Tag: Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG)

SEEAG gets go-ahead to create new 3.63-acre educational farm in Oxnard

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — At its March 3 meeting, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved a 20-year, $0 per year lease agreement between Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) and the County of Ventura to develop an educational farm on 3.63 acres of arable land located behind the Ventura County Juvenile Facilities property in Oxnard.

In collaboration with the County of Ventura and the Ventura County Probation Agency (VCPA), SEEAG will establish the Southbank Learning Farm, a community-driven space where justice-involved youth will engage in hands-on farming and food education and career pathway development, while growing fresh, healthy produce to support local food access initiatives.

SEEAG’s Free ‘Farm Day Every Day’ At Brokaw Nursery in Ventura – February 28

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2026 • Comments Off

Visitors will tour the nursery to get a behind-the-scenes look at how plants are grown and cared for. Brokaw Nursery produces over 300,000 plants, including avocados and fruit varieties, and exports them to farmers and landscapers locally and worldwide. Family-owned and in business for 60 years, Brokaw Nursery will share its expertise in avocado plants and nursery production.

SEEAG opens “Fields of Innovation in Agriculture Research Competition” to Ventura County High School students

by Community Contributor • January 28, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) has opened registration for its first “Fields of Innovation in Agriculture Research Competition.” The competition is open to Ventura County high school students in grades 10 through 12 who are curious about agriculture, STEM careers and real-world problem solving.

The competition theme is “Water in Agriculture.” It requires students to research agricultural water challenges, explore STEM-related careers, create a research abstract and prepare a poster presentation.

The six-week online competition begins March 9 on Canvas. It culminates in a showcase event on May 2 at CSU Channel Islands, where students will present their work to agricultural professionals serving as judges, and as part of the 18th Annual CSUCI Student Research Conference.

SEEAG Awarded $236,360 California Department of Food and Agriculture Grant

by Community Contributor • December 10, 2025 • Comments Off

“Students learn about specialty crop-related science, technology and engineering. They explore career opportunities at local farms and connect with agricultural professionals,” says Caitlin Paulus Case, SEEAG executive director. “To run a successful agriculture business today requires the skills to address the many challenges facing the industry, including soil science, plant nutrition and sustainability practices.”

SEEAG’s “Christmas On The Ranch” fundraiser offers fresh-cut Christmas trees from Northern California to support youth agriculture programs

by Community Contributor • November 6, 2025 • Comments Off

“We know it’s a financially difficult time for many families,” said Caitlin Paulus Case, SEEAG executive director. “While the costs of Christmas trees are going up everywhere, we wanted to offer trees at a lower price, so they are more affordable.”

SEEAG adds Santa Barbara County Office, student and community agriculture learning programs during 2024-25 School Year

by Community Contributor • September 18, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) expanded its reach by opening a new Santa Barbara County office and adding student and community learning programs during the 2024-25 school year.

SEEAG is a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect youth and communities to the farm origins of their food and inspire the next generations of agricultural ambassadors.

SEEAG’s Summer Celebration on Aug. 16 to honor local farmers, support ag education and raise funds for proposed new 2.5 acre educational farm campus

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2025 • Comments Off

The Summer Celebration will be held at the Ventura County Agricultural Museum in Santa Paula. Guests will enjoy the flavors of summer with brunch stations, appetizers, and locally crafted beverages curated by Seasons Catering—featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients from SEEAG’s farm partners and artisanal products from Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Attendees can learn about SEEAG’s programs, be the first to view its vision for its new farm campus, explore the museum’s current exhibition, enjoy live music, and participate in a live auction.

SEEAG’s Gill’s Onions’ ‘Double Your Impact Challenge’

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Gill’s Onions will match all donations up to $15,000 for every dollar donated to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) through the end of May as part of SEEAG’s 6th Annual Double Your Impact Challenge.

All proceeds benefit SEEAG’s Farm-to-Food Lab program in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The program builds awareness and appreciation among grade schoolers for agriculture and the importance of eating healthy. It combines classroom learning with farm field trips and hands-on learning that includes water, plant, and soil science activities—all at no cost to students, teachers or schools.

