OPEN SPACES
The latest news from the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Working to Protect The Ojai Valley’s Future - Today
Vol. 12 No. 4 Winter 2005
Moonlight on the Meadow A Spectacular Success
Moonlight on the Meadow was a tremendous success raising over $80,000 to continue the stewardship of open space. Attendees were treated to hors d’oeuvres generously provided by local restaurants, live music by the band Archaea, a delicious catered dinner with a hosted bar and a delightful auction offering something for everyone. Master of Ceremonies, J. B. White kept the evening running smoothly and this years’ live auction was the most successful ever with the entertaining, fast talking auctioneer, Jewels Eubanks.
Some of the highlights of the evening included the presentation of our flag by Boy Scout Troop #504 and God Bless America by Spanky Reynoso. Attendees were welcomed by President Larry Ragan and a presentation was made by John Broesamle to Sheila and Don Cluff for their outstanding contributions to the Conservancy. Don and Sheila served as honorary chairpersons of this years Moonlight and worked diligently to garner many of the wonderful items offered in the auction. The hard work by co-chairpersons Barry Betlock and Wendy Lockwood and committee members was evident throughout the event.
“The evening was a great success because of the incredible support we received from our members, volunteers, corporate sponsors and the Ojai community” said OVLC President Larry Ragan. “The manner in which they embraced
open space and gave of themselves with their time, donations of great auction items and generous bids in support of the mission of the Conservancy is why the OVLC enjoys the success it does. This was the true success of Moonlight on the Meadow. We should all be proud to celebrate this success and continue to work to make our vision of the Ojai Valley a reality.”
John Broesamle Stepping Down From Conservancy
Board
John Broesamle
“Serving our valley as a board member has been among the most rewarding privileges I have ever had,” says John Broesamle, “and I am thankful to have been given the opportunity.” With these humble sentiments John is leaving the Board of Directors, and while he will remain an advocate for open space, his contributions we have taken for granted on a daily basis will be sorely missed. John served on the Board from 1995-2000 and 20022005. He was President from 1997-2000 and received the Conservation Award in 2001. Following his presidency, John returned to the board and worked tirelessly with staff to make possible the acquisition of the Ventura River Preserve.Highlights from his presidency include the purchase of the Palmer property and Besant Meadow, now known as the Ojai Meadows Preserve, the dedication of Cluff Vista Park, and an unprecedented membership increase of 950 members from 250 to 1,200.
We could write volumes about John’s contributions but former president Jim Jackson sums it up best by saying: “There is no one more dedicated to open space in the Ojai Valley than John Broesamle. He is a model for what a board president should be, a model for what a volunteer should be, and a model for what a friend should be. The OVLC will indeed miss his presence on the board, but our members can rest assured that the example he set for the organization will live on for years to come.”
Sheila and Don were honored at the event for their out standing contributions to the Conservancy
Ways to Support the Conservancy
MAKE A GIFT OR PLEDGE- As the year comes to an end we are ever mindful that contributions to the Conservancy are tax-deductible and it is a wonderful way to show your support for present and future generations of Ojai Valley residents, who will benefit from your generous gift. Remember – when you put your money into land protection, your gift will last forever. Please consider the following options when making your gift:
CASH
Cash, usually in the form of a check or credit card, is the most common and popular type of gift.
PLEDGES
We welcome pledges for up to two or three years with extraordinary gifts. This enables you to spread your gift over a longer period of time.
MATCHING GIFTS
Many employers will match your contribution. Just ask them for their support!
Support the Conservancy by Recycling Ink Cartridges
Hundreds of thousands of empty inkjet and laser printer cartridges are thrown into our overcrowded landfills every year. We believe that these cartridges can and should be recycled. You can help us stop this destructive cycle by recycling as many printer cartridges as possible. The environmental and economic benefits to be gained from becoming a Participant in a Recycling Program are clear:
Environmental Benefits - You can help curb the ever-increasing amount of waste in our landfills by participating in our Recycling Program. Every qualifying cartridge that is able to be recycled will be recycled.
Economic Benefits – The Conservancy will get paid for every qualifying cartridge received. We will be rewarded for you being a good steward of our environment.
THE STATISTICS ARE ALARMING:
More than 54 million households, roughly 55% of the total population, own a home computer.
