Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) - Open Spaces - Annual Report Summer 2023 Newsletter

OPEN SPACES

The newsletter of the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Roger Essick President

Sandy Buechley Vice President

Martha Groszewski Treasurer

Stefanie Coeler 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

Vivon Crawford Restoration Program Director

Adam Morrsion Development Manager

Nathan Wickstrum Communications & Outreach Manager

Christine Gau Land Protection Specialist

Carrie Drevenstedt Development Database Coordinator

Linda Wilkin Preserve Manager

Sophie McLean Native Plant Specialist

Mia Riddle Nursery Manager

Rhett Walker Development Associate

Keith Brooks Assistant Land Steward

Elana Denver Restoration Field Crew

Martin Schenker Restoration Field Crew

Mission: To protect and restore the natural landscapes of the Ojai Valley forever.

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE OVLC: OVLC.ORG

FIND US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM

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.

The real beneficiary, of course, is Ojai.

Cover photo by Tania Parker

FROM THE DIRECTOR

This June and July have been the two hottest months in the history of weather observation globally. This winter’s floods also provide evidence of more severe climate extremes. In California, each successive year also seems to bring another massive wildland fire that is the largest in history. Any one drought, heat wave, or flood is “the weather” but successive years of extreme weather indicates a changing climate.

In places like the Ojai Valley, there is little a land trust can do to affect global climate as predicted in IPCC General Circulation Models. The effects of humanity from the built environment, transportation, energy production, and animal agriculture are far too ubiquitous for a small land trust to tip the scales in any particular direction. However, at the local and regional level there are specific measures that can help ameliorate the effects of climate change. Rather than focusing on reducing carbon production, these strategies tend to look toward mitigating the effects of climate by fostering adaptation and resilience.

OVLC has adopted a 5-year vision “To lead the Ojai Valley’s response to climate change.” That provocative and ambitious vision immediately elicits questions of what actions that will entail. As a land trust, our first response should look to land acquisition. Using geographic information systems, OVLC has conducted a modeling exercise to expand our acquisition priorities to explicitly include north and northeast facing slopes that are predicted to be the refuge for plants and animals in a hotter, drier California. We have also modeled areas of groundwater recharge and will continue to prioritize stream corridors as top acquisition goals.

Our restoration program will continue OVLC’s leading role in working to eradicate Arundo from the watershed. Ventura County Fire has emerged as a key partner in this effort due to Arundo’s explosive fire behavior. This year also marks the kickoff of “Rewild Ojai” to promote the restoration of native habitat on private lands throughout the valley. Stay tuned for more on this program in the fall.

Importantly, OVLC has also been exploring ways to support innovations in the complex situation with Ojai’s water. Between the City of Ventura’s lawsuit and threatened adjudication of the basin, the focus on groundwater sustainability, and the seeming feast or famine nature of our rainfall, there is potentially an emerging role for OVLC in the conservation of water.

It is important to remember that these initiatives, the preserves, and the trails that have become such an important part of the character of the Ojai Valley are all possible due to the vision and commitment of OVLC’s founders. Two such individuals who served outsized and foundational roles in the early years of OVLC, Ellen Hall and John Broesamle, have recently passed on. For perspective on their enormous contributions OVLC will be honoring their respective legacies in the coming months.

Tom Maloney, Executive Director

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Indulge in Under the Open Sky—a locally sourced farm-to-table dinner by Lorraine Lim Catering. Enjoy live music, a full bar, and show your support at our annual paddle raise. As the sun sets, transition into movie magic beneath the stars, featuring a curated selection of films exclusive for Friday night. All attendees will also receive a complimentary ticket to Saturday night’s Mountainfilm on Tour at Ojai Valley School. Join us for this unforgettable experience! This event will sell out. Please purchase your tickets early.

VIRTUAL AUCTION

Join in the fun with our virtual auction from September 8-18. The auction is open to the public (no ticket purchase required) and features a one-week stay in Brittany, France; a tour of Carrizo Plain National Monument led by OVLC’s Executive Director, Tom Maloney; a pizza making workshop with Pinyon Ojai; a personalized wine tasting with Ojai Vineyard; and a whole lot more!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Lights, camera, conservation! OVLC proudly presents our 9 th annual Mountainfilm on Tour. Dig out your blankets and low-back chairs and join us on the field at Ojai Valley School’s Lower Campus for another fantastic year of films and fun! Experience the beauty of nature, the thrill of adventures, and the power of storytelling as we showcase a selection of films from the Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride. Indulge in the festivities with a beer garden sponsored by Topa Topa Brewing Co., wine poured by Stay Wild Ventures, kombucha donated by Revel, food trucks, local vendors, a virtual auction, and a live raffle packed with awesome prizes.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Fiona Hutton & Associates

OJAI VALLEY SCHOOL LOWER CAMPUS SPORTS FIELD

Photo by Olivia Klein

REMEMBERING CONSERVATION CHAMPIONS

JOHN BROESAMLE & ELLEN HALL

The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) mourns the loss of two visionary conservation champions, John Broesamle and Ellen Hall, who both passed away this year. Their unwavering dedication and passion forever protecting the natural landscapes of the Ojai Valley have left a lasting mark on the Ojai community and the environment they loved so dearly.

Ellen Hall, one of two original founders of OVLC, possessed a visionary spirit that laid the foundation for the organization’s success. Her tireless dedication to environmental conservation was evident throughout her years with the organization, during which she held a multitude of roles. Serving as the Executive Director for a remarkable nine years and as a Board Member for seven years, Ellen played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of OVLC during its formative stages. Notably, she chaired the Restoration Committee, overseeing the creation of ecological restoration plans for the Ojai Meadows Preserve and Ventura River Preserve. Ellen’s leadership was pivotal in transforming OVLC from a mere dream into the thriving entity it is today.

