SoCal Wildflower Fest and Hike-A-Thon

OC Parks is sponsoring a SoCal Wildflower Fest and Hike-A-Thon (presented by OC Hiking Club) this Saturday, April 30 from 9 am – 2 pm at Irvine Regional and Santiago Oaks Parks. The celebration will feature wildflower exploration, various levels of hiking, an Expo Fest, outdoor skills clinics, live music, and activities designed to raise money for OC Hiking Club and connect people to the wonders of nature.

Multiple nature hikes will be offered at the event for hikers of all skill levels and ages. The Vista Hike at 9 am is an 8-mile advanced level hike with a 1,000-foot elevation gain. The Exploration Hike at 9:15 am is an intermediate 4-mile hike with a 500-foot elevation gain. The Wildflower Hike at 9:30 a.m. is a moderate level 3-mile route with no elevation gain.

Various skill clinics will be available at the Fest after the hikes including introductions to Southern California Wildflowers, ultra light backpacking 101, how to get your kids on the trail, lessons in high altitude backpacking, tips for out of town day hikes, cooking on the trail, returning to the trail after an injury, water purification on the trail for backpackers, orienteering map and compass education and much more. Bring your dog and learn tips for keeping your pooch safe on the trails. Photographers will have a unique opportunity to capture the blooming wildflower season and awards will be presented for the Third Annual Wildflower Photo Contest. Take a relaxing break and enjoy a yoga class or invigorating massage in the great outdoors. A BBQ lunch will be available for purchase.

Registration begins at 8 am at Irvine Regional Park. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 18. Registration includes a t-shirt, all activities, parking, and goodies. Each hike acts as a fundraiser for OC Hiking Club, a non-profit organization, and donating $1 commits you to raise $100 to the cause. Prizes will be awarded to the top hike fundraisers and announced along with the winner of the OC Register/OC Hiking Club Wildflower Photo Contest at 1 p.m. at the event.

Location: Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Contact and Registration: http://socalwildflowerfest.org

Happy hiking!

-Blythe
listening to: NPR's first listen of Fleet Foxes' "Helplessness Blues"

Winter Cactus & Succulent Sale

Any green thumbed readers out there? Big news!  The Orange County Cactus and Succulent Society is hosting its annual Winter Cactus and Succulent Sale this weekend at the Fullerton Arboretum! From 10 am to 4pm starting today through Sunday, you can visit the Arboretum and find dozens of vendors with thousands of various cactus and succulent plants on sale. This is the largest sale of its kind in the region and it's only held twice a year. Don't wait till July- go today! Parking and entrance are free, but visitors are encouraged to make a voluntary contribution at the Arboretum entrance. 


Even if you don't have much of a green thumb, succulents make a fabulous introduction to gardening as they require very little water and attention. In other words: this is a great intro to gardening for anyone! Cacti and succulents also make great gifts, seeing as how they are growing in popularity and, arguably, in chic-ness.

Visit the Fullerton Arboretum's website for further info.

Happy shopping!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: The Shins' "So Says I"

Go Outside

How are you guys liking this sudden "second summer" we're having? I don't know about you, but I'm thoroughly confused by it - an abnormally gloomy October followed by a first week of November that hits temps in the 90s and arguably surpassed 100 degrees (according to my sister)? It's a fickle and unpredictable Mother Nature we have, and - since we've been listening to a lot of Simon and Garfunkel in the office these past couple days - one might redirect the tune "Cecelia" (about a capricious lover) to be about Mother Nature. Think about it: "Nature, you're shaking my confidence daily...."
Ok, so it's a bit of a stretch, but hopefully you see what I mean. Nature is fickle.

HOWEVER, when the weather is as nice as it's been all of a sudden, and when it blesses us with sunshine as it has this past week so unexpectedly, you must take advantage!

