The Green Issue

File photos and photos courtesy of The Ecology Center and Goin Native

JOIN THE GREEN SCENE

A select group of San Clemente High School juniors enrolled in Lisa Kerr’s (seventh from left) Advanced Placement Environmental Science have taken part in a program that puts them to work locally and globally on environmental sustainability projects. Courtesy photo

Local Students Take Hands-on Approach to Environmental Sustainability With support from a local nonprofit, students are doing their part to help the environment, in their communities and abroad

By Brian Park Holly Pope wants to make the world a better place to live in. But if there’s one thing the San Clemente High School student has learned this year, it’s that real change requires action, not just quixotic platitudes.

Pope is one of a select group of students, all juniors enrolled in Advanced Placement environmental science courses, at five Orange County high schools, including San Clemente and Dana Hills. During the school year, the students have been applying their classroom lessons into real-world environmental sustainability projects in their local communities.

Their culminating project, however, takes place overseas, with a 10-day field expedition to study the nocturnal habits of creatures living in the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa. The research will help scientists better understand and preserve the sub-Saharan ecosystem.

The trip is made possible through scholarships funded by the Kenneth A. Picerne Foundation, a San Juan Capistrano-based nonprofit organization founded in 2004.

One of the foundation’s keystone programs is the Global Sustainability Project, which is now in its fourth year of a five-year pilot run.

“The idea is to give students an opportunity to learn about other cultures, to

contribute their skills in a real way toward understanding and sustaining their environment,” said Victor Nelson, the foundation’s executive director.

Ten to 11 students are selected from each participating school’s AP environmental science class. Those students, under the guidance of their teacher, work 40 hours during the school year on a local project.

Pope and her classmates have been working with the San Onofre Foundation to create a curriculum for freshmen biology field trips at San Mateo State Park. Once it’s completed, the students will be punching their tickets to South Africa in August.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to travel abroad with my peers but to also see how environmental science really works in the field,” Pope said.

Pope said she hopes to continue studying environmental science in college, with the ultimate goal of working in food science, environmental planning or hydrobiology.

For Nelson, students, like Pope, who are coming out of the program are an immediate solution to the long-term problem of environmental sustainability.

“I think it’s a potentially transformative experience for the kids who participate,” Nelson said.

In the quest for a more ecofriendly lifestyle, changes can take on many forms. Whether looking to grow your own food, help clean up the beach, recycle, or learn more about local flora and fauna, there are plenty of nearby options coming up.

Here we highlight two of the many opportunities to get involved, learn something new and make a difference in our community.

Be sure to check out the Green Scene events listing in this section, for more fun and inspiring happenings scheduled in honor of Earth Day. Choose one event, or many, discover something new and take another step toward a greener way of life.

—Andrea Swayne

Dana Point Harbor Underwater Cleanup The OC Dana Point Harbor is seeking certified volunteer scuba divers to participate in their 11th underwater cleanup event set for Saturday, May 10 from 8 a.m. to noon.

These cleanups are a key component in the Harbor’s continuing water quality improvement program.

Previous events recovered over 35,000 pounds of miscellaneous debris which included tools, chairs, marine toilets, outboard motors, bicycles, skateboards, electronics and more.

Aqualung America, Inc. will be awarding a scuba regulator valued at $650 for the most unusual item recovered.

Participants will receive an event T-shirt, food and beverages throughout the event.

Cleanup efforts will be concentrated on the east side of Dana West Marina B-Dock, 24500 Dana Point Harbor Drive in Dana Point.

Certified divers and volunteers can register and find out more by contacting the Dana West Marina office at 949.493.6222 or at www.dphunderwatercleanup.com.

Goin Native volunteers work in the gardens at Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano. Courtesy photo

Eco Xpo: Garden and Sustainable Living Show The Eco Xpo is set for Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano.

Hosted by Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens, the expo is aimed at educating and encouraging the creation of beautiful, bountiful and beneficial gardens while conserving resources through innovative landscape design, low-water plants and solar and LED lighting.

The free event will feature demonstration gardens, expert speakers, local produce, activities for kids and more than 50 vendors offering environmental products and resources. Proceeds from sponsorship and donations will benefit the butterfly habitat and beautification of the park.

