Trail Updates

Stay up-to-date on trail and safety updates, if you have specific questions, please reach out to OVLC headquarters.
If you are experiencing an emergency, dial 911.

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MEASURES IN EFFECT

8/3/2026: Trail Update

VENTURA RIVER PRESERVE – OPEN

VALLEY VIEW PRESERVE – OPEN

OJAI MEADOWS PRESERVE – PARTIAL CLOSURE
Invasive plant treatment at Ojai Meadows Preserve: tomorrow, Aug 4, and Wednesday, Aug 5

Tomorrow and Wednesday, our team is bringing in a licensed applicator to treat three invasive species that have been working against everything we're trying to grow back at the Preserve: Russian knapweed, bristly ox tongue, and Bermuda grass.

Russian knapweed has been one of our toughest opponents. It spreads through a dense underground network of roots, pulls toxins into the soil to choke out anything trying to grow nearby, and taps into groundwater that our native plants depend on. We've hand pulled it, weed whacked it, and mulched it for years, and it kept coming back. This is the third and final treatment in a series recommended by our biologists, and we'll keep monitoring the site for years afterward to make sure it stays gone.

This year we're also tackling bristly ox tongue and Bermuda grass for the first time. Left alone, both spread quickly and crowd out the native grasses and wildflowers that give the meadow its life.

The treatment itself is targeted and precise. Our applicator treats each plant individually rather than spraying the whole area, so the native plants and oaks scattered throughout the site are protected.

Here's what it means for your visit. The west side of the Preserve, including the Lomita Ave. and Besant Rd. entrances and the trails nearby, will be closed both days from 7am to 5pm while the work is underway. The trails on the east side, including those by the pond, are open as usual. Check the map posted at the Preserve if you need help finding your way around.

Learn More

EMERGENCIES & INCIDENTS

If you observe any rule violations, unusual wildlife behavior, or concerning activities on the preserve, please report them to help protect the public, community, wildlife, and our cherisehd open spaces.

EMERGENCIES: For emergencies and life-threatening situations, please dial 911.
NON-EMERGENCIES: For non-emergencies, please contact the Ventura County Sheriff at (805) 646-1414 or email us at info@ovlc.org.

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Why do we close the trails when it rains?

We close the trails when they are wet for the safety of users and to prevent the negative impacts soil displacement can have on the trail tread and the surrounding environment. Please respect trail closure signs and do not enter preserves when posted. Thank you.

How do we determine how long the trails are closed for after rain?

The duration of a trail closure is determined by the amount of rainfall we receive.

1/4" rain = 1 day of closure

If other factors are present, like severe trail damage that deems the trail unsafe for users, then the trail closure will be extended until the proper repairs are completed.

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Trail Safety & etiquette

Ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone

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Trail
Management

Optimizing trail experiences

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River Stewardship

Protect the resources you love

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A green metal gate blocking a dirt trail in a hilly, wooded area with mountains in the background. A sign on the gate says 'Please Keep Gate Closed'.

Rice Canyon Gates

Every spring, cattle graze on the US Forest Service land in Rice Canyon, and the bovines would like us to remind everyone to please close the Rice Canyon Trail gates when you go through them—even if the gate is open when you get to it. Keeping the gates closed helps keep the cattle off of the preserve and near their ‘Cows Only’ water tank. Thank you!

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