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Programs and Projects

Our ongoing efforts to protect the environment

When we first opened our doors in 1971, ECOSLO's efforts focused on starting the first recycling program in the county. While our programs and projects have changed over the years, our mission to protect and enhance the local environment has stayed the same. Below is an overview of our ongoing programs:

	Adopt-a-Trail Program The Adopt-a-Trail program provides an opportunity for the community to invest in our trail system directly. It is a cooperative effort between San Luis Obispo County Parks and the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo (ECOSLO) to recruit and train volunteers to assist in the general care and maintenance of County trails. Volunteers also help raise public awareness of how much work is involved in maintaining quality trails and the importance of keeping trails in good condition for safety and aesthetic reasons. Learn more...
	Community Choice Aggregation When California deregulated electricity in 1997, many Californians switched to buy "green" energy. After the energy crisis of 2000-01, consumer choice of electricity was suspended. Most Californians now get their electricity from the same utilities that provided it before deregulation. Community Choice Aggregation offers an opportunity for Californians to once again choose their electric provider and the source of their electricity. Learn more...
	Coastal Cleanup Day As part of International Coastal Cleanup Day, ECOSLO organizes beach cleanups throughout San Luis Obispo County on the third Saturday of September. In 2007, over 1,300 volunteers removed nearly 5,000 pounds of marine debris from 26 local beaches. More information...
	Natural San Luis & SLO Stewards The mission of the Natural San Luis program is to foster and encourage awareness of the natural heritage of the San Luis Obispo region, to share knowledge of the relationship among living organisms, including humans and their environment, and to help support the activities of the City of San Luis Obispo's Natural Resource Protection Program. More information...
	Eco Summit Every year, environmental leaders come together at this important community event to discuss issues facing the Central Coast. Dedicated individuals and representatives from a diverse spectrum of groups spend the day discussing how we can work together to solve our county's environmental problems and make our community more sustainable.The 7th annual Eco Summit will be held on Sunday May 18, 2008. Click here for more information about this year's event.
	Community School Garden Program Our community school garden program teaches students Horticulture skills, natural resource stewardship, and social values through integrated academics and a school garden. Upon completion of the program, students are instilled with a great respect for where their food comes from, to value landscapes and open space, and are empowered with a means to be a contributing and capable member of their community. More information...
	ECOSLO Green Pages Our newest program is the ECOSLO Green Pages: an online directory of local environmentally friendly businesses. Through the Green Pages, consumers learn how to make environmentally friendly purchases, and businesses are rewarded for their commitment to protect the environment. More information...
	Environmental Education Educating people about the natural environment is the backbone of ECOSLO's mission and all our programs. Our website and downtown office are full of information about various environmental issues. Got a question you can't find an answer to? Our knowledgeable staff is here to answer your environmental questions. More information...
	Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary Expansion ECOSLO joins several other organizations working on education and outreach related to southward expansion of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. More information...
	Derelict Fishing Gear Removal Program ECOSLO volunteers maintain two monofilament fishing line recycling bins at Harford Pier in Port San Luis. Over 10,000 feet of line has been recovered during the first year of the program. More information...