With the influx of innovative technology, and a renewed focus on experiential learning, Ventura County Public Works Agency’s (VCPWA) Public Works Day offers an event that engages youth of all ages. On Tuesday, May 21st, 2019, the free, multi-agency community educational event takes place in the Ventura County Government Center “G” parking lot, and is made up of interactive informational booths, demonstrations, and hands-on learning opportunities focusing on what Public Works does for the community.

The theme of this year’s event, “Lean Forward. Leading Excellence” sheds light on the work done by Public Works Agencies and other brave first responders.

More than 1,000 Ventura County school children, teachers, parents and guests will tour newly created thematic information stations. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the most recent innovations in safety, science, and environmental sustainability. Also, the newest large scale equipment will be on display. A VCPWA, General Services Agency (GSA), and County Human Resources career booth will provide student worker information for students as well as attendees looking for employment opportunities.

Among today’s youth, there is an undeniable interest in environmental protection and regeneration. According to the 2017 iteration of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Survey, 48.8% of millennials feel as though environmental degradation is the most serious global issue faced today.

http://shaperssurvey2017.org/static/data/WEF_GSC_Annual_Survey_2017.pdf

“Many students are interested in careers benefitting the environment and also working for the public interest,” says Jeff Pratt, Director of the VCPWA. “Public Works Agencies offers such careers, our staff at the event will highlight their work.”

Environmentally beneficial work done by the VCPWA that will be on display includes projects featuring: revegetation with native and drought tolerant plants; measuring rain and stream flows; composting with worms; developing solar power; building landscape channels to remove trash and sediment from our watersheds; installing raptor perches and nesting facilities for owls and hawks to help control rodents burrowing into neighboring levees; and installing porous surfaces to filter storm water, capture pollutants, reduce flooding, diminish runoff to the ocean, and re-charge underground aquifers with much-needed water.

VCPWA’s National Public Works Week (NPWW) event has grown tremendously since launching in 2012 with more than 700 students in attendance of last year’s event. VCPWA anticipates a similar turnout of youth, parents and teachers to participate at this year’s free education event.