OPEN SPACES
The newsletter of the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Roger Essick President
Don Reed Vice President
Sandy Buechley Treasurer
Bret Bradigan Secretary
Bill Brothers
Fiona Hutton
Phil Moncharsh
Tonya Peralta
Larry Rose
Lu Setnicka
Sarah Sheshunoff
Cari Shore
STAFF
Tom Maloney Executive Director
Tania Parker Deputy Director
Brendan Taylor Director of Field Programs
Dan Pizano Operations Director
Xena Grossman Development Manager
Vivon Crawford Restoration Program Manager
Nathan Wickstrum Communications & Outreach Manager
Adam Morrsion Volunteer & Events Coordinator
Christine Gau Land Protection Specialist
Linda Wilkin Land Steward
Lisa Nix Restoration Field Crew Leader
Sophie McLean Restoration Field Crew & Nursery Assistant
Jonathan LaPearl Restoration Field Crew
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
Cover photo by Nathan Wickstrum
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.
The real beneficiary, of course, is Ojai.
FROM THE DIRECTOR
There is a long-standing undercurrent of tension between longtime residents, newcomers, and visitors in Ojai. As a newcomer myself (my wife and I moved to Ojai over two years ago), I have perceived the “oh, you’re a newcomer” perspective. The exurban migration that has occurred over the last several years in Ojai, and other beautiful rural places, has noticeably exacerbated these tensions. As is often the case, these issues often flare up on social media much more forcefully than they ever would in person.
Meanwhile, the effects of climate change in the valley are increasingly noticeable. Citrus and avocado farmers are feeling the pressures of heat and drought stress on their crops. The City of Ventura’s water adjudication has heightened the already fraught situation with water. Driving past Lake Casitas serves as a ready reminder of how dire things are looking. Virtually anyone who spends time in Ojai sees rain as a cause for celebration.
Sorting through all of these issues can be as hard as making a left hand turn onto Ojai Avenue on a holiday weekend! The stresses from the changing climate, rising real estate prices, and challenges arising from the prolonged drought can engender a sort of tribalism that pits the old guard against the newcomers and residents against visitors. However, this reaction fails to recognize a fundamental truth about the Ojai Valley and the folks who choose to live or visit here.
This is that the rural character, open views, and widespread access to nature is at the core of what attracts people to Ojai. The land and views provide a stunning backdrop to the lovely and still
compact city area. Indeed, it was the deeply held conviction by OVLC’s founders to preserve the rural character of the valley that led to the organization’s founding in 1987. They recognized what is still true today—that a thoughtful and engaged effort is needed to preserve the special character of the valley.
Investing in those values also preserves the natural capital that sustains all life in the valley. With the seemingly inexorable advance of climate change, land protection serves as a sure-fire investment in our future. Saving watershed lands helps to maintain in-stream flows, and restoring abandoned orchards into oak woodlands makes for a shadier and more livable valley. Eradicating invasive giant reed from the watershed lessens the risk of extreme wildland fire and improves the water budget that is so important to all of us.
We’re not the only ones who see land conservation as a safe investment in our future. The federal and state governments have introduced 30X30 campaigns to advance the conserved land base to 30% by 2030. Even the United Nations has a Sustainable Development Goal to protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems. We invite you to join OVLC’s much more local efforts to promote a more sustainable and resilient Ojai that everybody will continue to love and enjoy for generations to come.
Tom Maloney, Executive Director
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
IN MEMORY OF
Alyce Gregory from Avery Gregory
Brandon Warton from Aaron Beaudry
Chip
In memory of Harry Oppenheimer’s friend Chip from Rikki Horne
Eleanor Smith Land from Eleanorius Fund - VCCF
Jerome John ‘Jerry’ Garcia, American guitarist, singer and songwriter from Vicki Maloney
John G. Avildsen from Anthony Avildsen
John G. Bee DVM from Susan Bee
Sara Roxanne Schneider from Elizabeth & Wayne Ogden
In loving memory from Carol Shore
Sweet Finn, Cadmium “Caddy” Chapman, Sweet Mia, Kachina, Midnight & Brownie from The Peaceful Pup
Sweet Polly
May her spirit always be part of Ojai from Maren Vertoch
Tamara Iwerks from Daniel Webster
Ted Reed from Anonymous IN
HONOR OF
Cathleen Lynch from Anonymous
Charla Brown
Thank you for the hospitality in Ojai from David Gull
Daren Magee aka Real Fun, Wow! from BANDITS Bandanas
David Paulson
Happy 65th birthday! from Chip Paulson
Fiona Hutton with love, the Ojai Girl Gang
Lanae Carter
Happy Birthday, Happy Hikin’ from David & Katherine Willis
Marc Jackson from Beth Hagenlocker
Nicholas Weissman’s Birthday from Anonymous
Robin Gerber
Hoping we’ll enjoy many more years of hiking on these trails. With love, Gillian McManus
Rome, the big, black dog Good boy, Sit! Stay! from Paul Rudder
Tania Parker from the Vyhnal Family
COMPANY GIFT MATCHES
Adobe Inc.
