NEWSLET TER & ANNUAL REPORT SUMMER/FALL 2020 VOL 27 NUM 3
FROM THE DIRECTOR
It has been said that the only constant is change, and like our society at large, 2020 has been a year of change at OVLC. In addition to the staff changes detailed on page 4 of this newsletter, the organization has a newly streamlined mission statement, a new July 1 fiscal year, and a new finance and accounting structure. Our improvements in internal oversight and management are part of our continuing response to the embezzlement that occurred in 2019, and represent strategic steps to strengthen our resolve to protect and restore the Ojai Valley. OVLC was founded in 1987 out of a community reaction to development threats. Thirty-three years later, we find ourselves uniquely positioned to work with the Ojai Valley community to address the threats from a changing climate. Indeed, much of OVLC’s current conservation and restoration work already enhances the valley’s natural resilience. For more than a decade, OVLC has been working to restore riparian function and biodiversity in the Ventura River and its tributaries by removing invasive giant reed (Arundo) and Page 2
replacing it with native species. In doing so, we are restoring the landscape’s natural response to wildland fire and flood. Arundo is highly flammable (as we witnessed during the Thomas Fire) and its removal can protect life and property. And with more extreme weather events predicted, removing the dense and shallow-rooted Arundo will help prevent catastrophic flooding of our creeks and the homes along them. Having a clear urban-wildlife interface, or in other words protecting our open spaces from further development, is another way that Ojai can be more resilient to wildland fires. This is because firefighters can plan for and defend property much more readily when the wildland-urban interface is clearly defined and easily accessible. The OVLC’s Valley View Preserve and parts of the Ventura River Preserve served to form these defensible spaces during the Thomas Fire. We are eager to acquire more lands in the urban wildland interface. These lands (like OVLC’s Valley View Preserve) often border the Los Padres National Forest, and therefore provide wonderful scenic and recreational amenities as The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
OVLC was founded out of a community reaction to development threats. Thirty-three years later, we find ourselves uniquely positioned to work with the Ojai Valley community to address the threats from a changing climate. well. One thing that was made clear during the pandemic is that access to nature is critically important to being resilient! As climate change increases drought and heat stress, we need to consider the benefits of habitat and “nature-based solutions.” These benefits are often referred to as “ecosystem services” and in a time and place when the effects of climate change are undeniable, these ecosystem services provide guideposts for OVLC’s conservation work. Our long-term plans for the Ojai Meadows Preserve and the uplands of the Ventura River Preserve are to restore them to native oak woodland. To date, we have planted oak circles on 36.5 acres. While labor intensive, the carbon storage benefits of planting a coast live oak can live on for over 200 years! If you visit the Ventura River Preserve near the Oso Trailhead, you can see the success of our oak circle plantings. Oak circles, in addition to containing saplings of our native oaks, also include native plants that support the growth of the young oak trees. These plants increase biodiversity, improve soil function, and create critical habitat for vital pollinators. We have also used a no-till drill to plant a variety of native seeds to try to increase the native biodiversity. Here in the Ojai Valley, natural habitats provide no more important ecosystem service than clean water. Much of OVLC’s Protecting your views, trails, water, and wildlife.
land acquisition and restoration work is targeted to enhance the landscapes natural ability to recharge aquifers and protect aquatic wildlife. Concerns over water supplies for homeowners, agriculture, and nature was dramatically elevated when the City of Ventura counter-sued every water user in the Ventura River watershed. While distressing, this legal maneuver also presents a potential opportunity to more clearly define the river flows needed to sustain the natural systems on which we all rely. Between the pandemic, an extraordinary national reckoning on racism, a divisive election, and record setting wildfires, this year will go down in history. You, our steady supporters, have enabled OVLC to weather all of the upheaval. We are confident that with your continued strong support, OVLC will find more innovative ways to help the valley cope with climate change and its ecological impacts. As we near the end of this difficult year, please consider a higher level of support to enable OVLC’s more comprehensive approach in protecting what you love.
Tom Maloney, Executive Director ovlc.org
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MEET YOUR OVLC STAFF When I started as Executive Director one year ago, no one anticipated that a global pandemic would require widespread lockdowns and social distancing practices to become commonplace. Thanks to the steadfast support of our donors, OVLC has only suffered moderately from the wide-ranging societal effects of the pandemic. However, OVLC has not been spared entirely from its effects. Before the onset of the lockdowns, long-time OVLC Office Manager, Marti Reid, retired (for the second time after being pulled back into service for several months after Brian Stark’s departure). Long time OVLC volunteer Dan Pizano was hired to be OVLC’s Operations Director. Dan’s acute attention to detail and technological knowledge will help streamline and modernize OVLC’s business practices. And, as we all quickly moved to working from our homes in March, Dan’s hire came just in time. Unfortunately, the lockdowns and need to work from home led long time staffer Jill Lashly and OVLC to part ways. Jill was a huge part of our team and this left a big hole in our staffing. But, with change comes opportunity and Jill’s departure created an opportunity to restructure the staffing of our field programs. We brought our restoration and stewardship programs together into a “field operations” structure that enables a more integrated approach to our restoration and stewardship projects. Brendan Taylor has been promoted to Director of Field Programs. We also promoted Caitlyn Barrera to the position of Restoration Program Manager to guide the implementation of our restoration projects. This includes coordinating with state and federal funding agencies and ensuring that we meet the grant requirements. Caitlyn brings a scientific orientation to our restoration efforts and is already refining some of our practices. Another staffing change occurred when a departure from the development team provided long-time employee Nathan Wickstrum with an opportunity to diversify his contributions to OVLC beyond his field role. Nathan has embraced the change and is bringing new energy to the development team as the Communications and Outreach Manager. Nathan’s depth of field experience will enhance our outreach on our stewardship and restoration work. This is also a great fit since Nathan’s outstanding photography has long been a source of inspiration to staff and supporters alike! Importantly, with Nathan’s move out of the field and Brendan’s Page 4
new more office-based role, OVLC created a wholly new and much needed position of Land Steward. The goal of this position is to provide a presence on the land, interact with preserve users, and help guide and coordinate our dedicated cadre of volunteers. We are excited to welcome Ventura County native and emerging expert in local flora Linda Wilkin into this new position. Please look for her out on the trails and say hi! Helping to fill Nathan and Caitlyn’s moves out of the field is Kevin McLeod who previously worked on OVLC’s restoration team. He is providing his expertise as Field Crew Supervisor. Kevin’s knowledge of the Ojai Valley and ecology are invaluable additions to the team. Helping Kevin in the field and rounding out the recent staff changes is Nicole Kabey who has replaced Destinee Rabelo and joins Mayra Diaz on the field crew to help with our restoration and stewardship activities. These new staff roles synergize perfectly with the work of Deputy Director Tania Parker and Development Associate Xena Grossman, who make the magic happen in the office, and our Nursery Manager Ron Singer, who ensures we have an ample supply of native plants for our restoration projects and our native plant sales. So, while OVLC copes with elements of the new normal of the pandemic, we are encouraged by the recent staff changes, and look forward to coming through this strange time stronger than ever. Keep your eye out for Linda, as well as our restoration crew, and if you see them out on a preserve, please feel free to introduce yourself and say hello! The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
Tom Maloney, Executive Director
Tania Parker, Deputy Director
Brendan Taylor, Director of Field Programs
Dan Pizano, Operations Director
Xena Grossman, Development Associate
Nathan Wickstrum, Communications & Outreach Manager
Caitlyn Barrera, Restoration Program Manager
Linda Wilkin, Land Steward
Kevin McLeod, Field Crew Supervisor
Mayra Diaz, Restoration Field Crew
Nicole Kabey, Restoration Field Crew
Ron Singer, Nursery Manager
Protecting your views, trails, water, and wildlife.
ovlc.org
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FROM THE FIELD Bridges are complete, volunteers are back, and some weeds are finally being out-competed at the Ojai Meadows Preserve.