That's the purpose of this post today: to give you a few great ways to take advantage of these golden days:

Fitness Hike - November 6th (tomorrow!) from 8:30 -10:30 am at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Fast-paced 3.5 mile hike over steep and uneven terrain. $2/person, parking $3/car. For info: (949) 923-2235.


First Saturday Public Tour - November 6th from 12:15 - 4:30 pm at George Key Ranch Historical Park in Placentia. Walk through historic orange grove, picnic under a heritage oak, or relax in the verse garden. Free with free parking. Call for info: (714) 973-3190.


Saturday Morning Hike - November 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th at 9 am at O'Neill Regional Park. One hour interpretive hike. Free, $5 to park. Call for info: (949) 923-2260.

Recreational Mountain Bike Ride - November 7th from 8-10 am at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 10 mile ride over steep and uneven terrain with OC Parks ranger and volunteer mountain bike trail assistants. $2/person, $3 to park. Call for info: (949) 923-2235

Nature Hike - November 7th, 14th, 21st from 9-10am. Easy 1 mile hike on the Nature Trail at Caspers Wilderness Park in SJC. Free, $5 to park. Call for info: (949) 923-2210.


Wild at Wieder - Critter Crops - November 8th from 10:30-11:30 am; fun-filled exploration of the natural environment at Wieder Regional Park through hands-on activities, crafts, and nature walks. $5/person, Free to park. Call for info: (949) 923-2275.

Exploring Biodiversity Hike - November 9th from 9am-12pm at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Learn about the biodiversity of animal and plant species on an easy, 1.5 mile hike over rocky and uneven terrain. $2/person, $3 to park. Call for info: (949) 923-2235.

Wilderness Access Day at Limestone Canyon - November 9th from 9am-3pm. Enjoy self-guided access to Limestone Canyon. Free and free to park. Call for info: (714) 973-6865.

Yoga Hike - November 10th from 8:30-10:30am at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Stretch your mind and body on this 2.4 mile hike with a yoga twist over steep and uneven terrain. $2/person and $3 to park. 


Tideland Tykes - November 10th and 24th at Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center in Upper Newport Bay. Fun-filled parent and child experience that may include arts and crafts, storytelling, hands-on activities, or outdoor nature walks. $5/child. Free to park. Call: (949) 923-2235.

Discovery Hike - November 12th from 9am-12pm at Wood Canyon.  MOderate but steep and rocky 5 mile hike. $2/person, $3 to park. Call (949) 923-2235.

Night Hike - November 12th from 5:30-7pm at Irvine Regional Park. Hot chocolate and cookies at the Nature Center from 5:30-6pm followed by a live animal demonstration. Then it's off on an easy, 30 minute starlit night hike. Free and free to park. Park in lot #19. Call for info: (714) 973-6833.

There's plenty more where that came from! Check out OC Parks' website for more great outdoor adventures!

-Blythe

on grooveshark: Simon and Garfunkel's "Cecelia"
Check out Local Natives' great cover of "Cecelia" below:

This Weekend in OC

 

There used to be a cartoon called The Weekenders about a rag tag group of kids who I can only assume, since I never actually saw the show, lived for the weekend (their theme song ended with the line, "I'm living for the weekend"). It may only be Wednesday today, but it's always nice to have something to look forward to (i.e., the weekend). For us Orange Countians, there's always something fun to do on the weekend.

Take this weekend, for example; you have a whole slew of fun events to choose from:

 

Tomorrow, hit the 1st Thursday Artwalk in Laguna Beach, where you can check out galleries for free, see cool local artist demonstrations, live performances, etc:

Beginning Friday, the Laguna Beach Hunger Bowl, which includes music, art, a silent auction, and food, all to raise awareness about Hunger and Homelessness. Your ticket gets you 6 soup tastes in a handmade ceramic bowl that's yours to take home, a soda, and a dessert:

Also on Friday, the Taste of San Clemente! Foodies rejoice! The event goes from 6-10:30pm at the Rancho San Clemente Tennis Club, and includes food, wine, entertainment and dancing:

