Krishnamurti Foundation of America Announces the Opening of the Ojai Saddle Trails in Partnership with the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
The Krishnamurti Foundation of America (KFA), in cooperation with the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC), has generously made the Ojai Saddle Trails available for the public to enjoy as of March 15, 2017. Global social reformer, Annie Besant, bought this historic property adjacent to the Ojai Meadows Preserve in the early 19th century for the work of J. Krishnamurti, one of the greatest philosophical and spiritual figures of the 20th century, who held gatherings here for thousands of people from the early 1920s until his death in Ojai in 1986. Symbolically rejoining the landscape that inspired thousands through the work of J. Krishnamurti, these new trails honor the history of the land and bring its beauty to new generations.
Of the grand oak trees on the property, Krishnamurti said:
“…By midday its shadow has deepened and you can sit there protected from the sun, never feeling lonely, with the tree as your companion. As you sit there, there is a relationship of deep abiding security and a freedom that only trees can know…”
From the book, Krishnamurti to Himself
“The newly opened trails offer an up-close view of one of Ojai’s signature landscapes along Highway 33 and connects more neighborhoods to the Ojai Meadows Preserve. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with KFA and to welcome the public to this historic place” said Brian Stark, the OVLC’s executive director.
“The KFA makes these Saddle Trails available to preserve, protect and enjoy as a source of renewal, beauty, and quiet for people of Ojai Valley and for visitors from all over the world,” said Jaap Sluijter, executive director of KFA.
The Ojai Saddle Trails are approximately one mile in length. In coming weeks, the OVLC will install signage and begin work to create clear entryways to the trails along Loma Dr., the Ojai Valley Trail (bike path), and the Ojai Meadows Preserve. The OVLC will manage and maintain the trails and signage, and provide oversight of public use. KFA granted a five-year trail easement to the OVLC as a trial period, after which both parties will evaluate the possibility of making it permanent.
Community members founded the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) in 1987 to conserve the open space that makes this valley so special. Today, 30 years later, OVLC protects some 2,200 acres, including vital aquatic habitats along the Ventura River (Ventura River & Steelhead preserves), foothill lands that define the scenic character of the valley and link to public trails in the Los Padres National Forest (Valley View & Ventura River preserves), and beautiful open space adjacent to developed lands where stormwater flows into wetlands that attract over 180 species of birds and other wildlife (Ojai Meadows Preserve). Hundreds of visitors use our preserves every day for hiking, running, dog walking, mountain biking and horseback riding. These lands are a true community resource.
More About the Krishnamurti Foundation of America:
The KFA, founded by J. Krishnamurti, is dedicated to the advancement of understanding and realization of human potential by preserving and making available the works of J. Krishnamurti. KFA operates two campuses in the Ojai Valley: the Oak Grove School for children ages 3-18 in Meiners Oaks and the Krishnamurti Education Center for adults on McAndrew Road.
