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
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
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
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.
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
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
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!
Tom Maloney, Executive Director
Mayra Diaz, Restoration Field Crew
Caitlyn RestorationBarrera,Program Manager
Dan Pizano, Operations Director
Tania Parker, Deputy Director
Nicole Kabey, Restoration Field Crew
Linda Wilkin, Land Steward
Xena Grossman, Development Associate
Brendan Taylor, Director of Field Programs
Ron Singer, Nursery Manager
Kevin McLeod, Field Crew Supervisor
Nathan Wickstrum, Communications & Outreach Manager
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.
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
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
Photo 1: May 2016, OVLC staff managed mustard by weed-whacking
Photo 2: January 2017, South Church Field was primarily composed of invasive mustard
Photo 3: November 2020, native plantings now dominate the field and the planted oak trees are maturing
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.
THANK YOU
TO OUR FISCAL YEAR 2020 DONORS
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
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
Cheryl & Dean Geiser
Cheryl Cooper
Chester & Bernadette Jagiello
Chip Paulson
Christina Carlisle
Christina Colombo
Christina Pages
Christine Beirne
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
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
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
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
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
Ojai Quarterly
Rowsie Vain
Sol Haus Design
Tobias Parker, General Contractor
Tonya Peralta Real Estate Services, Inc
Business Sponsors for protecting our open space.
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
Thank
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
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
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
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
Champions $500+
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
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.
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
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
Ventura Rental Party & Events
Vertoch Design Architects, Inc.
Virginia & Ted McConnell
West Coast Air Conditioning
William & Sue Gilbreth
William Burnside
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
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
Mary Bergen
Michael Newkirk & Olivia
Garfield
Mike & Erika Swimmer
Mike Sullivan & Melissa Bishop
Niels & Robin Nyborg
Ojai Valley Inn
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)
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS
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!
THE GREEN VALLEY PROJECT
NATURE IS IN OUR HANDS
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 GVP also strives to create future generations of environmental leaders. Local teens and young adults will be tasked with restoring and enhancing habitats so that native plants and animals can thrive. These participants will have the opportunity to be involved in every stage of restoration, from the collection of native seeds, to the planting and long-term care of the plants. Projects include oak woodland restoration and pollinator habitat plantings in the Ojai Meadows Preserve, on school campuses, along Middle Stewart Canyon Creek, and open spaces throughout the Ojai Valley. Over the years, this work will help build resilience in
the Ojai Valley where water flows more freely, carbon is sequestered, extreme fire behavior is mitigated, and biodiversity is abundant.
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 restore the lands, participants will have the opportunity to work on additional projects including: wildlife studies, native plant and tree nurseries, and internship programs with professionals in ecology, environmental communications, and more. Leadership development is woven into all GVP activities.
To learn more about the GVP and opportunities for teens and young adults, please visit greenvalleyproject.org and sign up for their mailing list.
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
Intuit Foundation
Patagonia
Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program
Take Two Software
Thank you for increasing your impact!
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
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
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
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 UNBE LEAF ABLE!
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!
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
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
David Kille
It was an honor to know this fine man. May he be at peace. from Nancy & Pat Kroy
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
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
GIFT MEMBERSHIPS
Elizabeth Richardson from Anne Richardson
Kelly Merryman & Diederik Van Hoogstraten from Eric & Wendy Lockwood
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
5/22/20-10/29/20
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
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
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.
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.
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.