BRIDGING THE GAP AT THE OJAI MEADOWS PRESERVE

Nestled amidst residential areas and surrounded by several schools, the Ojai Meadows Preserve (OMP) stands as OVLC’s most frequented preserve. With a quarter-million annual visitors, the OMP serves as a bustling hub, drawing in hikers, bikers, dog walkers, students, and nature enthusiasts alike. Yet, with thriving activity comes the pressing need for continuous maintenance and care of the preserve’s trails and infrastructure. 

This past holiday season, community members rallied to improve the trails, converting the main trail “artery” into a decomposed granite path, which stretches from Highway 33 to Lomita Avenue. This significant upgrade, made possible by the collaborative efforts of the Ojai Valley Lions Club and OVLC volunteers, has proven effective in mitigating muddy trails after storms. However, a gap in the path still exists at Ventura County’s Happy Valley Drain which splits the preserve in two. 

For years, traversing the Happy Valley Drain has been akin to dropping into a half-pipe on a skateboard. And when it rains, the drainage serves its purpose of moving stormwater to the Ventura River, but it also becomes completely impassable. Acknowledged in management plans, the need for a bridge over this obstacle has only intensified with the preserve’s inundation during recent winter rains. The advocacy of individuals like Mike Krumpschmidt, who played a pivotal role in the preserve’s protection 25 years ago, have been instrumental in advancing this project. 

The construction of the bridge is scheduled for the upcoming summer, but funding remains a critical factor in realizing this vision. With grant funding from the California Natural Resource Agency, Trails and Greenways Grant, and significant private donations, we are on the verge of reaching our $500,000 goal for the bridge and trail improvement project. 

We are just $20,000 away from bridging the gap! 

Your support is crucial to ensure the realization of this essential bridge and trail improvement project. Not only will it facilitate seamless passage through the preserve, but it will also establish an endowment for its ongoing maintenance and care. 

Your donation today guarantees the protection and sustainability of this beloved community resource. Join us in making the Ojai Meadows Preserve more accessible and resilient for generations to come. Donate today to help us bridge the gap: ovlc.org/bridge 

Brendan Taylor, Director of Field Programs