In March, with the Allan Jacobs Bridge nearly complete, it was time to plan our next projects for our volunteer trail program. We decided to turn our attention to the three trails the OVLC adopts from the Los Padres National Forest: lower Gridley Trail, lower Pratt Trail, and Foothill Trail. With this goal in mind, we submitted a grant application to the National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance (NWSA), National Forest System Trail Stewardship Partnership Funding program for support in our work on the adopted Forest Service trails. In late spring, we got some good news: our grant application was successful! The only catch, was that as part of the application we had committed to using hundreds of hours of volunteer trail work before the end of 2020, and because of Covid-19, all of our volunteer projects were indefinitely postponed.
restarting projects, we knew we had to do something. So we did. On August 29, we hosted our first volunteer trail crew project in over five and a half months. We established robust safety protocols, including requiring masks, minimizing the number of people allowed on a single trip, doing contactless temperature checks, and more. As of October 27, we have had eight volunteer projects on our Forest Service trails—and this doesn’t even include numerous volunteer restoration projects we’ve had as well on other preserves.
Out of an abundance of caution, we did not host volunteer projects through the spring into the summer. Slowly OVLC staff chipped away at the Allan Jacobs Bridge without big groups involved. As we neared the end of that project, and as the end of the year and the volunteer hours grant requirement started to creep into view, and as more and more of our committed volunteers inquired about Page 6
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
Through the hard work of our volunteers, we’ve already put in 13 rock check steps, eight timber check steps, fixed or installed 17 rock water bars, and generally maintained nearly two miles on our adopted Forest Service trails. We’re fortunate to have the support of our partners in the Los Padres National Forest and funders like the NWSA to support these projects, but we’re truly and incredibly lucky to have volunteers so dedicated that they’ll put up with restrictive but necessary safety protocols to help our trails. We are proud to report that we have not had any problems or anyone get sick to our knowledge, and our outdoor volunteer program is back, humming along, with Covid-19 safety protocols in place. Though we can’t be certain how long the pandemic will affect our program, we’re certain this community will help us accomplish great work throughout!
To learn more about OVLC trail management please visit: ovlc.org/trail-management
The moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally come to fruition. The Rice Canyon Canal Bridge is officially complete! The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, in partnership with the Casitas Municipal Water District and Bureau of Reclamation, has worked hard over the last two and a half years to ensure the Rice Canyon Canal Bridge, which crosses over the Robles Diversion Canal, would be reborn from the ashes once again. However, unlike its last two predecessors, the new bridge is made out of steel and concrete which makes it more resilient to fire. The installation of the new Rice Canyon Canal Bridge means the return of the quickest public access to Rice Canyon, the beloved Rice to Wills loop, and the western portion of the Ventura River Protecting your views, trails, water, and wildlife.
Preserve and its extensive network of trails; including a gateway trail (Kennedy Ridge Trail) leading into the Los Padres National Forest. Hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians all agree that the loop from Rice Canyon to Wills Canyon is one of the most beloved routes on the preserve. Following an old ranch road, it provides a trail that is accessible to all levels of users and creates one of the most enjoyable loops in Ojai. The OVLC estimates that the 1,600-acre Ventura River Preserve provides nature-based recreation to over 66,000 visitors each year on its 17 miles of trail. These protected open spaces and outdoor recreational opportunities are one of the reasons why people enjoy living in and visiting Ojai. ovlc.org
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RESTORATION
OJAI MEADOWS PRESERVE SOUTH CHURCH FIELD OVLC field crew has been hard at work controlling weeds. One area in particular that has changed dramatically in the last year is what the OVLC calls the South Church Field at the Ojai Meadows Preserve. In 2015, it was a field filled with the beautiful, but terribly invasive mustard. As the years went on, OVLC started to establish mini plant-community “nodes”—each composed of a variety of chaparral and wetland species surrounded by mulch to keep away weeds. Each node had to be managed for weeds regularly since invasive species, like mustard, can easily choke out newly planted stock. Depending on the species, mustard can also be very tall and dense, shading out smaller native plants that need sunlight (see photo 1). A couple years later, as the plantings began to mature, disjunct patches of mustard were popping up instead of the usual solid field. One species to thank for this change is coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis). This plant is a pioneer species, meaning it has the ability to re-colonize a disturbed or damaged ecosystem after other native species have disappeared. Once it is mature and established it makes it hard for non-native species to establish in the same area (see photo 2). Now, the South Church Field is filled with a large amount of coyote brush, and less and less mustard returns each year (see photo 3). With the establishment of coyote brush, the OVLC field crew is now focusing efforts on helping other immature plants gain establishment with irrigation and weed control efforts. A native plant that is starting to self-recruit is purple needle grass (Nassella pulchra). The southern black walnuts (Juglans californica) that were planted years back by OVLC staff are starting to mature and become taller than the cages they were planted in to protect them from gophers and deer. Most importantly, the coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia), which are dominant species in the desired ecosystem, are starting to reach above the coyote brush.
Photo 1: May 2016, OVLC staff managed mustard by weed-whacking
Photo 2: January 2017, South Church Field was primarily composed of invasive mustard
This project has taught the field crew that restoration is a slow process that requires a lot of hard work, but it can be very rewarding to watch first-hand the transformation of a degraded ecosystem back to its original state. OVLC staff are excited to see what further transformations are in store for this field in the coming years and share them with the community of Ojai. Note: This is an active restoration site. Please view it from designated trails only. Page 8
Photo 3: November 2020, native plantings now dominate the field and the planted oak trees are maturing
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
2020 FISCAL YEAR* ANNUAL REPORT * FY 2020: October 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020
In 2019, the OVLC Board chose a new auditor in its efforts to further improve internal controls after the unfortunate embezzlement in 2019. As we had hoped, that firm was extraordinarily detailed in the preparation of our Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 audit, which took until the spring of this year to complete. The auditor’s extensive research benefited from the expertise of Marti Reid who, as you may recall, came out of retirement to help OVLC through the leadership transition. The auditor confirmed that many of the changes that the Board and staff have taken were appropriate steps to improve internal controls. We are confident that we have all but eliminated the possibility that any sort of embezzlement could occur without being detected much more quickly. The 2019 financials, as well as past years, can be viewed at: ovlc.org/financials. It is customary for an organization to present its financial statements at least once a year to its supporters, and OVLC has usually done just that in our Winter newsletter. However, in addition to the new auditor and improvements to internal financial controls, we have restructured our chart of accounts and changed to a July 1 fiscal year to better align with our programs. Accordingly, our Annual Report with financials from FY 2020 was scheduled to be in our Summer newsletter following the close of our new fiscal year. However, Covid-19 is causing significant delays in getting the financials completed and we have decided to send out what is now the Summer/Fall newsletter without the final numbers. As soon as we have the financials for FY 2020 they will be posted at: ovlc.org/financials. In the meantime, please contact us if you have any specific questions.
