1% for Ojai Launches
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) manages approximately 2,000 acres for public use at a cost of $100,000 per year. Essential trail maintenance, preserve infrastructure repairs (such as fencing and signage), regular preserve patrols, and cleaning up graffiti are just some of the preserve management needs associated with this cost. And, with each new preserve the OVLC opens, these costs grow.
Today the OVLC is excited to introduce a new program that will make it easy for people to participate in the long-term stewardship of our valley. It is a program that supports local businesses, and helps locals and visitors directly support conservation and stewardship in the Ojai Valley.
This innovative new partnership between local businesses and the OVLC is called 1% for Ojai. Together businesses and the OVLC collect small donations that will make a big impact in permanently protecting and managing Ojai’s open spaces. “Those wide-open views and hillsides that cradle our community are not only beautiful and full of hiking opportunities, they define our community. They cannot be taken for granted. With the community’s help, we can permanently protect the natural setting that makes Ojai what it is, and continue to maintain a world class trail network around our community for public use,” says Executive Director Brian Stark.
This week the OVLC is launching 1% for Ojai with a select group of businesses who will be the leaders of this program. Participating businesses add 1% to a customer’s bill (giving customers the option to opt out if they wish) and the proceeds are donated to the OVLC to preserve Ojai’s views, trails, water, and wildlife. Through Agave Maria’s, Bliss, the Café Emporium, Dogs Fly Design, Grey Fox Investors, the Lavender Inn, Modern Folk Living, Ojai OnScreen Advertising, Ojai Quarterly, the Ojai Valley News, Ojai Valley Visitor’s Guide, Osteria Monte Grappa, and Suzanne’s Cuisine you will be able to participate in the launch of the 1% for Ojai program.
Donations received by the OVLC through 1% for Ojai are restricted for the sole purpose of purchasing and managing open space for public use. “For example, the cost to purchase and open the Valley View Preserve to the public was roughly $750,000. 1% for Ojai program funds will help offset costs like these on future open space acquisitions. The funds will also help offset the preserve management annual costs as well,” adds Don Reed, OVLC Board President.
Businesses of any kind may participate—restaurants, retail shops, hotels, realtors, building contractors, consultants, health and beauty service providers, artists, property managers, guiding companies, animal service providers, landscapers, graphic designers, educational institutions, and more. If you sell a product or service to a customer or client, click here to see how you can participate.
For more information, a list of participating businesses, and to find out how you can participate please visit ovlc.org/1percent.
