Tania
River Closed, Trails Open
We need your help!
Overuse and misuse are threatening the lands we love. We are not here to point fingers, but to ask you to help us address these problems together:
Comments on Pending Criminal Case
August 19, 2019: Many of you have already read the articles that were recently published in the Ojai Valley News and Ventura County Star which reported that the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) was a victim of theft. The Ventura County District Attorney has filed 14 counts of grand theft and forgery against our former […]
Thank You
Together, We Are The OVLC from Ojai Valley Land Conservancy on Vimeo. Love the OVLC? Donate Today »
Gourmet Picnic Bags
Gourmet Picnic Bags are no longer for sale. Order early next year! Order a gourmet picnic for 2 or 4 to pick it up at the event Saturday night! The picnic will include your choice of: omnivore vegetarian vegan any picnic can be made with gluten-free products We have gathered together local organic farmers, bakers, […]
Fire Ecology Presentation with George Wuerthner
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
6:00 pm
The Krotona Institute Auditorium
George Wuerthner is an ecologist and has been studying fire ecology for decades. He is also a writer who has published 38 books including Wildfire: A Century of Failed Forest Policy and Yellowstone and the Fires of Change.
Life After Loss: Thomas Fire Recovery
Life After Loss: Thomas Fire Recovery By Patt Wilson McDaniel The Channel Islands Chapter (Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties) of the California Native Plant Society has many members and neighbors who have suffered horrendous loss in the Thomas Fire. We are all greatly saddened but are relieved that there was not more loss of life. […]
An idea for renewal
[a haiku]
The Great Burn surrounds.
A feral pause in the scorched.
Stillness in stirred ash.
Yoga and Wine with Peak Power Yoga
WHAT: A yoga and wine fundraising effort with all proceeds going to Ojai Valley Land Conservancy.
WHEN:Friday, January 26, 5-7 pm at Topa Mountain Winery
Topa Mountain Winery has kindly offered 10% on all glasses and bottles plus $12 tastings (regularly $15)
Ojai Valley Brewery Anniversary Party and Fundraiser
Join us at Azu for music, food and good vibes to celebrate their 1 year anniversary of the Ojai Valley Brewery. 4 PM to close. No cover charge, $5 pints and 20% of proceeds go to the Ojai Land Conservancy to help rebuild the trails that were destroyed in the Thomas fire. Wild Stallions DJing.
Caravan To WonderGrass – Featuring Elephant Revival
Coming to Ojai, California Nov 17 – 19, 2017! Bring the whole family to experience local music, art, and community. The Ojai Valley sets the stage for musical performances from Elephant Revival, as well as Radio Skies (unplugged), Grant Farm, The Chillz, Wally Ingram, Danny McGaw, Scotty Stoughton and other special guests. In the spirit of sustainability […]
OVLC’s 30th Birthday Celebration!
Please join us in celebrating 30 years of local conservation with the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
Saturday, October 14
5:30 – 9 pm
Protecting the Ojai: Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Celebrating 30 Years
Protecting The Ojai
An Ojai Valley Museum exhibit exploring the history of the OVLC
July 8 – September 24
Krishnamurti Foundation of America Announces the Opening of the Ojai Saddle Trails in Partnership with the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy and the Krishnamurti Foundation of America are proud to announce a partnership to provide formal public access on private land adjacent to the Ojai Meadows Preserve through a trail easement.
Grand Hotel – The Musical
The Ojai Performing Arts theater presents Grand Hotel – The Musical. The six performances will benefit the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. **Gala Opening Night** Friday November 25, 8:00 PM Saturday, November 26 at 8:00PM Sunday, November 27 at 2:00PM Friday, December 2 at 8:00PM Saturday, December 3 at 8:00PM Sunday, December 4 at 2:00PM **The Gala […]
Rock the Glass
Rock the Glass Party for the OVLC Tuesday, November 29 5:30 – 7:30 pm Porch Gallery 310 E. Matilija Ave A Rocks (or Old Fashioned) Glass featuring photographer Heather Stobo’s digitally rendered photograph of an Ojai Oak Tree shot at the Ojai Meadows Preserve. The glasses come paired with a recipe courtesy of Sam, the […]
Annual Donor Celebration 2016
Saturday, October 8
5-9 pm
At the Ventura River Steelhead Preserve
(Not yet open to the public!)