Protecting your views, trails, water, and wildlife.
ovlc.org
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THANK YOU
TO O U R FI S C A L Y E A R 2020 D O N O R S * FY 2020: October 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020
Donors $99 and Under 2 Seas Agency Aaron Kreisberg Adele Schmalenberger Alessandra Lucchesi Alexander Shorb Alexandra Gritlefeld Alia Shahi Alice Barnwell Alix, Sierra, & Brycycles Allan & Carol Gross Allen Vail Allyn Wilde & Kathy Leary-Wilde Alojai Creations Amy Hueppe Anamaria Schmid Andrew & Lauren Harner Andrew & Sharon Engel Andrew, Elizabeth & Remy Ford Andy Brucker & Amy Bruckmeier Angus Beverly Anita C. Cramm Ann & Neil Havlik Ann Charlesworth
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Ann Gartrell Ann Horton & Fred Line Annie Woods Anthony Avildsen Anthony Vollering April Theriault & Ken Eros Ariana Holland Ashley & John Paul Doran Ashley Berry Ashley Lowe Ashley Nielsen & Nicholas Mang Barbara & Charlie Snyder Barbara & Michael Rugo Barbara Rose Becky Beckett Belinha Beatty Ben Weissman Bernard Martin Bert & Lanae Carter Beth & Greg Lyons Betty Gutman Bettyanne Sessing Bill Thatcher Bob & Diane Michels Bob & Joan Grove
Bob White Brad Boyd Brendan Taylor Brent Douglass Briana & Steve Beebe Brigitte Lovell Bruce Callarman & Paula Fujiwara Bruce Vincent Caitlin Praetorius Callie Little Candace Grodin Cara Seymour Carey & Derek Poultney Carla & Jason Estey Carol Cohen Carolee Tibbitts Carolyn & Ted Moore Carolyn Emmons Catherine Wilcox Cathie Ferro Cathy Moon Celeste Gabriele Chad Ress & Stephanie Washburn Charles & Myr Slosberg Charletta Erb
OVLC was founded by the community, for the community. Your continued support makes the work we do, for all of us and for Ojai, possible. Thank you. Cheryl & Dean Geiser Cheryl Cooper Chester & Bernadette Jagiello Chip Paulson
Christina Carlisle Christina Colombo Christina Pages Christine Beirne
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
Christine Gallagher Christy & Don Jackson Chuck Black Cindy Hansen Claudia & Drew Lurie Claudia Soto Craig & Kerry Bensen Craig McCaw Crystal Davis & Brad Meiners Curt E. Rischar Cynthia Watchorn Dan Parziale Dana Stroh Dane Kapler Danelle & Richard Williams Darian & Peter Dragge David & Amy Bransky David & Lisa Luckenbach David & Marilyn Neuman David Franz David Kille David Kramer David Low Debbie & James Harmon Deborah & Richard Waxberg Deborah Murphy Deborah Whorf Debra Eve Debra Wilson & Gary Heuer Dee Dee Farrar Diana Franklin Dogs Fly Design Dolores Keith Don & Colleen Cutler Don Brusselars Donald Hauser Donna Baumann Donna Phillips Dou-Yan Yang Doug & Moira Volpi Douglas Fox Dr. David White Dr. Karen Sama Elaine Needham Elaine Unzicker Eleanor Crilly Elena Rios Elisa Taylor-Godwin Elizabeth Bolton Elizabeth Clarke Ellen Hall Emily Prather Eric Adams Eric Cowen Evert & Joanie Nygren Frances Perez Gail Cooley Gail Smith Gayle Caldwell Gerald & Darlene Carlson Gerry & Beverly Ching Glen Eidson Gloria & Jon Swift
GoOjai Graham Smith Grant & Erika Gorman Greg & Mary Wood Greg Cooper Gretchen Garnett Guy Grether Heather & Michael Holden Heidi Hamilton Herb & Amber Courtney Holly & Paul Woolson Intuit Foundation Jackie Francis Jacob Mackey James & Camilla Becket Jan & Roy Worsham Jane Montague Janelle Sharp Janet & John Owens Janet Mahon Campbell Janis Emhardt Jason Stinson Jason Storlie & Anna Howard Jayce Cheldin Jeanette & Joel Berkovitz Jeanette Connolly Jeanette Robinson Jennifer & Richard Niles Jennifer Holland Jennifer Triem Jessica Jacobs Jill & Evan Lashly Jim & Fran Christiansen Jim & Susan-Marie Moody Jim Parker Joan Hornig Jewelry Joan Roberts Joanie & John* Sherfey Joann Yabrof Jody Cooper Joel Fithian John & Lisa Boyd John Holt John Krist John, Reese & Brianna Lamar Jose Pardo Josh Loeb Joy Atrops-Kimura & Greg Kimura Joyce Sattler Judith Hartshoru Judy & David Poultney Judy Mize Julie Griffin & Stan Schneider Julie Hahn Julie Soske June & Michael Juett Kai Ewert Kalila Haddad Karen & Craig Harris Karen Ciabattoni Karen Hall Kat Burke Kate Delgado
Protecting your views, trails, water, and wildlife.
Kate Furlong Kate Russell Katherine Crook Kathleen & Raul Kottler Kathleen & Wayne Morris Kathleen Moore Kathreen Smith Kathryn Soares Kathy McAlpine Kathy Nolan Ken Delbo Kendra Yoes Kenneth Stowell Kevin Lively Kim Maxwell & Patrick Lashly Kit Stolz Kristen Smith Kristin Dodge Krystina Okaly Larry & Judith Beckett Laughing Dog Ranch LLC Laura Denne Laura Gruenther & Russell Crotty Laura Lee Paine Lauren Hunt Lauren Nichols Laurie Edgcomb Lee & Katherine Rosenboom LeighAnn McDonald Len Klaif & Linda Harmon Leslie, Glenn, & Alex Paxton Liesel Rigsby Liliana Bettolo Linda & Boris Chaloupsky Linda & Zoe Jordan Linda Groberg Linda Taylor Lindsey & Dylan Roddick Lisa Noriega LIVIN.GUIDE Lori Calabrese Lori Cleary Lorraine West Lou Ann Schlichter Louisa Hagen & Terry Thompson Lucy Bellwood Lucy Dickinson Lynn & Chuck Whipple Lynn Dorgan Lynn Wolfe Maggie & Mark Pfeffer Margaret Jones Margot & Rich Blacker Maria & Jon Parisen Marilyn Clay Noad Marilyn K. Whitford Marissa Bills Mark & Shayna Tolkmitt Mark Fox Mark Wieneke Marlayn Riley Marnie Northrop & Chris Toland
OPEN SPACES The newsletter of the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy BOARD OF DIRECTORS Roger Essick, President Stefanie Coeler, Vice President Martha Groszewski, Treasurer Bret Bradigan, Secretary Sandy Buechley Phil Moncharsh Tonya Peralta Don Reed Larry Rose
STAFF Tom Maloney, Executive Director Tania Parker, Deputy Director Brendan Taylor, Director of Field Programs Dan Pizano, Operations Director Xena Grossman, Development Associate Nathan Wickstrum, Communications and Outreach Manager Caitlyn Barrera, Restoration Program Manager Linda Wilkin, Land Steward Kevin McLeod, Field Crew Supervisor Mayra Diaz, Restoration Specialist Nicole Kabey, Restoration Specialist Ron Singer, Nursery Manager