Ellen first encountered Ojai’s opens space in 1980. Her profound connection to the natural beauty of the Ojai Valley is clear in her heartfelt recollections, “Something about the air here makes me feel at home. Taking a deep breath and walking the river bed through the Ventura River Preserve electrifies my senses. The pond with its gliding migratory birds at the Ojai Meadows Preserve does the same. It is a comfort, like being in a familiar motherly embrace.” Ellen’s connection with the land fueled her determination to preserve Ojai’s open spaces. In 1987, Ellen co-founded OVLC, effectively conveying the importance of “Open Space” to the community and securing its future. Today,

her influence has led to the conservation of over 2,300 acres of land, extensive restoration within the Ventura River Watershed, the establishment of 27 miles of trails that are open for free to the public, and the introduction of innovative climate resilient initiatives that are redefining the future of our community.

Beyond OVLC, Ellen’s commitment to environmental causes extended across various organizations throughout the valley. Her leadership roles included positions on the Ojai City Council, where she served as Mayor in the late ‘90s, and as the Youth Commission Coordinator in the early 2000s. She made substantial contributions as the Executive Director of the Ojai Valley Museum, Head of Oak Grove School, and Executive Director of Meditation Mount. Ellen’s impact also extended to co-founding the Besant Meadow Preservation Group and later leading the Ojai Valley Green Coalition as President.

Ellen’s journey into environmental conservation was deeply intertwined with her spiritual connection to nature, and her vision of preserving open spaces for future generations was rooted in her belief in nature’s transformative power and its capacity to shape young minds. Recognizing that nurturing a child’s love for the environment would pave the way for dedicated preservationists, Ellen’s legacy lives on in her own words: “Properly cultivated, a child’s love of nature matures into ecological literacy and we have the next generation of preservationists. What a great legacy we will leave to the children of Ojai if we continue to protect and preserve the open spaces of our extraordinary valley. To me, the land is sacred and we are its caretakers. The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy is the premiere vehicle for fulfilling the responsibility for this care.” Ellen’s contributions to OVLC were

immeasurable, propelling the organization from a mere dream to a thriving force. Her enduring connection to Ojai’s natural beauty and her commitment to conserving open spaces serve as a guiding light for both OVLC and the community.

John Broesamle’s involvement with OVLC began in the 1990s. His impactful seven-year tenure on the board, spanning from 1997 to 2005, marked a period of transformation. John’s contributions reshaped OVLC’s board structure, transitioning it from a larger assembly to a focused, productive team. His pivotal role in shaping OVLC into a business entity, offering guidance on Ojai Meadows restoration, and hands-on involvement at Cluff Vista Park and Ventura River Preserve were instrumental to the organization’s success today.

“John was always thinking about the greater good,” said current OVLC Board President Roger Essick. “He recognized what a special place Ojai was and he acted on it. He was persistent with an unwillingness to give up. Ojai Meadows Preserve purchases were difficult and he stuck with it. John’s passion and determination will forever exemplify his commitment to OVLC and our community.”

John’s influence in the valley extended far beyond OVLC. Throughout his life, he was always rallying support and advocating for progress within the community. He was recognized for his work throughout his time in Ojai: Ojai Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year (1999), Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Conservation Award (2001), Rotary Ojai Living Treasure (2001), Environmental Defense Center Lifetime Achievement Award (2003), OVN “Best Volunteer of the Ojai Valley” (2012 and 2013),

VC Star’s “25 Over 50” award (2014), Ojai Valley Defense Fund

James D. Loebl Award for environmental excellence (2018), Los Padres ForestWatch Wilderness Legacy Award (2019), and Rotary International Paul Harris Fellowship for service above self (2023).

In 2009, he became the founding president of the Ojai Valley Defense Fund, a community war chest that provides financial support to groups undertaking legal action to protect and sustain the environmental quality of the Ojai Valley for the public benefit.

In the words of former OVLC Board President Jim Jackson, who worked closely with Broesamle, “John understood that progress sometimes means protecting what you have, and in that regard open space, is fundamental to the character of the Ojai Valley. And so my belief, my hope, is that John’s legacy will inspire the Land Conservancy to walk in his footsteps, to dream big, and work hard to add more open space to the OVLC’s already impressive array of preserves.”

While the loss of John Broesamle and Ellen Hall has left a void, their spirit continues to thrive through OVLC. Their unwavering vision, dedication, and tireless efforts have left an everlasting impact on the Ojai Valley. As we honor the legacies of these conservation champions, their selflessness serves as a reminder that true greatness lies in pursuing causes beyond oneself. John and Ellen’s path guides us to continue protecting and restoring the natural landscapes of the Ojai Valley forever. Their legacy shapes a greener, brighter future, with OVLC standing as a living testament to their enduring vision and remarkable contributions.

RESTORATION

OVLC’s Ventura River Steelhead Preserve, situated seven miles inland from the Ventura County coast, is a low-density rural residential area surrounded by open space. It encompasses a unique groundwater-dependent ecosystem along the river that has ebbed and flowed with the river’s breath over many centuries. Over the last 100 years, human activities like grazing have deeply influenced the landscape. 28 acres on the preserve are primarily non-native vegetation communities, dominated by yellow starthistle (Centaurea spp.), nonnative grasses (Bromus spp.), and more. Around the edges of this historical grazing are California black walnuts ( Juglans californica), coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia), buckwheats (Eriogonum spp.), and purple sage (Salvia leucophylla) scrub. These native relics of the land are stalled along the edges, waiting in the seed bank, and anticipating a time to recruit into alluvium soil and mix into a diverse ecotone.

To bring a disturbance like fire, is to disrupt the rhythms of the non-native plants (unadapted for fire unlike our natives) in order to bring back conditions that promote the traits of native species. This is to hopefully, with thought of target species physiology and phenology, tip the scale in their favor.

On June 22, 2023, in partnership with the Ventura County Prescribed Burn Association and Ventura County Fire, 28 acres were burned on the Ventura River Steelhead Preserve.

The prescribed burn project had many goals and objectives that pieced together the first prescribed burn for restoration purposes in the county.

The first goal of the burn was to train firefighters, equipping them with hands-on fire experience. Each firefighter played a crucial role in planning, executing, and ensuring the success and safety of the fire.

Moreover, the burn facilitated a collaboration between the UC Cooperative Extension and the Ventura County Resource Conservation District to research three consecutive burns and the effect of subsequent yearly seedings on the target species (yellow starthistle). Research plots were divided into burned, unburned, seeded, and unseeded, and paired with in-depth vegetation surveys, biomass sampling, weather sampling, fire intensity and duration readings, and soil seed bank sampling. All of these factors are building an understanding of the characteristics of this burn. Even the day of the burn, when commotion and heat was at its peak, our colleagues were collecting samples of the vegetation.