Agilent
Cardinal Health
Jones Lang LaSalle
Kaiser Permanente
Neiman Marcus
Oath Inc
Patagonia
SiriusXM
From: 1/28/22-5/30/22
Thank you for increasing your impact!
NEWEST 100 HOUR MILESTONE VOLUNTEERS
Don Jackson Doug Reed Peter Parziale
A cknowledgments: 1/28/22-5/30/22
**Volunteer hours since 10/1/2018
WELCOME NEW STAFF MEMBERS!
Christine Gau Land Protection Specialist
Christine grew up in the South and was raised among fireflies on the wooded shores of a lake, which first sparked her love of nature. On a summer vacation, she proudly became a National Junior Park Ranger at Acadia National Park and still has the badge to this day. She obtained her BA in Political Science from Columbia University and went on to pursue a graduate degree in International Relations at the University of Washington.
After several years of hating the corporate world, Christine went on to get her law degree at Cornell University and served as a Public Defender with the Legal Aid Society of New York before running away to Hawaii to surf and teach yoga. Along her winding journey back to conservation and to OVLC, she has made stops in the tech, animal conservation, and academia
Jonathan LaPearl Restoration Field Crew
Originally from Massachusetts, Jonathan attended film school at Hofstra University and once upon a time worked in digital media distribution in New York City. He moved to California to advance his screenwriting career, but instead fell in love with the wild places of the American West. After thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, Jonathan resolved to pursue a career in conservation, following in the footsteps of his personal hero, John Wesley Powell (but without losing the arm).
After relocating to northern California, Jonathan began working for Lassen National Forest as a wildland firefighter. His time in the Forest Service gave him an appreciation for public service, handson forestry experience, and a greater
spaces. She is currently a part-time faculty member at Santa Monica College. After moving to the area with her partner, she fell in love with the magic of the Ojai Valley and has been exploring its natural spaces ever since. She is honored to join OVLC in caring for the land.
Most days you’ll find Christine tending to her native garden, biking along the coast, surfing (but only when it’s sunny), or roaming the trails in the region. She’d love to say hello to your dog.
understanding of the effects of human encroachment on the environment.
Having most recently worked for Los Padres National Forest, Jonathan is excited to be taking the next step in his career by joining OVLC’s restoration program. He looks forward to applying his professional experience to the position, while expanding his knowledge of environmental science, geographic information systems, and other scientific disciplines.
Double Your Impact
TAKE ADVANTAGE of your company’s matching gift program.
A matching gift means your contribution will go twice as far. Many companies will double (or sometimes triple) the value of their employees’ gifts to the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. These matching gifts provide valuable funds as we work to protect the views, trails, water, and wildlife of the Ojai Valley. Some companies will still match your gifts even after you retire.
To see if your company will match a gift to the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, contact your company’s human resources department.
Join us Friday night at Under the Open Sky—a locally sourced farm-to-table dinner by Lorraine Lim Catering, beer provided by Topa Topa Brewing Co., wine donated by Bonny Doon Vineyard, Lapis Luna Wines, The Big Red Monster, and Bubble Butt Rosé Seltzer, live music, a virtual auction, and a paddle raise. When the sun sets we will enjoy a collection of films selected for this special event that will not be shown on Saturday night. All attendees will also receive a complimentary ticket to Saturday night’s Mountainfilm on Tour. This event will sell out. Please purchase your tickets early.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
SCHEDULE
5:30 Cocktails & Starters
OJAI VALLEY SCHOOL LOWER CAMPUS SPORTS FIELD
6:30 Family-style Dinner
7:30 Films & Desserts
All food, wine, and drinks are included.