Mission: OVLC protects and restores the open space, wildlife habitat, watersheds, and views of the Ojai Valley for current and future generations. STAY CONNECTED WITH THE OVLC: OVLC.ORG FIND US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM ovlc.org
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MOST LIKED PHOTOS OF THE YEAR All landscape photos taken on the Ventura River Preserve Photo credits - Left to right: Nathan Wickstrum, Corbin Muller, Nathan Wickstrum, and Ashley Berry Marsha MacDonald Martha Collins Martha Saxe Marty & Diane Crowley Marty McDonald Marvin & Anne Johnson Mary Ann, Chuck & Eleanora Burright Mary Godschalk Mary Guinn & Michelle GuinnDi Bernardo Mary Jane McCall Mary Looby Maureen & John Hannah Maureen Volland Megan Emery Melanie Berner Melissa Baffa Melissa Olsen Meredith Martin Treadwell & Tom Treadwell Micaela Clegg Michael & Sally Leon Michael Boggs Michael Marks Michele DuPratt Michele Houghtaling Michelle & Andrew Medley Michelle Cassel Michelle Sherman Mike & Carol Hall-Mounsey Mike & Vicki Etchart
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Mike Frisk Milan & Sandra Fiala Mona Zaidi Monica Pattera Nadia Szold Nancy & Glenn Perry Nancy Aguilar Nancy Escher Nancy Mana Natalie Gray Natalie Stone Nick Bobroff Noel Douglas-Roth Norma Curtis Nort Colborn Nutmeg’s Ojai House Ojai Blooms Pamela Fetter Patrick Mahoney Patty Fry Paul & Carol Belser Paul & Sheila Reep Paul DeLapa & Bruce Owen Paul Lepiane Paul Wah Paula & Geoffrey Clarke PayPal Giving Fund Peak Power Yoga & Wellness Peggy & Dennis Wood Peter & Heidi DiCapua Pippa’s Print Shop
Pressley Johnson Design R.A. & A.P. Bernhoft Ramona Mejia Ramsay & Elise Rayner Rebecca Guadiana Rhiannon Kingston Richard & Sharon Rockefeller Richard & Sheryl McArthur Richard Carlson Richard Hiltner Richard Parsons Richelle Solis Rio Vogt Robert & Amy Dennis Robert & Carolejo Adams Robert Dodge Robin Gerber Rodney & Jean Smith Rodney & Vicki Thompson Roger & Susan Dickens Ron Stark Ronald & Charlotte Williams Rosemary Payne Rowan Lommel Rowanne Henry Ruth Walker Sallie G. Reynolds Sara Zicherman Sarah Clabeaux Sarah Trudeau Scott Weiss
Scott White Sespe Farm Management Shana Gadley Sharlene Smartt Sharon Best Sharon Madonna Sharon Thames Sharon Zorskie Shauna Hermes Sheila McCue Sid & Sheila Cohn Sierra Alder Slow Tech Labs Soheila Kolahi Sooz Glazebrook Stephanie & Don Midgett Stephen & Judy Walker Stephen & Sandra Selwyn Stephnie Wald Steve Bennett & Leslie Ann Ogden Steve Matzkin Stuart & Kyle Crowner Sunny Cross Susan & Dwayne McCulloch Susan Borges Susan Capper Susan Leech Susan Smartt Susan Westbrook Susie & Anthony Tomlinson
Suzanne & Peter Lugotoff Sylvia Muñoz Schnopp Take Two Software Tanner Yould Ted & Pearl Malos Tee Smith Teresa & Dok Smith Terra Candiloro Terry & Alan Maulhardt Tessa Byars The Balina Family The Norm Plott Family The Southern Los Padres Trekking Company The Walt Disney Company Foundation Theresa Mendoza Thomas & Janice McCormick Tigran Nahabedian Tim Tilsner & Barbara Hunter Tom Rambo Tony Sturgeon Travis Gonsalves Trevor & Monica Marshall Valerie Curtis Valerie Yates Vicky Clarke & Jack Scranton Virginia Siegfried & Barry Verga Watercolors by Patty Van Dyke Wayne Lattimer Wendy & Jerry Jacobs Wendy Bonvechio
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
Wendy Ford Wendy McCobb Willa Irwin William & Wendi Knox Willoughby Johnson & Victoria Matthews Yolande LaBelle Zara Sipagan Zoerita & Clark Bowers
Sustaining Supporters $100+ Adam Kear Al Stroberg & Betsy Patterson Alan & Jeanne Templeman Alex & Sarah Sheshunoff Ali S. Widmar Amanda Copland
Andrea Gleysteen Andrew Snett Ann Framson Anna Jacobs-Auric Anna Thomas Anne & Chad Carper Anne & David Brown Anne Kaplan Anne Merritt Annie Reeves Anthonie Voogd Anthony & Kathan Glassman Aryna Swope & Phil Caruthers Austin Harris Autodesk Foundation Baleen Barbara & Joel Aaronson Barbara Bowman & Sol de la Torre Bueno
Barbara Coeler Barbara Feild Barbara Sorem-Hughlett Barnhart & Barnhart Insurance Barry & Chris Betlock Barry & Donna Rabe Barry & Paula Wayne Benjamin Mati Beth & Bruce Brown Beth Dorenkamp Beth L. Wickstrum Betsy VanLeit Beverley Sharpe & Gordon Richard Gibbons Beverly Nathan & Barbara Dean Bill & Marcia Wakelee Bill & Renate Funk Bill & Sherry Loehr Bill Norris & Judith Hale Norris
Bita Ratkevich Bob & Kathleen Blackmur Bonnie & Jeff Jenkins Bonnie Bartling Bonnie LaForge Bram Sercu Brauna & Gordon Walsh Brenda Flores Bret Bradigan Brett & Denise Kantrowitz Brian & Blossom Pidduck Brian & Christine Ford Brian & Marie Haase Brook Montagna Bruce Jugan Bruce Stenslie & Julie Tumamait-Stenslie Bryan Collings Bryan Gonzales
Camille & Brian Holly Carol Nicholson Carol Peterson & Curt Mossestad Carol Shore Carrie Eller & Jimmy Harvey Caryn & Charlie Bosson Catherine Lee Cathi & James Nye Cathy Diorio Char Man Brand Hot Sauce Charles & Jo Spence Charles Crofoot Cheryl & Monte Widders Cheryl Armstrong Chris & Anna P. Rhoda Chris & Karen Birbeck Chris & Mark Marmes Christina Taylor & John Webb
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A Taste of Ojai
Dogs Fly Design
Ojai Quarterly
Alojai Creations
The Glass Man Professional Window Washing Company
Rowsie Vain
BeCalm of Ojai
GoOjai.com
Chamber on the Mountain Char Man Brand Hot Sauce
Greyfox Investors Jennifer Keeler, Hair Stylist at Bohème Lorraine Lim Catering
Sol Haus Design Tobias Parker, General Contractor Tonya Peralta Real Estate Services, Inc
Together, our community will help protect Ojai’s open space for everyone to enjoy, forever. Thank you to our Wild About Ojai partners who help make this possible. Visit a participating business today and take part.
Protecting your views, trails, water, and wildlife.