“The Double Your Impact Challenge helps keep our program free,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, SEEAG’s executive director. “Gill’s Onions’ generosity and all those who donate during May will help ensure our ability to provide the no-cost program during this coming school year.”

SEEAG Selected To Receive A Target Circle Community Grant

by Community Contributor • April 10, 2025 • Comments Off

“SEEAG is honored to be chosen to participate in this special charitable giving campaign, sponsored and funded by Target,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, SEEAG executive director. “The more points SEEAG receives, the larger portion of Target’s charitable funds will go to fund SEEAG’s mission.”

Nonprofits were selected by region based on their impact and address pressing issues in their community. Points are accumulated through June 1.

SEEAG’s First Annual Spring Celebration Is Seeking Sponsors

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is seeking sponsors for its First Annual Spring Celebration. The event will honor the farms and people of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties who create the food we eat. The celebration is Saturday, May 10 at the Stow House in Goleta from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Those attending will enjoy a curated farm-to-table brunch prepared by Seasons Catering featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients from SEEAG’s Ventura and Santa Barbara farm partners.

SEEAG receives $135,000 funding from Uplift Central Coast

by Community Contributor • February 26, 2025 • Comments Off

The funds will enable SEEAG to provide 1,000 high school students with SEEAG’s three-part STEM career exploration program. Students who take part in STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture are introduced to agricultural career options, experience real-world career exposure during farm field trips, connect with industry professionals and learn about educational pathways to pursue their future in agriculture.

Mary Maranville Steps Down As SEEAG CEO; Caitlin Case Named Executive Director

by Community Contributor • June 20, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Mary Maranville, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is stepping down from the leadership role effective June 30. Maranville will become SEEAG’s major gifts grant writer. Caitlin Case, formerly SEEAG’s marketing director, has been named executive director.

Maranville started SEEAG 16 years ago. During that time, SEEAG has taught over 100,000 elementary school students in Central and Southern California about the origins of their food and healthy eating. SEEAG provides classroom learning as well as field trips to its Farm Labs at area farms. “The students I taught in 2008 are 24 years old now. My hope is, as adults, they remember their field trips and will be strong supporters of our farms and agriculture,” says Maranville.

SEEAG Introduces Visionaries Circle LEAGUE²

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is introducing its Visionaries Circle LEAGUE² (Leaders in Agriculture United for Educational Excellence) membership to recognize its premier donors who have shown support for SEEAG’s youth agricultural and nutrition education programs and Farm Day community education and outreach events. SEEAG’s focus is to educate students and the public about the farm origins of food, healthy eating, and the importance of local agriculture. Many of these donors have been involved in SEEAG since its first program was introduced almost 16 years ago.

“SEEAG has been extremely fortunate to have a dedicated, loyal donor base whose contributions have made a real difference in SEEAG’s ability to offer the cost-free programming we do. Without them, we would not be able to reach thousands of students every year,” says Mary Maranville, the nonprofit’s Founder and CEO.

April 27 — SEEAG Hosts Earth Day Plantopia ‘U-Pick Your Garden’ Fundraiser

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) will host its 2nd annual Plantopia “U-Pick Your Garden” fundraiser to celebrate Earth Day. The event, held on Saturday, April 27, will raise funds to support SEEAG’s agricultural education programs where students learn about the farm origins of their food, water resources, soil health, entomology and locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Christmas Tree Fundraiser: Proceeds Fund SEEAG’s Ag-Education For Kids, Preorder Now For Dec. 2 Pickup

by Community Contributor • November 15, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Sustainably forested silver-tip fir trees from Northern California will be available for pickup on Saturday, December 2 during “Christmas At The Farm” at Petty Ranch (11971 Darling Rd.) in Ventura. Proceeds from the Christmas tree fundraiser will help fund Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) agriculture education and healthy eating programs for kids in Ventura County.

