Community volunteers have done an incredible amount of work for OVLC’s 27-mile trail system. Over the past few years, our trail stewardship program has found a steady rhythm: starting the year with storm repairs during winter rains, shifting to vegetation clearance in spring, clearing rocks from river-bottom trails in summer, and tackling deferred maintenance projects each fall. Year by year, our dedicated group of volunteers has sought to do even more to care for this essential community asset—now, they’re taking on the complex task of designing trail re-routes. 

As we reflect on the success of our 10th anniversary of Mountainfilm on Tour and the magic of Under the Open Sky, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible community that made these events come to life. Many thanks are due to our 100 event volunteers, our passionate OVLC staff, generous event sponsors, vendors, food trucks, and all of the wonderful people who gathered to celebrate. Togehter, we created evenings that truly resonated with the spirit of the Ojai Valley. 

On a late summer afternoon in Ojai, my friend Annie and I set out for a hike at Valley View Preserve, excited to enjoy the scenery before sunset. While pointing out new flora I have learned about while working at OVLC, we shared laughs along the trail. Then our hike took an unexpected twist when we encountered a mountain lion just ten feet away.