Summer Adventures with a Green Twist: Fun, Eco-Friendly Activities to Try This Season
When I first started The Oasis Verde, I dreamed of creating more than just a community garden or wellness retreat — I wanted to inspire a lifestyle where sustainability and joy thrive together. As an MBA graduate in Sustainability and Environmental Compliance, I’ve studied the policies and technical side of environmental issues, but I’ve learned that the heart of change comes from hands-on, soul-filling experiences.
Summer in Southern California and the Imperial Valley is the perfect backdrop for this philosophy. With sunny skies, warm evenings, and diverse landscapes that range from desert dunes to sparkling coasts, our region offers endless opportunities to blend fun with environmental mindfulness.
Over the years, I set out to explore new ways to stay active, connect with nature, and strengthen community ties, all while keeping my environmental footprint light. Here are five of my favorite eco-friendly activities that made summer unforgettable — and might just inspire you to create your own green adventures, right here in Southern California and the Imperial Valley.
1. Foraging Walks: Coastal and Desert Delights
Background:
In early Summer, I joined a foraging group that explores coastal trails around Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and desert edges near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. We gather early to beat the heat, armed with baskets and curiosity, searching for wild edible greens, herbs, and even desert fruits.
Why It’s Eco-Friendly:
Foraging encourages us to eat hyper-local and seasonal, reducing our reliance on industrial agriculture and eliminating packaging waste. It also fosters a deeper connection with native plants and the natural rhythms of our region.
Outcome:
I came home with wild fennel, miner’s lettuce, and juicy prickly pear fruits. Back at The Oasis Verde, I turned them into a vibrant salad and a sweet, tangy dressing. Sharing this meal with guests felt like offering them a true taste of the land. It sparked conversations about food origins and inspired many to explore edible native plants themselves.
2. Plogging: Beach and Desert Clean-Ups
Background:
A highlight of my summer was joining plogging groups at Mission Beach in San Diego and along desert trails in the Imperial Valley. I’ll admit, I was skeptical about jogging with a trash bag at first — but after just one session, I was completely hooked.
Why It’s Eco-Friendly:
Plogging helps remove litter from our beaches and deserts, protecting marine and desert wildlife. It also prevents trash from being washed into the ocean or left to degrade into microplastics.
Outcome:
At Mission Beach, we gathered over 25 bags of trash in a few hours. Afterward, we celebrated with fresh smoothies and local fruit at a nearby café. The mix of exercise and environmental stewardship created an instant sense of community. We now meet monthly, and each event attracts new people eager to do good and feel great.
3. DIY Solar Oven Picnic
Background:
Southern California and the Imperial Valley are blessed with near-constant sunshine — perfect for solar cooking experiments! At The Oasis Verde in Imperial, I organized a solar oven picnic using simple pizza-box ovens lined with foil and clear plastic covers.
Why It’s Eco-Friendly:
Solar ovens harness free, renewable energy and avoid using gas or electricity. They’re a playful, hands-on way to learn about solar power and appreciate the power of the sun.
Outcome:
We slow-cooked vegetables, melted gooey nachos, and even baked chocolate chip cookies. Watching the excitement as guests peeked into their solar ovens was pure joy. Everyone left feeling empowered to try solar cooking at home — a small but impactful step toward a greener lifestyle.
4. Kayak Clean-Up Adventures
Background:
In mid-summer, I explored the Lower Colorado River near Yuma, Arizona (just a short drive from the Imperial Valley). Kayaking these beautiful waters while collecting litter turned out to be one of the most peaceful and rewarding experiences I’ve had all season.
Why It’s Eco-Friendly:
Kayak clean-ups protect aquatic habitats and prevent litter from harming fish, birds, and other wildlife. Kayaks are human-powered and leave no emissions or noise pollution, allowing for a gentle, immersive experience with nature.
Outcome:
Paddling alongside friends, filling our kayaks with bottles and stray fishing gear, felt both purposeful and meditative. We ended each clean-up with riverside lunches, sharing stories and celebrating the day’s finds. It was a powerful reminder of how small efforts, repeated consistently, can make a big impact.
Safety Note:
While exploring waterways can be rewarding, it’s important to remember local safety rules. In the Imperial Valley, we’re all familiar with Dippy Duck, the beloved mascot created to teach children (and adults!) to stay out of irrigation canals. Canals may look calm, but they have strong currents, steep sides, and hidden dangers. Always stick to safe, designated waterways like rivers and lakes, and never enter irrigation canals.
5. Stargazing and Night Hikes
Background:
One of my most memorable summer experiences was a stargazing night hike in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. With minimal light pollution, the desert sky becomes a brilliant tapestry of stars and meteor trails.
Why It’s Eco-Friendly:
Stargazing and night hikes require no electricity or infrastructure. They leave no waste and encourage a deep appreciation for dark sky conservation.
Outcome:
Lying on blankets under a sea of stars, we watched shooting stars, traced constellations, and shared stories and snacks. These nights in the desert always leave me in awe of the universe and grateful for the chance to experience such wonder. They remind me why protecting our natural spaces is more than an environmental cause — it’s a way to safeguard these shared moments of magic.
Why These Activities Matter
Every summer season, I am reminded again and again that sustainability isn’t about sacrifice — it’s about discovering new ways to thrive. Southern California and the Imperial Valley are home to rich ecosystems, strong communities, and stunning landscapes. When we choose activities that honor these gifts, we create experiences that nourish us and protect our surroundings.
At The Oasis Verde, I’ve seen firsthand how simple, mindful activities can transform a person’s relationship with the environment. Whether you’re foraging along a coastal trail, picking up litter on a sunny beach, cooking under the sun’s powerful rays, paddling with purpose, or marveling at a desert night sky — each choice is a small act of love for the earth.
I invite you to make this summer your greenest yet. Try something new, bring a friend, or savor the quiet joy alone. You’ll come away with memories that fill your heart and a deeper appreciation for the world around you.
Here’s to sunny days, starry nights, and a season of fun that leaves both you and the planet happier and healthier. Let’s make this our most vibrant — and most sustainable — summer yet.
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