News
All About Ojai: Springtime Bird Walk with Jesse Grantham
All About Ojai: Bird Walk with Jesse Grantham
Saturday, May 11 at 8:30 am
Ojai Meadows Preserve
All About Ojai: Herb Walk with Lanny Kaufer
All About Ojai: Herb Walk with Lanny Kaufer
Saturday, April 13
9:30 am—12 pm
Ojai Meadows Preserve
Native Plants for your Garden with OVLC Nursery Manager
Native Plants for Your Garden
Sunday, April 7
11 am–12 pm
Flora Gardens
Green Beers!
Green Beers with Topa Topa Brewing Co & California Solar Electric
Monday, March 18. 5:30-7 pm
Topa Topa Ojai
Arundo removal
For over a decade, multiple agencies and organizations have been working to remove the invasive plant, Arundo donax (Arundo), from waterways throughout the Ventura River Watershed and all through the state of California. Since this work began, over 150 acres of the plant have been removed in the Ventura River Watershed. This work continues in […]
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 […]
All About Ojai: The Buzz About Bees
All About Ojai: The Buzz About Bees
Saturday, February 16. 1–3pm
OVLC Office
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 […]
Save The Planet, Wear Sustainable with Toad&Co and Topa Topa Brewing Co
Save the Planet, Wear Sustainable with Toad&Co and Topa Topa Brewing Co
Tuesday, January 22. 5:30–9 pm
Topa Topa. 345 E Ojai Ave.
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 […]
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 […]
All About Ojai: The Bear Essentials
All About Ojai: The Bear Essentials
January 12. 10 am.
OVLC Office
Rare Plant Species Seed Cleaning
Rare Plant Seed Cleaning with the SBBG
December 3. 1–4 pm
OVLC Office
Farewell Marti!
Thank you to everyone that came out to celebrate Marti and her retirement! Photos by Stephen Adams. At the end of December, the OVLC will be bidding a fond farewell and happy retirement to our long-time office manager Marti Reid. Marti joined the OVLC in November 2009, as our part-time bookkeeper, and over time assumed […]
Thank You
Together, We Are The OVLC from Ojai Valley Land Conservancy on Vimeo. Love the OVLC? Donate Today »
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 […]
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
Annual Turkey Trot Hosted by the Ojai Valley Inn
Turkey Trot Fun Run
November 23. 8am.
Ojai Valley Inn
Nathan Wickstrum Art Show
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s very own Field Crew Supervisor is having a photography show this Sunday! So many of the photos on our newsletters, website, and social media are Nathan Wickstrum’s beautiful work. Grab a cup of coffee and appreciate this talented local artist! Photos will be for sale at the event. Sunday, September […]
Geology Presentation and Hike
Geology of the Ojai Valley
November 10, 9 am – 1 pm
OVLC Building and Ventura River Preserve
California Naturalist Open House
California Naturalist Open House
Saturday, December 1. 2–3 pm.
OVLC Office
Community Volunteers
The OVLC works to steward the land of the Ojai Valley for the benefit of the community, so when the community shows up to volunteer as stewards themselves, we feel even more inspired in our mission. Since the Thomas Fire, there has been a marked increase in community engagement with the OVLC on the preserves. […]
Recovery and Renewal
Recovery and Renewal
The recovery of our mountains has been a wonder to witness. We present the top ten wildflowers and shrubs/trees post Thomas Fire.
Pints with Purpose
Pints With Purpose at Topa Topa Brewing Co.
All Plants are Not Created Equal
June 11, 7:30–8:30 pm
Free Guided Hike in Wills Canyon
Guided Nature Hike
May 26, 9 am–1 pm
Wills Canyon, Ventura River Preserve
Fire Walk With Us
Fire Walk With Us–A Fire Ecology Workshop with Richard Halsey & Lanny Kaufer
May 5, 9 am – 3 pm
Co-hosted by the OVLC
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, […]
Spring Native Plant Sale
Spring Native Plant Sale
April 21, 9 am – 12 pm
Ojai Meadows Preserve Native Plant Nursery on Besant Road
Run for the Hills
Run for the Hills – a benefit for the OVLC
April 15, 9 am – 1 pm
5K run organized by the Green School Collective
Free Guided Bird & Nature Walk
Free Guided Bird & Nature Walk
Saturday, March 31 at 8:30 am
Ojai Meadows Preserve
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…
Restoration After the Thomas Fire
The native vegetation that covered the preserves before the Thomas Fire is adapted to fire—meaning many of the plants will grow back. We are already seeing shoots emerge from the base of laurel sumac, yucca, wild cucumber, and soap plant; oak trees that lost their leaves have already begun to leaf out and are now […]
Jill Lashly Promoted to Conservation Director
Jill Lashly Promoted to Conservation Director
Jill Lashly has worked at the OVLC for three years as our Restoration Program Manager—promoting habitat restoration and conservation in the Ojai Valley…
Celebrating a Life
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy lost a dear friend, dedicated volunteer, and conservation champion with the passing of Allan Jacobs on October 8. Allan led a life dedicated to helping others, including an extended tour with the Peace Corps in Bolivia, decades as an estate attorney, and his involvement with the Rotary Club of Ojai […]
Leaving a Legacy
Jerry Gale Jones, esteemed Portland businessman, philanthropist, spiritual seeker and meditation teacher, peacefully passed away on December 29, 2016, at his home in Ojai, California.
Matilija Dam Update
Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration Project
Presented by Paul Jenkin
March 10 at 10 am – OVLC office
Herb Walk – After the Fire
HERB WALK with Lanny Kaufer
After the Fire: Making Our Landscapes More Resilient
February 17, 10 am – 3pm
California Naturalist Certification
California Naturalist Certification Course: April 13 – May 19, 2018
If you enjoy exploring and learning about our local ecology, engaging in citizen science, and sharing your knowledge with others, this program is for you! The 40 hour course combines a science curriculum with guest lecturers, field trips and project-based learning to explore the unique ecology and natural history of Ventura County.
New Stewardship Director
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy is excited to announce the arrival of our new Stewardship Director, Brendan Taylor.
Volunteers clean melted irrigation pipe and plant hundreds of acorns
Last week, with the help of OVLC volunteers and students from the Thacher School, the OVLC cleared 27 acres of melted irrigation pipe and planted hundreds of acorns to replace the thousands of young oak trees that burned in the restoration area along Rice Creek. Katherine Holden, OVLC member and volunteer, was inspired to write […]
Julie Tumamait-Chumash History, Culture and Plant Knowledge
Saturday, January 20, 2018
10:00 AM
OVLC Office
370 W. Baldwin Road Bldg. A4
All About Ojai: Julie Tumamait
The History, Culture and Plant Knowledge of the Chumash People
The Chumash were Ojai’s first inhabitants, living here for thousands of years before European explorers arrived. The livelihood of the Chumash people was based upon their subsistence upon the available natural resources – plants, animals, and fish, and their sustainable ways of utilizing these resources. They found use for almost every type of plant and animal available – for food, clothing, medicine and tools. Their environment inspired their art, their beliefs, their stories, ceremonies and songs.
Jes MaHarry Trunk Show
Jes MaHarry Trunk Show – OVLC benefit
Saturday, December 2, 11 am – 5 pm
Jes MaHarry Flagship Store, Downtown Ojai
California Naturalist Certification
California Naturalist Program Open House
December 9, 2:00-3:00 pm
OVLC Office 370 W. Baldwin Road, Bldg. A4