Eight years ago, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy first brought the original films and the experience of the Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride to Ojai. Each year the event has grown in size, reaching over 2,000 attendees in 2019. Then for the last two years Covid-19 left us no choice but to adapt. This year we are excited to announce the big event will again take place under the stars at Ojai Valley School! Dig out your low-back chairs and blankets and join us on the field at OVS for another fantastic year of films and fun!
LIVE MUSIC · OPEN BEER GARDEN · FOOD TRUCKS
All proceeds will protect the views, trails, water, and wildlife of the Ojai Valley.
INTERESTED IN SPONSORING THE EVENT, OR DONATING TO THE SILENT AUCTION OR RAFFLE?
INTERESTED IN SPONSORING OR DONATING TO THE RAFFLE?
Visit our website, ovlc.org, or contact Adam Morrison: adam@ovlc.org, (805) 649-6852 x 208
Visit our website, ovlc.org, or contact Tania Parker: tania@ovlc.org, (805) 649-6852
TICKETS
• General Admission - $35
• Current Supporters - $25*
• Day of - $40*
• Children under 12 - $10
*There will be no donor pricing or pre-sale on September 17
BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY BEFORE THEY SELL OUT
CREATURE FEATURE
WESTERN POND TURTLE
This spring, we received several reports of western pond turtle ( Actinemys marmorata) sightings on the trails at the Ventura River Preserve. While western pond turtles are typically found in a variety of freshwater resources, they also rely on suitable terrestrial habitat to search for food, find a mate, lay their eggs, and find a better place to live. The western pond turtle spends upwards of 200 days out of water, and recent studies have even found that they can live out of water for almost 400 days. This is a remarkable feat, but troubling when considering that the western pond turtle is fasting when out of water. This is due to the fact that the western pond turtle must ingest its prey in water because it cannot swallow air. As the climate changes, and prolonged drought coupled with rising temperatures becomes the norm, western pond turtle populations in Ojai are likely to decline. The western pond turtle is the only remaining freshwater turtle species native to California, which is one of the many reasons why we need to protect riparian habitats.
IT’S UNBE LEAF ABLE!
OVLC nursery staff and interns collected red maid (Calandrinia menziesii ) seeds at the Ojai Meadows Preserve this spring to use for future restoration projects. Harvesting the seeds was laborious, and in the process our team gained a greater appreciation and understanding of the indigenous people’s connection to the land. The Chumash name for red maids is khutash and the seeds are highly valued in their culture. Prior to European arrival and the introduction of invasive plant species, red maids used to grow much more abundantly on Chumash land, coloring the hills with a vibrant magenta hue. Red maids are a common fire follower and the Chumash once managed the land with fire specifically to encourage the growth of red maids for harvest. The seeds were one of the most expensive commodities in Chumash trade and so highly sought after that people from the islands would come to the mainland just to trade for them. Twelve quarts (3 gallons) of red maid seeds were found associated with a burial site on one of the Channel Islands. The fruit capsule of each red maid flower produces roughly 10-20 seeds, so you can imagine how much work went into filling 12 quarts with seeds the size of a pen tip. There is no doubt red maids used to grow much more extensively prior to European contact, and our restoration efforts will purposefully include red maids, as they are naturally a first succession plant.
FROM THE FIELD
Holy cow! There are cattle on the Venture River Preserve! No – they aren’t supposed to be there; rather they should be next door on Los Padres National Forest (LPNF) lands.
If you look at the OVLC map of the Ventura River Preserve (west of the Ventura River and on the north side of the preserve), you’ll see that Rice Canyon Trail actually travels off of OVLC land and onto LPNF land. If you’ve been out on this trail, you might recall the 2 green vehicle/pedestrian gates that you have to pass through. When you are between these two gates, you are not only on LPNF land, you are in the midst of a cattle grazing allotment. For many years now, there has been a small grazing operation in this area. From springtime through the summer, you can often see a herd of cattle in this area. Even when the cattle aren’t around, you can still see signs of them, from the cow pies on the trail to the “Cows Only” water trough.