ovlc.org
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Thank you to our Business Sponsors for protecting our open space. Page 14
Topa Topa Sponsors Gojai
Patagonia
Ventura River Sponsors High on Kennels
Sespe Creek Collective
Ojai Meadows Sponsors BANDITS Bandanas
Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company REI
San Antonio Creek Sponsors
Broken Spoke Challenge/Fast Green Racing Channel Islands Sportfishing Gables of Ojai The Glass Man Professional Window Washing Company, Inc. Jim and Rob’s Fresh Grill Kerry Miller Designer & Builder, Inc. Meiners Oaks Ace Hardware Meridian Design Construction Ojai Valley Inn SC&A Insurance Services LLC West Coast Air Conditioning
Sulphur Mountain Sponsors ALCO Plumbing
California Solar Electric Don & Cheree Edwards ~ RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors Dr. David L. Garber, D.D.S Euterpe Farms Firestick Pottery Lorraine Lim Catering, Inc McDaniel Insurance Services Raindrop Pool & Spa Riverview Ranch Soul Body Ojai Healing Arts & Yoga Center
In-Kind Sponsors bITvision
California 101 Guide Custom Printing Damitz, Brooks, Nightingale, Turner & Morriset Ojai Quarterly Ojai Valley Directory Topa Topa Brewing Company
Christy & Karl Hunter Cindy Rowe Claire & Brad Brian Claire & David Paulson Claudia Wilson Cliff Hershman Cluff Investments LTD Partnership Craig Aitken Dale Cundiff Dan & Barbara Hurlbutt Dan Whelan Dana Sullivan Dana White Daniel Silver Danna & Julio Contreras Dave Schaar Dave, Jen, Claire & Julia Hankins David & Katherine Willis David & Vicki Hunt David Bender David Loe David Pacheco David Wheaton Debbie & Frank Parisi Dee Reid & Jeff Starkweather Denni Tyrrell Dennis & Stacy Allison Diana Feinberg Dirk Farner & Susan Bloom Dmitri Siegel & Woodwyn Koons Don & Sue Reed Donald Rodrigues Donna Darm Doug & Leanne Campbell Douglas Schmalenberger Dr. David & Cindy Garber Dr. William Fox* Drew Ferrie Duane Dammeyer & Marty Bonvechio Ed & Barbara Kutchma Edie Lambert Elaine Ferguson Elissa O’Brien Elizabeth Richardson Ellen Sklarz Emily & Tony Ayala Emily Duke Eric & Wendy Lockwood Eric Dilks Erik Feingold Evelyn Caliri Everard & Brooke Ashworth Franceen Fallett Frank Hanson Fred Chase & Martha Moran Frederick Dewey
G. Scott Miller Garrett Erickson Gary & Brenda Farr Gary & Dorothy Hitch Gary & Theresa Bulla-Richards Gene & Dianne Bullard George Ball & Amanda McBroom Ball Gloria Gerace Grace Lin Graham Chisholm Green Goddess Garden Greg & Darcy Gamble Greg & Martha Lepine Gwendolyn Alley & Marshall Sheridan Hattie Vail Heather King & Greg Grant Heide Kurtz Heidi & Austin McElvaney Herring Law Group Holly Vesecky & Josh Beckman Hunter Bowen Isla Claire Smith James & Dawn Engel James & Dorothy Combs James & Gabriele Lashly James & Tina Little James Capito & Terri Davis James Fugle James Odling & Gloria Valladolid Jamie & Carolyn Bennett Jan & Marc Key Jeff & Debbie Frank Jeff & Elisabeth Otterbein Jeff & Theresa Ferguson Jeffrey Peariso Jeffrey Zurofsky Jen Muller Jennifer McJannet & Tae Kim Jens & Laura Riege Jerry & Kerry Holden Jerry & Merry Dunn Jill & Chris Borgeson Jill Cohen Jim & Robyn Halverson Jim Kentosh John & Andrea Nelson John & Caroline Thacher John & Fran Pavelko John & Harriet Clise John & Kelly van Houten John & Laurie Bodine John & Linda Edison John Kitchens John Kuney & Christy Sebastian John Romo Jonathan & Linda Lambert Jonathan Katz Jonathan Reinbold Joseph Johnson Judith Mercer Judy Macy Judy Oberlander & Reynold Akison
Juliet Henderson Kara Partridge Ralston & Darrell Ralston Karen & Kevin Smith Karen Mason Karen Wilson & Caroline Bernard Karin Quimby & Jo Ann Block Kat Romo Katherine Regester Kathi & Mark Connally Kathleen Baushke Kathy Bennett Kathy Teufel Katrina & Robert Schmidt Kelli & Shane Butler Kellie Warriner Kenneth & Sarah Cluff Kevin Moore Kevin Reed & Cathleen Lynch Kim & Steven Rapholz Kira Krukowski Kirsten & Chris Wilson Kristi Schoeld & Neil Jorgensen Larry Smith & Dorothy Dron-Smith Laura Brown Laurie Arnold Law Office of Robert Long Leah Rubin-Cadrain Lesley Laine Leslie & Bruce Bouche Leslie Leavens Linda & Robert Meyer Lisa & Stephen Duncan Lisa Baum & Mark Sausser Lois Barnes & Steven Jung Loren Miller Lori Siegmund & Howard Sherer Louis Hunt Louise Heydt Lucinda & Tim Setnicka Lynette Cervantes Lynn & Ron Render Lynn Rimkus M. Kathryn Waldman Maggie Elder Maggie Kaufman Marcia & Richard Sykes Margaret & Duane Williamson Margaret Magnus & Sam Ervin Mark & Gail Stubbins Marty & Barbara Pops Maruja Real Mary Bernardy Mary McConnel Mary McGrath & Richard Simon Merrill Williams Michele Murdoch & Paul DelSignore Michael & Denise Small Michael & Terri Imwalle Michael Kittrell Michael Price & Leslie Clark Michael Sagol
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
Michael Zierhut Mike & Cory Zielsdorf Mike & Joanne Caldwell Mike & Nancy Krumpschmidt Mike & Tobi Greene Mike Briley Mike Westbrook Molly Jordan Koch Muriel Lavender Nancy J Madsen Nancy Pedersen Nicola Bennett Nicole Craig Nita Whaley & Don Anderson Nomi Morris Ojai Farmers Market Patrice & Robert Rosenthal Patricia Hardman Patrick & Kathleen Taylor Peak Design Pegi & Jeffrey Skoff Penny Wheat People to People, LA Chapter Peter Cambier & Sue Atwood Peter Larramendy Peter Schey Phil Simon & Gwyer Schuyler Philippe Berger Phillip & Mary Nelson Polly & Scott Nelson Priscilla L. Brennan Rachael & Brent Jacobs Rachel Haymon & Ken Macdonald Rachel Kondor & Brian Segee Randy Mudge Raymond Bransfield Rebecca Raskin Reed & Heather Cowan Rene Briggs Richard (Drew) Rhone & Cynthia Fitzpatrick Richard & Carole Keller Richard & Kristal DeVillers Richard & Mary Kanatzar Richard Appelbaum Rick & Martha Dowden Rick & Robin Beers Ridgeline Rikki Horne Risa Horowitz Rob & Antoinette Tivy Rob White Robert & Alice Rene Robert & Donna Lloyd Robert Beitcher Robert Hartmann & Mel Welsh Robyn L. Posin Roger & Kathryn Wachtell Roger Beerworth & Barbara Parsons Ron Singer & Elisa Neville Rosalie Zabilla ROWSIE VAIN Roy Hooper
Sally & James True Sally Carless Sally Lemire Samantha Dowdall-Green Sarah Jacobs Sarah Raskin Sarah Young Scott & Jeri Johnson Seal Graeber Sean Dana Sharon Bushman Shed & June Behar Sheila* & Donald Cluff Shelby Campbell Sheryl Shushan & Mark Hebbring Sienna Yoast Sol Haus Design Sophia Miles Stephanie O’Neill Stephen & Sheila Cox Steve Clark Steve Offerman Steve Roman Steven & Jacqueline Wegerbauer Stuart & Mary Niebel Sue Horgan Suman Alagappan Susan & Jim Florence Susan Anderson Susan Cowlishaw Susan Gary Susan King Susie Kenefick Suzanne & Erik Feldman Tamara & Greg Haggard Tania, Tobias & Topa Parker Teena & Dar Broumand Teresa Crossley Terri & Alex Laine The Adamsons (Andrew + Amy + Emma) The Porch Gallery Thelma Agid Theresa & Allen Bridges Theresa & Melvin Simpson TI Texas Instruments Tia & Pat Marshall Tim & Gloria Lawson Tobias Parker - General Contractor Tom & Jacquelin Brobisky Tom & Nanette Benbrook Tom & Vickie Robertson Tom Majich Topa Topa Brewing Company Topa Topa Optometry, Inc. Trish & Kent Hardley Trish Whalen Ulrich Brugger Vanessa McLean Vincent & Donna Diglio Viollette Menefee Virginia & Peter Aguirre
Protecting your views, trails, water, and wildlife.
