The plots are sold out and there is a waiting list for pieces of 7,500 square feet of garden space. Families, students, children, Service Learners, veteran gardeners and those just looking to enjoy a gorgeous day with nature came out to celebrate Earth Day in Pacific Grove’s Community Garden. There were displays and educational programs, crafts and a pot luck, a blessing by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche and poetry with Pacific Grove’s Poet-In-residence, Dr. Barbara Mossberg, plus our Poetry Out Loud champion Arwa Awan, and spontaneous music from Susie Joyce.

Here are some stats from Karin Locke, who has made it her purpose to see the Community Garden grow:

• 52 adults
• 33 children
• Multi generational families, at least three sets of grandparents involved
• Ethnic and religious diversity achieved
• Ceramics using natural found materials for the children
• Educational programs for children in the garden
• Water conservation and instructional demonstrations
• CSUMB Service Learners discussing their fields of interest
• Poetry under the trees was magical
• Political free event
• Yoga in the meadow
• Picnic pot luck a success- kids loved the peanut butter & Jelly!
• Social Media campaign successful…2,331 people tuned into the garden the week prior to the event
• Warren Knox sold a couple of boxes, did better here than in a San Jose garden event — he donated a small box to the garden!
• Succulent garden was a hit!
• Support from our Mayor Bill Kampe!
• Support from PGUSD for the fee waiver!
• Volunteer grounds clean up around the children’s garden from Heidie’s group of mommies in the children’s garden
• The Blessing…so perfect!

Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) released the following Earth Day statement:

Today, the entire world gathers in celebration of Earth Day, a day set aside to remind us to be responsible stewards of our planet. On the Central Coast, we understand the relationship between the environment and our community. I am proud of our local efforts to have a positive impact on a global scale.

We live in one of the most environmentally responsible regions of the world. For instance, many Central Coast communities have enacted a ban on non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags reducing the amount of harmful garbage that litters our waterways. We have joined together to protect special places both on the land and in the ocean for future generations to benefit from. Our local growers have led efforts to remove harmful chemicals from our food supply to provide healthy fruits and vegetables for families to eat. Understanding the role that humans have played in global climate change, many of our residents and local business have done their part to reduce emissions and shrink their carbon footprint.

As great as our successes have been, we still have much work to do. Even as we celebrate, there are many who would like to roll back much of the progress we have made so far. There is a continued effort to open Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling and to build the Keystone XL pipeline, further increasing our dependence on oil rather than investing in green energy alternatives. Back home, there has even been a renewed focus on drilling in the southern portion of Monterey and San Benito counties.

So on this Earth Day, I call on all of us to remember that every day is Earth Day. From simple changes in our daily routine to increased civic participation and raising awareness on these important issues, we can ensure that not just the Central Coast but that our entire planet is healthier for generations to come.

Happy Earth Day everyone!