The average consumer purchases 2-6 printer cartridges per year.
More than 85% of used printer cartridges are simply tossed in the trash.
Every 2 seconds a printer cartridge is thrown away in the United States alone.
That’s 1,800 cartridges per minute, 108,000 per hour, almost 3 million per day!
Recovering discarded printer cartridges for recycling would prevent more than 570,000 tons of plastics from entering the waste stream.
Send your used cartridges in the enclosed postage paid envelope. If you have laser or copier cartridges, please drop them off at the Conservancy office located in the rear of the Arcade, next to Tottenham Court.
This is great way of supporting the Conservancy while caring for our environment. We have enclosed a prepaid envelope for your convenience.
APPRECIATED ASSETS
If you decide to make a gift of appreciated assets you are making a wise decision. This includes stock, securites, real estate, individual retirement plans, mutual funds, tangible property or closely held stock you have owned over a twelve-month period. You will receive an immediate tax deduction and avoid paying capital gains.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
Tell your friends, family and neighbors about the Conservancy and encourage them to join.
CARLA BARD MEMORIAL
Ever yone who met Carla Bard will never forget her.She lived in the Ojai Valley until her untimely death in 1997, but was well known throughout Califor nia.Carla was an OVLC board member and a passionate defender of open space.“I was never fortunate enough to meet Carla, but the diversity of people who knew her and the wonderful stories they tell never cease to amaze me,” remarked Jim Engel, former Executive Director of the Conservancy.
One individual who did know her was Pat Weinberger.“She was one of life’s treasures.As a friend she was peerless,”exclaims Weinberger.
In memor y of Carla’s spirit and commitment to open space, OVLC has created a special dedication plaque at the Ventura River Preseve. Namings on the plaque are still available for a limited time for gift of $1,000 or more.
Upcoming Events
Saturday Morning in Wills Canyon
Date: Saturday, Nov. 12
Time: 8am
Location: Riverview Trailhead
Join horticulturalist Michael Inaba for an informative walk through Wills canyon on the Ventura River Preserve. Participants will learn to identify mushrooms and other interesting fungi. Good hiking shoes, water and a snack are recommended for this 2 1/2 hour exploration.
Saturday Morning on the Wills-Rice Loop
Date: Saturday, Dec. 17
Time: 8am
Location: Riverview Trailhead
Join Preserve Manager Rich Handley for an invigorating hike over the 6 mile Wills-Rice Canyon loop trail on the Ventura River Preserve. This scenic trail affords an opportunity to experience pristine oak woodlands, chaparral uplands and wildlife viewing. The 3 hour hike is of moderate difficulty. Please bring at least one liter of drinking water and sturdy hiking boots.
Volunteer Training Program / Date: Spring 2006
Saturday Morning on Oso Ridge
Date: Saturday, Jan. 28
Time: 9am
Location: Riverview Trailhead
Join Preserve Manager Rich Handley on a hike up Oso Ridge to the highest point on the Ventura River Preserve. Experience breathtaking views of Lake Casitas and beyond. This 2 hour hike is of moderate difficulty, with several up hill sections.
Successful management of the Conservancy’s 1,980 acres of preserve lands requires people power. Volunteering with the Conservancy provides the opportunity to meet people, enjoy the invigorating outdoors and support open space preservation. Volunteers are always in demand to help patrol the preserves, provide information to preserve users at our trailheads and lead interpretive hikes.
The Conservancy will be offering a series of educational trainings beginning in the Spring of 2006 for people interested in getting involved in the management and preservation of our preserves. The training sessions will include classes and lectures on native plant and animal identification, geology and local history. Participants who complete the training will receive a patrol shirt, name badge and ball cap and will be asked to commit eight hours per month to the volunteer effort for one year.
Please contact Preserve Manager, Rich Handley at the Conservancy office: at 646-7930 for more information about the volunteer training program.
All programs require pre-registration. Call 646-0251 or email us at ovlcmembership@ojai.net
Help Needed with the Restoration of the Ojai Meadows Preserve
With the planning of the Ojai Meadows Preserve restoration in its final stages, the Conservancy has begun restoration activities. Students at Oak Grove School and Nordhoff High School have been collecting acorns from Live Oak trees on the Oak Grove campus. These acorns and other native plant seedlings (cottonwood, sycamore, willow, black walnut, etc.) will be planted in the meadow just prior to the rainy season this winter.
