Around Our Valley
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JOIN OUR ADOPTER PROGRAM
Wish you could volunteer on your own schedule? Now you can! We’re very excited to announce that with funding from the Ojai Women’s Fund we are starting our Volunteer Adopter Program. This will help us maintain our 27 miles of trails and our oak woodland restoration sites. Individuals will be able to take on responsibility for a section of trail on our various preserves (Trail Adopters) or several oak restoration circles on the Ventura River Preserve (Restoration Adopters). Join our new Adopter program!
Under the Open Sky 2023
Join us Friday, September 15, at Under the Open Sky—a locally sourced farm-to-table dinner by Lorraine Lim Catering, beer poured by Topa Topa Brewing Co., kombucha from Revel, wine, drinks made by staff, a virtual auction, and a paddle raise. When the sun sets we will enjoy a collection of films selected for this special event that will not be shown on Saturday night. All attendees will also receive a complimentary ticket to Saturday night’s Mountainfilm on Tour. This event will sell out. Please purchase your tickets early.
MOB SHOP MOVIE NIGHT 2019
MOB SHOP Movie Night
Saturday, August 31
Doors open at 7:00 pm, Films start at 7:30 pm
Tania Parker Named Deputy Director of the OVLC
In recognition of her critical role in the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s growth and success, the OVLC has named Tania Parker as Deputy Director. Tania Parker has been with the OVLC for over 5 years, and in that time she’s made a sizable impact on our fundraising and community outreach programs, including doubling our membership […]
From the Field
It has been another busy season for the field crew! This three-person team installed a recording breaking number of plants this season. While the final count has yet to be tallied, the number is in the thousands. The primary focus for restoration this season was the 36-acre orange grove project on the Ventura River Preserve […]
We are your local land trust, and we want to hear from you!
Brendan Taylor, OVLC Stewardship Director, is in the process of creating a 5-year plan for the stewardship of the preserves. We recently sat down with him to learn more about this plan, and why feedback from the community is so important. Q: Why are you embarking on a 5-year plan for the preserves? A: A […]
Congratulations, Xena!
As the weather gets warmer, Xena wants to remind everyone that the ground can get very hot for paws. She recommends getting out on the trail early in the morning or in the evening, or investing in some shoes for your furry friends. Otherwise, you might end up carrying them on the trail. Photo: Xena […]
Thank you and we wish you the best, Natalie!
For the last two years, the OVLC has had the honor of counting Natalie Everton as a member of the field crew. While she will be leaving the OVLC to start her next adventure, she has certainly left her mark on the preserves. We will truly miss this wonderful woman, from her wealth of knowledge […]
Benefit Concert
Benefit Concert with Grammy Winning Artist: Peter Kater
Friday, May 17 at 7 pm
Private Address
Green Beers!
Green Beers with Topa Topa Brewing Co & California Solar Electric
Monday, March 18. 5:30-7 pm
Topa Topa Ojai
In Defense of the Trees
Invasive Beetle in Ojai What do beautiful communities, rich wildlife habitats, parks, bird nests, our global climate, and tire swings all have in common? They all depend on trees, a notable symbol representing a healthy environment. Much of the conservation and restoration work undertaken by the OVLC has revolved around the planting and protection of […]
Restoration at Work
Some history of the Ojai Meadows Preserve At a quick glance, it is obvious that the Ojai Meadows Preserve is doing what it’s meant to—connecting people to the natural world. However, unless you remember the way Highway 33 used to flood during a rainstorm, you may not realize the important role the preserve plays in […]
Thank You, Volunteers!
In the field, in the office, at events, and wherever else we need help—our amazing volunteers put in 4,214 hours last year! We are so grateful for every minute you take to help us conserve Ojai. You make it possible for us to do all that we do and we are excited for another year […]
All About Ojai: Wildlife Tracking
Introductory Wildlife Tracking
Basics and Beyond of Animal Track & Sign Identification
March 16. 10 am–12 pm
Allan Jacobs Trail Update
The progress continues on building the newest OVLC trail in the Ventura River Preserve. As of October, we’ve had 108 people, both volunteers and staff, working on the Allan Jacobs Trail. So far we have created 791 feet of trail! This averages out to about 1.94 feet of trail built per person per hour. Why […]
New Signs on the Preserves
When the Thomas Fire burned through the preserves, it cooked quite a few of our trail-junction signs and caused damage to some informational kiosks as well. The fiberglass on the trail signs warped, melted, and became a hazard to clean up. We have cleared most of the old, […]
Property Donation Among Largest One-time Gifts to the OVLC
In August 2018, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy received one of its largest gifts ever with a donation of property in the City of Ojai. The property, appraised at $515,000, is an undeveloped one-acre parcel in an Ojai neighborhood that was donated with the intention that it be sold to generate funds to support local […]
Fall Guided Bird and Nature Walk
Guided Bird and Native Plant Walk
October 27, 8:30–10:30 am
Ojai Meadows Preserve
Annual Turkey Trot Hosted by the Ojai Valley Inn
Turkey Trot Fun Run
November 23. 8am.
