By TR Robertson
A number of Earth Day celebrations were going on around the county and the nation on Saturday through Sunday and Vista Botanical Gardens joined in the celebrations with a free event for those in attendance. Other celebrations close by included the beach clean-up in Oceanside and other locations as well as the Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Earth Day Celebration. Over 1,100 people visited the Gardens on Earth Day and organizers said they received numerous compliments on how beautiful the Gardens are and how friendly the volunteers were for their visit. Numerous vendors were set up along the paved road in the Gardens and many activities for children were staged in the Children’s Garden. Some vendors offered a variety of plants on sale along with advice for gardening and planting. Musical entertainment was offered that included Vic Moraga on guitar in the Children’s Garden – www.vicmoraga.com .
Earth Day was first observed in 1970, begun by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, as 20 million people in the U.S. participated nationwide in a movement designed to protest the rising concern of an impending environmental crisis due to the use of pesticides in agricultural practices for raising vegetables and fruits. The protest was first held on April 22, 1970. The movement would lead to the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passing of The Clean Air, the Clean Water, and the Endangered Species Acts.
For the Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Earth Day, the Children’s Garden was the scene of lots of on-hand activities. Featured were projects like Worms Discovery, Bubble Basket, Clouds and Rainbows, Rock Painting, Macaroni Necklace, and Bouncy Cup Jumping Bunny Craft. A discussion about Sorting Trash was offered. Peter Kuchinsky also taught youngsters how to make Origami Butterflies. Visitors wandered from tent to tent speaking with representatives, picking up literature and purchasing items being sold. Amigo de Vista Lions Club members cooked hamburgers and hot dogs at their booth. The Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Gift Shop was also open selling a variety of gift items, including food for the turtles in the turtle pond and Earth Day t-shirts. Close by those that wanted to try and win raffle prizes could purchase tickets and see what prizes were available. The Alta Vista Botanical Gardens tent area had a number of succulents, vegetable starters and flowers and other plants on sale as did the Rare Fruit Growers.
Listed below are some of the vendors and organizations in attendance along with contact information for the groups.
Vista Silver Star Foundation – enhancing the quality of senior citizen’s lifestyles – www.vistasilverstarfoundation.com
California Rare Fruit Growers – Sharing information about the propagation and growing of common and rare edible plants. www.growrarefruit.org .
HayCo Studio – Handcrafted artisan jewelry – www.etsy.com/shop/haycostudio
Children’s Paradise – Preschool and infant centers – www.ChildrensParadise.com
Tender Earth Vintage & Secondhand Goods – tenderearth.living@gmail.com
Look Up Crafted Jewelry – Crafts – lookupcraftedjewelrycrafts@gmail.com
Juls Moon Creations – crafts – www.julsmooncreations.com
The Vista Garden Club – www.californiagardenclubs.com/vistagardenclub – The Vista Garden Club 88th Garden Party and Plant Sale is on Sat., May 4 and Sun., May 5 at Brangle Terrace Park, Jim Porter Rec Center
Also, in attendance with booths and representatives to explain what their organization offered was The City of Vista, Renewal by Anderson, EV K9 Obedience and Puppy Training, Leaf Filter, and Mahaly Meadows – soap maker.
Representatives for the Anstine-Audubon Nature Preserve handed out literature and maps for the Habitat Guide & Hiking Trails in the 11.6 acre preserve located at 2437 Hutchison Street in Vista. The preserve features over 100 plant species and over 100 bird and wildlife species have been seen on the preserve. The preserve is owned and managed by the San Diego Audubon Society and is open to the public every Saturday, October through June, from 9 am until 12 pm. Go to www.sandiegoaudubon.org/what-we-do/anstine.htm/ for more information and directions.
These were a few of the groups attending Alta Vista Botanical Gardens offering advice, demonstrations, sales items and more as visitors wandered through the garden area. Alta Vista Botanical Gardens commitment is to “Bringing People, Nature and Art Together” was displayed again in another successful event for the Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. For information on upcoming events go to www.altavistabotanicalgardens.org.
