The fifth annual Ramona Earth Day Festival, organized by Sustainable Ramona, is set to take place on Saturday, April 25, at Begent Ranch. This year’s event promises to be a hub for environmental awareness and sustainable practices, with a particular focus on water conservation and climate adaptation. The festival, running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature live music, food vendors, and a Sustainable Treasure Hunt for children, alongside exhibitors and speakers discussing sustainability practices.
One of the key participants this year is the Ramona Municipal Water District, which will be sharing water conservation supplies and information. Erica Wolski, the water district’s general manager, highlighted their involvement: “Our staff will hand out water conservation supplies from the San Diego County Water Authority and share information about water conservation and meter reading.” Additionally, the water district will have a separate booth to update the public on their Climate Adaptation Plan, funded by a $600,000 grant from the state’s Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program. This plan includes emergency evacuation modeling, a virtual reality video about wildfire and heat impacts, and a wildfire assessment focusing on vegetation reduction.
Last year’s Earth Day Festival saw the water district and Barona conduct a survey on the Climate Adaptation Plan, with wildfire and safe evacuations emerging as the top concern. Wolski noted, “Expanding Highway 67 got the most votes. Last year we collected input, and this year we’ll be sharing the results of the input.” The water district is also collaborating with the Barona Band of Mission Indians to secure a portion of state bond funds approved by voters in 2024 as Proposition 4, which allocates roughly $10 billion for climate-related projects in California. These projects include wildfire protection, safe drinking water, sustainable agriculture, and clean energy.
The Ramona Earth Day Festival is more than just an event; it’s a catalyst for community engagement and action. By bringing together vendors, nonprofit organizations, and the public, it fosters a collaborative environment where sustainable practices can be discussed, demonstrated, and adopted. The festival’s emphasis on education and community involvement is a model for other regions looking to promote sustainability. As the sector continues to evolve, events like this play a crucial role in shaping public awareness and driving innovation in water, sanitation, and drainage practices. The festival’s focus on real-world applications of sustainability, such as the Climate Adaptation Plan and Proposition 4 funding, underscores the importance of proactive planning and community collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.