In addition to the enjoying the morning walk-a-thon with friends and family, attendees of the Summit for the Planet celebration will not want to miss the engaging array of eco-conscious vendors and organizations at the event. Below is some information about event participants.

Thank you to sponsors SunRidge Farms and the Michael Lee Educational Foundation who helped make this event possible (but will not be hosting event booths).

SunRidge Farms
For 30 years, family owned SunRidge Farms has been producing high-quality foods that reflect their commitment to a healthier lifestyle. This commitment extends to the environment, the supply chain, and the community. SunRidge sources the best possible ingredients from suppliers who share the desire to promote sustainability, improved living conditions, and reduced environmental impact. As one of the industry leaders in bulk foods, SunRidge has e led the way in demonstrating the value to both the retailer and the consumer of purchasing foods in bulk including better costs and less waste. SunRidge Farms supports organic farming and sustainable practices, and produces foods without highly processed or refined ingredients.

Backcountry Medical Guides
Founded in 2010, Backcountry Medical Guides’ mission is to promote Wilderness Medicine and conscious backcountry ethics to all ages. Backcountry Medical Guides offers wilderness medical training for active kids, adults and professional rescuers.

Friends of the Sea Otter
Friends of the Sea Otter is an advocacy group dedicated to actively working with state and federal agencies to maintain, increase and broaden the current protections for the sea otter, a species currently protected by state and federal laws and on the Endangered Species list. We wish to inspire the public at large about the otters’ unique behavior and habitat.

Ragged Thistle
It is the work of Ragged Thistle to bring extreme and meticulous beauty into the clothing of daily life. Ragged Thistle’s designs are made with post-consumer clothing components coupled with vintage as well as new textiles, trims and findings. The clothing is a fusion of coastal bohemian charm and contemporary function with attention to resource conservation and textile reconstruction.

Watsonville Wetlands Watch
Watsonville Wetlands Watch advocates for wetlands issues, educates elementary, middle, and high school students, restores degraded habitats, preserves what remains whole and teaches appreciation for the unique beauty and life of the Pajaro Valley wetlands. Watsonville Wetlands Watch runs the Wetland Stewards Program, an after-school, hands-on, experiential science program with a mentoring component.

Real Goods Solar
Solar is a great alternative to traditional utility electricity. It can lower your bills AND your carbon footprint, and it’s more affordable than ever! Solar power is a clean, reliable and healthy energy source. No coal mining or oil spills here – and the solar industry is bringing new jobs to American soil every day. Since its founding in 1978, Real Goods Solar has completed more than 14,500 solar power installations.

KAZU
On air since 1977, KAZU 90.3 FM is the most listened to national public radio station in the Monterey Bay Area.

Tiny Tots Diaper Service and Baby Boutique
Family owned since 1966, Tiny Tots takes great delight in servicing the diapering needs of eco-conscious families. Offering both cotton and compostable diaper service, diapers are either laundered and reused or composted. Rinsing is not necessary, nothing goes to the landfill. Easy, affordable and convenient, every diaper change is love!

Michael Lee Environmental Foundation (MLEF)
Michael Lee Environmental Foundation was established by Michael Lee in 1999 to assist in environmental efforts and progress. MLEF is dedicated to the concept that environmental quality is everyone’s responsibility. It delivers on this commitment through funding community-based projects and activities in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. MLEF strives to provide examples of environmental integrity and public awareness through action and education.

Sulphur Creek Nature Center
Sulphur Creek Nature Center is a wildlife education and rehabilitation facility whose mission is to promote the conservation of local environmental resources by fostering an appreciation and understanding of the animals in the world around us, and encouraging peaceful coexistence between people and native wildlife by serving as a community resource for wildlife issues.

Blue Dolphin Alliance
Blue Dolphin Alliance is committed to creating a “path of awareness” in order to make a difference in the quality of life lived, and to leave a legacy of value for the society that follows. Although all forms of life are ultimately important in the spectrum of our planet, Blue Dolphin Alliance has narrowed its focus to the cetaceans — islands unto themselves, living in harmony within their surroundings.

