Camarillo, Calif., Oct. 22, 2012 – CSU Channel Islands (CI) invites the campus community and the public to join in the largest grounds beautification effort in CI history. Community Planting Days to transform the University’s Central Mall will be held Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon on Oct. 27, and Nov. 3, 10, and 17, or until planting is complete.
The Central Mall project replaces Los Angeles Avenue – the bustling double-lane, divided campus road that intersects the north and south quads – with a park-like, pedestrian plaza designed for studying, relaxing and gathering. When completed, the renovated Central Mall will feature more than 302,000 square feet of green space, including a decorative Spanish Mission style fountain, concrete pavers and decomposed granite walkways, benches and lighting, a rose garden, and dozens of native, drought-tolerant plants, bushes and trees.
“With the help of our friends and supporters, the Central Mall will become a stunning centerpiece that safely connects our buildings for pedestrians and offers unlimited potential for outdoor study, recreation, and campus and community gatherings,” said President Richard R. Rush.
Community Planting Day volunteers will help install plants, trees and bushes, and should dress accordingly and bring gardening gloves, if available. A light continental breakfast will be provided. Once on campus, follow signs to complimentary event parking. Planting activities on Oct. 27 will begin in front of Ojai Hall.
The Central Mall renovation is funded through the generosity of students, businesses and community donors. The CI Foundation’s “Leave Your Mark” campaign offers supporters the opportunity to “adopt” trees and pavers in their name. The first phase of the Central Mall renovation was made possible by the following contributors: The Associated Students, Inc.; C.A. Rasmussen, Inc.; Diversified Minerals, Inc.; Freska Produce; Fruit Growers Supply; Gail Materials; Leavens Ranches; Limoneira Company; Pinkerton Ranches; Porterville Citrus; and Umina Brothers.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Rubalcava, Project Manager for CSU Channel Islands Foundation, at 805-437-8416 or elizabeth.rubalcava@csuci.edu.
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About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.