Speaker for July 21 - Doug Halter

It was fitting that for today’s program, Midge Stork introduced Doug Halter, President of the Ventura Botanical Gardens.  Midge said her visit to the Rotary Botanical Gardens of Janesville, Wisconsin was her inspiration for similar gardens here.

 Doug recounted six years ago, when a handful of people met in Midge’s living room to talk about the idea.  The group agreed they should work on the concept.  They began a search for a site location, ending with the selection of Grant Park.  Their goal is a world class garden that will be a destination point for travelers.  They have over 850 charter members, including one from Australia!

 Doug commented on how fortunate we are to live in Ventura.  Many other communities only dream about what we have, such as oceans, clean air, light traffic, parks, recreation and cultural activities.  He noted that some things we used to travel to are now available in town, such as the Ventura Music Festival.

 The Ventura Botanical Gardens currently leases the entire 107 acre Grant Park.  Lots of work needs to be done, such as erosion control, traffic mitigation, water issues, eradication of invasive species, handicap access and more.  Even with 200+ volunteers, there is always a need for more helpers.

 They have worked with a renowned architecture firm Mia Lehrer & Associates to develop the Vision Plan.  There will be some structures, including a snack bar, maintenance facility and amphitheater.  They are currently applying for grants – 15 are in the works.

 Their goal is to create five different specific gardens, such as cactus, California native and Mediterranean.  Each will have trails and paths in beautiful settings.  Doug sees this project as being as important as Golden Gate Park is for San Francisco.  They plan to have their first garden within three years.

 Doug also noted how unifying this project has been within the community.  Numerous nonprofit service organizations and other clubs are participating, as well as the Surfrider Foundation, Ventura Hillsides Conservancy and the Serra Cross Conservancy.  A recent fund raising event was their garden tours, and an upcoming Polo and Picnic event is planned.

Thanks, Doug, for your presentation, and Midge, too, for your initial vision!.

Rocky Ludes