In June 2003, OVLC completed a successful effort to protect a sprawling and scenic 1,591-acre ranch. The California State Coastal Conservancy (CSCC) provided a grant of $3.1 million with the remainder of the funds coming from local donors. In order for the CSCC to get involved in this outstanding project, they needed to be confident that the Conservancy had the ability to handle the long-term protection of the property.

The Conservancy is still accepting donations for the long-term care of the new Preserve. Naming right opportunities to honor family, friends or mentors are still available for a wide range of donations. Ventura River Naming Rights

Wildlife and Plants

Once the territory of grizzly bears, this ranch and river property is still home to a wide variety of wildlife including black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, badger, coyote and mule deer, to name a few. Abundant food, shelter, space and water make this a key habitat for local wildlife. In the wet months, frogs, salamanders and other amphibians abound in the seasonal creeks. During the highest stream flows, a few remaining endangered steelhead trout make their way up and down the three miles of river on the property. Birds of prey such as Great Horned Owls and a variety of hawks soar over the oak savanna, river bottom and under the open, oak canopy of Wills Canyon. Snakes and other reptiles take advantage of the large array of rodents and help keep their numbers under control.

The property’s diverse topography creates ideal conditions for a variety of plants. Steep north facing slopes in Wills Canyon offer refuge for shade loving plants, while the surrounding chaparral blanketed hillsides are open to the intense summer sun. The ranch also includes pockets of grasslands and meadows, which harbor a colorful variety of spring wildflowers and native and non-native grasses.

Rivers, Creeks and Springs

The Ventura River runs through the eastern edge of the ranch for three miles. In dry years, “runs through” is a figurative term. In most years, the river is dry by August with a few isolated pools remaining throughout the year. Still the river bottom plays an important role for wildlife as they move in and out of the surrounding National Forest. Before the creation of Matilija Dam, significant runs of Steelhead Trout inhabited this stretch of the Ventura River. Steelhead numbers have now been reduced to several dozen. Protecting this section of river with several deep pools will be critical to their recovery. This Preserve will also play a key role in the successful removal of Matilija Dam and the creation of a fish ladder at the Robles Diversion.

The three miles of the Ventura River may be the most easily identifiable riparian area on the property, but the six year-round springs that dot the three tributary streams become the most important feature to wildlife in the late summer. Even in a year of record low rainfall, these springs faithfully flow and provide critical water to wildlife. They are hidden in dark side canyons and guarded by the spines of the Western Raspberry and leafy stands of Poison Oak. Framed by giant, five foot high Woodwardia ferns, vivid flowers and other shade seeking plants found no where else on the property.

Oak Savanna and Woodlands

If oaks are the favorite tree of Ojai Valley residents, then this piece of open space is paradise. Wills, Rice and several other drainages have significant stands of Coast Live Oaks. These well known trees are also found in the river bottom and open grassland areas on the southern half of the ranch. The groves in Wills Canyon contain an intact understory of snowberry and other woodland plants. This is a positive indicator of the ecosystem’s healthy condition and provides important browse species for Mule Deer.

The Ventura River-Rancho El Nido Preserve is located adjacent to the communities of Meiners Oaks, Rancho Matilija and Mira Monte. The Preserve is accessible from Riverview trailhead on Rice Road just south of El Roblar Road.