The Conservancy will need help with native plant propagation once we collect the seedlings.If you’re interested in gathering acorns and/or seedlings, planting them, or propagating them (or all of the above), please contact Derek at 646-7930 or ovlcprojects@ojai.net.This large-scale restoration project could certainly use your help.
If you haven’t seen the meadows in the past six months, please plan to witness first hand how remarkable the changes are. The native vegetation, cattails, willows and tules, are growing in great profusion as a result of the runoff that has been redirected from the Nordhoff High School campus onto the Meadow.
OJAI VALLEY
LAND CONSERVANCY
Post Office Box 1092
Ojai, California 93024
Office Phone • (805) 646-7930
Fax • 646-0253
Events Hotline • (805) 646-0251
Street Address:
250 E. Ojai Ave. #B • Arcade Plaza
Website • www.ovlc.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Larry Ragan • President
George Berg • Vice President
Barbara Washburn • Treasurer
Allan Jacobs • Secretary
Barry Betlock
Vicki Breen
John Broesamle
Roger Essick
Jim Exon
Ellen Hall
Marc Larson
Wendy Lockwood
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Caryn Bosson
Vickie Byrne
Fred Bysshe
Thad Hyland
Jim Jackson
Joan Kemper
Philip Moncharsh
Steve Olsen
Sylvia Overton
Alan Rains
Michael Shapiro
Nina Shelley
Spencer Silver
Mansfield Sprague
Carl Thelander
David Trudeau
Pat Weinberger
Allan West
STAFF
Richard Handley • Preserve Manager ovlcpreserve@ojai.net
Jane Lax • Membership Outreach Director ovlcmembership@ojai.net
Yvette Padilla • Administrative Assistant ovlcevents@ojai.net
Derek Poultney • Resource Project Manager ovlcprojects@ojai.net
Fall Greetings
President’s Message
I can only speak for myself, but I must say that my favorite season has arrived. I love the fall. It starts the cool down towards the remedial times of winter and for me a slower pace. It’s also the time of bright leaf colors and nesting animals and birds. All our properties are so wonderful to visit because of these events. I hope to see you out there.
Speaking of events, Moonlight on the Meadow was a solid hit. Not only did we raise a record amount of dollars, but also all had a fine time. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many of our members and guests that evening. Sharing our successes with those that support us is rewarding to me. Thanks to all that attended and purchased items. We are truly blessed by our many friends.
Ever one to keep me on my toes, Patsy Glenn made sure that I honor the volunteers at our gala event. Well Patsy my dear, lets do that again. The work that volunteers put in during the preparation, day of, and post event duties was nothing short of phenomenal. I thank you all and extend to you the many thanks of the board members and membership of OVLC.
Vital work continues to be done pertaining to the Meadows Project. Derek Poultney, our new project manager, has been busily placing together the many smaller steps needed to accomplish our goal of restoration and replanting. Derek’s devotion to this project is to be commended.
Continuing with the “pat on the back” theme, a standing ovation to our Membership Outreach Director, (I love that title) Jane Lax, for the many months of preparation and labor to achieve such a glorious event and profitable auction result. What a way to go in your first year! Thanks.
My last thanks goes to our board. Each of you has been so supportive and available during our times without an ED. We will find an ED. I promise you this. Until then, I greatly appreciate all your overtime.
Leave A Legacy
Executive Director Search Continues
A search has been launched to fill the position of Executive Director of the OVLC . The Board of Directors is prepared for this to be an extended process in which it will seek a person with very special skills to replace Jim Engel. Meantime, members of the Board have volunteered to supplement the work of our superb staff in covering key Executive Dir ector tasks. Applications for the position are still being welcomed. Please phone the office at 646-7930 or refer to our website, www.ovlc.org, under the News section. Resumes may be sent to ovlc@ojai.net.
Give A Gift For Future Generations Of The Ojai Valley
Please join the more than twenty families and individuals who have included the Conservancy in their will or trust. Consider the lasting impact of an estate gift for the preservation of the natural and agriculturalheritage of the Ojai Valley. Your contribution will be used for:
•Preserving critical open spaces like the Ventura River Preserve
•Restoring important natural habitats
•Educating our community to be betterstewards of our open spaces
If you have already named us in your estate plans, let us thank you for your generous gift and welcome you to the Conservation Legacy Circle.