Should you encounter the cows, don’t be alarmed. They are fairly docile animals and will likely walk away from you as you pass by on the trail. Still, it’s best not to approach them directly and we encourage you to give them a comfortable amount of space. As for that “Cows Only” trough of water, that water has to be trucked in as the cattle have no other reliable source of water available to them back there, so please make sure your dogs and horses aren’t drinking that water. Of course, we’ll just have to hope the deer know how to read and can police themselves.
Unfortunately, the cattle sometimes wander out of their assigned area, especially when one of the green gates is left open. While they often venture down into El Nido Meadow, they sometimes wander as far down the canyons as the river bottom. Recently,
they were caught red-hoofed lounging and browsing in our sensitive oak woodland restoration area. The cattle will wander where they will, so we can’t blame them. However, you can help us by keeping all gates closed! In fact, go ahead and close any gates you see open, even if you didn’t open the gate! If all of our trail users are careful to close the cattle gates in and around Rice Canyon, then we can keep up a happy relationship with our cattle grazing and National Forest neighbors. Thank you for this help!
Brendan Taylor Director of Field Programs
VOLUNTEER PROFILE
ANTHONY AVILDSEN — OVLC TRAIL CREW
LEAD
Anthony Avildsen started volunteering in the midst of Covid. Over the past year and a half, he has logged more than 160 hours of volunteer work and recently became one of our Volunteer Trail Crew Leads. We are proud to highlight Anthony’s contributions to the OVLC, in an interview he had with Land Steward, Linda Wilkin.
Anthony thank you for being such an invaluable and dedicated volunteer. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
Hi, my name is Anthony Avildsen. I’ve been doing independent filmmaking, editing, and graphic design since about 2000. Before that I worked as a personal fitness trainer for about eight years in the 90’s, and prior to that I did some work in the film industry proper, doing set lighting. That was after going to the Rhode Island School of Design to study film and video. As far as hobbies go, I think I was one of the last people to still be rollerblading in the 2000’s and that was my favorite way to get exercise. Living in Ojai, the bike path is awesome for bikes, but it’s not really smooth enough for skating. Once I discovered OVLC’s trails, I rented a mountain bike and immediately fell in love with mountain biking. Since then, my skates have been gathering dust.
How did you hear about volunteering with OVLC and what motivated you to start volunteering?
I was poking around on the OVLC website to get a map of the Ventura River Preserve so I could explore the mountain bike trails there, when I came across a sign-up for volunteers and thought, “oh yeah-that would probably be fun.” Unfortunately, this was right before Covid shut everything down. Once outdoor volunteer events restarted, I signed up and volunteered with Brendan Taylor (Director of Field Programs) out on Gridley Trail. I had no idea what I was doing, but I met some awesome people, did what I was told, and it all made sense at the end of the day.
What were your initial impressions of trail work. Did anything surprise you and what had you coming back?
I was into it! Even though I was a first timer to trail work, the OVLC staff and the more experienced volunteers are all excellent instructors, super patient, and they do a really good job of explaining what we’re doing and why. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community. It’s also very satisfying to put in three or four hours of hard work and then see the results of your
labor. You can actually see how you made the trailer easier to navigate and look cleaner. On my first volunteer outing, we were making a check step—digging up this giant rock and somehow moving it with a rock-bar. Initially, I didn’t see what the point of this was, but once I did it in a few other locations, I could see how it was going to help make the trail more sustainable. What had me coming back was the camaraderie amongst the volunteers. It’s the best group of people, whether it’s the staff or the volunteers.
Is there a section of trail or specific feature you worked on that you’re most proud of?
I’m most proud of what we are working on right now: Luci’s Trail. It’s been the most impressive project thus far because we’re making some comprehensive changes. The trail is being rerouted to make it more resistant to rain (when we get it) and to make it last longer. There’s nothing more satisfying than having people say to you, “thank you, the trails have never looked better.” Another perk of volunteering is you get to be up on these trails early in the morning and you get to witness some spectacular views.
My second favorite project was the benches we put in; although getting all of that concrete, water, and wood to the work sites was some of the hardest work I have done!
Has being a mountain biker changed your perspective on trail work? Are there any aspects of trail building that you incorporate from your bike riding experience?
