Featured
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Beat the Heat! Summer Hiking Series
Beat the Heat! Summer Full Moon Hiking Series
June 17 at 6 pm
Valley View
Rattlesnake Avoidance Training for Dogs
Rattlesnake Avoidance for Dogs
June 1 & 2, 8 am–4 pm
SOLD OUT!
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 […]
Kathy’s Commitment
Kathy Bennett loves to look out her window at the mountains that the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) has protected forever. She is “paralyzed by the beauty of it all,” and has included the OVLC in her estate planning because “she wants to make sure that it is there for future generations.” While Kathy loves […]
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
Planting on the Preserves
A huge thank you to Ojai West and International Rotary for the donation of 100 5-gallon coast live oaks that are being planted at the Ventura River Preserve. The oak circle in the photo, and many others, were re-planted in December a year after burning in the Thomas Fire. In addition, 35 OVLC supporters grew […]
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 […]
Protecting What He Loved
Bequest from Peter Noone Peter Kinnoch Noone embodied the down-to-earth style of the outdoor industry and is credited with shaping the development of the outdoor retail store as a commercial force, customer refuge and the forefront for the protection of wilderness. He laid the foundation for his career by skiing, climbing and fly-fishing his way […]
The Importance of Native Gardens
In a drought-ridden state like California, it’s so important to do everything that we can to preserve water and take care of wildlife. There are many ways to do this, but one you may not think about is growing native plants in your own yard. This video from Wild Yards Project speaks to all the amazing […]
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 […]
Fundraising Campaign with HELIO Solar Lights
Get a great solar light and support the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy! HELIO is an ultra-efficient 100% Solar Flashlight, Lantern, and Powerbank all-in-one. This handy tool is great for camping, hiking, emergencies, charging your gear, and much more. HELIO is a true off-the-grid solution for portable light and power. Makers4Good is a proud sponsor of […]
Fall Guided Bird and Nature Walk
Guided Bird and Native Plant Walk
October 27, 8:30–10:30 am
Ojai Meadows Preserve
New Stewardship Director
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy is excited to announce the arrival of our new Stewardship Director, Brendan Taylor.
An idea for renewal
[a haiku]
The Great Burn surrounds.
A feral pause in the scorched.
Stillness in stirred ash.
Mountainfilm Festival 2018 was the Best Year Yet!
What a weekend! Our Friday event, Under the Open Sky was pure magic. Thank you to the 1,700+ people that came out to our Saturday event, Mountainfilm on Tour and made it such a success!
2017 Mountainfilm Festival was epic!
Wow – what a night! Thank you to the 1,500+ people that came out to our Mountainfilm on Tour event September 23 and made our event such a success!
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!
Conservation in a Changing Climate
Most people agree that climate change is the defining environmental issue of our time. And as a result, OVLC’s mission in the Ojai Valley is more important than ever.
SPRING BIRD WALK WITH JESSE GRANTHAM
Bird Walk with Jesse Grantham
Ojai Meadows Preserve
May 13, 8:30 – 10:30 am
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.
WAO Partner Profile: Erik Wilde
Erik Wilde, Associate Broker
Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe, Ojai
Profile by OVLC member, Lisa Aronson
2016 Mountainfilm Festival was a smashing success!
Wow – what a night! Thank you to the 1,000+ people that came out to our Mountainfilm on Tour event September 23 and made our event such a success!
WAO Partner Profile: Ojai Food Taxi
Wild About Ojai partner profile: Jessica and Loretta Altman-Pollack – owners of Ojai Food Taxi. Profile written by OVLC member, Lisa Aronson.
Mountainfilm on Tour 2016
A Fundraiser for the OVLC
Friday, September 23, 2016
Gates open at 5:00 pm – Films start at 7:15 pm
At Ojai Valley School (Lower Campus) front Sports Field
Tickets: $18 current OVLC members – $22 non-members – $25 at the door – $10 children under 12
2 free tickets with a new membership of $35 or above – see below for details!
Online ticket sales end Friday, September 23th at 11 a.m.
Get ready for a night of fun and food, friends and family, adventure inspired shorts, Telluride Mountainfilm style. On September 23, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy is teaming up with Mountainfilm on Tour to bring the original films and the experience of the Telluride Mountainfilm Festival to Ojai.
WAO Partner Profile: Char Man
Wild About Ojai partner profile: Chris Sutton – owner of Char Man Brand. Profile written by OVLC member, Lisa Aronson
The Buzz About Bees
Please join us on July 30th, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for an informative lecture by Dr. Ruben Alarcon: The Buzz About Bees – Conserving and Protecting Our Pollinators
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.