MUSIC – FOOD – NO HOST BAR – FUN!
Q-Time BBQ will be serving a delicious meal of BBQ chicken, mixed green salad, beans and bread. There will be vegetable lasagna as a vegetarian option as well.
Non-Commercial Orchard Removal Aims to Protect Commercial Groves and Reduce Fire Risks
A project to remove several thousand orange trees at the Ventura River Preserve will address community threats caused by the mix of live and dead orange trees in the historic orchard, and make way for the re-establishment of native oak savanna and woodland habitats. Beginning on October 12, the tree removal will be done mechanically […]
Annual Donor Celebration – 2015
Save the Date!
Saturday, October 3
4-8 pm
At the Ventura River Steelhead Preserve
(Not yet open to the public!) Click here for Directions
Members Only
Want to bring a friend? Have them join or renew today! If you are unsure if your membership is current, feel free to email tania@ovlc.org or call (805) 649-6852 and we will be happy to check for you.
Details to come soon! Watch your mailbox for our invite.
A is for Acorn
Believe it or not it’s acorn collecting time again Collecting as many as we can for restoration projects Drought has seriously hampered acorn production in California Exudation is the sticky substance you find on damaged acorns. Leave them be. Find an oak with grass underneath for a soft landing and better chance of survival. Green […]
Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Seeks National Accreditation
The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Ojai Valley Land Conservancy is pleased to announce it is applying for renewal of accreditation. A public comment period is now open. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the […]
Desire Under the Oaks
One of the more frequent questions I get in my capacity as local plant nerd is what can I plant underneath my oak trees. Planting under oaks is tricky for a number of reasons. First, they are large and evergreen, thus allowing precious little sunlight to reach the ground anywhere near the trunk. Secondly, oak […]
Rocks, Roots & Weather
Works by Patty Van Dyke Twenty percent of the sales from this show will go the OVLC with deep appreciation. Red Brick Gallery 315 E. Main St., Ventura, CA 93001 May 19 – July 28 Anne Lamott says there are really only three prayers – “Please, please, please,” “Thank you, “ and “Wow!” This series […]
Independence Day – Ojai Meadows Preserve is Closed to the Public
Saturday, July 4th, 2015 (Independence Day) Ojai Meadows Preserve is closed to the public.
All About Ojai: Dirt Time with the Channel Islands Tracking Team
ALL ABOUT OJAI: Environmental Learning Series Dirt Time with the Channel Islands Tracking Team followed by slide show Saturday, May 9, 2015 9 AM to 12 AM Old Baldwin Road Trailhead, Ventura River Preserve Participants should wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sun protection. Join us for a fun and informative morning out on the […]
Bird Walk Checklist
We had a fabulous bird walk at the Ojai Meadows Preserve this past Saturday with Jesse Grantham. Here is the list of the birds we saw, as a few photographs of the highlights thanks to Mike! 35 species total 5 Turkey Vulture 1 Cooper’s Hawk 1 Eurasian Collared-Dove 10 Mourning Dove 1 Greater Roadrunner 3 […]
Kennedy Ridge or Bust
The Kennedy Ridge Trail and OVLC Stewardship Director were featured in a great article by Ray Ford in the Santa Barbara Independent this week: As you ascend the switchbacks leading to the top of Kennedy Ridge the whole Ojai Valley comes into view. The Topatopa Mountain escarpment provides a similar backdrop to what we […]
All About Ojai: Guided Bird Walk on the Ojai Meadows Preserve
Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 8:30 AM Join Jesse Grantham for a birding tour of the Ojai Meadows Preserve on Saturday morning May 2, at 8:30 AM. Jesse Grantham is a renowned bird expert. He is the retired coordinator for the US Fish and Wildlife Service National Condor Recovery program. This is an easy walk on uneven […]