For a confidential inquiry about helping to protect the future and beautyof this valley, please contact the Conservancy office at 646-7930 or vist www.ovlc.or g/wills_trusts.asp.
Larry Ragan
Renewals
E
very year, more than a thousand of our members choose to renew their membership. Thank you for your exceptional support! Your loyalty is greatly appreciated.The following are renewals since July 8, 2005.
1-Anonymous
Tucker & Phil Adams
Sheri Ann CateOjai Valley Insurance
David & Kathryn AllenDavid Allen & Co.
Susan Bee
Susan Broidy
Ulrich Brugger
Brett & Lyra Buyan
Judy & Fred Bysshe
Norene Charnofsky
Peter & Susan Cheney
Wilma Dasche-Melville
Lanyard & Mary Hannah Dial
Jon Dieges
Michael & Barbara Donohue
Rose Engel
Marilyn Essick
Franceen Fallett
Don & Gwen Fraser
Donn Gladstone / Elizabeth
Newman –thru work by Levee
Construction
Ken & Cheryl Glass
Harold & Patsy Glenn
Patrick & Darlene Gorey
Dr. Robert J. Graham
Randy & Jannell Greene-Banchik
Carl & Marian Greenfield
Louisa Hagen & Terry Thompson
John N. Hall
Ron Hamlen & Sue Fuhrmann
Nancy & Bill Hammond
Dale Hanson
Donald & Julie Heath
Charles & Wilma Irwin
Anne N. Johnstone
Johnny & Kitty Johnston
David & Deborah Junod
Brett & Denise Kantrowitz
Julian & Susan Lange
Gabriele & James Lashly
Drew & Claudia Lurie
Paul & Elizabeth McConnaughey
Alexandra Mooney
Bill & Maggie Mors
Jo O’Connell & Byron Cox –Australian Native Plants
Linda & Landis Potter
Alice & Earl Ragland
Robert & Alice Rene
John & Peggy Russell
Larry & Marilyn Shames
William & Delores Shouse
Daniel Silver, M.D.
Daniel & Olga Singer
William Spellman, DDS
Louise Stubblefield
Doris Swift
Bob Tallyn & Betsy Bachman
Terry & Cricket Twichell
John & Helene Vachet
Roger & Kathryn Wachtell
Stephen & Judy Walker
Dana White
John & Nancy Whitman
John R. Wilson
Oliver Wilson & Kaarina Tienhaara
Christopher Woods
New Members
Thank you to our new members for their exceptional support. The Conservancy’s success is due to the generous financial and volunteer support of our members. The following persons have joined since July 8, 2005.
Patricia Albert-Leis
Joan L. Alger
Mary C. Alstot
Robert & Cheryl Beers
Mary Bergen
Steven & Deborah Curry
Vicki & Michael Littlejohn
Ellen Francis Lockett
Joan Nicholson
Allan & Janis Parkhurst
Nan Reck
Rebecca Eaton & Bob Richardson
Friends of the Ojai Valley
Thank you to the following members who have provided generous unrestricted membership gifts or pledges of $1000 or more since July 8, 2005.
Mary Bergen
Wyatt & Claudia Harris
Carolyn Huntsinger
John & Ginger WilsonTribute to Jim Engel
Sara Cloud
Don & Ruth Hauser
Anne Littler-Brown & David Brown
Steve Matzkin & Melissa Wolfe
Philip & Jan Stohr
CORPORATE MATCHING
Patagoniafor Sandy Buechley
Chilant & Mansfield SpragueIn honor of John & Kathy Broesamle
Thomas & Barbara Malley
President’s Circle
Thank you to the following donor who has provided a very generous unrestricted gift of $2000 or more since July 8, 2005.
Michael Newkirk
SAN ANTONIO CREEK FUND
Betty Jane McCurley
IN MEMORY OF
IN HONOR OF ANNUAL FUND
Donald Engel
Elizabeth B. Bugg
NEW MEMBER FORM
Barry Betlock
Anonymous
Thank You
It was indeed a magical evening on September 10th at the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s annual fundraising event, Moonlight on the Meadow.We are proud to announce that over $80,000 was raised to support the Conservancy’s continued efforts to ensure open space in the Ojai Valley.We would like to gratefully acknowledge all who attended and participated in the success of this event, with special thanks to the following business sponsors, volunteers and donors:
MOONLIGHT EVENT VOLUNTEERS
Conservancy News
VOLUNTEEROPPORTUNITIES
PRESERVES - We are always in need of Patrol Hosts, Trailhead Information, Trail Workers, and Hike Guides to help our Preserve Manager, Rich Handley.
