The Ojai Post

“This is not only about celebrating how wonderful Ojai already is on the subject of protecting the environment, but how we can treasure it and make it even better,” Hall told us. “It took a long time to install this exhibit,” said Hall, who was there every day supervising and helping in its creation. About 50 people were involved including 3 contractors, an architect, and many builders and volunteers.

Upon entering the museum, the first thing visitors see is a tall model of a wind generator. “A real one is 300 feet high,” explained Hall. Visitors can watch videos on farming and agriculture in Ventura County and the documentary film "Watershed Revolution" about the Ventura River Watershed. One can also ride a stationary bicycle that turns on electric lights. The rest of the exhibit is made up of several components, featuring Transportation, Ventura River Watershed, Energy, Green Homes, Trees, Food and photos of some of the ‘green’ homes in Ojai.

There is a break-away home with several rooms and examples of environmentally friendly tiles, kitchen and bath ideas, insulation samples and an interactive game designed by Hall for hands on learning about green building materials. The docents and guests were so fascinated by the information and presentation that some suggested ways the components could be retained in Ojai venues after the exhibit is dismantled.

The meeting was adjourned amidst much hand clapping and exclamations of delight, praising this vital and very instructive exhibition. If you are interested in being a part of inspiring meetings like this and wish to become a docent or a volunteer at the Ojai Valley Museum, please call 640-1390 Ext. 1.

WRITTEN BY ANNE SHRAGE