Ojai Valley Inn
MOB SHOP MOVIE NIGHT
MOB SHOP Movie Night
Saturday, August 11
Doors open at 7:30 pm, Films start at 8:15 pm
Life after the Thomas Fire
Letter from Executive Director Brian Stark
It’s been a busy two months since the Thomas Fire burned through four of our preserves…
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. […]
International Ocean Film Tour!
International Ocean Film Tour
Saturday, August 26
Chasing Coral: 3 pm Ojai Arts Center
Series of 7 short films: 7 pm MOB SHOP
San Antonio Creek Update
Since the fall of 2016, the OVLC has been removing arundo from San Antonio Creek along Creek Road. Arundo, which is native to the Indian sub-continent and looks similar to bamboo, has infested watersheds throughout southern California, including the Ventura River Watershed. Arundo crowds out plants that are native to our creeks and consumes a lot of water—see below. It also creates a major fire threat, increases flood risks, and deprives habitat for wildlife.
Bird Walk Checklist
We had a fabulous bird walk at the Ojai Meadows Preserve on Saturday, May 13, 2017 with Jesse Grantham. We saw 38 different species of birds!
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 […]
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.
Effort underway to reopen Ocean View hiking trail
Work has begun to reopen a historic hiking trail built by Ojai forest rangers more than 100 years ago. The six-mile Ocean View Trail (OVT) offers views of the backcountry, and, as its name implies, far-reaching vistas of the Santa Barbara Channel.
Trail cameras reveal secret lives of Ojai wildlife
Trail or “game” cameras allow you to take wildlife photos in remote, wild areas or your backyard 24/7 while you are at home relaxing. Learn how trail cameras can help residents, planners, and land managers reduce conflicts with urban wildlife.
Free Guided Bird Walk
Join bird expert Jesse Grantham for a very special birding tour on May 7th, 2016 from 8:30-10 a.m. Meet at the Ojai Meadows Preserve
Ojai Meadows Preserve Bird Walk and Film
Saturday March 26, 2016 at 8:30 am
Ojai Meadows Preserve
With John Pavelko
Join OVLC docent and Audubon member John Pavelko for a birding tour of the Ojai Meadows Preserve. This free event is being held in partnership with the Ventura Audubon Society. Prior to the event representatives of both organizations will be introduced and a short history of the OVLC and Meadow will be presented.
Bioswale Ribbon Cutting
Please join us for the Happy Valley Bioswale ribbon cutting!
Friday, March 4, 2016 at 1:30 p.m.
Ojai Meadows Preserve – 380 South Lomita Ave
Urban and Wildland Forests: Tree Pests and Diseases Workshop
Thursday, Feb. 18, 9:00-5:00 Huntington Library in San Marino The University of California and The Huntington invite you to the Urban and Wildland Forests: Tree Pests and Disease Workshop. This workshop will provide tree care professionals, land managers, and other stakeholders whose work involves urban and wildland trees current information on common and non-native insect pests […]
Guided Nature Hike
Guided Nature Hike
Saturday February 20th, 2016.
Time and Location: 9 a.m. at Luci’s Trailhead
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) and Aqua-Flo are hosting a guided hike on Saturday February 20th, 2016.
Each year the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy hosts thousands of nature enthusiasts including hikers, equestrians, school children and community groups on its preserves. Whether a visitor, newcomer or longtime resident this is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the day with other nature lovers.
Help Prevent the Spread of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Beetle
Together, we can help reduce the spread of this invasive borer and protect our native trees and beloved oaks. 1. Please do not to import firewood or mulch from outside the Valley. 2. Mulch (as finely as possible) any downed wood on your property and leave it there. 3. Wrap firewood in clear plastic sheeting and leave […]
Guided Nature Hike and Restoration Tour
Saturday November 21, 2015
8:00 – 11:00 AM
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) is hosting a guided hike at the Ventura River Preserve on Saturday November 21, at 8:00 AM. The hike will focus on current OVLC restoration projects and the birds and plants that call the preserve home. Led by OVLC docent and Certified California Naturalist John Pavelko with special guest guide Art Vander, resident plant expert.
Winter Migration Bird Walk
Saturday December 12, 2015
Ojai Meadows Preserve
With Jesse Grantham
Join Jesse Grantham for a birding tour of the Ojai Meadows Preserve on Saturday morning December 12, 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 who just stop by for a rest on their way somewhere else.
All About Ojai: Urban Carnivores
Update 7/79/15: Thank you to Jenny Fitzgerald who gave a fantastic talk about mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains a few weeks ago for our All About Ojai series. For those of you that wanted more information on the Liberty Canyon puma crossing project, here is a short film about it: ALL ABOUT OJAI: Environmental […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