Friday night is also Astronomy Night at Rancho Sonado in Silverado Canyon! Grab the kiddos, strap on your boots and warm clothing, and head up for a sunset hike with an evening under the stars with constellation stories. Only $5/person! 6:30-8:30pm. Reservations required: (714) 708-3885

 

Another Friday night idea: the Irvine Holiday Faire at the Irvine Fine Arts Center. From 5-9pm, More than 150 artists will showcase unique, handmade items for purchase. Never to early to start your Christmas shopping! Event also includes live music and food. The Faire continues on Saturday:

Any chocolate lovers out there? I hope you're sitting down for this: On Friday night, the OC Chocolate Fest will be held from 5-9pm at Miles Square Park in Fountain Valley. Wowzers. Over 100 vendors of fine chocolates, wine tastings, and gifts:

Finally, on Saturday morning, you can attend a Composting Workshop from 10am-noon at the OC Great Park for FREE. Learn to recycle your greens to make a healthy substance for plants and soil:

There you have it, folks; plenty of fun things to do this weekend, and plenty of time to plan to do them! Let us know if you go to any of these events, and send us your pictures!

By the way, all of these events and many more are included in the November Events page in this month's issue of The OC Gazette. Be sure to check out the Events page every month for more great local events!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John

Backyard Skills Workshops at The Ecology Center

Just a quick note to let you know of some awesome upcoming workshops at The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano- there's absolutely no reason to be bored on a summer Saturday! 

 May 29th: WIND – Kite-making & Flying 

Students get a lesson in the ways of the wind and learn how to harness its natural power with this kite-making and flying session. Cost: $25 + $10 materials 

June 5th: The Art of Bee-keeping

Take a lesson from the local experts - none other than the ladies of Backyard Bees - in caring for these amazing insects. Cost: $25

 June 12th: WATER – Rain Barrel Construction 

After a lesson in the “why” and “how-to” of rain water harvesting, students roll up their sleeves and construct their own 55-gallon rain barrel to take home and put to use. Cost: $25 + $40 materials

 July 24th: FIRE – Solar Oven Construction 

Using only cardboard, newspaper, plastic wrap and sunshine, students will construct fully functional solar ovens and enjoy a sample of some tasty solar oven-baked goodies. Cost: $25 + $10 materials

August 28th: EARTH – Composting with Worms 

Trash becomes treasure when worms transform kitchen scraps into nutrient-dense compost for healthy soil and happy plants. Students will head home with their own fully prepped worm bin. Cost: $25 + $20 materials

A big thank you to the City of San Juan Capistrano, another sponsor of this worm bin class!

This schedule is subject to change. Visit www.theecologycenter.org or call 949.443.4223 for updates.

The Ecology Center is founded on the principle that people can make a difference. We seek to inspire and involve people in the stewardship of Southern California's environment, providing education in sustainable agriculture, ecological design and the heritage of San Juan Capistrano. With the support of local volunteers, the nonprofit organization is currently underway in developing a unique and poignant eco-conscious learning facility. Together we can create a diverse, safe, and healthy world with clean air, water, and power that is economically, ecologically, and equitably enjoyed by all.

-Blythe

on my blip: Nada Surf's "Inside of Love"

Grow, Orange County

Looking for some earthy fun this coming weekend? Look no further! The OC Great Park (the "first great metropolitan park of the 21st century" - pretty cool, huh?) is hosting a FREE Spring Gardening Workshop this Saturday, May 15th. Parking is FREE and did I mention that admission is also FREE? Free is a great price for a handy workshop like this one. !!

Here are some details about the workshop:

Smart Gardening

Saturday, May 15, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 Noon

What does it take to be a Smart Gardener? Knowledge – and application of that knowledge – about irrigation, soil care, pest control, energy and wildlife. Sound complicated? The Master Gardeners will simplify it as they provide tips for you to save time, money and create a healthier garden. If you want to be a Smart Gardener, attend this workshop.

