Tread more gently on Mother Earth all year round
With Earth Day upon us and spring’s spirit of renewal in the air, living and traveling more sustainably is top of mind for many of us. Here in Camarillo, our community carries a reverence for the environment all year round. Protecting our natural resources and sustainable practices are vital to our thriving agricultural industry as well as preserving our open spaces and maintaining the day-to-day quality of life our residents value. So, whether you’re a local looking for green living and staycation inspiration or a visitor planning a trip, here we offer five ways to travel more sustainably and tread lightly in Camarillo—in every season. And don’t forget to pack your refillable water bottle! You’ll find filtered water stations throughout town.
#1: Take Advantage of Public Transportation
Camarillo is conveniently located on Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner route, which happens to be one of the most pleasant and beautiful train travel routes in the country. The trains make stops in several cities, covering 351 miles between San Diego to the south and San Luis Obispo to the north. When you get off the train at the Old Town Camarillo Station you can hop on Camarillo Area Transit (CAT) or catch an Uber or Lyft to your accommodations or daytrip destination.
In addition to Amtrak, Camarillo Station is served by the Metrolink commuter rail which connects coastal communities from San Diego County up to Ventura as well as Riverside and San Bernardino in the Inland Empire. We are very excited that Metrolink recently added $10 Saturday and Sunday services, expanding upon their weekday schedule to make getting here even easier on weekends.
If you do opt to drive here, consider leaving your car parked as much as possible and catch the CAT. It runs on a loop with eight stops including Old Town, the Camarillo Premium Outlets and other retail and entertainment hubs like Camarillo Town Center and Los Posas Plaza. Download the map and schedule here and use their QR code to track where the trolley is during operating hours.
#2: Savor Local Agriculture
Supporting local farmers is one of the simplest and most delicious ways to be greener. Small, family farms are the lifeblood of our community and consuming produce that is in season and harvested locally is healthier for both your body and the environment. It’s especially beneficial for children to learn about organic farming and gain awareness of where their food comes from. Follow our Farm Trail Map to shop, taste and pick your way through our farms, markets and roadside farm stands where you can meet our local farmers and the people who work the land.
The Saturday morning Camarillo Certified Farmers Market in Old Town is a fun one-stop-shop for a delectable grazing and buying experience. For a more in-depth educational experience, talk with Hillary or John at the STORE at McGrath Family Farm. They are passionate advocates for regenerative agriculture, a practice that reaps incredible quality produce while improving the environment. And if you live in Ventura County, you can support their work on a regular basis by signing up for a Farmivore CSA box delivery.
#3: Enjoy the Great Outdoors
We are fortunate to have an abundance of fresh air, sunshine and open spaces. Hiking is something that doesn’t cost a thing and what’s not to love about recreation that’s powered by the energy of your own two feet?! The travel pros at Weekend Sherpa recently published a great guide to hiking in Wildwood Canyon, a three-mile loop that will bring you through lands once inhabited by the Chumash and take you up to a majestic vista. If covering ground on two wheels is more your speed, check out our guide to the Top 5 Biking Trails in Camarillo. Bill’s Bike Shop can get you mountain biking and road cycling ready with a tune up and gear upgrades for your existing bike—or a new set of wheels if you don’t have a functioning bike or want to get more serious about your biking hobby.
Go above and beyond leaving no trace when you enjoy our area trails, beaches and parks by picking up any litter or debris you see. Gather your friends and organize a DIY park or beach clean-up followed by an organic picnic lunch to celebrate a job well done. If getting hands on as a volunteer appeals to you, register to join the next open round of training programs to be a part of the Channel Islands Naturalist Corps.
#4: Walk, Learn & Conserve
Visit our cultural attractions to step back in time and support treasured local gems. Start at Camarillo Ranch, where you can take a docent-led tour of the 19th century house to learn about life in Camarillo circa 1892. In addition to learning about Adolfo Camarillo, check out their newest exhibit on Juan E. Camarillo, Adolfo’s younger brother, and his various achievements and contributions to the city. While you’re there, stroll through the 4.5-acre property’s gardens and explore the massive root system of the towering Moreton Bay Fig Tree. Public tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays, and you can also book a private tour for parties of eight and larger.
Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology is a fascinating place to learn about natural history—specifically, the world of birds. Their impressive collections include more than 225,00 sets of eggs, 18,000 nests and 56,000 bird study skins. The nest collection is the largest of its kind in the world, and the egg collection is on par with that of the British Museum of Natural History. Take a docent-led tour, participate in a birding workshop or join a bird walk.
#5: Buy Local & Gently Used
Patronizing small, independent businesses is a wonderful contribution to sustainability efforts, whether you’re shopping at a locally owned clothing boutique, buying locally made beer, wine and spirits or supporting local artisans. Buying gently used, preowned items at thrift stores, vintage and consignment shops and antique malls is another way to “shop green” and keep useful objects out of the landfill. Hunt for vintage treasures at the Antique Mall of Camarillo, Marcy’s Attic and Window Box Antiques. Shop for vintage and consignment designer clothing and accessories at Green Goddess Boutique and peruse the home and fashion offerings at Save a Life Thrift Store.
If you’re an outdoor recreation lover, stop by the Columbia and The North Face stores at Camarillo Premium Outlets. The beloved brands are known for their dedication to sustainable practices and conservation efforts, and you can refresh your wardrobe and gear supplies to prepare for future eco-adventures.