It can be a challenge to make certain sections of trail viable for all users. You want to keep everyone happy, and I think for the most part OVLC does a good job of that. I know sometimes mountain bikers, especially the more experienced riders, prefer the trails to be a little more challenging. However, that’s not always feasible since the trails need to be safe for everyone.
What are your favorite trails to ride and why?
My favorite route is at the Ventura River Preserve. I like to ride up Rice Canyon, down Wills Canyon, up “Heart Attack Hill”, and then down Allan Jacobs Trail. It’s got a good mix of steady climbing, technical stuff, and some fun downhill switchbacks.
What would you say to someone, especially a mountain biker, who is thinking about volunteering?
I highly recommend volunteering with OVLC! It’s an excellent way to learn more about the trails and actually have a hand in maintaining them. You’ll also meet some like-minded people who you may end up hiking and/or biking with someday.
Why did you decide to be a Volunteer Crew Lead and what have you been enjoying the most about leading?
I was honored to be asked to lead. It’s definitely an added level of pressure, but I’m enjoying it. I’ve been fortunate to have amazing volunteers on the days I’ve been leading and hopefully that will continue. Volunteering on the trails can be hard work, but it’s so
rewarding and certainly worth the effort! Everyone at the OVLC is awesome, and the volunteers are amazing, helpful, and friendly.
Thank you, Anthony, for all your hard work, your awesome mentality, and always offering to carry the rock bar!
NATIONAL TRAILS DAY
National Trails Day was a success! This year 55 volunteers joined OVLC on National Trails Day in partnership with the American Hiking Society. Our volunteers worked on five different projects, and clocked in 179 hours of work for the day! We are incredibly grateful for the support of the community and our wonderful volunteers. We intend to protect and restore the open space of the Ojai Valley forever, and this goal is only made possible with the support of the community. Thank you!
Topa Topa Sponsor
Dr. David L. Garber, D.D.S
Las Palmas de Ojai
Patagonia
Topa Topa Brewing Company
Ventura River Sponsors
BANDITS Bandanas
Henry Land Surveying
High on Kennels
REI
Sespe Creek Collective
Ojai Meadows Sponsors
The Glass Man Professional Window
Washing Company, Inc.
Herring Law Group
Laughing Dog Ranch LLC
The MOB Shop
Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company
Rotary Club of Ojai
Tonya Peralta Real Estate Team
San Antonio Creek Sponsors
Aqua-Flo Supply
Baleen
Broken Spoke Challenge/Fast Green Racing
Channel Islands Sportfishing
Firestick Pottery
Kerry Miller Designer & Builder, Inc.
Latitudes Gallery
McDaniel Insurance Services
Move Sanctuary
Ojai Playhouse
Raindrop Pool & Spa
SC&A Insurance Services LLC
Shelter Social Club/Rancho Inn
Timbre Books
Tobias Parker - General Contractor
West Coast Air Conditioning
Sulphur Mountain Sponsors
ALCO Plumbing
Bohéme
California Solar Electric
Couch Guitarstraps
Don & Cheree Edwards
~ RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors
Euterpe Farms Native Plants and Music
Heritage Financial
Move Sanctuary
Ojai Pub
Soul Body Ojai Healing Arts & Yoga Center
Spa Ojai
Ventura Spirits
In-Kind Sponsors
bITvision
California 101 Guide
Custom Printing
Hutchinson and Bloodgood
Jim and Rob’s Fresh Grill
Lorraine Lim Catering, Inc
Ojai Quarterly
Ojai Valley Directory
WELCOME NEW DONORS!