Insight into these factors will aid us in understanding how this burn will affect the plant populations and, in turn, the land. Most importantly, research expands our reach in empowering future burns.

Photo by Wade Sedgwick

In a single day, all 28 acres were burned, in addition to another 17 acres on our neighbor’s land. The dried grass carried the fire through each section, not entirely encompassing the star thistle, but girdling it with heat. It was loud; the wetter fuels sizzled and popped, while heat radiated. The land burned black in an instant of light and smoke, and it carried further and further, until it reached the firefighters’ drawn lines and anchors. The yellowed uniforms dotted the edges of the burn like a string of lights. They did not face the fire, but looked outward into the bordering oak woodlands.

Fire is a tool for restoration that is an alternative to chemical or other physical removal. Because it is a pivotal component to our local ecosystems, the habitat’s response to fire can be tremendous. Our community has seen this happen, from resurrecting Ceanothus burls, hillsides of colored fire-chasing forbs, or even now, years after the Thomas Fire, a diverse succession of perennials and annuals. Fire is a component to our land that adds heterogeneity and complexity. As landowners, we are constantly learning the intersection between human and nature, and how to blur that line.

The land sits black at the moment, with lined rectangles of unburned research plots.

Now, planning for seeding, we wait for rain.

Sophie McLean, Native Plant Specialist

OVLC Native Plant Specialist, Sophie McLean on the scene during the prescribed burn that occurred on June 22. The heat was on!

STAFF UPDATES

This season, our staff is going through a transition, welcoming new faces and saying goodbye to others. Coraylln Moss, a graduated senior at Nordoff High School, is now leaving her position at OVLC after 3 years as a nursery intern. Her work was outstanding. She was our quickest transplanter, and always had a good song to share while working. By the end of her time at OVLC, she knew every native plant in the nursery and where they belonged in their natural environment. It is clear she has a deep relationship with the ecosystems around her.

Wyatt McLean, Nursery Assistant, has left after one year of working in the nursery to pursue a deeper role with habitat restoration at Channel Islands Restoration. He was a strong keel for the nursery, in which he had a friendship with every plant, caring for them with undivided attention. Wyatt helped instill new practices and systems that help the nursery produce twice what it supported a year before.

In addition to promotions, we are thrilled to introduce Mia Riddle as our new Nursery Manager and Carrie Drevenstedt as Development Database Coordinator. Additionally, we welcome two new Restoration Field Crew, Elana Denver and Martin Schenker, and two high school Nursery Interns, Celeste Ayala and Laurence Cockrell.

As we navigate through these changes, we remain grateful for the growth each season brings, evolving and enriching the development of our staff and the organization as a whole.

LINDA WILKIN PROMOTED TO PRESERVE MANAGER

We are thrilled to announce that Linda Wilkin has been promoted to Preserve Manager. In her new role, Linda will continue to be actively present on the land, engaging with preserve users and maintaining trails and infrastructure. Additionally, she will be assuming new responsibilities. As the organization moves into the long-term care of our previous oak woodland restoration sites throughout the valley, Linda will take on the primary responsibility of stewarding these sites as the trees mature and eventually become self-sustaining.

Furthermore, Linda has made remarkable strides in expanding our volunteer program over the past three years. Now, she will be taking on even more significant responsibilities, focusing on training and educating volunteers to enhance their skills and capabilities. If you encounter Linda on the preserves, don’t forget to congratulate her on this well-deserved promotion!

Clockwise from top left: Wyatt McLean, Coraylln Moss, Martin Schenker, Celeste Ayala, Sophie McLean, Laurence Cockrell, Elana Denver

ADAM MORRISON PROMOTED TO DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Adam Morrison has been promoted to Development Manager. Adam’s impact is undeniable. Having demonstrated exceptional leadership as Volunteer and Events Coordinator, he spearheaded the successful return of All About Ojai and OVLC’s docent program, while significantly expanding our volunteer network. In his new role, Adam will continue to leverage his expertise in event coordination and volunteer management while playing a pivotal part in enhancing OVLC’s giving capacity and driving strategic growth. With a proven record of accomplishments and a deep understanding of our mission, Adam’s promotion underscores his integral role OVLC’s future success. Quail yeah!

WELCOME MIA RIDDLE, OVLC’S NEW NURSERY MANAGER

Mia Riddle is a California native whose curiosity has led her all over the state, to Brooklyn, and back again. After working in nonprofits, music, and web design, she was bitten by the farming bug and spent ten years working in sustainable agriculture. She moved to Ojai to be closer to family, where the familiar flora of the region rekindled a passion for native plants. This led to studies in ecological restoration and completion of a Graduate Certificate in Natural Resource Management. She is looking forward to expanding the native plant nursery production at the OVLC. You can find her biking around the preserves with her rambunctious, flower-loving three year old.

WELCOME CARRIE DREVENSTEDT, DATABASE COORDINATOR

Living in California for 15 years, Carrie loves being so close to both the ocean and mountains. With a Master’s degree in Neuroscience and her own research firm, she still felt like something was missing. A longtime fan of OVLC, the opportunity to join the staff gave the her chance to join an organization she believes in and meet others in the community with shared goals. She loves to explore the outdoors as much as possible with her husband, camping, hiking, watching wildlife (especially whales), and visiting state and national parks. An ANFT certified Forest Therapy guide, you might find her wandering the trails and hugging a tree or two. We are as thrilled as she is to have her as a new member of the team!

RHETT WALKER TRANSITIONS TO DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

BUT HE’S STILL RHETT STORATION IN OUR HEARTS!

Rhett Walker, a vital member of our Restoration Field Crew, is now stepping into the role of Development Associate. Leveraging his restoration experience, Rhett will focus on grant reporting, volunteer coordination, and event assistance. Notably, he’s currently driving the donation process for this year’s Mountainfilm on Tour virtual auction. We’re excited for Rhett as he embarks on his next chapter at OVLC. The man has a sure-fire passion for working with volunteers, and we have no doubt that our volunteers are going to get the attention they deserve under Rhett’s reign.