 I don't know about you, but anything with the word "master" in front of it makes my heart beat a little faster. You won't want to miss the tips these Master Gardeners have to offer!

Click here to visit the OC Great Park's website for more info.

-Blythe
on my iTunes: The Beach Boys' "Don't Worry Baby"

p.s. if you're struggling to read the endnote within the header graphic, click on it, and it will enlarge. It'll be worth it, too. I'm pretty funny.

Go Outside OC

Has anyone else noticed that right now, as I type this, we have a rare opportunity on our hands? We're in this first week of May, within the perfect window between the "wet/windy season" (I put that in quotes in case someone from any other region of the nation outside of Orange County happens to be reading. Let's face it: our wet and windy season means a night rain and lows of 55 degrees- total cheesecake to the extremes that our East coast and mid-west cousins have to weather three seasons of the year). What was I saying? Right: we're in the perfect window between the "wet/windy season" and the dry hot mess that inevitably hits right in time for graduation.

I'm here to encourage you to redeem the time, Orange County! Make the most of this window and all that its glorious splendor has to offer us! Get out and enjoy the world! Nature! Green things! Leave the beach for another day- for one of those hotter than hot August days, the "it's so hot I'm sweating in places I didn't know I had glands" days- and while we have the perfect in-between, hit up the great outdoors of our very own OC Parks for a rousing, refreshing, good time. 

Here are just a few upcoming opportunities for you to experience nature in OC:

 

May 9th, 16th, and 23rd – Nature Hikes

 From 9 – 10 a.m.

Join our Park Rangers for an easy 1-mile hike on the Nature Trail. The trail takes you through grassland, oak woodland, riparian and sandy cactus scrub communities. A wide variety of plant and animal life is found in these areas. For all ages.

Location: Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Website: http://www.ocparks.com/caspers/

Cost: FREE Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2208 or (714) 277-9023

May 6th – Fitness Hikes at Ridge Park

From 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (700-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Reservations required.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Meet at Ridge Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Road east to end; meet at the gate).

Website: http://www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast/

Donation: $2 per person Parking: FREE

Contact: (949) 923-2235 or (949) 923-3702

May 6th, 13th, 20th, or 27th – See the Redwoods Nature Hike with the Ranger

From 8:30 – 10 a.m.

Hike with the Ranger on the Nature Trail to the Redwood Grove. The Ranger will carry field guides for tracks and birds or you can bring your own. We will observe nature in action! All ages welcome.

Location: Carbon Canyon Regional Park. 4442 Carbon Canyon Road,
Brea, CA 92823

Website: http://www.ocparks.com/carboncanyon/

Cost: FREE Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (714) 973-3160 or (714)973-3162

May 6th – Junior Ranger Program #4 – Caring for Park Plants/Animals

From 4 – 5:30 p.m.

Learn what park plants and animals need to survive. Learn to use some of the tools rangers use to help take care of the park. Second through fourth graders, ages 7 to 10, can earn a Junior Ranger badge by participating in six workshops: Ranger’s Life, Finding Your Way, Keeping People Safe, Caring for the Park Plants and Animals, Hiking in the Park and Teaching Visitors.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Website: http://www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast/

Cost: $5 per student Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235 or (949)923-3702

Special Instructions: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405).

May 7th and 21st – Elder Trek

From 9 - 11 a.m.

Enjoy the outdoors and learn about diverse plant life on this easy, level, 2-mile hike with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists. Reservations required.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Website: http://www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast/

Donation: $2 per person Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235 or (949) 923-3702

Special Instructions:  Meet at Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405).

May 8th – Wildflower Hike

From 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Learn to identify native spring bloomers with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this moderate, but steep and rocky, 3.5-mile hike. Reservations required.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road,
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Website: http://www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast/

Donation: $2 per person Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949)923-2235 or (949)923-3702

Special Instructions:  Meet at James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road).

