street Architects, an award winning Ventura firm specializing in sustainable design.

Nick will let us know the newest concepts for urban planning intended to reverse the negative impacts communities have suffered since the arrival and domination of the automobile. He'll focus on pedestrian friendly connections versus the promotion of urban sprawl, the separation of homes and services, and distancing that grew following the onset of the car. He will also share concepts for a healthy community taking into account our local Valley concerns and the rural / urban interface. (See full article for event details)

to read more click here.

September 20th is
California Coastal and
Waterway Cleanup Day

The Coalition will partner with the Ventura
Countywide Coalition for Coastal and Inland Waterways

On Saturday morning, September 20, from 9 a.m. to noon, the Coalition invites members to help 'Clean Up the Creek'. Participants will record the litter they have removed from Ojai Creek running through Libbey Park. Volunteers are asked to sign in at 8:45 a.m. at the Libbey Park lower tennis court parking lot off S. Montgomery St. in Ojai.

Join us and be among the 60,000 people to take part in the California Coastal and Waterway Cleanup Day's 30th anniversary event! Debris will also be picked up from the coast, creeks, rivers, lakes and shorelines all around California which helps protect wildlife from harm while taking care of our environment.

This couldn't happen in Ojai without the generous donation of bins and service from E.J. Harrison & Sons - thank you! Please wear sturdy shoes and you might want to bring your own gloves - we will be providing rubber gloves. Note: All participants must sign waivers and those under 18 must have waivers signed by a parent or guardian.

to read more click here.

Exploring the Relationship between
Nature and Human Nature II

Reconnecting with Nature's World:
the Earth Speaks to Us through our Bodies and Psyches

We are pleased to report that we had a successful Ecopsychology Introductory Class and Course given by Lori Pye, Ph.D. this summer. So, the Coalition will continue with this theme as teachers and facilitators come forward and our members express a desire to explore the realm of 'inner' resiliency and our relationship with nature.

In our second class, led by Anahata Pomeroy, we explore how we can deeply engage our senses and sensibilities when focusing on Nature, energy patterns and the biosphere constantly changing around us. Participants will practice fine tuning their perceptions for better communication with Nature, because when we activate our inner abilities and holistic awareness, we are able to co-create with Nature - unfolding the potential of harmonious living for all beings.

This class will be held Saturday, September 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (with an added 30 minutes allotted for those who want to continue sharing and discussing). We will meet at the Coalition Resource Center - 206 N. Signal St. #S, with some time spent outside.

An RSVP to Noel at [email protected] or (805) 669-8445 is much appreciated. The cost is $10 for OVGC supporting members and $15 for non-members, payable at the door.

Click here to learn more about Anahata and her Reconnecting with Nature's World class.

And save the date Thursday, November 20 for Exploring the Relationship between Nature and Human Nature III with Pat Allen, Ph.D., ATR.

Become an
emPower Participating Contractor
or an emPowered Homeowner!

Contractors: Learn how you can become an emPower certified contractor by attending the Ventura County Contractors Association Green Building Committee's Happy Hour on Wednesday, September 10th. Meet at 5:00pm at Dargan's, 593 E. Main Street in Ventura.

For more information contact Rachel Scott at (805) 654-3834 or [email protected]. To RSVP check in with Wayne Pendrey at (805) 331-4347 or [email protected].

Homeowners: Are you a Central Coast homeowner who wants to make energy efficiency and/or solar improvements to your home? The emPower Central Coast program offers access to low cost, unsecured financing and utility incentives of up to $4,500. Learn more over a complimentary (no kidding, it's free folks) dinner. The nearest event to us is in Oxnard on September 23.

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