This free educational event with dozens of eco-related exhibitors will have lots of fun activities for the kids! Hosted by the Conejo Open Space Foundation on Saturday October 1, it will take place in Thousand Oaks at the Lakeside Pavilion area of the Conejo Creek North Park, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The first-time festival’s over 20 exhibitors include butterfly experts from Betina’s Little Farm and Butterfly Garden, beekeepers from the Los Angeles County Beekeeping Association, noted wildflower painter and author Stacy Ruda Best, the garden clubs of Westlake Village and Conejo Valley, Poison Free Conejo, REI and many more.
Exhibitors will have native plants and other eco-related items for sale, plenty of freebies and activities for the kids.
In addition, there will be four free 30-minute seminars, starting on the half-hour at 9:30 a.m. Presenters include:
- Laura Pasetta, master gardener and naturalist, Wild Rootz
- Jenn Rodriguez, horticulture scientist, Growing Works
- Antonio Sanchez, nursery manager, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
- Steve Savage, beekeeper, Los Angeles County Beekeeping Association
Grown-ups can get questions answered about water-wise, fire-resistant native-plant gardening, learn how to fight climate change, and get tips on being a good steward of our public lands, while children can learn about plants and animals and what they can do to help the environment.
COSF President Anne M. Russell says, “We are excited to be able to host this free event for the Conejo Valley community and to share our enthusiasm for native plants and green living!”
Attendees who preregister and donate to support COSF get a small free drought-tolerant plant to take home. Registration is open now, so let us know you’ll be there!
Native Plantpalooza & Eco Fest takes place in the same week as California Clean Air Day, an annual event that draws attention to ways that companies, individuals and families can improve air quality. Coincidentally, exhibitors will feature many clean-air concepts. Attendees will be encouraged to take the Clean Air Pledge.