Meher Mount's restoration from the Thomas Fire continues. It brings with it the opportunity to tackle some other much-needed tasks. Now is your opportunity to be part of this process.
Plan now to attend one or both days of the Restoration Weekend at Meher Mount, March 10-11, 2018.
24-CUBIC YARDS of mulch waiting for the perfect volunteers to spread this compost around the trunk and under the canopy of Baba's Tree to help retain moisture and encourage living soil. (Photo: Ray Johnston, February 18, 2018)
RESTORATION WEEKEND
Fit your volunteer time to your schedule. Meher Mount will be open for two days of volunteer work. Pick a time that works for you and join the group for another fun and productive volunteer event. RSVP to volunteer coordinator Jim Whedon.
DATE: Saturday, March 10, 2018
TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
PLACE: Meher Mount, 9902 Sulphur Mountain Road, Ojai
DATE: Sunday, March 11, 2018
TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
PLACE: Meher Mount, 9902 Sulphur Mountain Road, Ojai
WORK TO BE ACCOMPLISHED
Support the Recovery of Baba's Tree
About 24-cubic yards of mulch has been delivered to Baba's Tree. Now, Meher Mount needs volunteers to carefully spread the mulch under and around the tree. This compost helps keep moisture in and provide an to support micro-organisms that support the health of Coast Live Oaks (Quercus agrifolia).
WOOD HARVESTED from Baba's Tree early in February 2018. Volunteers are needed to move (with the help of a tractor) and store this wood at another spot on the property. (Photo: Margaret Magnus, February 7, 2018)
Store Harvested Wood from Baba's Tree
All the milled wood planks from Baba's Tree have been tagged and moved to the storage area. There are still small and medium-sized limbs that need to be loaded onto the tractor-trailer and moved to the storage area for drying. Volunteers would make short work of this task.
Clear the Access Road/Trail
A quick walk down the back access road to Meher Mount shows that overhanging branches and volunteer tree shoots in the road are starting to block this emergency access and walking trail. A group of volunteers is needed to trim overhanging branches and clear fallen limbs.
Debris Déjà Vu
Additional repairs on the water and electrical systems have created new, small debris piles. Another old fence was pulled out of the ground. An old electrical pole sits near the entryway. A small dumpster and a few volunteers can clear away this debris and keep Meher Mount beautiful.
WEATHER
A DUMPSTER FULL OF DEBRIS from the January 2018 Fire Cleanup Day. (Photo: Bing Heckman)
The cool, California winter weather is perfect for doing these needed tasks at Meher Mount. The days cool off quickly, and sometimes there are light winds off the ocean that can bring a chill to the air.
WHAT TO BRING
Bring layers, including a windbreaker, as the temperature changes throughout the day
Wear work clothes and sturdy, close-toed shoes that can get muddy and dirty
Bring a hat, work gloves if you have them, and sunglasses
If you have pruning shears or loppers, mark your name on them and please bring them
Please bring your own lunch and water
TRAVEL GUIDELINES
If traveling from the Santa Barbara area, allow about 1-1/2 hours given possible slowdowns and partial road closures.
If traveling from the Los Angeles area, allow about 2 to 2-1/2 hours given traffic and possible partial road closures.
If you are coming from out-of-the area, staying at Meher Mount is not possible, even camping. There are nearby camp grounds and motels in Santa Paula and Ojai. See Area Information.
NO-HOST DINNER - SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2018
For those who are interested, there is a no-host dinner at Boccali's restaurant in Ojai on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. Please bring cash. The bill is totaled with tax and tips added, and then divided evenly between the members of the group.
Daylight Saving Time - Spring Forward
On Saturday night (actually it's 2:00 .m. on Sunday March 11, 2018), the time changes. Clocks are moved forward an hour. So what feels like 9 a.m. will read 10:00 a.m. on the clock.
QUESTIONS?
If you have questions, suggestions or comments, please contact Restoration Weekend coordinator, James Whedon.
AT DAY'S END on Fire Cleanup Day (January 28, 2018) by the now-full dumpster. (Left to right) Jim Auster, Merrliee Bliss, James Whedon, James Whitson, Buzz Glasky, Sam L. Ervin, Yolanda Koumidou, Ginger Glasky, Homaya Gandi, Khushnam Crawford, Marta Flores, Satya Keyes. (Kneeling) Sarah Larsen, Margaret Magnus. (In shadow) Bing Heckman. (Photo: Cassandra Bramucci)
MEHER MOUNT REMAINS CLOSED
A TEMPORARY SECURITY FENCE at Meher Mount. Due to safety concerns and lack of water, Meher Mount remains closed to visitors. It will be open only for work volunteers during the Restoration Weekend, March 10-11, 2018. (Photo: Margaret Magnus, January 5, 2018)
“To work thou hast the right, but not to the fruits thereof.”