Explore Ventura County and give back: 5 outdoorsy things to do this long weekend

You had two New Year's Resolutions: #GoOutside and help make the world a better place. We've rounded up five weekend events to help you tackle both at the same time. From beach cleanups and lemon tree picking to Thomas Fire recovery work and a Martin Luther King Day March, here are some possibilities: 

MAKE MARINA PARK SHINE

Join a cleanup on Saturday at one of Ventura's most popular parks. Volunteer Ventura! and the Ventura Suburban Kiwanis Club are hosting the event from 9-11 a.m. Look for the sign near the bathrooms and the sailing center. 

Cleaning supplies will be provided, but don't forget work gloves and a plastic bucket to pick up trash.

Adults and children of all ages are welcome, but if you're under the age of 14, please come with an adult. Don't forget to fill out the waiver.

Marina Park is at 1400 Greenock Lane. Go to http://conta.cc/2mqBslK for more details and to register. 

HELP BIG ROCK RECOVER

The Ventura Land Trust is hosting a Martin Luther King Day "Day of Service" at its Big Rock Preserve. The Thomas Fire destroyed much of the habit of the preserve, which was recently acquired by the land trust. 

Volunteers will clear large pieces of debris, put mulch over burned trails and plant new trees to replace the hundreds burned down.

As long as you're 16 or older, meet volunteers at the preserve on Monday at 9 a.m. To get there from Ventura, take Highway 33 and exit at Casitas Vista Road. Park under the highway overpass, walk toward the bike path and hang a left until you see people. 

Please wear pants, long-sleeves, closed-toe shoes and don't forget sunscreen and water. The trust will provide tools and air filtration masks. venturalandtrust.org/events for more information and to sign up.

MARCH FOR FREEDOM

The annual Martin Luther King Day "Freedom March" is happening Monday in Oxnard. It happens at 8 a.m. at Plaza Park which is at Fifth and C streets.

The march will be followed by an observance program at 9 a.m. at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center at 800 Hobson Way. Keynote speaker Gaye Johnson, president of the board for Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy, will give a talk titled, “We Must Lift our Voices, Reclaim Our Time and Win with Unity.”

The march is free but the program costs $7 and includes refreshments and vendor exhibits. Buy tickets online at www.mlkventuracounty.com or at the door. 

There are shuttles but otherwise, the back-and-forth walk is roughly 1.4 miles. 

FIGHT FOOD HUNGER IN AN ORCHARD

Volunteers with Food Forward will be picking lemons to donate to hunger-relief organizations throughout the region. After you help collect the fruit at Lovely Meyer Lemon Orchard in the Santa Rosa Valley, you'll help pack boxes for distribution. 

Volunteers should be comfortable picking and carrying boxes of fruit. Children 5 years and older are welcome but those under the age of 16 must accompanied by an adult. 

Go to http://bit.ly/2mgLEfG to sign up to volunteer. 

HELP COLLECT FOOD NEAR THE BEACH 

Head on over to the downtown Ventura Farmers Market and help collect food to give away. The Glean Team with Food Forward collects food from local farmers who donate fresh produce to several agencies. The collecting takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the market, 

The event is full, but you can register for standby here: http://bit.ly/2mp3mP5. Or head to the market to pick up locally produced fruits, vegetables, nuts, cheese and honey and talk to a Food Forward volunteer for details on being part of future events. 

Volunteers, please be over the age of 12.