Conserving the Ventura River Trail by Jennifer Sapinoso

“A little elbow grease” was the theme for our group today. We quickly observed that the sculptures on the river trail were in dire need of work. Because Mile Marker #1 is so near the ocean and in direct exposure to elements and years of minimal conservation effort, there were many metal stains, corrosions, graffiti, fading of the letters, and our personal favorite bird guano. However, as evident n our before and after pictures it makes a world of difference it visually showed the most significant change after our conservation efforts. It made being out there in the hot sun scrubbing until our right arm seemed like it had grown several times from such a work out, completely worth it.

Many bicyclists that passed us stopped to chat, one man even thanked us. It seemed that even if a bicyclist didn’t stop or didn’t say anything we caught their attention not one person who passed us did not glance over at us working diligently. I believe that not only are we setting up a much needed conservation program for Ventura’s public art but also we are raising awareness, and a curiosity within the passing locals about public art and hopefully inform them of how conserving the art within their community is a necessity.