STEWARDSHIP

BALANCING CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Stewarding the Ventura River is a delicate balancing act: we must protect the natural environment while also ensuring that people can enjoy it. The OVLC’s mission is to protect and restore the natural landscapes of the Ojai Valley forever. A crucial part of achieving that mission is connecting people with the land, including the Ventura River.

Without question, the new swimming hole on the Ventura River Preserve is the number one connection point during these sweltering summer months. Over just a few hours on Memorial Day afternoon, we had over 450 people head out to the river, and that was an overcast May afternoon. In the months since, the number of daily users hitting the river to cool down as temperatures heat up has only gone up.

Having so many people use the swimming hole is beneficial in raising awareness about our conservation efforts and, ideally, motivating them to support our ongoing work. However, this surge of visitors is also taking a toll on the preserve and the river. While the OVLC is pleased to see people gathering around the swimming hole on the riverbanks, there’s a growing trend of visitors expanding outward in search of space and privacy. This expansion is detrimental to the environment as it compacts the soil and hinders vegetation from regrowth.

In the river itself, dams are popping up. It’s from a desire to make the swimming hole deeper and wider, but the dam present at the swimming hole now is starting to rival Matilija Dam in size! To stop the water requires a lot of rock, which means more meandering around the banks of the river, trampling more ground. While one individual rock dam of that size may not have appreciable effect on the river or its habitat, dozens of rock dams of that size do start to have a cumulative effect. They can alter where the river flows, slowing the water down so much that it starts to get heated by the sun altering this fragile and vital ecosystem. Unfortunately, as people observe this behavior, more dams are likely to emerge.

Rock dams are not the only thing we see popping up at the swimming hole. Seemingly every time we take down a rope swing over the swimming hole, a new one returns within a day. If you spot a rope swing over the swimming hole, take a moment to observe the oak tree it is dangling from. Notice how shallow the roots of that oak tree are, clinging precariously to the rock outcrop. Look at how weathered the branch of the oak tree is where the rope is attached. Consider the inevitable fate of either that branch or perhaps the entire oak tree due to repeated swinging. Nothing ruins a swimming hole like a massive tree

plunged into it. So, not only should you protect the surrounding natural resources, but also ensure your own ongoing enjoyment of the swimming hole by refraining from using any rope swings. Balance—that’s the goal. Being a good steward of the land means balancing all of the various wants and needs of the land and the people who use it. You can act as a good steward yourself if you balance your desire to recreate at a fun and beautiful spot, plus the desire of others to do the same, together with the needs of the surrounding natural ecosystem.

Protect the Ventura River Preserve by concentrating your use of the river at the swimming hole only. Keep in mind that this may lead to overcrowding at the swimming hole, so please be considerate of others and refrain from bringing elaborate picnic setups, such as grills, tents, and chairs. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the water with rafts and floaties, allowing everyone to enjoy the space comfortably. Also, remember that you are only a visitor to the river, while wildlife calls it home. Minimize your impact by not building rock dams—instead, help us remove them. Enjoy the swimming hole as it is a precious gift from the river, but remember to share that gift with others today and tomorrow.

Brendan Taylor, Director of Field Programs

Above and left: In July, students from Ojai Valley School dedicated their time to volunteer with OVLC, helping to clean up trash and remove rock dams at the swimming hole. Below: Matilija Dam also slows and warms water, but definitely do not go swimming here.

VOLUNTEER PROFILE

MARK SILBERNAGEL — OVLC STEWARDSHIP CREW LEAD

Mark Silbernagel started volunteering with OVLC in 2019. Over the past five years, he has logged more than 450 hours of volunteer work across an array of projects including Allan Jacobs Trail, engineering nursery upgrades, and most recently leading restoration projects! We are proud to highlight Mark’s contributions to the OVLC, in an interview he had with Preserve Manager, Linda Wilkin.

Hello, Mark. Why don’t you tell me a little about yourself?

I was a government engineer for the Navy and Army for 32 years, and I worked on water treatment systems throughout my entire career, primarily focusing on desalination systems and operating a seawater desalination test facility. I moved to Ojai because my wife, Margaret, grew up here. When her parents decided to sell their house and move to Oregon, we ended up buying their home in 1998. My hobbies include gardening, backpacking, cooking, hiking, and volunteering for different organizations. Volunteering has become a kind of hobby for me now, and I genuinely enjoy doing it. Lately, many of my backpacking trips have been centered around volunteer work trips. Most of these trips take place in the Los Padres National Forest. I spend a lot of time volunteering with OVLC.

This past year, we collaborated to establish the Volunteer Crew Lead Program. Could you share your experience with leading projects?

Since around mid-March, we have completed approximately twelve projects on the Ojai Meadows Preserve. However, even before that time, I had hinted to you and Brendan Taylor that I was interested in leading projects beyond trail work. When you proposed the idea of volunteers taking charge of restoration work, I was immediately intrigued. For me, there is more intrinsic value in such initiatives, and I find it immensely rewarding.

The Ojai Meadows Preserve holds tremendous potential, particularly in offering accessibility to the public from all sides. Its relatively flat terrain makes it suitable for families with young children, as well as elderly individuals. Ensuring it becomes the most accessible preserve for people of all abilities is of great importance to me. It’s an invaluable asset within our community. I anticipate witnessing its growth and ongoing restoration efforts. I am well aware that restoration at the meadows is a long-term endeavor, and it will take time for things to flourish. If you observe the plantings within the fenced off restoration zones, you can see

the success of years of hard work. Yet, it still needs us to get in there and control invasive plants. It’s a never-ending thing when you have several water runoff inputs feeding into the meadows. I would like to target zones inside the fenced off restoration area to focus on controlling the invasive weeds. Even if it involves weed whacking, solarizing, and replanting.

You made a great point about inactive restoration sites needing ongoing care. Even if a parcel seems fully restored, human impact and external factors like stormwater can introduce invasive species. Climate change can also affect plants and their success rates, so we may need to replant. The volunteer program you helped to create this past year will help to ensure proactive monitoring and care for all sites.

You’ve worked extensively on nursery upgrades with Sophie McLean, our Native Plant Specialist. Can you tell me a little about that project?

