VOLUNTEER PROFILE: BETSY VANLEIT — OVLC VOLUNTEER & DOCENT

Betsy Vanleit began her journey with OVLC in 2016, and she has been an invaluable member of our volunteer community ever since. As our first unofficial Volunteer Restoration Adopter, Betsy meticulously maintained oak circles, dedicating over 100 hours to our restoration efforts. Her passion for conservation and tireless work have significantly impacted our organization. This summer, Betsy is elevating her commitment to the organization by officially joining our Board of Directors. 

In this interview, Preserve Manager Linda Wilkin sits down with Betsy to discuss her experiences and insights from years of volunteering. Join us as we explore her dedication to preserving the beauty of Ojai and continuing the legacy of her father, Art Vander. Betsy’s efforts exemplify the spirit and dedication that drive our mission forward.

Betsy, thank you for meeting me on this beautiful spring day. To start, can you tell me a little about yourself? 

My first degree was in environmental education from the University of Oregon a long time ago. Before that, I lived in Israel after high school and worked in an orchard. That was my starting place with plants, and I eventually ended up with a degree that led me to work with the Forest Service in Oregon for about four years in the silviculture department. Silviculture refers to the scientific management and cultivation of forest ecosystems to ensure their health, productivity, and sustainability. I initially ran the Young Adult Conservation Corps program, which was cut by Reagan when he came into office. Then the Forest Service picked me up as a seasonal employee. This was pre-drone, before all of the technology we have now. So, there were two of us and one of the foresters would send us out to run a line from point A to point B. They wanted to know everything: the slope, the soil, the plant species…etc. 

This was in the Willamette National Forest, out of Oak Ridge, Oregon, which primarily consists of Douglas fir forests. At the time, it was the biggest timber-cutting forest in the country. A lot of this work was in preparation for timber sales. I learned a lot doing that. Since I was a seasonal worker, in the off time, I ended up being the case manager for the Head Start program. I worked with families on various issues they had, which led me down a different path. I ended up getting a degree in occupational therapy from the University of Washington and became an occupational therapist. I worked in mental health for a number of years. I still loved being out in the woods, but it was nice not having to do it every single day. Especially in the forest I was in, it rained all winter, the mosquitoes were relentless, and the poison oak was prolific. We would run a line, and it would take us right through the poison oak. We wore heavy rubber rain gear to keep from coming into contact with the oils, but the downside is that we would be sweating profusely in that gear. 

Somewhere along the way, I ended up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, around 1990. I helped start the occupational therapy program at the University of New Mexico, taught in it, and got my doctoral degree in Community Health Education. I worked with rural and underserved communities across New Mexico, helping them identify health issues and solutions. I trained students in about 12 different health professions to work as teams and with communities. It was pretty amazing. But I never lost my love for trees, forests, and environmental topics. When I retired in late 2016, I was able to retire from a great career, but I was tired from working endless hours in academia. 

I know you are very involved in volunteering in our community. Can you tell me about that? 

I was able to retire at 60 and then ended up volunteering in Albuquerque, working on cottonwood forest restoration because the Rio Grande River runs right through the area. There was a nature center involved in cottonwood restoration, which got me 13 

deeper into the world of restoration. It was really challenging! The river used to flood annually, and cottonwoods need floods to regenerate. Trying to restore the forests, despite the presence of dams, water channelization, and drought was extremely difficult. We experimented by digging holes to reach the now significantly lower water table. I quickly realized that restoration was in its infancy and certainly not a well-established field at that time. We had to learn from others, experiment, and keep track of our methods and results. It was a fascinating process. During this period, I also got certified in permaculture design and began experimenting with gardening.

I started visiting Ojai because my parents lived there. After I retired, I moved to Ojai. I knew I wanted to continue volunteering and my interest in restoration work had grown. In 2016, Jill Lashly was the Conservation Director, and I helped with the “Oranges to Oaks” project in the Ventura River Preserve. Oak tree saplings had been planted, and it was a new project with the concept of oak circles and companion plants. As a volunteer, I was often sent out on various tasks. I remember one year, they decided to put shade cloth on the southwest sides of the oaks to protect them from the summer sun. I also did a lot of watering. It was peaceful work, just me out there, and I loved it. In addition to this work, I was involved with Food Forward, the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, and Ojai Trees.

Can you tell me a bit more about your involvement with these other nonprofits? 

Yes, I found myself serving on the homelessness task force for the City of Ojai, where I played a role in securing a significant grant for permanent housing solutions. Additionally, I lent a hand to Help of Ojai’s food pantry efforts and collaborated with Food Forward on gleaning and food recovery initiatives at both the Ojai and Ventura farmers markets. Moreover, I’ve been deeply engaged with the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, particularly focusing on the eight-acre city campus property. Through extensive community input gathered over a year, we’ve shaped plans for the site, aiming for a blend of habitat restoration—like the ongoing work at the Middle Stewart site and the preservation of native grasslands. The community’s vision includes transforming it into a hub for environmental education, benefiting local wildlife and native flora. Additionally, my involvement with Ojai Trees underscores my commitment to preserving and enhancing our tree canopy. These initiatives represent the core of my community involvement.

What motivates you to be so involved? 

I firmly believe that the most impactful work happens at the local level. When communities unite, we can build something truly resilient. While I understand the importance of national politics and state policies, my passion lies in engaging with local initiatives. There’s so much that needs to be done right here in our own neighborhoods. For me, it’s a social experience where I meet incredible people, and it feels like a rewarding way to spend my days. Plus, I always make sure to spend a significant amount of time outdoors. Having spent much of my career working in offices, one of my goals in retirement was to reduce screen time and enjoy the open air.

You mentioned that you believe in a certain structure for society that supports clean soil, air, etc. Can you tell me about that?

