What is the Green Valley Project?

The Green Valley Project 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.

GVP supports young people as leaders in increasing the Ojai Valley’s biodiversity and environmental health, for a lasting impact on our community’s resilience to drought, fire and climate change.

Through GVP, teens and young adults are actively restoring damaged habitats so that native plants and animals can thrive, and there are more abundant supplies of local water and healthy soil. As they take action, young people gain valuable life and career perspectives and prepare to become environmental stewards and advocates.

What is The C.R.E.W.?

The C.R.E.W. offers teens and young adults the opportunity for hands-on work in the great outdoors. With projects that include wildfire prevention, habitat restoration, and trail maintenance, the work is hard and its impacts are both rewarding and enduring. Since 1991, The C.R.E.W. has been a leader in employment development for young people through environmental work. Learn more at www.crewojai.org.

How is GVP funded?

Funding is provided primarily by the Cotyledon Fund, a private donor-advised fund, with additional support from generous donors and grants from the Ojai Women’s Fund and Start the Wave.

What difference will it make?

The Green Valley Project works on repairing damaged ecosystems in the Ojai Valley so they can provide habitat for abundant wildlife, such as raptors and other birds, butterflies and bees, turtles and fish. Participants are growing and planting trees and native plants to restore the ecology of local meadows, waterways, and school campuses, and public open spaces. Over the years, this work will help water flow more freely, reduce carbon emissions, help prevent species extinction, and prevent fires, while growing a more resilient and green Ojai Valley.

Who can participate?

The Green Valley Project is open to all youth of the Ojai Valley as well as adult allies, with an emphasis on  ages 15 to 20.  

What kinds of projects are happening?

There are oak woodland restoration and pollinator habitat plantings in the Ojai Meadow Preserve, on school campuses, along Middle Stewart Canyon Creek, and open spaces throughout the Ojai Valley.  Additional projects include wildlife studies, native plant and tree nurseries, and internship programs with professionals in ecology, environmental communications, and more.  Leadership development is woven into all Green Valley Project activities. Check out our Past Projects to learn more!

How do I get involved?

You can learn about opportunities to get involved by signing up for our mailing list below or checking out our current opportunities here. We’ll also update our Event Calendar when new events are planned.