Trees are available from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on December 2 or can be delivered ($75 delivery charge). Free hot cocoa and cookies will be served. Local vendors will be on hand at a pop-up holiday market.

The trees were donated by Rob Paulus, a retired Cal Fire Battalion Chief, and his family to support SEEAG and its ag-education efforts. Paulus has a 200-acre parcel of private land near the northern Sierra Nevada mountain range. He thins the overgrown forest on the property to reduce the risk of forest fires and to help restore the natural environment.

“By purchasing your Christmas tree from SEEAG you’re supporting the education of thousands of students and improving the natural forest landscape, says Mary Maranville, SEEAG founder and CEO. “We thank Rob and his family for their wonderful donation.”

April 22 — SEEAG To Host Earth Day Plantopia U Pick Transplant Fundraiser At Farm Lab in Saticoy

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) will host its first annual Plantopia U Pick Transplant Fundraiser to celebrate Earth Day. The event, held on Earth Day, April 22, will raise funds to support SEEAG’s agricultural education programs where students learn about the farm origins of their food, water resources, soil health, entomology and locally grown fruits and vegetables.

SEEAG Receives $10,000 Sprouts Foundation Grant

by Community Contributor • November 29, 2022 • Comments Off

Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) received a $10,000 “Neighborhood Grant” from the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation. Sprouts Farmers Market created the foundation in 2015 to inspire, educate and empower individuals, especially children, to live healthier lives.

The neighborhood grants are given to nonprofit organizations that provide nutrition education and healthy food access to kids.

10th Annual Ventura County Farm Day on Nov. 5 – ‘Meet All The Hands That Feed You’

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2022 • Comments Off

On Saturday, November 5, more than 15 Ventura County farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will invite the public to experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours during the 10th Annual Ventura County Farm Day. This year’s theme is “Meet All The Hands That Feed You.”

Visitors can map out their day by selecting locations from the Farm Day Trail Map at https://venturacountyfarmday.com/map. Each site offers tours and produce and other giveaways. Tour hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some locations require reservations.

“Agriculture is Ventura County’s largest industry. Farm Day is the opportunity to see how fruits and vegetables are grown, harvested and then shipped to stores for sale,” says Mary Maranville, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), which puts on Ventura County Farm Day each year. “You’ll come away with an appreciation of the hard work that goes into growing each piece of produce.”

SEEAG Kicks Off Gill’s Onions’ ‘Double Your Impact Challenge’

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2022 • Comments Off

Gill’s Onions will match all donations up to $12,500 for every dollar donated to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) during May as part of SEEAG’s third annual Double Your Impact Challenge.

“The generosity of our friends at Gill’s Onions means SEEAG will receive as much as $25,000 to support our Farm Lab program,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG’s founder and CEO. “Farm Lab is a combination of classroom learning and farm field trips where students learn all about the origins of their food, particularly locally-grown food. The money raised will enable us to reach more students across Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.”

SEEAG Reaches Over 15,000 Students And Community Members In 2021

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2022 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), a nonprofit organization that aims to help young students and the community understand the farm origins of their food and the importance of local agriculture, spread its message to more than 15,000 students and community members in 2021.

“One of SEEAG’s goals is for the public to better appreciate our local farmers, ranchers and farmworkers who grow the food we eat,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG founder and CEO. “The food supply chain from farms to our tables is a journey we don’t often think about, but we should.”

SEEAG’s Farm Lab at Petty Ranch in Saticoy welcomed over 1,600 second graders, including low-income, Title 1 students, for a hands-on farm experience. “In addition to the wonderful experiential education benefits that Farm Lab gives students,” says Maranville, “it also gets kids outside off their devices and tech, which improves their mental health and wellbeing.”

Gene Haas Foundation Donates $25,000 To SEEAG To Support Its STEM Careers In Agriculture Programs

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2022 • Comments Off

The Gene Haas Foundation has made a $25,000 grant award to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) to support SEEAG’s STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture programs. The programs are provided at no cost to schools and are designed to teach middle and high school students about technology and science-driven agricultural careers.