Goin Native has cared for the native plants at Los Rios Park since 2009. The nonprofit organization is committed to providing horticultural education, emotional and physical rehabilitation and practical life skills to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, while promoting environmental sustainability.

Los Rios Park is located at 31790 Paseo Adelanto in the Los Rios Historic District.

For more information, call 949.606.6386 or visit www.goinnative.net.

In the Community: What is your top strategy for living a greener life?

Brett Wolf, San Juan Capistrano I try to ride my bike as much as I can. Biking slows things down and the joy of riding a bicycle is unsurpassable. It saves money on gas and keeps you fit. I’m a nurse and I feel like riding my bike to work is a good way to stay fit and portray a good image in the community.

Jose Soriano, 13, Niguel Hills Middle School I like to take the bus because my mom doesn’t have to drive me in a car and waste gas. It’s pretty easy to get around on the bus and I can get pretty much anywhere I want to go. I think it’s fun. And sometimes, I even get some exercise, when I’m late and have to make a run for it.

Darah Dreyer, San Clemente My favorite way to help the environment is to use reusable water bottles and coffee cups because I feel like the waste the single-use ones create is a really big issue.

Interviews and photos

by Andrea Swayne

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Backyard Skills: Greywater

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SCENE

1 p.m. Recycle water and use yours better.

Learn from Brook Sarson of H2OME on how to design, install and maintain a greywater system that’s right for your home. Tickets $20 for members, $30 for non-members.

Tickets available online. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

Wednesday, April 16 Farm to Fork: Adults

Earth Day and Other Eco-Friendly Events Friday, April 11 Kids’ Free Gardening Workshops

10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Casa Romantica offers a free workshop for kids ages 7-11. This fun outdoor, hands-on learning experience will promote environmental awareness and the joy of being in nature while learning water-wise gardening. Two additional sessions are scheduled for July 17 and July 18. Reservations required. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

Saturday, April 12 Earth Day Restoration Project

9 a.m. Volunteer to help plant native plants, shrubs and trees around the park. Bring a shovel and work gloves, if available. Upon arrival, let the gate guard know you are volunteering and they will direct to free parking. For more information, contact Vicki Wiker at 949.496.6172 or vwiker@parks.ca.gov. Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, www.dohenystatebeach.org.

6 p.m. Experience a hands-on cooking class for adults, starting in the garden and ending with a delicious meal. Tickets are $40 for members, $50 for non-members.

Tickets available online. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

Friday, April 18 Farm Film Series: Global Gardener

7 p.m. The Ecology Center presents a free educational film screening and community potluck under the stars. Get cozy with your own chair or blanket and nosh on homemade popcorn, craft beer on draught and light refreshments (available for purchase).

Reserve a free ticket in advance. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

Saturday, April 19 Mother Earth Beach, Creek and Park Cleanup 9 a.m.-noon. Volunteer to clean the beach, San Juan Creek and the Doheny State Park grounds. Bring work gloves and meet at Lifeguard Headquarters. Upon arrival, let the gate guards know you are volunteering and they will direct you to free parking.

For more information, contact Vicki Wiker at 949.496.6172 or vwiker@parks.ca.gov.

Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, www.dohenystatebeach.org.

Visitors explore the many eco-friendly exhibits and demonstration gardens at The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Scott Sporleder, The Ecology Center

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necessary. But, for groups of 10 or more, please inform Jonathan Witt in advance at 949.496.2274 ext. 330 or jwitt@ocean-institute.org to ensure ample cleanup supplies will be available.

Ocean Institute Earth Day Go Green & Blue The Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center offers great views, not only of whales passing in the waters below, but also provides an introduction to native flora and fauna. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center Whale Walk and Talk

9 a.m.-11 a.m. Many different species of whales and dolphins can be seen passing through the Pacific waters below from the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center.

Learn about our largest animal visitors on an approximately 1.5-mile walk through the Dana Point Headlands conservation area.

Bring your binoculars, or use ours, and learn migration patterns of different whale species that frequent the area, as well as how to best spot, watch and identify whales. 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, 949.248.3527, www.danapoint.org.

