The Conservation Alliance is kicking off its 2015 Backyard Collective season this week in Ventura, CA.
More than 160 volunteers are expected to participate with employee representatives from member companies including: Patagonia, Deckers Outdoor, Toad & Co, REI, and Elemental Herbs. The Conservation Alliance is teaming up with local nonprofit Ventura Hillsides Conservancy to organize a day of invasive species removal as part of a pivotal transition into the second phase of a large restoration project along the Ventura River.
“Patagonia is excited to be partnering with other Conservation Alliance member companies to restore and protect local habitats,” said Hans Cole, Environmental Campaigns and Advocacy Manager at Patagonia, and Conservation Alliance board member. “It is great to see the progress that has been made thanks to Ventura Hillsides Conservancy in our backyard, and we’re so glad we can give employees volunteer hours to participate and give back to the community and environment in this way.”
Following the stewardship work, Conservation Alliance grantees, Bodie Hills Conservation Partnership, California Wilderness Coalition, Environmental Defense Center, Friends of the Inyo, and Los Padres ForestWatch, will team up with 1% for the Planet for a volunteer fair to present additional information to the employees, and ideas on how they can continue to spend time giving back to their local community.
“The work of The Conservation Alliance is essential to who we are as a company, and what we hope for the world,” said Caroline Duell, Founder and President of San Luis Obispo-based Elemental Herbs. “We love to collaborate with like-minded companies, and the Backyard Collective events allow us to do that while having a positive impact on a local level.”
The Backyard Collective will run from 9:00 am 1:00 pm on Thursday, April 16. Following the stewardship activities, volunteers will return for a catered lunch and volunteer fair.
“We are thrilled to bring together so many amazing member companies for the Ventura Backyard Collective,” said John Sterling, Executive Director of The Conservation Alliance. “These companies represent leadership and commitment to conservation, and in partnership with Ventura Hillsides Conservancy, will be showcasing this commitment through stewardship in their own backyard.”
About The Conservation Alliance:
The Conservation Alliance is an organization of outdoor businesses whose collective contributions support grassroots environmental organizations and their efforts to protect wild places where outdoor enthusiasts recreate. Alliance funds have played a key role in protecting rivers, trails, wildlands and climbing areas.
Membership in the Alliance is open to companies representing all aspects of the outdoor industry, including manufacturers, retailers, publishers, mills and sales representatives. The result is a diverse group of businesses whose livelihood depends on protecting our natural environment.
Since its inception in 1989, the Alliance has contributed more than $11.9 million to grassroots conservation groups. Alliance funding has helped save more than 41 million acres of wildlands; protect 2,700 miles of rivers; stop or remove 25 dams; designate five marine reserves; and purchase nine climbing areas.
