Agriculture Museum of Ventura County

926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula, CA

In 2011, the Museum of Ventura County (MVC) realized a decades-long dream of creating a museum dedicated to the region's farming and ranching history. Located in the historic Mill building, built in 1888 in downtown Santa Paula, the Agriculture Museum houses exhibits and a broad collection of tractors, farming implements, a living beehive, and interactive activity stations for children. These exhibits help visitors of all ages understand the importance of agriculture in Ventura County and around the world.

The museum is open to the public Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free.

In February 2018, the UC Master Gardener program began its partnership with the Agriculture Museum as a hands-on project for Master Gardener trainees. The adjacent native and near-native garden immediately came under their care. Since then, the Master Gardener volunteers have transformed what was once a barren, weed-filled area into a soil-rich garden alive with birds, butterflies, bees, and other wildlife.

The Master Gardeners continually strive to make their demonstration gardens an example to museum visitors and to inspire them to create their own vegetable gardens and wildlife-friendly, low-maintenance California native gardens at home. Studies show that gardening is beneficial to physical and mental well-being, and volunteers value the time spent in the garden, cultivating friendships and enjoying the beauty of the gardens.

Objectives

• Provide educational experiences for museum visitors and Master Gardener volunteers
• Provide access to a local garden in an urban setting that is welcoming to all visitors
• Promote research-based knowledge and information on home gardening, pest management, and sustainable landscape practices

Activities

• Maintenance of raised beds with flowers, seasonal vegetables, and herbs
• Maintenance of native garden and trees
• Coordination with museum staff on educational activities and events
• Sharing gardening knowledge and expertise with fellow Master Gardeners

Volunteer Work Days

Wednesdays: 9:00 AM–11:00 AM (8:00 AM–10:00 AM during summer months)