About two years ago, OVLC decided to pursue expanding the nursery. I volunteered to handle the irrigation system. We devised a simple plan on a limited budget that involved volunteer help. Thankfully, funding from donors became available, allowing us to design a more professional system with solar and electrical work done by licensed contractors. I love doing work in the nursery; helping with propagations or hanging shade cloth. The first time I got involved was with the pump house. There was some problem

with it (haha). Troubleshooting was right up my alley. It’s super cool working in the nursery. There’s so much practical experience and knowledge to be gained working with a professional botanist like Sophie. She really knows her stuff and talks ten levels above my head when it comes to plants.

Speaking of plants, as a Volunteer Crew Lead, can you tell me about your upcoming project involving red maids (Calandrinia menziesii ) and solarization?

Yes, of course! After doing about ten sessions or more of weed whacking with volunteers, it was starting to feel like, “the progress doesn’t feel as immediate” and it can be repetitive. Recently, I took a Climate Stewards Course that got me thinking about the evolution of projects. One idea was that to have volunteers involved in the entire restoration process by taking a degraded site all the way through to plantings. Sophie recommended that I plot out a test zone and use red maids (Calandrinia menziesii ) for seed banking as my first project.

Can you explain what solarization does and what is the goal of the project?

You are basically trying to clear the land, get it down to bare soil, cover it with a special plastic, and get it as close to the surface as possible, sometimes by weighing it down. You want wet soil, which conducts heat much better than dry soil, to reach a high enough temperature to kill off roots and seeds of invasive species. They are degraded by fungal action because you’ve got high temperatures and moisture. You need to get the soil temp to around 110 degrees for a period of four to six weeks. Once this happens, the plot area will be ready for seeding and planting before the winter rain. The goal here is to plant a single species of red maids to develop a seed bulk that we can use in other restoration zones. I’m excited to see the results.

What gives you hope about projects at the meadows?

Taking things one step at a time, from land preparation through planting and maintenance, gives me hope. The idea of small bites and proper observation allows us to address the needs effectively. Additionally, having funding for larger projects ensures we can complete them to the fullest extent.

I think evolving and adapting to what works for each given site is important. I feel that too often in preserve management it can be easy to have a fixed mindset, where you use one method and want to stick to it. That’s not always the most productive or successful way to manage a site. The other thing with stewardship and restoration is there are so many variables: slope, shade, water flux, soil, current state of degradation. In Ojai, there are many different microclimates and every season is different. It’s

an evolving science and I am excited for the future as it continues to evolve.

Have you learned anything new or surprising while leading volunteer events?

Starting it early in life would have been ideal, ha! Nevertheless, I began before retiring. For me, it doesn’t feel like work; it’s more like recreation. Being outdoors with friendly people, observing nature, and being surrounded by beauty…it is akin to taking a hike. I don’t see it as volunteer work but rather as enjoyable time spent with others. And regardless of the activity, I always leave feeling good. In the past, I might have thought I lacked time for volunteering, but now I understand that it’s worth making the time for. I do it for me, the environment, and our community.

Mark, thank you again for taking the time to speak with me today. It has been such a pleasure getting to work with you. I am so excited to continue projects with you. I encourage everyone to come out and volunteer with you if they are at all interested in stewardship and California native plants! We appreciate you and all your dedication to keeping our preserves beautiful.

ANNUAL REPORT

Fiscal year 2023 (July 2022-June 2023) can be best summarized as a year of growth and planning. Early in the year we completed our new five-year strategic plan, that can be found on our website. Refining the organization’s mission: To protect and restore the natural landscapes of the Ojai Valley, forever; and putting forward a new vision: To lead the Ojai Valley’s response to climate change. The strategic plan lays out the strategies and the role for the organization to help secure a more resilient future for our valley.

One of these strategies is to focus on protecting our waterways. This year the OVLC protected a 9.55-acre parcel located between the Confluence Preserve and San Antonio Creek Preserve. OVLC views this as a new piece of the San Antonio Creek Preserve. This strategic purchase not only solidifies current conservation efforts, but also sets the stage for potential future acquisitions along the creek. Restoration and protection of the Ojai Valley’s creeks and rivers are important nature-based steps to enhance the valley’s resilience to the changing climate.

A powerful indicator of our changing climate is the incredible storms we experienced this winter. The January storms turned the Ventura River and its tributaries into raging torrents that took down everything in their path, including mature trees, and sent boulders rumbling down the flood plains. It was a humbling display of nature’s strength. The destruction to the trail system was extensive, but the community came out in force and helped us raise over $200,000 to repair the trail damage in our most successful spring campaign to date—the Give or Get Muddy Challenge. A record setting 6,000 volunteer hours were logged this year and

every penny raised was spent on the trails. Thanks to the efforts of our community the trails are in better shape than before. We are humbled by the community’s generosity and support.

Since the purchase of the Ojai Meadows Preserve, OVLC has pursued restoration in the valley along with protecting our special places. Adding “restore” to our mission signifies the importance of this work that for many years happened quietly in the background. Following on the heels of a successful year raising nearly a million dollars for restoration in the valley last year, Restoration Program Director Vivon Crawford raised an additional $1,656,459 for restoration to be spent over the next several years. Roughly a million dollars of this will be dedicated to our streams and rivers for planning and permitting for an “Arundo free” watershed, along with seed funds for removal and restoration.

In addition to Arundo removal, restoration funds will continue to be dedicated to restoring oaks to our valley, supporting the soon to be launched Rewild Ojai program, expanding our native plant nursery infrastructure and staff, and restoration work on private lands funded by land owners.

Fiscal year 2024 is in full swing already. We look forward to kicking off the year with Mountainfilm on Tour and the announcement of several big projects to come. A heartfelt thank you to the long list of donors in the following pages for your support and dedication to the OVLC and helping make it our most successful year yet!

The final fiscal year numbers are currently being prepared by the auditors. The final report will be posted at ovlc.org/financials when it is completed.

