MEET LINDA WILKIN: OVLC LAND STEWARD
We are excited to formally introduce Linda, OVLC’s new Land Steward and botanist extraordinaire! Linda’s love for plants has given her a breadth of experience in farming, habitat restoration, and nursery work. These days, she is putting her experience and passion toward protecting OVLC’s open spaces. For the last eleven months, Linda has been out in the field engaging with preserve users, dealing with fires at the Ojai Meadows Preserve, fixing kiosks and trail signage, and more recently leading volunteer events.
Linda encourages all preserve users to practice the seven “Leave No Trace” principles*. You can learn more about these practices at lnt.org.
1. Plan Ahead & Prepare
2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surface
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
*Please note that camping and campfires are NOT permitted anywhere on OVLC lands.
Linda is often accompanied by her faithful sidekick, Oak (his full name is Quercus agrifolia). While not an official OVLC employee, Oak models the type of behavior he expects from all dogs on the preserves. He is always on leash, his human always picks up and properly disposes of his waste, and he knows that while he is loveable, not every human wants to be loved by him.
If you see Linda out on a preserve, be sure to ask her about her favorite flora and fauna – she is a wealth of infloramation! You can also ask her for recommendations about which trail you should explore next. Lastly, she is there to help keep you and all trail users safe. Please reach out to her if you notice anything that needs our attention on the trails.
For medical and safety emergencies, please reach out directly to the sheriff department or call 911.
