Making a difference

For more than forty years, the club has offered annual scholarships from our local junior colleges, who will be majoring in environmental and horticulture sciences when transferring to a 4-year university, were awarded a $2000 grant.  The chosen students this past year are:

Moorpark College recipient, Grace Olson, who is an Environmental Science Major.  She has taken honors credit courses and has been on the Dean’s List.  Most impressive about Grace is that she won the National Society of Leadership Success Award.  She will be going to UC Davis.

Oxnard College recipient, Rachel Radwich, penned her essay: “I will pursue a career that allows me to work out in the environment helping it heal from the harm it has endured due to climate change.”  She has the curiosity and drive to pursue these goals.  She has been accepted to UC Davis under their Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology major.

Ventura College recipient, Diego Briceno, is a first generation high school and community college graduate who grew up watching his parents working in the strawberry fields.  Diego said they were his role models, and introduced him to the world of agriculture.  During the pandemic he worked alongside his parents in the fields, waking up a 5am.  He plans to pursue plant and soil science.  Diego will be attending Cal Poly Pomona.  

• CGCI President’s Project
• National Forest Service Reforestation & Restoration 
• Conejo Valley Botanic Garden
• Conejo Open Space Foundation
• Santa Monica Trails Council
• Toys for Tots
• Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
• MANNA
• America's Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College
• Growing Works - Turning Point Foundation
• Penney Pines

Conejo Valley Botanic Garden

Our local Botanic Garden received funding to support the maintenance, improvements and additions of this Thousand Oaks treasure. Programs  join the school and the community in an effort to teach principles that  will help children understand and appreciate the earth under their feet.  Tours of the Garden provide the public, schools, garden clubs and scout groups opportunities to enjoy the interaction between people and nature.

Conejo Open Space

This organization has been entrusted with the responsibility of  preserving, protecting and managing open space resources in the Conejo Valley. COSCA currently owns or manages 15,194 acres of open space  and maintains more than 150 miles of trails.

Santa Monica Mountain Trails Council

A volunteer nonprofit organization, dedicated to establishing,  preserving and maintaining the public trail system throughout the  Santa Monica Mountains and adjacent areas through education,  advocacy and partnership with public and private sectors. Volunteers  maintain trails almost every weekend year-round. 

CA State Parks Poppy Reserve

Supports educational and interpretive activities at the California Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve; including programs for school  children and visitors at 5 local state parks. Eight miles of trails  through the gentle rolling hills, including a paved section for wheelchair access, make the park a wonderful place to hike and explore in any season.

Penny Pines

A CGCI supported effort that helps the US Forest Service in reforestation. It is a conservation program in which everyone can participate. It plays a vital role both in renewing the national  forests in California, and in multiple-use management. Donations foster the purchase and planting of seedling trees. 

Theodore Payne Foundation

Advocates wild flowers and native plants. Established in 1960 to  support the preservation and use of California native flora.

Sempervirens Fund

A CGCI supported effort which protects redwood forests and coastal redwoods from subdivision and development. Conserves wildlife habitats and safeguards the waters that flow in local creeks and streams. Works in conjunction with the Save-the-Redwoods League.