THANK YOU

TO OUR FISCAL YEAR^ 2023 DONORS

^ FY 2023: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023

* Deceased

Donors $99 and Under

Adam & Kate Morrison

Adrienne & Christopher Stephens

Aja Preliasco

Alan & Jazmin

Charlesworth

Alan Braff

Alison AnderssonFrey& Kent

Andersson

Allan & Janis

Parkhurst

Amanda Clark

Amy Agudo

Amy McGovern

Anamaria Schmid

Andrew & Carmen Seligman

Andrew Johnson

Anita C. Cramm

Ann Gartrell

Ann James

Anna Thomas

Annat Provo

Anne Bruenn

Annette Landreau

Anthony Wayne

April Armstrong

April Theriault & Ken Eros

Arnold Friedman & Jan Decker

Audrey Bueno

Barbara McElfresh

Barbara Poitras

Barbara Rose

Barbara Weaver

Ben Buttner

Bernard Martin

Betsy Fields

Betsy Held

Bettyanne Sessing

Beverly Spurgeon

Bill Thatcher

Bob & Heather Sanders

Bob & Judy Billett

Bob Grove

Bonnalynn Dean

Boston Scientific

Brian McColgan

Brian Stafford

Brittany Blackwell

Bruce Hanson

Cameron Fee

Caren Olsen

Carl Olmstead

Carol & David Castanon

Carol Cohen

Carol Johnson

Carol Shaw Sutton

Carol Vesecky

Carolee Tibbitts

Carolyn Emmons

Cassie Jones & Lewis Enstedt

Catherine Halley

Catherine Lee

Catherine Wilcox

Cathy Moon

Chad Ress & Stephanie Washburn

Charlene Spretnak

Chip Paulson

Chloe Delafield

Chris Fabian & Kris Griswold

Christina & Steven Kennedy

Christina Colombo

Christina Pages

Christopher & Chitra King

Christopher Bates & Sandra Torres

Christopher Davies

Christopher O’Donnell

Chuck & Eleanora Burright

Ciara Lowery

Cindy Hansen

Claudia & Drew Lurie

Clinton & Eileen

Vocke

Coco LaForge

Colin Weinberg

Craig Michels

Cynthia Grier & Jon Cotham

Dai Leon

Dale Hanson

Dana Stroh

Daren Magee

Darian & Peter

Dragge

Das Optics

David & Amy Bransky

David & Monika

Clemens

David LeGrand

David Odorisio

Deb Kraus

Debbie & Frank Parisi

Deborah & Phillip

Woodall

Deborah & Richard

Waxberg

Deborah Whorf

Dee Reid & Jeff

Starkweather

Del & Sharon Garst

Denise Thomas

Diana Blanchard

Diane Rosenblum

Diann Karnitsky

Don & Carrie Sanders

Don & Colleen Cutler

Don & Sue Reed

Donald Beese

Donna Baumann

Donna Freiermuth

Dorte Bistrup

Doug & Moira Volpi

Dr. Karen Sama & James Logan

Drew & Kris Mashburn

Dyan Berk

Dylan Harper

Ed & Diane Colby

Elena Rios

Elizabeth & Noel Stookey

Elizabeth & Wayne Ogden

Elizabeth Augusta

Elizabeth Clarke

Ellen Bain

Emily Duncan

Emily Winfrey

Erin Looker

Eva Rueter

Evert & Joanie

Nygren

Fernando Negrete

Fred Fisher & Jennie Prebor

Gabriel Arquilevich

Gabriela Ceseña

Gail Cooley

Gail Smith

Gary & Dorothy

Hitch

Gary & Linda Gartrell

Gavin Garrison

Gayla Swann

Gayle Caldwell

Gloria & Jon Swift

Greg & Mary Wood

Guillermo Castro

Guy Grether

Harmony Wade-Hak

Harry Waterson

Heath Perry

Heather Grant

Heather Meyer

Heidi Kindberg Goss

I. Christopher

Imogen Daly

Jack Gerard

Jacob Duran

Jadona Collier

Jake & Sandi Stub

James & Camilla

Becket

James & Wendy Osher

James Clelland

Jan & Marc Key

Jan Worsham

Jared Ward

Jaspa

Jay & Nancy Fortman

Jean-Ray Tippo

Jeanette Robinson

Jeff & Theresa

Ferguson

Jeffrey Cunningham

Jena Harris

Jennifer &

Richard Niles

Jennifer Knaus

Jennifer Moran

Jerry Millstein & Jill Penkus

Jessica Martinez

Jill Gomes

Jim & Lisa Greenway

Jim Parker

Jimmy Chorng

Jo Ann Monak

Joan & Willis Allen

Joanie Sherfey

Joanne & Neil Quinn

Jody & Carl Cooper

Joel Fithian

John & Lisa Boyd

John Aufderheide

John Biggs

John Hankins

John Horne

John Krist

Jon Seskevich

Jonathan Krier

Jonathan Reinbold

Joseph Fosco

Joy Atrops-Kimura & Greg Kimura

Joyce McCarthy

Judy & PoultneyDavid

Judy Mize

Judy Piazza

Julia Domenech

Julie Warner

Justin & Sara Shipp

Justin Pennington

Kai Ewert

Karen & Craig Harris

Karen Ciabattoni

Karen Hesli

Karen Kilpatrick

Karen Traudt

Kat Howell

Kate Wilson

Katherine Crook

Kathleen & Raul Kottler

Kathleen & Wayne Morris

Kathryn Le Grice

Kathy & Dick Sebek

Kathy Bremer

Kayla Hanson

Keith & Ana Jewett

Keith Chancey

Kit Stolz

Krista Bloom

Kristina & Eric Vallen

Kristine

Phoenix-Artinian

Kylie Foo

Lana Rasmussen

Lanny & Rondia Kaufer

Larry & Elizabeth Memel

Larry & SteingoldJoyce

Larry & Judith Beckett

Laura Gruenther & Russell Crotty

Lauraine Gibbons

Laurent H. Daigle

Laurie Cornell

Laurie Hope

Laurie Lerner

Lee & Katherine Rosenboom

Leslie Burns

Liana Beauregard

Liesel & Craig Rigsby

Lily Wood

Linda Bogart

Linnea Hall

Lisa Dodge

Lisa Martel

Liz Haley

Lori Bates

Lori Hamor

Lorraine West

Lucille Elrod

Lucy Bellwood

Lucy Capuano

Lynn Dorgan

Lynne Doherty & Helen Allen

Maggie Pfeffer

Marcia Millard

Margaret Jones

Margot & Rich Blacker

Maria & Jon Parisen

Maria Mignogna

Marilyn K. Whitford

Mary & Les Baker

Mary Jane McCall

Mary Looby

Mary Pembroke

Perlin & David Perlin

Mary Vanrynsoever

Matt Taylor

Matthew & Ann Inman

Mattie Gadsby

Megan Hooker

Megan Kenney

Melanie Berner & Seth Boyd

Melissa Olsen

Mia Riddle

Michael & Terri

Imwalle

Michael Boggs

Michael Marietta

Michele Murdoch & Paul DelSignore

Michelle Cassel

Michelle Rosenblum

Michelle Sherman

Michelle Thorn

Mike & Carol

Hall-Mounsey

Mikki & Stan Coburn

Mister Softee of Southern California

Mona Zaidi

Monica

Erdle-Delorme

Nancy Aguilar

Nancy Clark

Nancy Currey

Nancy Maxson

Natalie Gray

Nate & Lindsey

Yeager

Nathan Burns-Sprung

Nature and Intent

Nicholas Porter

Nicole Boch-Bui

Oath Inc.

Ojai Blooms

Outsiders LLC

Pam Henderson

Patricia Einstein

Kelley

MartinSwedlow

Kelli Loughman

Kendra Yoes

Kimberly Fisher

Mark Fox

Mark Wieneke

Martha Collins

Mary & Greg Iler

Patricia Lunetta

Patrick Hartman

Paul Lepiane

Paul Rodriguez

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS

VOLUNTEERS CONTRIBUTE ASTOUNDING 6,113 HOURS THIS YEAR!

In the wake of the extraordinary storms and flooding that swept through our region this winter, leaving trails ravaged and restoration zones overcome by invasive plants, the resilience of our community truly shined. This year witnessed an inspiring surge of support as dedicated volunteers stepped up in remarkable ways. Shoulder to shoulder, moving boulder after boulder, whether in the field, the office, house mailing parties, or at events, volunteers collectively contributed a staggering 6,113 hours throughout the fiscal year. These unsung heroes poured their hearts into restoring trails and removing invasive species. As we venture into another year united in purpose, our hearts brim with gratitude for the positive transformation dedicated volunteers bring to both our community and its invaluable ecosystem.