Elkhorn Trading Company
Featuring hand cut and polished stone jewelry, fossils, crystals and other earthly treasures. In keeping with old traditions and trade practices, Elkhorn Trading Company barters for jewelry, pottery, fetish carvings, and kachina dolls directly with the makers in Zuni and Santo Domingo Pueblo, New Mexico.

Bay Area Amphibian and Reptile Society (BAARS)
BAARS enjoys educating people about the many marvelous herps – lizards, snakes, frogs, turtles and tortoises – and giving people a chance to interact with them up close. BAARS is an educational and conservational group of amateur and professional herpetologists who want to share their knowledge, enthusiasm, and friendship with others interested in these fascinating creatures.

Kennolyn Camps
Founded in 1946, Kennolyn Camps today has grown to 300-acres that include a residential summer camp, day camp, year-round events and a conference center in the redwood forests near Santa Cruz. All campers participate in arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, cooking, archery, swimming, vaulting, hiking, basketball, tennis, volleyball, and animal care. Additional options include ropes courses and horseback riding. 

KUSP
KUSP 88.9 is an independent, community-based, non-profit, interactive multimedia voice serving the greater Monterey Bay Area. KUSP engages, and entertains the local community with a mix of news, public affairs, arts, and music programming. Founded in 1972, KUSP is distinguished by its community participation and ‘open doors’ for creative people of all kinds.

Marine Mammal Center, Monterey Bay Operations
Marine Mammal Center’s mission is to expand knowledge about marine mammals—their health and that of their ocean environment—and to inspire their global conservation. The organization’s core work is the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured marine mammals, supported by state-of-the-art animal care and research facilities, a corps of dedicated volunteers, and an engaged community.

Santa Cruz Sentinel
Since printing its first edition in 1856, the Santa Cruz Sentinel has become a respected daily newspaper voice for Santa Cruz County with strong community coverage of area news, people, arts, sports and more. The Sentinel’s e-Edition combines the power of the press and the Internet. It’s an electronic replica of the newspaper – an exact digital copy of the print edition – viewable on any computer. It’s easy to use and it’s delivered ‘fresh’ to your email inbox every day.

Bat Conservancy of Coastal California 
The Bat Conservancy of Coastal California (BCCC) was founded in 2011 with a mission focusing on public education about the many unique and varied species of bats. BCCC works closely with local wildlife rescue organizations in efforts to rescue and rehabilitate bats; and BCCC bat educators visit school classrooms and teach students about the important role bats play in the environment.

The Penny Ice Creamery
The Penny Ice Creamery is the only ice cream shop in Santa Cruz making small batches of delicious ice cream completely from scratch in house. The flavors change with the seasons, and feature locally farmed and organic ingredients.

Save Our Shores (S0S)
For over 30 years, Save Our Shores has been leading efforts to protect and preserve the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Today, SOS continues these efforts through three core initiatives: Plastic Pollution, Clean Boating, and Ocean Awareness. These initiatives guide the rest of our programs and campaigns to help us achieve our overall mission of caring for the marine environment through ocean awareness, advocacy, and citizen action.

Gandhi’s India Cuisine
At Gandhi India’s Cuisine, fans savor the flavors of the well-spiced fare and friendly service. Bombay may be thousands of miles away, but the traditions are as close as Gandhi India’s Cuisine.

For more information on Summit for the Planet, visit www.SummitforthePlanet.org

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Contact: Leigh Ann Clifton, Media and Public Relations,  

Nestled among the redwoods on 355 mountaintop acres, Mount Madonna is a safe and nurturing college-preparatory school that supports students in becoming caring, self-aware and articulate critical thinkers, who are prepared to meet challenges with perseverance, creativity and integrity. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville.