Environmental Education
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy provides exciting educational programs through its education programs, which began in 1998. These programs include a wide variety of fun, family oriented activities, lectures, natural history tours and school programs in an outdoor classroom setting.
School Programs and Tours for Local Students and Educators
Joint partnerships and programs with students and teachers in the Ojai Valley and other local school districts provide outdoor classrooms for a variety of environmental education programs and service learning programs. The Ojai Meadows Preserve is a neighbor to two public schools, and a private school. Elementary students often visit the preserve for guided walks and also volunteer to plant acorns and other native plants as part of the restoration activities on the preserve. High School teachers conduct Environmental Field Study classes on the Meadows Preserve and encourage service learning projects which go a long way toward reaching restoration goals and providing enriching experiences in nature for students who might otherwise rarely get outdoors.
“The transformation I see in my students after a few trips out to the Ojai Meadows Preserve is amazing and rewarding. At first they seem almost bored, and then they begin to observe nature, and marvel at what they see when they truly learn to be a part of their surroundings” Becky Beckett, Nordhoff High School science teacher.
Throughout the year All About Ojai programs offer free eco-education for members and friends of the OVLC
Enjoy guided walks at our preserves with a variety of eco-education themes such as how they benefit the Ventura River watershed, identification of native plants or wildlife, birdwalks and more. Occasionally, tours of other natural areas such Matilija Canyon and the Los Padres National Forest are held, which may be focused on natural habitat, watershed, geology or other topics of local interest.
During hot or rainy seasons, indoor presentations by local and nationally known naturalists, authors, and experts on subjects such as living with wildlife, migrating birds of the Ojai Valley, Chumash culture on the Ventura River and more are held, usually at the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy headquarters. See the events calendar for upcoming programs. All About Ojai is offered free for members. A $10 donation is suggested for all others. Join today to enjoy this member benefit for you and your family all year long!
Restoration Tours of the Ojai Meadows and Ventura River Preserves
If you have a group of up to 15 people who would like to arrange a tour of either of our two largest preserves to learn more about the habitat restoration projects underway, just give us a call. We have trained docents standing by to take you on a guided tour to learn all about the importance, history, funding, and implementation of these exciting restoration projects. Call 805 649-6852 or email info@ovlc.org to schedule your tour. There is no charge for the tours, though a donation is always appreciated and will be put to good work on the preserve.
For more information on scheduling educational tours, please send email inquiries to info@ovlc.org.