Ventura River Preserve – Free Guided Nature Hike and Bird Walk
Sunday, May 3rd, 2015 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Ventura River Preserve: Wills-Rice Canyon Loop The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy is hosting a bird and nature hike at the Ventura River Preserve on Sunday May 3rd at 8:30 AM. The hike will follow the Wills-Rice Loop trail and will be led by Peter Larramendy. You […]
Last Section of the Fuelbreak Road Trail Protected Forever
Ojai’s front country trails got another “leg up” this month with a donated easement to the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) for the final section of OVLC’s Fuelbreak Road Trail. Most of the popular trail had been put into a trail easement in the late 1990’s—connecting the U.S. Forest Service’s Fuelbreak Road and Gridley Trail. […]
OVLC Restoration Volunteer Highlights
The OVLC has been fortunate to have a number of locals volunteering at our preserves. A regular volunteer group at both the Ojai Meadows Preserve and the Ventura River Steelhead Preserve is Once Upon a Watershed. Once Upon a Watershed is an outdoor education program that provides hands-on watershed education, restoration, and stewardship to 4th, […]
Adopt-a-Trail Agreement Signed
With the ink barely dry on a new Adopt-a-Trail agreement for parts of the Foothill Trail, volunteers got busy recently doing needed maintenance. When the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) purchased what is now the Valley View Preserve two years ago it came with the promise of reopening the historic trail. That work was accomplished […]
Improved Hiking Access through Forest Service Partnership
It’s been a good month for improved hiking access with projects put in place in partnership with the US Forest Service (USFS). The Foothill Trail adopt-a-trail agreement and the Pratt Trailhead rehab project have finally launched. Heidi Anderson, the Ojai District’s Wilderness Trails Manager and temporary duty District Ranger Yolanda Saldana worked with OVLC to […]
Cleaning up the Ventura River
Pulling old dolls, smashed bicycles and discarded tires out of the river isn’t what everyone wants to do on their holiday, but for some 50 volunteers on Presidents’ Day, that’s exactly what they did; and the river was better off for it. Ojai people of all ages came together with trashcans and buckets and collected […]
Earth Day at Oak Grove School
Earth Day 2015 It’s Our Turn to Lead Ojai’s Official Earth Day Event Saturday, April 18, 2015 11:00AM – 4:00PM Oak Grove School 220 West Lomita • Ojai, California In celebration of sustainable living, global awareness, and the joy of nature, four Ojai-based organizations team up to host this once-a-year free community event – Food […]
Love Them, Leash Them, and Help Save the Birds
As Ojai’s people welcome the new calendar year, Ojai’s birds are anticipating the upcoming nesting/migration season (February through September). In no other place is this more important than at the Ojai Meadows Preserve. This restored wetland preserve has attracted 187 species of birds, and many of them choose the meadows for nesting or as a […]
Free Wildflower Walk at the Ojai Meadow Preserve
Saturday, March 28 – 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE) Ojai Meadows Preserve Join Ojai Valley Land Conservancy docent and California Naturalist Stuart Niebel as leads a walk on the Ojai Meadows Preserve teaching about all the brilliant wildflowers that are in bloom. Stuart received his California Naturalist certificate in mid-December through the Santa Barbara […]
All About Ojai: History of Agriculture in Ventura County
ALL ABOUT OJAI: Environmental Learning Series Saturday, April 11, 2015 10 AM – 12 PM OVLC Office – 370 W. Baldwin Road – Bldg. A4 John Krist, Farm Bureau of Ventura County “Living Legacy” – The Story of Ventura County Agriculture In this chapter of the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s All About Ojai Series, John Krist will be […]
Ojai Valley Grange Revival Celebration
