New Programs Offer Tips on Conservation

Thousand Oaks is offering several new nature-friendly activities and events as an expansion of its environmental education program.

TOTV, the city’s government channel, has begun airing a weekly cable television program focusing on creative ways to protect the environment.

“Children’s Corner for the Environment� airs Saturdays from 10 a.m to noon.

As part of a statewide push to prevent the illegal disposal of oil, Thousand Oaks has also put up a new educational reading display on oil recycling at the Civic Arts Plaza.

Funded by a state grant, the display is titled “Where’s Away When You Throw Oil Away?� It can be seen from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the building’s main lobby.

Hoping to educate people about the effects of dumping in drains, Thousand Oaks has begun a new volunteer storm drain stenciling project.

Residents of all ages are invited to stencil curbs with the message “Don’t Dump; Drains to Creek, Arroyo or Lake.�

The city will provide all necessary materials.

Thousand Oaks residents who change their own motor oil can receive a free, reusable 12-quart recycling container by visiting the city’s oil collection site.

The program takes place on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Municipal Service Center, 1993 Rancho Conejo Blvd.

The containers are provided through a grant from the California Integrated Solid Waste Management Board in an effort to reduce the illegal disposal of oil.

In addition, Thousand Oaks has begun sponsoring environmentally savvy shopping tours at Mrs. Gooch’s Whole Food Markets, 451 Avenida de los Arboles.

The city is offering the free, 20-minute tours to help residents learn how they can save the environment by purchasing nontoxic and recyclable products.

To make an appointment for a tour, call (818) 501-8484, ext. 709.

For information on these and other Thousand Oaks environmental programs, call the city’s 24-hour recycling hotline, 449-SAVE.