May 8th – Volunteer Training & Orientation

From 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Learn about various volunteer opportunities with Laguna Canyon Foundation. No experience required.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road,
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Website: http://www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast/

Cost: FREE Parking: FREE

Contact: (949) 923-2235 or (949) 923-3702

Special Instructions: For information, e-mail volunteer@lagunacanyon.org. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405).

May 8th – Exploring the Night Skies

From 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Join the Orange County Astronomers for a night of star gazing and excitement at Caspers Wilderness Park. Come look through telescopes to see the wonders of the night sky. Astronomers will on hand to answer questions. All ages welcome.

Location: Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Website: http://www.ocparks.com/caspers/

Cost: FREE Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2210 or (949) 923-2207

Special Instructions: Bad weather may cancel.

May 9th and 23rd – Endurance Hike

From 8:30 – 11 a.m.

Experience an excellent workout in the great outdoors. Join the Park Ranger for a 6.3-mile hike around Peters Canyon Regional Park.

Location: Peters Canyon Regional Park. 8545 E. Canyon View Ave,
Orange, CA 92869

Website: http://www.ocparks.com/peterscanyon/

Cost: FREE Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (714) 973-6639 or (714) 973-6611

Special Instructions: Participants must be at least 18 years of age, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Bring plenty of water.

May 9th – Second Sundays

From 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Join Preserve staff and other volunteers in enhancing the Bay’s habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, trash cleanup and Butterfly Garden maintenance.

Location: Upper Newport Bay - Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Website: http://www.ocparks.com/uppernewportbay/

Cost: FREE Parking: FREE

Contact: (949) 923-2290

Special Instructions: No experience is necessary; water, snacks and tools are provided. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please phone (949) 923–2275, or e-mail unbic@ocparks.com to register or receive monthly e-mail notifications. Minors aged 15 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times.

May 11th – Exploring Biodiversity for Seniors

From 9 - 11 a.m.

Learn about the diversity of animal and plant species as you explore our ever-changing wilderness on this easy 1.5-mile hike over rocky and uneven terrain. Reservations required.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Website: http://www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast/

Donation: $2 per person Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235 or (949) 923-3702

Special Instructions:  Meet at James Dilley Preserve (ask for directions when making reservations).

Happy trekking! 

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Local Natives' "Sun Hands"

Whiting Ranch Wildflower Tour

As an Orange County resident for the past 8 years, I've noticed that much of the county is very well developed. When it comes to shopping and entertainment, our OC ancestors have [literally] paved the way, making OC a hot-spot for wining, dining, shopping, schooling, movie-watching, and much more. It can be easy in this well-developed county of ours to forget that nature still exists, and you don't have to drive an hour (or more) to experience it. Indeed, our very backyard is a lush, mountainous hot-bed of all that is natural and largely untouched by mankind.

Last week, I was invited to go on a media tour of Whiting Ranch (along with the likes of the OC Register and reps from a few other location publications and blogs) to take a guided look at OC's beautiful indigenous wildflowers. I was amazed at the beautiful view of vibrant, green rolling hills, lush shrubbery, and wide variety of wildflowers. Here are a few pictures I took that ought to show you what I'm talking about:

[View of Trabuco Canyon from Whiting Ranch]

[View of Irvine]

[Blue Lupins are native to Southern California]

[Yellow Pincushions are also native]

[Morning Glory]

[Mustard is not native to California, and the fact that it now blankets the hills can allegedly be attributed to Junipero Serra]

[White popcorn flowers]

[Our Lord's Candle or Yucca]

[Windmill Pinks]

[Wild Cucumber]

[Damage from the Fall 2007 fires is still evident; yet, a great deal of regrowth has taken place in the past 2+ years]

I encourage you to check out the OC Parks Wildflowers Blog for a closer, more in-depth look at native wildflowers. The blog exists for the OC Parks staff to share locations, descriptions, photos, and scheduled wildflower hikes in an effort to inspire people to see the beauty the parks have to offer. Also, visit the official OC Parks website for more information about each of the many parks in OC and upcoming park-hosted events.