Saturday, March 21 – 5:30 PM Ojai Grange Hall 381 Cruzero Ojai, CA 93023 Join the OVLC at the Ojai Grange Revival Celebration. We will have a table there along with other Ojai non-profits. Guest speakers Severine Fleming and Harvey Smith begin at 5:30. Scratch Food Truck will provide food and the contra dance begins at […]
Jane Shanahan at Ojai Community Bank
Ojai Artist in the Lobby at Ojai Community Bank – Jane Shanahan February 9th – March 27th Artist’s Reception Wednesday, March 18 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. A portion of all proceeds from this show will be donated to the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. Jane was born in Manhattan Beach, California. While watching her mother paint […]
Dreaming of a White Ceanothus
Stand anywhere in the Ojai Valley and look up and to your north or west. Well, not anywhere, this won’t work from your guest bathroom, I mean outside. Notice the white patchwork covering our beloved hillsides? Now get thee to thy nearest trailhead and take a deep breath. No, not the horse manure, try a […]
Ventura River Clean-Up Event
Presidents Day Monday, February 16, 2015 9 AM – 1 PM The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy in partnership with Euterpe Farms will be hosting a Ventura River Preserve cleanup on President’s Day, Monday, February 16th, from 9 a.m. till 1p.m. The event will stage from the Farm to clean up a large amount of trash […]
Volunteers Needed for a Native Grass Planting
Calling all volunteers! On the Saturday January 24, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., OVLC Restoration Program Manager Jill Taylor, and Nursery Manager Ron Singer, are having a native grass plug planting event at the Ojai Meadows Preserve as part of the ongoing restoration efforts. Volunteers are needed to help restore native grasses at the […]
Cluff Vista Park Planting Day
Saturday, January 24 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Cluff Vista Park As part of an ongoing partnership with the City of Ojai and the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, an opportunity is coming up for people to help spruce up Cluff Vista Park, a unique native plants park in downtown Ojai. We will be weeding, planting, […]
Fowl Weather Friends
The Ojai Meadow Preserve is a veritable cornucopia of ecological systems, one of the most popular and dramatic being the wetlands. Storm runoff which used to pour down the hills and flood Highway 33 is now caught in a nearly year-round pond and two vernal pools. The pools aren’t filling yet but the pond only […]
The Hardly Definitive Guide to the VRP Trail System Part 1
I’m not going to mince words here, or try to shoehorn a 68 point Scrabble word, the Ventura River Preserve is awesome. I am a wee bit biased; I live within 0.75, 1.5 and 2.25 miles from the three trailheads (I can hit the McDonalds with a 3 iron!) I receive a regular income from […]
The Psychospiritual Necessity of Wild Places
All About Ojai: The Psychospiritual Necessity of Wild Places with Brian Stafford, MD, MPH Founder of Eco-Psyche-Artistry and Wilderness Is Medicine Friday, January 16 OVLC Office 370 W Baldwin Road, Bldg. A4 7:00 – 8:30 pm Participants should bring their imagination. Saturday, January 17 Riverview Trailhead at the Ventura River Preserve 9:00 – 11:00 am Participants should wear […]
Winter Bird Walk
Saturday December 6, 2014 8:30 am Ojai Meadows Preserve Join Jesse Grantham for a birding tour of the Ojai Meadows Preserve on Saturday morning December 6, at 8:30 AM. This is winter migration time so you will have a chance to learn about bird species who make their home here in the winter and those […]
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 […]
Brian Stark Named OVLC Executive Director
Brian Stark has been named the new Executive Director of the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. Formerly the land conservancy’s Conservation Operations Director, Stark is stepping up into the Executive Director role with the departure of Greg Gamble. Gamble has accepted a fundraising position at Stanford University and will be leaving Ojai near the end of […]