Vitality Fitness Ojai Wanda Weller Warren McConnell Wayne & Petra Battleson Wendy Hilgers Wendy Hubbell William & Marina Brown William Fleming William Girvetz William Spellman & Lynn Van Emmerik William Spina William Stepler Wilson Miller Yvonne Besvold
Stewards $250+ A Taste of Ojai Alicia & Franco Campana Allan & Joyce West Andrea Gaines Andrew Gilman Angela & Anthony Ocone Angela Heald Ann Sunshine Anne & Mike Morris Arne Anselm & Michelle Velderrain Arthur & Judy Vander Barbara & Jack Wells BeCalm of Ojai Brian & Amy Stark Bruce & Linda Nofrey
Bruce & Patricia Kuebler Catherine Coffey Charley & Sandy Sledd Charlie Baysinger Cherie Beers Chris Miller Cindy & Douglas Bower Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation Clinton & Eileen Vocke Craig Marcus Daniel Landfield Dariel & Erin Sidney David Hurwith David Mayer & Jackie Hirshfeld Debra & Ted* Reed Dennis & Meredy Benson Rice Diane & Jim Holland Dorthea Atwater & Peter Hay Dylan Boeken Ed & Judy Savage Eliana Thacher Elizabeth Watson Eric & Missy Stoen Eric Humel & Alise Echele Fred Rothenberg Gail & Alan Mintz Grace & Dan Malloy Graham Beck Greg & Mechas Grinnell Heidi & Andrew Whitman Howard Asher & Jan Helfrich Jacqueline & Derek Dammers James & Rebecca Malone Jane & Richard Weirick
Jane Carroll Design Jennifer Keeler Jeremy Kottler Jesse & Trina Grantham Jhaura & Mihaela Wachsman Jill Forman & David Young Jim and Rob’s Fresh Grill Jo-Anne & Harold Guy Joan Hurak Welborn John & Lisa Adair John & Peggy Russell Juan Jose Lopez, DDS Inc Julia Berkeley Julie Grist & Paul Holahan Karen & Bill Evenden Karen Kaminsky Kate & Roger Larramendy-Wright Katherine & Glenn Erickson Lara Meeker Shellenbarger Laura & Guy Ring Laura & Jim Whitney Lauren Johnson Leanne & David Tilmont Libby & Aaron Zweig Lincoln & Sheila Anderson Linda Granat Mandy Cisler Mary Natwick & Larry Scott Mary Nelson Skincare and Massage Studio Matt Barth Matthew Hately Megan Davis Michael & Julie McFadden
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Michael & Susan Addison Michael J. Jauregui & Susan Olson Naomi & Michael Inaba Norm & Susan Reccius Northern Spy Productions LLC Pat & Larry Hartmann Pat & Steve Edwards Patricia & James Correll Patricia Kingsley Paul Hendricks Paul Mithra Paula Power Peter & Cindy Cantle Peter & Jeanne Tymstra Phillips/Bandoli Charitable Fund Pierre & Beverly Schuberth Ray Abel & Pilar Pacheco Ray Castellino & Charlotte Janus Renee & Russell Hawkins Rex & Susie Meach Richard & Sandy Hajas Robert Davis Rock & Water Creations, Inc. Ronald & Linda Phillips Ross & Patty Atkinson Scott Silver & Jill Greene-Silver Scott Wilson Shelley Scott Sherri Drifka Sherri Malis Soul Body Ojai Healing Arts & Yoga Center Stefanie & Myron Roth Sterling Social Suzanne Harvey Swanner Physical Therapy Tasha Sween Terry & Cricket Twichell The Gables Thomas & James Pepper-Macias Tom Maloney & Andrea Jones Ventura Wild Vida Vida Walter & Julia Hamann William Weirick
Just by including the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy in your estate plans, you can help protect the beauty of Ojai for generations to come. A bequest is a simple way to support the OVLC in the future while retaining control of your assets during your lifetime. By making the OVLC a beneficiary of your will, trust, retirement plan, life insurance policy, or financial accounts, you ensure your values will be passed on after you.
The real beneficiary, of course, is Ojai.
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Champions $500+ Adaya Walsh Alan & Jan Rains Allison Binkowski & Alden Broome Ann & Peter Costigan Ara Guzelimian Brad Tully Brittany Sanders & Robert Polidori California Solar Electric Cari Guerrero Shore & Peter Shore Carol Langford Caroline Lieber
Carrie Ruscheinsky Charlene & Ken Hartenstein Chelsea Sutula Chip & Sheryl Lesch Christine White David & Elizabeth Silva Dennis & Holly Mitchem Donna & Ted Miller Euterpe Farms Evander Schley Firestick Pottery Fred & Dana Fleet Friend’s Ranch George & Debbie Watson Glenda & Darrell Jones Jane & Steve Murray Jerry & Linda Bruckheimer Jerry Maryniuk & Diane Bertoy Jessica & Stephen Schutzman Jim & Kris Finch John Davis & Lorraine Brown Julie Rischar Jurgen & Gerry Gramckow Katherine Holden & Tom Atherton Kathryn & Jason Headley Kristen & Alan Bell Larry Rose & Lisa Larramendy Leslie Z Tobin Liberty Hanson-Wild & Jason Wild Linda L. Maigret Lynn Braitman & Robert Moser Marcy & Steve Toscher Mark Silbernagel Marsha & Paul Fonteyn Martha Groszewski Marti & Dan Reid Mary Thompson & Don Higgins Maureen Grace McDaniel Insurance Services Meredith & Eric Bell Michael & Arlene Ross Michael Stevens - Grand East Oak Apts Michal Mitchell Nancy Vaniotis Paul Fortune Paula Spellman Peter & Barbara Bonsignori Phil & Suzanne White Raindrop Pool & Spa Randy Banchik & Jannell Greene-Banchik Riverview Ranch Roger Erickson Ruric Nye Terry & Cindy Wright The Glass Man Professional Window Washing Company Theodore Gall - Gall Sculpture Theresa Gorey Thomas & Nancy Michali Tony & Roslyn (Roz) Demaria
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
Ventura Rental Party & Events Vertoch Design Architects, Inc. Virginia & Ted McConnell West Coast Air Conditioning William & Sue Gilbreth William Burnside
Mary Bergen Michael Newkirk & Olivia Garfield
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS
Mike & Erika Swimmer Mike Sullivan & Melissa Bishop Niels & Robin Nyborg Ojai Valley Inn
Friends of the Ojai Valley $1,000+ Alan & Carol Saltzman Amazon Smile Amy Schneider Ann & Harry Oppenheimer Anne & Garrett Clifford Balian-Chinn Family Charitable Bank of the Sierra Barbara Barry Bill Brothers & Susie Ault Bruce & Virginia Hibberd Bryan & Jessica Scordamaglia Carol Bishop Catherine Ann Jones CF Engineering Contractor Channel Islands Sportfishing Charles & Barbara Jerviss Chevron Humankind Matching Program Chris Hacker & Will Thomas Claudia Wunderlich Connie Eaton & William Hart Cynthia & Byron Grant Darlene Patrick & Jim Selman Dave & Sally Hackel David & Deborah Junod Deric & Barbara Washburn Diederik van Hoogstraten Doug & Mary Jo McLeod Francis (Hank) Pepper Gail & Erick Peterson Gerben & Jill Hoeksma Google Huora L. Williams Island Packers James & Wendy Osher Janet Jacobs Jim & Becky Campbell Joan Kemper John & Kathy Broesamle Judy Meleliat & Reilly Jensen Karen Courington & Dan Lukasiewicz Karen Hellmuth & Bob Vandersluis Kay & Jack Chatowski Kerry Miller Designer/Builder, Inc. Kitty & Johnny Johnston Linda Desch Lisa Smith Liz & Jason Goldman Loebl Family Fund Lorraine Lim Catering, Inc Lucy & Jonathan Tolmach
Oliver Wilson & Kaarina Tienhaara Pam & Alan Bergman Peter Seery Phil Moncharsh & Diane Zusman Phillip Bradley REI Robert Tallyn & Betsy Bachman Roger & Pat Essick Ruth Lasell & Bob Bonewitz Sandy Buechley SC&A Insurance Services LLC Scott Bevans & Valerie Dykeman So Hum Foundation Susan Bee Susan Foster The John J. Moller Family Foundation The Robert M Nutting Family Foundation Tom & Mary Orsini Tonya Peralta Real Estate Services, Inc Trent & Kris Greco William H. Painter, Jr.* Wyatt & Claudia Harris
Guardians of the Ojai Valley $5,000+ Allen & Marilyn Camp Andrew & Judith Gustafson Barbara Sunderland* Caroline Hawkins* George E. Berg & Gail Topping Gojai Jill & Bill Shanbrom John S Kiewit Memorial Foundation LEA Family Fund Marilyn Wallace & Maurice Chasse Mary M. Downer Meridian Design Construction Molina Family Foundation Otis & Bettina Chandler Foundation Patagonia Patagonia.com Tucker & Phil Adams Anonymous (3)
Protecting your views, trails, water, and wildlife.
