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Saturday, September 6th, was the final work day at Loma Vista School Ocean Friendly Garden. Loma Vista was this year’s school chosen for the Midtown Ventura Community Council (MVCC) Adopt-A-School Program and it was the biggest project done yet. Landscape architect Brian Brodersen, along with designer and landscape designer Laura Bauer provided pro-bono services in creating the design. The design called for turning the warm-season turf grass in front of (west) and adjacent (south) to the Administration building into a beautiful, 100% California coastal native landscape that directs rainwater from School roofs and sidewalks into the garden. All plants were provided by Matilija Nursery.
A number of workdays took place over a four-month period. Many volunteers from MVCC, City of Ventura, Surfrider-Ventura County Chapter's Ocean Friendly Gardens Program and the School came out on several Saturdays throughout that time period. School principal Marlene McMumullen was there every step of the way. Removal of turf grass and excavation of swales and mounding of berms were done prior to the workdays. Volunteers helped remove the excess roots and grass that came through after excavation, lay down sheet mulching and install plants. Renee Roth, a G3/Green Gardens Group Qualified Trainer, led the group through proper planting - the G3 way. In addition to coordinating the project, MVCC Board Member's David Ferrin (architect) and Dan Long oversaw building of gabion benches and putting in permeable pavers.
For the the Chapter, it’s the second time it has partnered with MVCC on a school project (click here to read about the project at Will Rogers Elementary School). Loma Vista School’s principal, Marlene McMullen, was at every workday. Once again, Jill Sarick, Environmental Specialist with the City of Ventura, helped coordinate and lent a hand. Richard Saint, Ventura Unified School Districts’ Facilities Services Department, came on the final day and learned what he can take back to all the schools’ landscapes.
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