Herbology Level 1

10 a.m. Herbology, or herbal medicine, involves using the wonders of plants for medicinal purposes. This method of healing has been used for thousands of years, and is still practice today. Join a hands-on workshop on herbal medicine with Rebecca Altman, herbalist and artist in residency of The Ecology Center. Tickets $55 for members, $65 for non-members and children 10 and under are $25. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

The Ritz-Carlton Eco Hero Beach Cleanup at Salt Creek Beach

10 a.m.-noon. Volunteers check in at Salt Creek Beach to receive beach cleanup materials. The cleanup brings neighbors and friends of all ages together to take care of our precious marine environment, while also learning from the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel Eco-Adventure Center’s naturalists about how fragile beaches and oceans are and how to become an Eco Hero. For more information call the Eco Adventure Center directly at 949.240.5072 or cristy.cohen@ritzcarlton.com.

Saturday, April 26 San Clemente Beach Cleanup

8:30 a.m. Join friends and neighbors to clean up San Clemente’s beaches. Meet at the Pier. Stay after the cleanup for Earth Day San Clemente events.

Ocean Institute Beach/ Harbor Cleanup

9 a.m.-11 a.m. Volunteer to help clean up the beach and Harbor areas and receive free admission to the Ocean Institute for the day. Check in at the front of the institute.

Supplies will be provided. Registration is not

10 a.m.-3 p.m. After spending the morning cleaning up the beach and Harbor Create fun eco-friendly crafts and learn about the importance of protecting natural environments through hands-on activities. For those who choose not to participate in the cleanup, admission is $6.50 for adults (13 and over) and $4.50 for children (3 -12); children 2 and under and members are free.

For more information, call 949.496.2274 or visit www.ocean-institute.org.

Community Recycling Event at Dana Hills High School

9 a.m.-11 a.m. Drop off plastic bottles and aluminum cans (no glass please) in the back parking lot of Dana Hills High School near the tennis courts and pool area. Students from the school’s chapter of the California Scholastic Federation and Dolphin Pride will collect and sort the recyclables. Funds collected are distributed by the school’s PTSA for student programs. Rain or shine. 33333 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point.

Earth Day San Clemente

10 a.m.-2 p.m. The city of San Clemente and the Watershed Task Force sponsor a familyfriendly day of fun and education aimed at reducing litter and pollutants ending up in our streets, open space, storm drains and beaches. Festivities will include live music, displays, artists, awards, demonstrations and more. The event will take place at Parque Del Mar, in the Pier Bowl area where Avenida Del Mar meets the ocean. For more information, call 949.366.2326 or see www.scwatersheds.com.

2013 Earth Day San Clemente attendees pick up drought tolerant plants and don costumes for a fun photo at the event’s photo dress-up booth. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Free Community Shred Day

9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monarch Bay Plaza hosts a free shred day with services provided by Paper Recycling and Shredding Specialists.

The company is a licensed, bonded/insured cross-cut shredder. Watch your documents being shredded. Certificates of destruction will be available on request. Limit five Bankers Boxes per person. For more information, visit their website at www.mobileshred.net.

Attendees will have the opportunity to enter to win $1,000 in Monarch Plaza Bucks. 28 Monarch Bay Plaza, Dana Point, www.monarchbayplaza.com.

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THE GREEN ISSUE

Rick Erkeneff

Waterman and Water Man

By Andrea Swayne

As an avid surfer, South Coast Water District director and chairman of the Surfrider Foundation South Orange County Chapter, it’s safe to say Rick Erkeneff cares about and knows a lot about water.

We caught up with Erkeneff at his Dana Point home for a quick question-and-answer session on ocean water quality and our threatened water supply. Here’s what he had to say:

What should Southern California residents know about the drought and future water availability?

The majority of our water supply comes from Northern California and the Colorado River, so we are not only at the mercy of decades of dry years but also north vs. south politics, agricultural vs. residential use and the most catastrophic of possibilities, a large earthquake. Such an event could knock out the aqueducts that bring the water to our region, leaving us without supply for months or longer.

How is SoCal actually a bit ahead of the game as opposed to NorCal in terms of potable water supply?

With regard to the drought, SoCal learned a hard lesson from the drought back in the late 1970s and Southern California water agencies have been planning for dry years such as we are experiencing today. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested in large water storage reservoirs, expanded use of recycled water programs, conservation projects and the conversion to low-flow highly efficient home appliances and landscape options. This is not so for Northern California.