In the field, in the office, at events, and wherever else we need help—our amazing volunteers put in 1,972 hours in our 9 month fiscal year, even with months of volunteer projects on hold this spring. We are so grateful for every minute you take to help us conserve Ojai. We are grateful for each and every one of you! ovlc.org
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THE GREEN VALLEY PROJECT N AT U R E I S I N O U R H A N D S
The Green Valley Project (GVP) is an environmental initiative led by The C.R.E.W. in partnership with Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, Once Upon a Watershed, Pax Environmental, and Watershed Progressive.The GVP plans to restore ecosystems in the Ojai Valley over the next 20 years, so they can provide habitat for abundant wildlife and improve Ojai’s resilience to drought, fire, and climate change. Principal funding comes from a generous multi-year grant from the Cotyledon Fund, a private donor-advised fund. The partners are also committed to raising support from community donors, and state and local grants.
the Ojai Valley where water flows more freely, carbon is sequestered, extreme fire behavior mitigated, and biodiversity is abundant.
is
Since one of GVP’s primary goals is to provide young people with valuable life and career perspectives, and hopefully create environmental stewards, a holistic approach will be taken. In addition to working to The GVP also strives to create future generations of environrestore the lands, participants will have the opportunity to work mental leaders. Local teens and young adults will be tasked with on additional projects including: wildlife studies, native plant and restoring and enhancing habitats so that native plants and animals tree nurseries, and internship programs with professionals in can thrive. These participants will have the opportunity to be inecology, environmental communications, and more. Leadership volved in every stage of restoration, from the collection of native development is woven into all GVP activities. seeds, to the planting and long-term care of the plants. Projects To learn more about the GVP and opportunities for teens and include oak woodland restoration and pollinator habitat plantings young adults, please visit greenvalleyproject.org and sign up for in the Ojai Meadows Preserve, on school campuses, along Middle their mailing list. Stewart Canyon Creek, and open spaces throughout the Ojai Valley. Over the years, this work will help build resilience in Page 18
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
Pictured above: The initial Green Valley Project (GVP) began earlier this December at the Ojai Meadows Preserve, where participants began restoring three acres to oak savanna woodlands. A total of 36 oak circles will be planted here and cared for by GVP youth. As they plant the trees and plants, and continue to care for them, participants will gain leadership opportunities, learn about the environment in a hands-on way, understand more deeply how to be good stewards of the land, and explore future job and career paths.
COMPANY GIFT MATCHES Chevron Humankind Matching Program Citrix Google Intuit Foundation LinkedIn Patagonia Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program Take Two Software
Thank you for increasing your impact! Protecting your views, trails, water, and wildlife.
WELCOME NEW DONORS! Adam Farmer All Things Natural Kids Club Andrew Rosch Ann Sunshine Austin Harris Caitlin & James Freeman Carrie Drevenstedt Christopher Power Citrix Corin Murphy Daisy Amanda Tischendorf Jones Damon Davison Danielle Brinkman Doug Campbell Elaine Ferguson Erich Kreig Eric Williams Google Gregory Rutchik & Erin Stern Jaime & Cheryl Snyder James Peters Jesse Soto
Jessica Avila John Kitchens Jose Pardo Joseph Johnson Judith Fish Julia Domenech Kacen Clapper Karen & Craig Lewis Katherine Parker Keith Chancey Kristin Dodge Krystina Okaly Lara Meeker Shellenbarger Leigh Scarber LinkedIn Main Street Counseling Group Marty & Diane Crowley Meredith & Eric Bell Michelle Gaston MK McCool Natasha Kawasaki Pam Henderson
Raindrop Pool & Spa Rebecca Guadiana Rick & Martha Dowden Samuel Ingham Sascha Goldhor Sespe Creek Collective Sherri Malis Sondra Lender & Ben Fussiner Steve Bennett Sylvie Lee Take Two Software Thayer Gowdy The GoodCoin Foundation Travis Gonsalves Vanessa McLean Wendy Frank William Stepler Anonymous Acknowledgments: 5/22/20—10/29/20
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CREATURE FEATURE RED COACHWHIP Have you been out on the trails and seen an unidentifiable flash of pink go by? It was likely a red coachwhip (Coluber flagellum piceus). These beautiful, fast snakes are one of the most cryptic snakes in Ojai. The coachwhip’s color varies by region, but the majority of them in Ojai are reddish-pink. Something unique about this snake is its ability to climb quickly—OVLC field staff have often seen these snakes retreat into laurel sumac or other trees, making them difficult to spot since they look similar to branches. They mate in late spring, lay eggs in summer, and hatchlings emerge late summer to early fall. This snake is not venomous, but just like all wildlife, it does not wish to interact with humans. If you come across one sunbathing, don’t try to move or touch it. Chances are it will race away to another sunny location.
IT’S UNBELEAFABLE! Achoo! This might be a sound you make when exploring OVLC’s Confluence Preserve, and the western sycamore (Platanus racemosa) may be responsible for your sneezing. This wetland-riparian species relies on wind to carry its abundant pollen to neighboring trees. It supports many wildlife species, including a variety of birds. Growing to be more than 100 feet tall, the larvae of the Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus) survive by eating its leaves. It’s colorful bark is thin and constantly shedding; the older bark is dark while the younger is lighter. One reason for this constant shedding is that it tends to grow at a fast rate, with height increases of more than two feet annually. Next time you’re out on a preserve, look at a sycamore’s height and try to guess how old it is! Page 20
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS IN MEMORY OF Allan Dobel In loving memory of Uncle Allan from Brenden, Toni and Jack What an extraordinary man! from Laurel Burkhardt from John & Julia Parry, Julie Rischar, Marti & Dan Reid, Michelle & Matt Demaria, Paul & Inge Dobel, Raquel & John Cerveny
Allan Jacobs Missing Papa A today and everyday. Grateful for the legacy he left in Ojai. from Jessica Jacobs Barbara Sunderland from Susan Bee Bob and Sylvia Emhardt from Janis Emhardt
Sheila Cluff Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Edwin, Ada and the Neill Family. My deepest condolences, your mother was a great lady and industry pioneer. from Francis Acunzo
Sonia Beam from Susan Harvey Zorby Laurie Edgcomb’s beloved Zorby gave joy and inspired all who met him out on the trails. A well trained Arabian, who wore a hand carved twirled wooden Unicorn horn, Zorby was beloved by all and is always remembered. from Alia Shahi, Carolyn & Ted Moore, Deborah Murphy, John Brooks, Laughing Dog Ranch, Laurie Edgcomb, M. Kathryn Waldman, Ojai Lily, Sandra Miller, Rachel Kondor & Brian Segee, Rowan Lommel, Susan Borges, Tania Parker, Anonymous
Bud White In honor of my late husband, Bud White who loved the OVLC and enjoyed volunteering while he was still able to do so. from Christine White
GIFT MEMBERSHIPS
David Kille It was an honor to know this fine man. May he be at peace. from Nancy & Pat Kroy
Kelly Merryman & Diederik Van Hoogstraten from Eric & Wendy Lockwood
from Bill Brothers & Susie Ault, Carrie Starks
Dorothy Voogd from Anthonie Voogd Eugene Steiner from David & Monika Clemens Guy Morris from Gary Nichols James Braconi Missing you, Jim. from Diana Kelly Mom from David Wappler Robert A. Dreger from Paul Dreger Sara Roxanne Schneider from Elizabeth & Wayne Ogden
Protecting your views, trails, water, and wildlife.
