Brian Stark Has Left The Building
Brain Stark, Executive Director and employee of 9 years, leaves the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy.
Tania Parker Named Deputy Director of the OVLC
In recognition of her critical role in the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s growth and success, the OVLC has named Tania Parker as Deputy Director. Tania Parker has been with the OVLC for over 5 years, and in that time she’s made a sizable impact on our fundraising and community outreach programs, including doubling our membership […]
From the Field
It has been another busy season for the field crew! This three-person team installed a recording breaking number of plants this season. While the final count has yet to be tallied, the number is in the thousands. The primary focus for restoration this season was the 36-acre orange grove project on the Ventura River Preserve […]
We are your local land trust, and we want to hear from you!
Brendan Taylor, OVLC Stewardship Director, is in the process of creating a 5-year plan for the stewardship of the preserves. We recently sat down with him to learn more about this plan, and why feedback from the community is so important. Q: Why are you embarking on a 5-year plan for the preserves? A: A […]
Kathy’s Commitment
Kathy Bennett loves to look out her window at the mountains that the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) has protected forever. She is “paralyzed by the beauty of it all,” and has included the OVLC in her estate planning because “she wants to make sure that it is there for future generations.” While Kathy loves […]
Welcome, Baby Juniper!
Please join us in congratulating Jill Lashly (OVLC Conservation Director) and her husband Evan on the birth of their beautiful daughter Juniper Jean Lashly. We are so excited to have a new member join the OVLC family. Here’s to the next generation of conservationists! Click here to make a gift in honor or in memory […]
Congratulations, Xena!
As the weather gets warmer, Xena wants to remind everyone that the ground can get very hot for paws. She recommends getting out on the trail early in the morning or in the evening, or investing in some shoes for your furry friends. Otherwise, you might end up carrying them on the trail. Photo: Xena […]
Annual Fire Clearance
On May 20, the OVLC will begin routine fire clearance on parts of our preserves that border structures or roads. Thanks to a grant from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), this work will be completed by the local Concerned Resources and Environmental Workers (the CREW) and an additional contractor. They […]
Thank you and we wish you the best, Natalie!
For the last two years, the OVLC has had the honor of counting Natalie Everton as a member of the field crew. While she will be leaving the OVLC to start her next adventure, she has certainly left her mark on the preserves. We will truly miss this wonderful woman, from her wealth of knowledge […]
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 […]
Directions to the OVLC Office
The office is located at 370 W Baldwin Rd (The Old Honor Farm), Bldg A4. After the main entrance, when you come in the gate, stay to the left and follow the signs for the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. You will drive by the farm and the road will wrap around the old prison building. Stay to […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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.
