RESTORATION / MARCH 2021
OJAI MEADOWS PRESERVE BURN AREAS
If you walk in the Ojai Meadows Preserve, you may have noticed burned areas scattered throughout the preserve. The Ventura County Fire Department believes that each of these fires was intentionally started, and is investigating further. Hidden game cameras, which normally provide insight into the wildlife occupying the preserve (like the deer photo above), have unfortunately not helped us identify the arsonist(s).
The Ventura County Resource Conservation District (VCRCD) awarded OVLC a grant to purchase plants, seeds, and mulch to assist in the recovery of the burn scars. Volunteers and staff spread native seed consisting of annual forbs and bunchgrasses and replanted a variety of shrubs in the burned areas. A total of one acre was restored at three separate locations. OVLC is grateful for the financial assistance received from the VCRCD and for the volunteers who came out to help restore the burn areas.
While the intensity and consequences of these fires were minimal, the flames could have done a lot more damage considering how close the burn areas are to the eucalyptus grove and nearby neighborhoods.
If you see suspicious activity at one of our preserves, please call the police or report it to:
OVLC Land Steward, Linda Wilkin: (805) 212-0445
