Ventura River Preserve

On the west side of the Ojai Valley, the Ventura River Preserve protects three miles of the Ventura River and its surrounding canyons. Diverse topography creates ideal conditions for a variety of plant communities. Steep north facing slopes in Wills Canyon offer refuge for shade-loving plants while chaparral blanketed hillsides are open to summer sun. Pockets of grasslands and meadows offer a colorful variety of spring wildflowers and grasses.

Once the sprawling Rancho El Nido ranch, this land has remained relatively untouched and is a haven for over 300 animal and plant species. The preservation of this property is made even more significant by its location adjacent to the Los Padres National Forest and the Ventura River watershed. The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy is actively involved with the protection and restoration of the Ventura River watershed, which is the sole water source for the entire Ojai Valley.

A Bit of History

Once habitat to grizzly bears, this property is still home to a variety of wildlife, including black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, badger, coyote and mule deer. Abundant food, shelter, space and water make this a key habitat for local wildlife. In wet months frogs, salamanders and other amphibians live in the seasonal creeks. Birds of prey such as Great Horned Owls and a variety of hawks soar over the oak savanna.

Before building Matilija Dam, significant runs of steelhead trout inhabited this stretch of the Ventura River. During high stream flows, the endangered southern steelhead trout still swim along three miles of the preserve’s property. Protecting the deep pools on this section of the river will play a critical role in steelhead recovery.

The Ventura River Preserve was twice slated to be developed as a high-end community with an exclusive golf course. The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy worked tirelessly on a plan to preserve this property. With a grant from California State Coastal Conservancy in 2003, and the generous support of the community, this preserve was protected forever.

How Can I Help?

It takes a community to steward this land. There are many ways you can help us.

• Volunteer for preserve patrols, trail maintenance or restoration projects

• Leave the land as you found it, leave no trace

• Bring a bag to pick up trash left on the trail by others

• Call (805) 649-6852 to report emergencies or inappropriate activities If there’s no answer, please follow the prompts on the Preserve Manager’s cell number

• Please consider making a donation to the Ventura River Preserve stewardship fund