For more information contact Rich at ovlcpreserve@ojai.net.
RESTORATION - Help restore the Ventura River watershed and remnant cottonwood/sycamore woodland by removing non-native invasive plants such as Arundo donax (giant reed), cape ivy, and vinca from the Confluence Preserve. Help is also needed to gather and plant Coast Live Oak and Valley Oak acorns, among other native riparian seedlings, for the Ojai Meadows Preserve.
For more information contact Derek Poultney at ovlcprojects@ojai.net.
OFFICE ASSISTANTS - Join our friendly office staff for a few hours weekly or monthly. We need people to prepare mailings, answer phones and greet visitors, put together information boards, organize files, distribute newsletters around the Valley and more. Quarterly we need help preparing our newsletters for mailing. This is only a few hours and is a great time to meet people.
For more information contact Yvette Padilla at 646-7930 or ovlcevents@ojai.net
Special Thanks
Mathew Goad, Ranch Manager of Santa Ana Ranch for lending the Conservancy his stake side truck for hauling debris from the Confluence Preserve.
Boy Scout Troop 504 and the “1st Ards,” Scouts of Northern Ireland for building a great bridge on the Ventura River Preserve.
Mark Hatton and Tri Valley Tree Service for donating tree work on the Ojai Meadows Preserve.
Ann & Harry Oppenheimer for purchasing the keychain flashlights for our attendees at Moonlight on the Meadow.
William and Laura Peck for sponsoring our band for Moonlight on the Meadow.
Summer Intern Program: A Continuing Success T
Sean and Sara installing the new Confluence Preserve sign
he Land Conservancy’s summer intern program started as an experiment a year ago and has matured into an important aspect of preserve management, according to Preserve Manager Rich Handley. Sara Benjamin and Sean Hendrick were this year’s interns and both reside in Ojai. Sara has a master’s degree in geological sciences from the University of California and Sean is a student at Ventura College. Sara and Sean spent two months this summer working on a variety of projects including trail maintenance on the Ventura River Preserve, installing signs, monitoring the Conservancy’s two conservation easements using GPS and digital photography, and performing public contact at the Riverview trailhead on Rice road.
“We do most of our preserve maintenance work in the summer,” says Handley. “Having two enthusiastic and hard working interns like Sara and Sean on a daily basis helped me reach my preserve management goals.”
Ojai and Irish Scouts Build Bridge of Cooperation
This past summer the Conser vancy hosted a bridge building project carried out by Ojai Boy Scout Troop 504 and ten members of the “1st Ar ds,” Irish Scouts of Northern Ireland.
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Building a 14 foot bridge in the Conservancy’s Ventura River Preserve was one of several projects the Irish and American scouts carried out in the Ojai Valley. The preserve bridge was conceived, designed and constructed under the watchful eye of 17 year old Daniel O’Brien, a Junior at Nordhoff High School and an Eagle
Scout candidate. O’Brien said he wanted an interesting and challenging job for his Eagle Scout community project and thought the bridge would be the perfect endeavor. When it became known that the Irish Scouts would be coming to Ojai, the bridge project jelled with the help of Ojai Rotarian Dick Weirick and Scout leaders Tom Swetek and Bill Costello. O’Brien paid for most of the bridge materials out of his own pocket, with the Conservancy providing tools, materials and transportation for the project.
Special Thanks continued
Building Contractor Doug Levee for directing donations from his customers to the Land Conservancy.
Boys Scout Troop 504 for their valuable help at Moonlight; serving appetizers, performing the flag ceremony and cleaning up that night and the following day.
Jim Engel for all he did for Ojai-he will be greatly missed.
Sheri Mayta for preparing agency permit applications for various grant projects.
Sara Benjamin for her help with the Meadows project.
Pictured are Scouts
Boy Scout Troop 504 together with Irish Scouts from Northern Ireland