My work with the Ojai Valley Green Coalition has been focused on developing a vision and mission statement, emphasizing the factors that help a community become resilient, regenerative, and ecologically healthy. This holistic approach considers both human and non-human elements. I believe that true health for humans is impossible without ensuring the health of the entire ecosystem. There are numerous models to guide this thinking. For instance, there’s one that highlights the core needs of all beings, including living soil, clean water, clean air, reasonable shelter, and a sense of safety. Moreover, it encompasses the potential for individuals to fully manifest their capabilities, all within a web of relationships. These interconnected relationships are why I engage in a range of activities. Human health is intertwined with the health of trees, a sustainable economy, and other environmental factors. For example, it’s a significant concern that many staff members and others in our community can’t afford to live in the Ojai Valley. Addressing this issue involves ensuring fair living wages for those contributing to our community’s well-being. I see everything as part of this intricate web of relationships, constantly influencing and supporting one another. This perspective drives my commitment to fostering a resilient, interconnected, and healthy community.

Betsy (far right) trains with fellow docents to certify Rewild Ojai gardens. 

That’s beautiful. You’ve been involved with developing Rewild Ojai with OVLC. Can you tell me what rewild means to you? 

I love Rewild because, if you think about it, the beginning of any land conservancy is about protecting land. However, we now recognize that this is just the starting point. As you well know, stewardship is essential, yet funding for land stewardship is often scarce. Additionally, much of the land requires restoration and isn’t in the pristine condition where it can simply be left alone. This is usually within the context of land that has been purchased or has some type of easement, making it separate from where most people live. Rewilding, to me, is incredibly radical because it suggests that every one of us with access to property, no matter how small, has the opportunity to help re-weave an incredible quilt of healthy, ecologically sound land. This land can support pollinators, plants, trees, wildlife, and birds. What an amazing concept. 

Instead of merely donating or volunteering on conserved lands, we can have agency right in our own backyards. This approach helps people realize that gardens don’t have to resemble traditional English gardens with white fences and roses. Instead, beauty and health can be intertwined, and our yards and gardens can be more than just aesthetically pleasing spaces or places for barbecues. They can become homes for a multitude of other beings. By doing this, we can truly create a connected, vibrant ecosystem. I think of it as stitching a quilt, extending our reach and our sense of belonging in ways I’ve never considered before.

From your public health background, do you think native gardens benefit both homeowners and the Ojai community?

Native gardens are absolutely good for everyone. One key insight I gained from my work in community and public health is that most dimensions of health have little to do with the medical system. Research increasingly shows that the zip code you live in can significantly impact your health. Wealthier zip codes with trees and gardens contribute to better overall health outcomes. Access to clean water and air is also crucial.

I’ve also had the privilege of living and working in Cambodia for a year, spending some time in Thailand, and doing consulting in Rwanda. In all these cases, my work was health-related, and it became evident that access to healthy food is essential. Access to good food, clean air, water, and shelter plays a far more significant role in health than any medicine a pharmacy can provide. Native gardens support this holistic view of health. They provide fresh produce, improve air quality, and enhance the environment, contributing to both individual and community well-being.

The Oranges to Oaks restoration zone at the Ventura River Preserve, where Betsy has dedicated many volunteer hours for OVLC.

Why do you think local California native plants are so important from the perspective of local genetics?

We know that native plants evolved together, creating intricate relationships with microbial beings in the soil, pollinators, and other insects and plants. These relationships are analogous to those among animals and have developed over thousands of years. 

A healthy ecosystem is built on these complex and harmonious relationships. The plants need each other and thrive together, while introducing non-native species often disrupts these dynamics. Studies have shown that a native oak, for instance, can provide habitat and food for numerous species, far more than a tree brought in from another region, even if it’s Mediterranean-adapted. This demonstrates the importance of maintaining native plant species to support a rich and balanced ecosystem.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about being a part of the Rewild Ojai certified garden program?

Rewilding is an incredible way to contribute to our community’s health and beauty, and there are so many ways to get involved. All it takes is deciding to make a part of your yard welcoming to wildlife and native plants. This simple choice opens up opportunities to learn about local flora and fauna, and it allows you to be part of something much bigger than yourself. If you become passionate about it, you can even train as a docent and help others get their gardens certified. Rewilding is a wonderful way to connect with nature and your community.

Is there anything you are looking forward to with OVLC?

Well, it’s been so much fun for me to be involved over the years. To see you guys grow, both in terms of staff and expanding your mission. Like adding the word “restore” to the mission. I just see OVLC as a really important part of our community. I see many of the staff, and that includes you, Linda, as people who I greatly respect and am really happy to have in my life. I take great pleasure in contributing in any way I can to help the organization thrive and continue its valuable work for our community. I love everything you do. 

Thank you, Betsy. That means a lot. 

I mean it. I really do. You do beautiful work. 

On a final note, I asked your dad, Art Vander, and I loved his response. What brings you happiness or joy in your day to day?

Being outdoors is probably the biggest source of joy for me! Yesterday was a bit gloomy, and I didn’t have to go out, which left me feeling a bit “meh.” However, as the year progresses, I know it’ll get hotter, but I’m a morning person and I can usually be outside before the sun rises. I love this time of year because it’s getting light so much earlier.

I have to get up to let the cat out—he’s eager to be out of the house around 4:30am or five in the morning. It’s usually when I get up anyway. I step outside with him, and it’s just starting to get light. What’s truly amazing is at that time in the morning, you can already hear the birds and insects. Lately, the grass in my yard has been covered with morning dew, and when the sun breaks through, that’s all it takes for me to think, “Yeah, this is going to be a good day.”

I love that. Thank you again Betsy for being you and such an invaluable resource to this community we call home.