Addison Sharp
Aimee & Daniel
Heimbinder
Aja Preliasco
Alex Murdock
Amy Mitrany
Anastasia Von Sonn
Anne Laval
Barbara Fuchs
Betty Iwerks
Bob & Judy Billett
Bob Simon
Bonnalynn Dean
Cardinal Health
Carla Harting
Carolina Zapata
Carol Johnson
Carol Norton
Carol S. Kostik
Carri & Mark Jacobs
Carrie Mullen
Catherine Nguyen
Charles Morrey
Christine Gau
Christopher Golson
Douglas Creel
Drew Smith
Duncan Sanford
Eileen Hawkes Ochsner
Eugene Vander
George Thacher
Greg & Denise Stafford
Helena Pasquarella
Holly Johnson
Ian Costello
Jake Mushaben
James Gull
Jerri Smith
Joel Fox & Jennifer Day
John Van Etten
Jones Lang LaSalle
Joseph Fosco
Joshua Rogers
Joyce & Charles Bowen
Joy Golbere
Judith Shelton
Judy Cheske
Julie Mazman
Katherine Duncan
Kathryn Carlson
Kathryn Meacham-Shirley
Kathryn Scheinert
Ken Davis
Lauren Cree
Lauren Rueda
Lesley Foster
Lindsay McAllister
Lucinda Mittleman
Lyn Summer
Maria D Redin
Marina Recio
Matthew Tunin
Megan Connolly
Michael Callahan
Michelle Laird
Mike & Carol Roberts
Mikki & Stan Coburn
Nann Kyra
Neiman Marcus
Nina Toumanoff & Tony Winecoff
Patrick Broughal
Patrick Leibach
Patty & John Abou-
Samra Kearney
Reed Thompson
Richard Mylius
Robert Kyle
Robert Wagner
Robyn Beck
Ron Pruitt
Sarah Self
Scott Adams
Seana Shiffrin
Shell Family Fund
SiriusXM
Stephanie Lopez
Steve & Maria Feig
Steve Battaglia
Steve Bly
Stu Lennox
Susan Hillman
Sustainable Law Group Inc.
Syndy Grennan
Teresa Braun
Tessa Enright & Benjamin Squires
Tiffany Owens
Timbre Books
Tina Musto
Tracy, Greg & Murphy
Hout
Ventura County
Resource Cons. District
Zachary Scurrah
From: 1/28/22-5/30/22
OJAI SADDLE TRAILS
Starting in 2017, OVLC has managed the Ojai Saddle Trails which are located on Krishnamurti Foundation of America (KFA) lands, just south of OVLC’s Ojai Meadows Preserve. This partnership has been widely celebrated as a boon for the valley: providing the public with access to additional open space and improved access to the Ojai Meadows Preserve. The KFA allowed public access to a critical trail connection between the Ojai Meadows Preserve and the Ojai Valley Bike Path, and through a beautiful oak woodland at the top of the saddle. In exchange, OVLC was able to provide its wealth of land management experience, care for the trails, perform fire clearance work, and manage use on the land.
KFA witnessed the overwhelmingly positive response to opening access to their trails. Therefore, we are very pleased to report that KFA has decided to take on the land and public access management responsibilities – including keeping their trail system open to the public! For anyone who uses the KFA trails, nothing is changing other than the signage.
OVLC is quite confident that our partners at KFA are going to be excellent stewards. It was wonderful partnering with them these last few years and we know they have the skills and desire to be a great community asset. Though our formal agreement has reached its end, KFA and OVLC remain committed to partnering to continue providing invaluable community resources on our neighboring lands.
CALOCHORTUS ALBUS — FAIRY LANTERN
Sometimes we who walk on two feet forget that the ground beneath us is as alive as we are. It is indeed an expansive land, and when the temperature and water is just right, glad expressions of bulbs below show us the soil’s library. This year I got to witness Calochortus albus, with given names of globe lily or fairy lantern, come to life. In mid-spring, Calochortus albus dripped beneath oak woodland’s dappled light. The flower itself is unlike
its gleaming Calochortus sisters (mariposa lily and late-flowered mariposa lily). Shy—a glowing white—the petals twist in three to hold the developing stamen and pistil. They hold close and blush towards the ground.
As I hiked through Wills Canyon this season, the flowers lit my path. Each time I returned to the specimens, I could witness the growing changes.
First leaf, bolt with green blades on slender stalk, bud, and flower. The flower dries to a twist, the sepal crown adorned in reddish stripes. Then seed pod fattens, stretches, and rests. It is a three chambered lair, with the children of lanterns to come. This story is a long breath, one waiting to happen all year.
It is a wonderful way to tell time—by counting steps of bulbs in forbearing spring.
Sophie McLean Restoration Field Crew & Nursery Assistant
PO Box 1092 • Ojai, CA 93024
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Current donors receive a discount code for Saturday’s Mountainfilm on Tour tickets.
This year we are excited to announce the return of the big event on the sports field at Ojai Valley School!