Elizabeth Richardson from Anne Richardson
Rheina Rogart from Anonymous
IN HONOR OF Amy Jupiter Happy Birthday and Happy Ojai! from Joe Rohde & Mel Malmberg Caitlyn Barrera Happy, happy birthday! Thank you for being my inspiration to make the world a better place through supporting the good work of OVLC. Love, j-ma from Jan Chase Clyde Blair Happy birthday Clyde! from Clyde Blair, Marcelino Saiz, Barbara Eberhart, Akio Uyechi, Loren Eib, John North, Jeffrey Herfkens, Kiyoko SoaringEagle, Cheri Nagle
Daren Magee aka Real Fun, Wow! from BANDITS Bandanas Dennis Franklin from Wendy Franklin Grace Stalder from Terri Qureshi John & Kathy Broesamle Thank you for all that you do for Ojai Valley open space! from The Vondriska Family Little Lemon Tree Dear Little Lemon Tree, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! May we have many journeys across this bridge in the year to come! Love MoMo Lora Kline Happy Birthday!!! Love, Tracey Jackson Mike, Melissa, and their Sweet Baby Boy Wishing you and Mike much happiness and joy with your precious little one. from Karyn Hartford Nathan & Rebecca Wallace, Phil Bradley, and Tania & Tobias Parker from Marilyn Wallace & Maurice Chasse Polly Nelson from Joan Hornig Jewelry Stefanie Coeler Happy Birthday Stefanie! from Barbara Coeler, Benedicte Schoyen & Ned Clark, Carina Hanssen, Deborah Whorf, Diane & John Thomson, Herb & Amber Courtney, Holman, Tina Colby, Kelvin Dodd, Kathryn Wolters, Jessica Martinez, Debbie Kolodney, Edgar Boehlke, Iris HimmelKolodney, Deborah Coeler-Kolodney, Angie Misaghi, Linda Lee, Lynn & George Malone, Marie-Pierre Agostini, Marti & Dan Reid, Roger & Pat Essick, Anonymous The Sanchez-Grossman Family and all they do for our Valley! from Susan Hardenbergh & Rod Jacobsen William Szobody Enjoying the fresh air, wildlife and hikes.... Love you! Happy Birthday! from Monica Pattera Marti Reid from Jill Forman & David Young Acknowledgments: 5/22/20-10/29/20
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VOLUNTEER PROFILE
Over the years, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy has had many outstanding volunteers. Rob Young is one of them. He has been instrumental in many projects throughout the preserves, yet his leadership and commitment shined even brighter in his work on the construction of the Allan Jacobs trail and bridge. We would like to thank Rob for his years of volunteering and dedication to the OVLC. Volunteers like him and countless others are instrumental to our success protecting the preserves’ open spaces and trails. Rob was generous to take some time to talk to OVLC Land Steward, Linda Wilkin, about his experience volunteering and the building of the Allan Jacobs bridge. Q: Good morning Rob! Please tell me a little bit about yourself. A: I am originally from Australia. I grew up in Southeast Queensland and started my career as a schoolteacher. However, after a Page 22
year of teaching I was called up for National Service to do two years in the Australian Armed Force, where I served in Vietnam. This experience improved me and helped make me who I am today. Upon my return, I obtained a degree in geology and started working at Chevron as a wellsite geologist, working my way up to management. Q: You love giving back to the community. What fostered this sense of community? A: As a youth, I was active in the Scouts. I had a fabulous scoutmaster who led us through all sorts of interesting exercises and drills - typical Boy Scout stuff. I became a Rover Scout after becoming a Queen’s Scout, which is the equivalent of the Eagle Scout in the U.S. On weekends, we would assist Search and Rescue, the Forest Service’s fire department, and ambulance and police services. This formative experience taught me to contribute to whatever community I am living in. Now
that I am retired, I am fortunate to have the time and the energy to give back—not to mention I can still wield a Pickmattock! Q: You are a long-term volunteer with the OVLC. What got you into volunteering with us? A: Back in 2009, I literally almost ran into Rick Bisaccia, then Stewardship Director for the OVLC. I was riding my bicycle and I nearly T-boned his car, as he popped out of the OVLC gate. I was in the wrong, since I was on the wrong side of the road, so I got back on my bike and took off for home. Two weeks later, there was a call to open up a new trail in this area. I arrived and there across from me was Rick. Q: Tell me about the building of the Allan Jacobs Trail? A: The Allan Jacobs Trail was built to replace the lower Chaparral Crest Trail The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
which was closed for restoration. I offered to help scout a new trail with Brendan. Cutting the trail was solid work and we kept running into these dastardly scrub oak stumps, which had massive root systems that needed to be extracted. When we finally met up with the existing trail we were ecstatic, but the work was not quite done. Q: What was missing from the Allan Jacobs Trail? A: We had created an amazing trail, but there was still a ravine that was difficult to cross; I witnessed people scrambling, sliding on their backsides, and dismounting horses and bicycles to cross safely. We needed to build a bridge over Olive Creek to make the trail more accessible. I was involved in the engineering, design, and the guidance from the blueprints. Together with community volunteers we had built the pylons–the support structures at each end–when Covid-19 hit. Building the bridge came to an abrupt stop, but the community was relying on this trail more than ever. OVLC staff continued to work on the bridge, but without the aid of a large volunteer crew, progress was slow. Once the OVLC had new Covid-19 volunteer procedures in place, we had a massive volunteer effort and got all the planks nailed down. After that, I came out a few more days to put some finishing touches on the bridge, and then it was finally ready. Q: What were the biggest challenges and successes with your work on the bridge? A: Poison oak was always a challenge, but the most rewarding challenge was getting the first stringer, which weighed about 1,100 pounds, across the ravine and onto the support sills. There were four people involved in this task, and once it was accomplished we could actually begin to see a bridge and walk across it. Protecting your views, trails, water, and wildlife.
Q: What do the stringers do? A: Underneath the visible planks, which are substantial themselves, there are four stringers. The stringers are 2’ x 5 1/2” massive blocks of wood that are 30 feet long; they hold the bridge up and safely allow the weight of two horses on the bridge at a time. Q: How did you get the stringers out to the bridge site? A: The stringers were towed by a little tractor. You can probably still see slide marks from when they were pulled in. They were deposited on the trail above and we had to maneuver them down to the ravine. We used a tree over to the east and a scrub oak up the hill to haul them across. Q: What do you enjoy the most about volunteering for OVLC? A: Seeing the results! At the end of the day you are dirty and tired but you’ve made 100 yards of new trail. And most of the people who use the trail say thank you–this keeps me going. Q: What would you tell people who were thinking about volunteering for OVLC? A: Just do it! With Covid-19, there are special protocols regarding distancing, wearing masks, bringing your own gloves, and so on, but volunteering is something that everyone should consider. It makes the place better for everyone and gives back to the community. It is a safe environment and no experience is necessary. The OVLC provides tools and training. Q: What are your favorite OVLC trails? A: I regularly hike Oso and Chaparral Crest, and enjoy bringing visitors out there. I’m practicing birding now with fellow volunteer Jerry Maryniuk. If my grandson is with me, we go down to the Ventura River to play in the water and rock hop. We also enjoy watching the wildlife. ovlc.org
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Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 351 Ojai, CA PO Box 1092 • Ojai, CA 93024 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Cover photo by Mariana Schulze
Nature: bringing joy & wonder to us all It is often said that the only constant is change. This last year has been a striking testimony to that axiom! However, thanks to OVLC’s conservation and stewardship, one constant for those lucky enough to call the Ojai Valley home is our plentiful open space. This past year has made one thing abundantly clear—spending time in nature is extraordinarily well-suited and necessary to maintain and restore one’s spirit. As the year comes to an end, we hope you will continue your commitment to conservation and protecting Ojai’s wealth of wild places for everyone to enjoy by making a generous year-end gift today.
OVLC.ORG/GIVE