THE GREEN VALLEY PROJECT
NATURE IS IN OUR HANDS
The Green Valley Project (GVP) is an environmental initiative led by The C.R.E.W. in partnership with Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, Once Upon a Watershed, Pax Environmental, and Watershed Progressive.The GVP plans to restore ecosystems in the Ojai Valley over the next 20 years, so they can provide habitat for abundant wildlife and improve Ojai’s resilience to drought, fire, and climate change. Principal funding comes from a generous multi-year grant from the Cotyledon Fund, a private donor-advised fund. The partners are also committed to raising support from community donors, and state and local grants.
The GVP also strives to create future generations of environmental leaders. Local teens and young adults will be tasked with restoring and enhancing habitats so that native plants and animals can thrive. These participants will have the opportunity to be involved in every stage of restoration, from the collection of native seeds, to the planting and long-term care of the plants. Projects include oak woodland restoration and pollinator habitat plantings in the Ojai Meadows Preserve, on school campuses, along Middle Stewart Canyon Creek, and open spaces throughout the Ojai Valley. Over the years, this work will help build resilience in the Ojai Valley where water flows more freely, carbon is sequestered, extreme fire behavior is mitigated, and biodiversity is abundant.
Since one of GVP’s primary goals is to provide young people with valuable life and career perspectives, and hopefully create environmental stewards, a holistic approach will be taken. In addition to working to restore the lands, participants will have the opportunity to work on additional projects including: wildlife studies, native plant and tree nurseries, and internship programs with professionals in ecology, environmental communications, and more. Leadership development is woven into all GVP activities.
To learn more about the GVP and opportunities for teens and young adults, please visit greenvalleyproject.org and sign up for their mailing list.