Life can be hectic. We get caught in our routine-- hustling from work to the grocery store to our homes to games/plays/movies back to our homes to sleep, wake up, and do it all over again. It's stressful, isn't it? If you're starting to feel like all you see and do involves cement, electronics, and automobiles, it's probably time to turn off  your t.v., put down your phone and laptop, and get out and connect with nature! Take a hike, ride a mountain bike, guide a horse along a dusty trail, or enjoy an evening nature walk. Here are a couple upcoming wildflower hikes I strongly encourage you to check out:

Saturday, May 8th from 8:30-11:30am 
and Saturday, June 12th, 8:30-11:30am

Learn to identify native spring bloomers with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this modeate, but steep and rocky 3.5 mile hike. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Rd, just south of El Toro Rd intersection). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

-Blythe

on my blip: Local Natives' "Airplanes"

Wine Tasting at The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano

This Saturday, March 13th, from 4:00pm - 6:30pm, The Ecology Center will feature Ann Thrupp Ph.D., Manager of Sustainability and Organic Development of Fetzer Vineyards, allowing guests to explore organic and ecological wine production. Ann will speak about integrating sustainability initiatives and practices within the wine industry. Also, to quench thirsts (for knowledge), an organic wine tasting and hors’doeuvres prepared by Sapphire Restaurant will accompany this celebration.

For more info, visit The Ecology Center's web page about the event. 

Registration for this unique event is limited; you must register in advance. $15 members/$25 non-members. Buy tickets online at www.theecologycenter.org.

Hope to see you there! Be sure to find me and say hi if you attend! :)

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Beirut's "Nantes"

Why Evan Marks Loves OC

This installment of our month-long love letter to Orange County (Why We Love OC) features Evan Marks.  Evan is the founder of The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano. We met Evan when we attended the Green Feast event in September- an outdoor gourmet fundraising dinner featuring a multi-course meal of local, sustainably-produced food. You can read our article on The Ecology Center digitally here (page 16). The Ecology Center is doing its part to educate the public on today's environmental issues by providing resources about low-impact living, by offering eco-design education programs for teens, by hosting frequent workshops on sustainable living (neato, hands-on workshops, like how to make a terrarium), and plenty of other ways. And now, ladies and gentleman, Evan Marks' love letter to Orange County:

"To me, Orange County represents much more an opportunity rather than a place. Growing up locally, I relate to the culture and sites of our county, but those aren't the reasons that keep me here. My experiences of working and living out of the region for ten years give me insights into what Orange County could be. Imagine a county with clean ocean water, year-round. Imagine a county with enough local and organic food production to feed the entire community. Imagine a county without homeless, hungry and poor amongst the riches. Most importantly, imagine a county committed to working together to improve our environment for current and future generations.

I returned home to help organize a community with such concerns. I am the founder and Director of The Ecology Center, a resource/education center with the simple mission to provide everyday ecological solutions accessible to all ages. The Ecology Center seeks to bring all members of the community together in a solutions-based educational setting to create a healthy and abundant future for all of Orange County. Overall, we believe the world we live in is facing radical change – and our aim is to help find positive futures in the face of that change. To get in shape for the challenges of the future we need a culture that knows how to sustain the things that sustain us and at the same time nurtures creativity, imagination and adaptability. This is the future as we see it for Orange County. Only together can we design/create our future: one with clean air, water, soil and power for current and future generations. Please join us!" 

-Evan Marks, Founder & Director of The Ecology Center

[photo by Blythe Hill]

 
For more info, visit TheEcologyCenter.org.

Stay tuned for more love letters from your favorite local celebs, professionals, athletes and more right here at the OC Gazette Blog!