We are actually better prepared.

What are three important things SoCal residents should know about ocean pollution?

First, our local ocean water quality is most affected in areas where watersheds drain into the ocean. The majority of dry-season pollution is transported by streams and

creeks in the form of “urban runoff” from overuse and misuse of water outside our homes and within our cities. The water that makes it to the storm drains transports toxins directly to our coastal environment.

Everything from engine oil and pet waste to fertilizers and pesticides cause environmental degradation.

Next, among plastic pollution, polystyrene (Styrofoam) makes up the overwhelming majority of what we pick up during beach cleanups. Third, off-shore “fracking” for natural gas, occurring right now in SoCal waters, allows for the dumping of highly toxic waste water directly into the ocean.

What can the average person do to affectively address water issues?

The Orange County Water Smart Home Program offers the opportunity to certify your house as a Water Smart Home.

Participating in a free home water survey will score your home’s water-use efficiency and identify potential water savings needed.

Recommendations will include money- and water-saving rebates and no-cost activities that can help you become more water efficient. I encourage everybody to schedule a free survey. You can find out more about the Water Smart Home Program online at www.mwdoc.com/services/watersmarthome.

Rick Erkeneff has served as a volunteer for the Surfrider Foundation South Orange County Chapter as chairman for more than a decade and was elected to the South Coast Water District board of directors in 2012. He can be reached by email at rerkeneffscwd@gmail.com.

A wall display at Ocean Minded headquarters in San Clemente chronicles the company’s beach cleanup efforts over the years. Photo: Jim Shilander

Making Clean Beaches a Reality

By Jim Shilander

Ocean Minded has managed to build a global brand while keeping the area’s beaches clean.

The sandal and surf wear company was founded in San Clemente in 1996 and has been actively involved in cleaning Southern California’s beaches since its start. The company began tracking its beach cleanup efforts, which it often does in conjunction with the Surfrider Foundation, in 1999.

Between 2009 and 2013, the company held over 170 beach cleanup events, collecting over 34 tons of trash. The company only began weighing the garbage in 2009.

This year, the company has hosted 10 cleanups and collected more than a ton of waste. In addition to its California efforts,

Ocean Minded does cleanup work in Florida, New Jersey and North Carolina, as well as lakes and rivers, such as Lake Tahoe and Utah’s Jordan River.

Now, three weekends a month, the company schedules beach cleanups along the coast, from the Mexican border north to Los Angeles. In addition, Lanette Jorgensen, the company’s communications director and in-store marketing manager, said once a month, the company’s office empties out to Calafia, Trestles or another nearby beach.

While the company is not officially “green” in terms of its manufacturing process, Jorgensen said the use of sustainable materials is a priority.

“Every day is Earth Day in our opinion,” Jorgensen said.

California license plates sporting a whale’s tail fluke do much more than add pizazz to the state’s automobiles; they provide funding for cleaning beaches, restoring habitats, promoting beach access check the and educating students through marine and coastal protection projects. This tax season, the whale tail program is giving citizens another way to support these efforts.

The California Coastal Commission’s Whale Tail Grants are funded through the sale of the license plates. This year, the commission’s Check the Coast program allows contributions to be made at tax time. Enter a donation next to the Protect Our Coast and Oceans Fund, in the “Voluntary Contributions” section on the last page of your California tax return.

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Whale tail grants have been helping to support educational programs locally through organizations such as the Ocean Institute in Dana Point.

According to Shannon Waters, volunteer programs coordinator for the California Coastal Commission’s public education program, the grants have so far contributed $52,600 to programs at the Ocean Institute.

The Gray Whale Foundation is another Dana Point-based organization that has benefitted from the grants.

The nonprofit foundation relies on this support to educate students from the Capistrano Unified School District and beyond through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum taught along with ocean excursions.

“This funding means a better environmental future by allowing us to introduce

Graphic: California Coastal Commission

students to the ocean and teaching the lesson of how everything we do on land eventually ends up in the ocean,” said Michael Hansen, Gray Whale Foundation chairman.

“The most important lesson we can teach young scholars is that their daily lives can impact the quality and health of the ocean and they have the power to change it.”

To find out more about the fund, log on to www.checkthecoast.org. —AS THE GREEN ISSUE