Adopt-A-Trail
Two of Ojai’s favorite trails and trailheads will now be getting the love they deserve. The OVLC recently adopted the Pratt Trailhead and the Pratt Trail up to the Foothill Trail, and the Gridley Trailhead and the Gridley Trail up to Fuelbreak Road Trail. This is in addition to previously adopted sections of the Foothill Trail which provide access to the OVLC’s Valley View Preserve above Shelf Road.
Maintenance of these Los Padres National Forest trails and trailheads will now be coordinated by the OVLC and undertaken by the Conservancy’s volunteer trail crew; the same group that keeps the OVLC trails in prime condition year-round. This is all possible because of the OVLC’s participation in the U.S. Forest Service Adopt-A-Trail program, which engages local individuals and organizations to help maintain trails and trailheads.
Federal funding for trail maintenance has declined over many years. The Adopt-a-Trail program helps stretch federal budgets and encourages local communities to get involved in the care of outdoor areas. The OVLC has a long-standing partnership with the Forest Service and have cooperated on numerous projects over the years.
“There has been a significant improvement since OVLC has adopted the trail segments and associated trailheads, including new signs, trail maintenance, and trash clean up. We have a great partnership that increases our capacity to serve the public.” Diane Cross, Asst. Recreation Officer, Ojai Ranger District.
Ojai is a frequent destination for outdoor travelers, and our local trail systems are one of the region’s biggest draws. They are also part of what makes the Ojai Valley a special place to live. These newly adopted trails and trailheads were selected for their importance in connecting local hikers to the trails on the OVLC’s existing preserves, as well as providing connections to the Ojai backcountry trails. It also brings the total length of OVLC-managed trails to 27 miles.
“The Los Padres National Forest offers so much to our community in terms of access to unique and wild places. Sharing our experience in volunteer management, trail construction, and trail maintenance ensures that our community will continue to benefit from these resources” said Rick Bisaccia, the OVLC’s Stewardship Director.
