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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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 […]
Mountainfilm Sponsors
We have great benefits this year for our Mountainfilm weekend sponsors. Is your business interested in our sponsorship recognition opportunities? Download our Sponsor Levels packet here or sign up below. Thank you to our sponsors. You help make this event bigger and better every year! Interested in being an event sponsor? Or donating to the […]
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, […]
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.
New Stewardship Director
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy is excited to announce the arrival of our new Stewardship Director, Brendan Taylor.
Ventura River Preserve Signed
A huge thanks to our 10 volunteers who helped us sign the canyon trails on Ventura River Preserve on Wednesday morning! Split into two groups, we hiked and signed the Orange Grove, West River, Oso Ridge, Fern Grotto, and Wills Canyon trails. When you’re out on the preserve, you’ll see the green and blue […]
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 […]
Life After Loss: Thomas Fire Recovery
Life After Loss: Thomas Fire Recovery By Patt Wilson McDaniel The Channel Islands Chapter (Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties) of the California Native Plant Society has many members and neighbors who have suffered horrendous loss in the Thomas Fire. We are all greatly saddened but are relieved that there was not more loss of life. […]
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!
San Antonio Creek Update
Since the fall of 2016, the OVLC has been removing arundo from San Antonio Creek along Creek Road. Arundo, which is native to the Indian sub-continent and looks similar to bamboo, has infested watersheds throughout southern California, including the Ventura River Watershed. Arundo crowds out plants that are native to our creeks and consumes a lot of water—see below. It also creates a major fire threat, increases flood risks, and deprives habitat for wildlife.
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.
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
Our volunteers have been busy!
Ojai Valley Land Conservancy volunteers have been busy! Here are a few of the projects they have been working on recently.
Effort underway to reopen Ocean View hiking trail
Work has begun to reopen a historic hiking trail built by Ojai forest rangers more than 100 years ago. The six-mile Ocean View Trail (OVT) offers views of the backcountry, and, as its name implies, far-reaching vistas of the Santa Barbara Channel.
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.
WAO Partner Profile: Char Man
Wild About Ojai partner profile: Chris Sutton – owner of Char Man Brand. Profile written by OVLC member, Lisa Aronson
OVLC Earns National Accreditation!
We are proud to announce that we have earned national accreditation – a mark of distinction in land conservation. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded accreditation, signifying its confidence that the OVLC’s lands will be protected forever.
Trail cameras reveal secret lives of Ojai wildlife
Trail or “game” cameras allow you to take wildlife photos in remote, wild areas or your backyard 24/7 while you are at home relaxing. Learn how trail cameras can help residents, planners, and land managers reduce conflicts with urban wildlife.
California Naturalist Graduates
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy is proud to announce the first Ventura County graduating class of the California Naturalist Program! The California Naturalist training is an innovative program developed by the University of California Cooperative Extension to foster a committed corps of volunteer naturalists and citizen scientists trained and ready to take an active role in local natural resource conservation, education, and restoration.
Rotary Club of Ojai Grant
Thank you to the Rotary Club of Ojai for the $500 grant which is funding, in part, a partnership between the OVLC and Ojai TEAMS for their adopted plots at the Ojai Meadows Preserve. Work has begun and the students will care for their plots through the spring. If you see them out working on the meadow, ask them about their […]
Find yourself without getting lost…
The OVLC is proud to accounce our new Trailfinder. Now you can see just where you are on all of your favorite OVLC and US Forest Service trails in Ojai. Check it out on your mobile device: ovlc.org/trailfinder
Monument to the Mighty Oak
Big plans are underway for oak restoration at the Ventura River Preserve. Grant funds will be used to restore 20 acres of the 41 acre project site to coast live oak savanna and woodland habitat. Planting will begin in the fall of 2016, so the oaks and companion shrubs can be nurtured by winter rains.
1 percent adds up: Ojai Land Conservancy rakes in $43,000
Wild About Ojai was featured in a great article by Claudia Boyd-Barrett in the Ventura County Star: March 15th, 2016.
Bioswale Ribbon Cutting
Please join us for the Happy Valley Bioswale ribbon cutting!
Friday, March 4, 2016 at 1:30 p.m.
Ojai Meadows Preserve – 380 South Lomita Ave
1% for Ojai Program Gets New Name and Look
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC)’s popular 1% for Ojai program that funds the care of local, publicly accessible, open spaces is now the “Wild About Ojai” program.
The name change reflects an effort to tie the program more firmly to the “Wild” lands that are cared for with program proceeds while recognizing how “Wild” our community is about the conservation and care for these vital community resources.
Beetle spreads worry among Ventura County farmers
OVLC Stewardship Director Rick Bisaccia was featured in a great article by Claudia Boyd-Barrett in the Ventura County Star on January 15th, 2016. Learn what you can do to prevent the spread of this invasive beetle » Ojai citrus and avocado rancher Roger Essick has a lot to worry about these days. Like other citrus farmers in […]
Help Prevent the Spread of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Beetle
Together, we can help reduce the spread of this invasive borer and protect our native trees and beloved oaks. 1. Please do not to import firewood or mulch from outside the Valley. 2. Mulch (as finely as possible) any downed wood on your property and leave it there. 3. Wrap firewood in clear plastic sheeting and leave […]
Non-Commercial Orchard Removal Aims to Protect Commercial Groves and Reduce Fire Risks
A project to remove several thousand orange trees at the Ventura River Preserve will address community threats caused by the mix of live and dead orange trees in the historic orchard, and make way for the re-establishment of native oak savanna and woodland habitats. Beginning on October 12, the tree removal will be done mechanically […]
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 […]
