Ojai meadows preserve

The Ojai Meadows Preserve is doing what it’s meant to do, connecting people to the natural world. This restoration project was made possible by the community, who helped transform the property into a gorgeous restored wetland.

PRESERVE MAP (PDF)

PRESERVE MAP (JPG)

What the wetlands used to be

History has not been kind to the meadows with tree clearing and growing development. For decades the historic wetland was buried under sediment and fill dirt from nearby construction. A grove of non-native Eucalyptus trees were planted in the 1950s, eroding the possibility of native habitat returning on its own. The meadows were acquired in 2000 by the conservancy with an outpouring of community support to protect them.

water flows again

A few years after it was acquired, the conservancy partnered with the Ojai Valley Unified School District, securing grants, so that water flows could return to the preserve. Flood water from Nordhoff High School and Maricopa Highway were diverted onto the meadows bringing wildlife back to the area. This continues to be a work in progress with more diversity planned for the future.

With flooding problems alleviated, OVLC enlisted the help of botanists, biologists and restoration specialists for advice on how to bring the land back to its natural state. These experts designed a plan to excavate fill dirt, creating a basin for floodwater that would drain from the highway, high school, and Taormina neighborhood into the preserve. Eucalyptus trees and other non-native plants are being replaced with native live oaks, sycamores, and cottonwoods.

a little slice of heaven

Once water returned to the wetlands, wildlife soon followed, creating a diverse ecosystem that’s now filled with a variety of species. If you see wildlife on the preserve and want to share your experience, send an email to info@ovlc.org.

A scenic landscape of mountains in the background, a partly cloudy sky, green trees, bushes, and a body of water reflecting the surroundings in the foreground.

Public access: Yes
Recreational use: Yes. Travel by foot and bikes permitted. Dogs must be on leash.
Parking Visitors to the Ojai Meadows Preserve can park along Lomita Avenue and Besant Road, or in the Nordhoff High School lot when school is not in session (evenings, weekends, and holidays).
Preserve Open Hours
Summer Hours
(April - October):
7:30 am - 7 pm
Winter Hours
(November - March):
7:30 am - 5 pm
Guided tours: Check events calendar.
Acreage: 58
Help respect and protect this preserve by staying on the trails and observing these guidelines:
To minimize disturbance to wildlife and protect neighboring communities, entering or remaining on the preserve outside posted open hours is prohibited.
Take all trash and belongings with you
Always keep dogs on leash
Clean up after yourself and dogs
Bike bells are required
Class-1 E-bikes are allowed on OVLC trails. Class 2 and 3 are not allowed on OVLC trails.
No horses allowed at this preserve
Stay on marked trails
No smoking or fire of any kind
No motorcycles or motorized vehicles
No drones
No weapons
No camping
Do not disturb or feed wildlife
No collecting or handling of plants, animals, or minerals
No barbecues, coolers, chairs, or shade structures
No external audio or Bluetooth speakers
No alcohol or illegal drug use
No hunting
No digging or building
No dumping
Wildflower Guide
Bird Guide