MOST LIKED PHOTO OF 2023 FISCAL YEAR—PHOTO BY TANIA PARKER

Rob Eshman

Robert & Linda Long

Robert Adams

Robert Kyle

Robert Torczyner

Robin Gerber

Robyn L. Posin

Rodney & Jean Smith

Roger Beerworth &

Barbara Parsons

Ron Stark

Ronald & Charlotte Williams

Ronald Pruitt

Rosalie Zabilla

RoseAnn Hill

Ross & Patty Atkinson

Rowanne Henry

Roy Hooper

Ruth Sayre

Ruth Walker

Sally Carless

Sam Jenniches

Samuel Cornwell

Sarah Lipman

Scott & Hannah

Erickson

Scott Ripple

Sean McDermott

Sharon McCormick & Margaret Gordon

Sharon Van Riper

Sheila Holland & Mark Neal

Sienna Yoast

Sierra Alder

Sinae Park & Matt Nava

Sophia Miles

Stacy Smith

Stephan Pleines

Stephanie Hubbard

Stephanie O’Neill

Stephen Upchurch

Steve & Cathy Brandt

Steve Bly

Steve Colome & Kathy Lottes

Steve Matzkin

Steve McMahon

Steve Offerman

Stewart Sheppard &

Elisabeth Blaisdell

Stuart & Mary Niebel

Susan & McCullochDwayne

Susan Gary

Susan Godfrey

Susan Provost

Sydney Robertson

Taina Garcia

Tamara & Greg Haggard

Tee & Gary Downard

TEGNA

Terry & MaulhardtAlan

Terry & Cricket

Twichell

Tessa Enright & Benjamin Squires

Tessa Shuler

The Balina Family

The Hume Family

Thomas Macias & James Pepper

Tim & Gloria Lawson

Tina Pukonen

Tod & Liz Cossairt

Tom & Rebecca Lowe

Trey Demmond & Kathryn McEachern

Trish & Kent Hardley

Trish Whalen

UMG

Valley Oak Family Practice

Viasat

Vikki Havle

Rita M. Herscovici

Rob & Antoinette Tivy

Rob & Sandy Mason

Sepideh Tabibian

Shana Gadley

Sharon Cline

Suzanne & Erik Feldman

Svetlana & Daniel Lucas

Wayne & Petra Battleson

Wendy & Stan Hubbell

Wendy Elliott

Michael StevensGrand East Oak Apts

MK McCool

Molly Jordan & Hawk Koch & Molly

Jordan Koch

Natalie Mayer - Weil

Tennis Academy

Natasha Kawasaki

Neil & Gina Lokuge

Nicole & Matthew

Craig

Nozhan Bassir

Pat & Steve Edwards

Paul Ramirez

Peter & Jeanne Tymstra

Peter Cambier & Sue Atwood

Peter Passell & Joan Peters

Peter Strauss

Phil Kaplan

Phillips/Bandoli

Charitable Fund

Pietsie Campbell

Rachel Lang

Rajasekaran

Ramasubramanian

Richard & Sandy Hajas

Richard & Sharon Rockefeller

Rick & Robin Beers

Robert & Katy Zappala

Robert Davis

Robert Ornstein

Sandra & Lee Moore

Scarlett Abrous

Scott & Jeri Johnson

Sharon & Glenn Myers

Sharon Palmer

Sharon Thames

Shelley & Keven

Cornish

Soheila Kolahi

Sonny Ward & Michael Lombardo

Stephanie Lopez

Steve Clark

Stu Lennox

Susan Anderson

Terri & Alex Laine

Theresa & Allen Bridges

Thomas & Nancy

Michali

Timbre Books

Timothy Denardo

Tom & Kerry Weisel

Trent & Olga Jones

Tricia & Todd Mills

Virginia & Peter Aguirre

BY THE NUMBERS

Sold: 1,514 native plants to the community

Logged: 6,113 volunteer hours

Grown: 3,793 native plants

Planted: 821 native plants in restoration sites on the preserves

Attended: 2,000 people at Mountainfilm on Tour

Virginia & McConnellTed

Virginia Siegfried & Barry Verga

Warren McConnell

Wendy & Chaim

Avraham Champions

$500+

Adirondack Foundation -

Nancy Adams

Sweet Fund 2

Alan Kornfeld

Alice & Richard Matzkin

Alice Braitman

Angela Gardner & John Mawson

Ann & Steven Sunshine

Ann Costigan

Anne & Garrett

Clifford

Annie Nyborg & Matt Brunetti

Anson Williams

Arne Anselm & Michelle Velderrain

Beatrice Battier & Wilson Miller

Bill Norris & Judith

Hale Norris

Brad Tully

Brian Schlaak

Brittany Sanders & Robert Polidori

California Solar Electric

Carla Melson

Charley & Sandy Sledd

Cherie Beers

Chip & Sheryl

Lesch

Chris & Oliver

Roush

Chris Park & Peter Nistler

Cliff Hershman

Colin & ScibettaEmily

Concord

Corrina Wright & Anthony Avildsen

Couch Guitar Straps

Craig Marcus

