Stewarding the Ventura River is a delicate balancing act: we must protect the natural environment while also ensuring that people can enjoy it. The OVLC’s mission is to protect and restore the natural landscapes of the Ojai Valley forever. A crucial part of achieving that mission is connecting people with the land, including the Ventura River. 

If you have visited the Ventura River Preserve since the January 9-10 storm, you are likely aware of the extensive changes caused by the flood. Regular visitors to the preserve may have also observed the impact on the trail system, as the region received over 15 inches of rain in less than 24 hours and more than 60 inches of rain in the Ventura River watershed so far this year, resulting in significant alterations. 

The Foothill reroute has been a large endeavor for the OVLC stewardship team and all trail volunteers. A project with methodical planning going back to last spring, the team has improved and rerouted a portion of the trail to ensure longevity.