OVLC and Ojai’s Agora Foundation marked the 75th anniversary of Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac with a joint event on February 1. It is clear that the Ojai Valley is entering a time of profound intersection of legacy and responsibility. Leopold’s vision, a call for a “land ethic” that regards soil, water, plants and animals as a community, remains as relevant as ever. Our two organizations came together to promote the understanding of Leopold’s land ethic in this time when individual and collective responsibility can advance profound benefits.

It is with heavy hearts that we honor the life and contributions of our dear friend and board member, Betsy Vanleit, who passed away on January 8. Betsy was a dedicated community leader, a passionate environmental advocate, an inspiring mentor, and a true force for good. She devoted her time and energy to organizations across the Ojai Valley, including the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, Ojai Trees, and HELP of Ojai. Her absence leaves a profound void—not only within our organization, but throughout our entire community.

Parkway Preserve has the potential to become a thriving native ecosystem within the industrial stretch of north Ventura Avenue. This transformation requires repurposing the 22-acre parcel into a space that both protects and enhances the surrounding community. Before OVLC took ownership, the site had been used as a dumping ground for construction materials. While that is no longer the case, the land remains overrun with invasive plants. By clearing the property down to bare earth, then grading and recontouring it, we can shape the landscape to welcome seasonal flooding whenever Cañada Larga Creek overflows.