Mountainfilm on Tour Success
Update: The 2016 Date has been set! Stay tuned for more details and ticket sales this summer. Telluride Mountainfilm on Tour – Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Friday, September 23, 2016 5pm – 10pm A big thank you to everyone who came out on Friday to our Telluride Mountainfilm Festival event at Ojai Valley School. We […]
Mountainfilm on Tour – OVLC
A Fundraiser for the OVLC
Friday, September 25, 2015
Gates open at 5:00 pm – Film starts at 6:45 pm
At Ojai Valley School front Sports Field
Get ready for a night of fun and food, friends and family, adventure inspired shorts and an amazing feature film, Telluride Mountainfilm style. On September 25, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy is teaming up with Mountainfilm on Tour to bring the original films and the experience of the Telluride Mountainfilm Festival to Ojai.
Bring your blankets and low-back chairs and stake out your spot on the lawn. There will be live music, food trucks, and a beer garden provided by Topa Topa Brewing Company.
All About Ojai: Watershed Film Screening
ALL ABOUT OJAI: Environmental Learning Series Saturday, July 11, 2015 10 am – 12 pm OVLC Office 370 W. Baldwin Rd. Ojai Bldg. A4 Film Presentation and Panel Discussion WATERSHED: Exploring a New Water Ethic for a New West On Saturday July 11 at 10 AM the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy will be screening the film WATERSHED. Executive […]
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 […]
Film Screening “DAMNATION”
A Fundraiser for the OVLC Saturday, August 16 Doors open at 7:30 PM – Film Starts at Dusk @ the Mob Shop Beer & Munchies provided by the OBC The Mob Shop 110 W. Ojai Avenue Ojai California 93023 www.themobshop.com This powerful film odyssey across America explores the sea change in […]
All About Ojai: GREEN FIRE: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time
Saturday, July 19 10 AM At the Ojai Playhouse Register now On Saturday July 19 at 10:00 AM the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy will host a screening of Green Fire, the first full-length, high definition documentary film ever made about legendary conservationist Aldo Leopold. The film explores Aldo Leopold’s life in the early part of […]
All About Ojai: History of Agriculture in Ventura County
ALL ABOUT OJAI: Environmental Learning Series Saturday, June 14, 2014 – 10:00 AM OVLC Office – 370 W. Baldwin Road – Bldg. A4 John Krist, Farm Bureau of Ventura County “Living Legacy” – The Story of Ventura County Agriculture Register Now » In this chapter of the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s All About Ojai Series, John Krist will be presenting […]
All About Ojai – Two Part Bird Series
May 9, 2014, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Slide Show at OVLC Offices May 10, 2014, 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Ojai Meadows Preserve Bird Walk Friday Evening Photo Array – Allen Bertke from the Audubon Society Saturday Morning Jesse Grantham & Allen Bertke Bird Walk REGISTER NOW On Friday evening May 9th, Allen Bertke, Ventura Audubon […]
Wills Canyon Birding and Nature Hike
Saturday, April 26, 2014 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 Saturday April 26th at 8:30 AM. The hike will follow the Wills-Rice Loop trail and will be led by Peter Larramendy. You […]
Riverview Trailhead Scheduled to Close
At the end of September, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s 10 year easement that allows us to maintain the Ventura River Preserve’s Riverview Trailhead will expire. Many people probably don’t realize that the Riverview Trailhead on Rice Road does not sit on Ojai Valley Land Conservancy property. This land and about forty acres immediately below […]
Rice Creek Returns Home after 90 Years
Rice Creek is a seasonal tributary of the Ventura River that drains the hillsides above the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s majestic Ventura River Preserve. Hikers in Rice Canyon can see the modest creek, and know that it supports a variety of native plants and wildlife. However, the lower sections of the small Creek have seen rough times over the last 90 years since it was cut off from its natural route and held captive in a man-made ditch. In the 1920’s, the stream was diverted to make room for an orange orchard. When the stream was moved, the hydrologic and ecological connections between the Creek and the Ventura River were severed. In total, ¾ of a mile of the former stream was left dry, most of it to be completely removed.
Valley View PreserveAcknowledgement Sign
Below is the image of valley view donor thank you sign, which is way too small to read with the human eye. Almost 500 households contributed to the Valley View acquisition as compared to the 135 households listed on the acknowledgement sign for the Ventura River Preserve in 2003. PLEASE CLICK one or two times […]