SEEAG staff members give presentations at schools throughout Ventura County providing an overview of agriculture, ag career opportunities and the latest technologies and innovations that are impacting the industry. Online presentations are also available.

March 31 — Historical Spotlight: Cesar Chavez & Local Farming at Camarillo Public Library

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) will join the Camarillo Public Library in commemorating Cesar Chavez and his contribution to agriculture, labor rights, and environmental justice. Following a reading of Kathleen Krull’s “Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez,” SEEAG will provide children and their families with a look into the importance of our agricultural workers, the crops grown in Ventura County and how these crops contribute to our nutritional well-being.

Nov. 5 — 10th Annual Ventura County Farm Day ‘Meet All The Hands That Feed You’

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Northern California Fresh-Cut Silver-Tip Fir Trees Now On Sale; Proceeds Fund Ag-Education For Kids Through SEEAG

by Community Contributor • November 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Fresh-cut silver-tip fir trees from northern California will be sold on Saturday, November 27 at Petty Ranch (11971 Darling Rd., Saticoy). Tree pre-orders are now being taken for pick up on November 27 or for delivery. Proceeds will help fund ag-education and healthy eating programs for kids through Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG). The goal is to raise $20,000. November 27 tree lot hours are 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Free cookies and samples of hot cocoa and cider will be available.

County of Ventura Human Services Agency Partners with SEEAG To Increase CalFresh Student Enrollment

by Community Contributor • June 7, 2021 • Comments Off

The County of Ventura Human Services Agency is partnering with Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) to increase CalFresh enrollment and food access among students and families served by SEEAG’s Ventura County Child Wellness Initiative (VCCWI). CalFresh provides monthly food benefits to individuals and families with low-incomes.

SEEAG’s VCCWI began in 2017. SEEAG staff members travel in an agricultural and nutritional-themed Farm Fresh Mobile Classroom van to Ventura County elementary schools to educate, inspire and empower children and their families to increase their consumption of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables.

SEEAG Kicks Off 2nd ‘Let’s Grow A Garden’ At-Home Student Learning Program through April 23

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2021 • Comments Off

For the second year, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is hosting its “Let’s Grow A Garden”–an at-home garden program for students in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties that teaches kids how to grow vegetables while learning healthy eating habits and proper nutrition.

“‘A garden gives kids a sense of accomplishment as they care for their plants and then harvest their crops. They also come to appreciate the role of our local farmers and the importance of eating healthy,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG’s founder and CEO.

To help start their gardens, Agromin, an Oxnard-based manufacturer of earth-friendly soil products, composts and mulches made from recycled organic materials, is giving away 4-quart bags of potting soil to Let’s Grow A Garden participants. The bags (one per child) are available at Agromin (201 Kinetic Drive, Oxnard) April 19 through Aprils 23, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Agromin parking lot.

SEEAG Launches $15,000 “Give The Gift of Agriculture Challenge”

by Community Contributor • November 10, 2020 • Comments Off

An anonymous donor has stepped forward and will match all donations up to $15,000 for every dollar donated to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG). The “Give the Gift of Agriculture – Double Your Impact Challenge” runs through December 31 with a total fundraising goal of $30,000.

SEEAG And Growers Provide Over 4,000 Bags Of Fresh Produce To Local Farm Workers

by Community Contributor • June 3, 2020 • Comments Off

Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) organized produce donations from 13 different growers to fill over 4,000 bags of fresh produce for farm workers in need. The produce was distributed weekly in April and May.

Participating growers were Gill’s Onions, Houweling’s Group, San Miguel Produce, Earthtrine Farm, Saticoy Lemon Association, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Petty Ranch, Calavo, Mission Produce, Tamai Family Farms, Fig Tree Farms, Chivas Skin Care and Bennett’s Honey Farm.

SEEAG Receives Grant From Foundation of Ventura County Credit Union

by Community Contributor • September 16, 2019 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) was selected to receive a $4,000 grant from the Foundation of Ventura County Credit Union. The grant funds will go towards SEEAG’s “Ventura County Child Wellness Initiative,” a program that is…