Ojai Teens Aim To Re-Oak Ojai

Ojai youth environmental leaders announce a new program called “Re-Oaking Ojai.” The youth, participants in the Green Valley Project, a program of The C.R.E.W., have set a goal to plant 50 native oak trees throughout the Ojai community this fall to replenish the dwindling oak forest. Ojai residents can accept up to three free 15-gallon oak trees, to be planted on their properties by volunteers. The trees are being donated by Ojai Trees, which is coordinating the planting program.

Re-Oaking Ojai aims to reduce pollution, create more shade, and improve water flow while maintaining a habitat for hundreds of species of wildlife. Through photosynthesis, oak trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it for hundreds of years. An oak canopy also slows and sinks rainfall, allowing our groundwater supply to increase. Re-Oaking Ojai will plant both the Coastal Live Oak and the Valley Oak throughout the project. These two trees are native to California and are able to thrive in Ojai’s environment with minimal care.

The Green Valley Project is an environmental leadership program that encourages the young people of Ojai to take initiative in the care of Ojai’s environmental and biodiversity health in order to combat drought, fire, and climate change in the community. GVP inspires members to help restore impacted habitats throughout Ojai and gain a greater understanding of Ojai’s wildlife while becoming advocates for the environment. The Green Valley Project is led by The C.R.E.W, a nonprofit organization providing hands-on experiences, including paid employment, in restoring Ojai’s environment for future generations. “Through Re-Oaking Ojai, we hope to make an impact in the local community and environment with youth leadership,” explains GVP Coordinator Tara Fay.

Ojai Trees is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring personal action to care for our community forest.

The two Re-Oaking/Ojai Trees planting dates are October 23rd (tree ordering deadline is October 13th) and November 13th (tree ordering deadline November 3rd). Interested Ojai Valley residents can order up to three oak trees (while supplies last) at https://www.greenvalleyproject.org/reoak-ojai. There is also a registration form for volunteers interested in helping to plant the trees this fall.