Darlene Patrick & Jim Selman

David & Elizabeth Silva

David & Mary Trudeau

David Nakada

David Pacheco

Deric & Barbara

Washburn

Don Mosley

Donna Darm

Dorthea Atwater & Peter Hay

Doug & Mary

Jo McLeod

Doug Campbell

Douglas & Angela Parker

Eileen Hawkes

Ochsner

Elaine Sweet

Eliana Thacher

Erin & Jon Bernthal

Etsy

Fred & Dana Fleet

Frederick & Margaret Menninger

Friend’s Ranch

Friends Stable and Orchard

Gail & Erick Peterson

George & Debbie

Watson Google

Hamilton & Holden Myers

Heather King & Greg Grant

Heritage Financial

Ingo & Leslie Schreiber

Jacqueline Lawson

Jane & Richard Weirick

Janet Jacobs

Jarod Schneider & Jenny Lang

Jason Headley

Jennifer Keeler

Jes MaHarry & Patrick Henderson

Jill Forman & David Young

Julie & Jeff Mc Manus

Karen & Bill

Evenden

Karen Kaminsky

Ken Davis

Kenneth & Sarah Cluff

Kevin & Jennifer Convery

Kimberly Peterson

Kristi Schoeld & Neil Jorgensen

Leslie Golden

Leslie Tobin Bacon

Loren Miller

Lucinda & Tim Setnicka

Lynette Cervantes

Maggie Rossi

Mallory Warner

Margaret & Duane Williamson

Martha Groszewski

Volunteered: 736 people

Marti & Dan Reid

Mary Natwick & Larry Scott

Merrill Williams

Michael & Arlene Ross

Michael & Julie McFadden

Michele Sordi

Mike & Joanne Caldwell

Morgan Ramirez

Move Sanctuary

Myers, Widders, Gibson, Jones & Feingold, LLP

Nancy Stringer & Anthony Amos

Nathaniel Cox

Neal Githens & Miranda Kilbey

Neiman Marcus

Ojai Arts Exchange

Patrice & Robert

Rosenthal

Patrick & Nancy Gallagher

Paul Rudder

Pax Environmental

Peak Design

Rachael & Griff Barkley

Randy Banchik & Jannell

Greene-Banchik

Used: 800 bike bells

Raymond Azoulay Revel

Richard & Kristal

DeVillers

Richard & Mary Kanatzar

Richard Rhone & Cynthia Fitzpatrick

Rob Neely

Russell Sydney

Scott Silver & Jill Greene-Silver

Shahram Monem

Shelley Scott

Sherri Drifka

Sheryl Shushan & Mark Hebbring

Sue Horgan

Suzanne Harvey

Sylvia Narula

Tasha Sween

The Adamsons (Andrew + Amy + Emma)

The Trust For Public Lands

Theodore Gall -

Gall Sculpture

Tom Maloney & Andrea Jones

Topa Topa Brewing Company

Vanessa McLean

Byrne & David Byrne

Vicki Maloney

Walter & Julia Hamann

Friends of the Ojai Valley

$1,000+

Alan & Carol Saltzman

Alex & Sarah Sheshunoff

Allison Binkowski & John Alden Broome

Amazon Smile

Amy Schneider

Anna Getty & Bodhi & Roman Oster

Aqua-Flo Supply

Arthur & Judy

Vander

Baleen

BANDITS

Bandanas

Barbara Barry

Barbara K.

Sorem-Hughlett

Betsy Vanleit

Bill & Sherry Loehr

Bill Brothers & Susie Ault

Bruce & Virginia

Hibberd

Bruce Jugan

Bruce Mason

Bryan Mershon

Charles & Sarah

Genuardi

Charlie & Francis Baysinger

Cheryl & Monte Widders

Chester Jagiello - Alpha Stone Inc.

Chevron Humankind

Matching Program

Chris & Karen

Birbeck

Chris Hacker & Will Thomas

Chris Miller

Connie Eaton & William Hart

Daniel T FoundationAlvy

David Shemper

Dennis & Holly

Mitchem

Diederik van Hoogstraten & Kelly Merryman

Donna & Ted Miller

Doug & Karen Kirk

Douglas Creel

Emma Nathan

Fred Kramer

Gene Wise & Fiona Hutton

Vickie Carlton-

Damaged: 270 spots on trails from the January storms

Averaged: 42 inches of rainfall across the valley

Burned: 31 acres of invasive weeds

Hosted: 49 events

George E. Berg & Gail Topping

Gerben & Jill Hoeksma

Gina Balian & Jonathan Chinn

Graham Beck

Hammitt

Herb & Amber

Courtney

Herring Law Group

Huora L. Williams

Jamie & Carolyn Bennett

Jane Parkes

Jan Rains

Jarret Jackson

Jeannie & Walter Sedgwick

Jerry & Char Michaels

Jerry & Linda Bruckheimer

Jessica & Rob

Donahue

Jim and Rob’s

Fresh Grill

Joan Kemper

John & Harriet Clise

John & Peggy Russell

John* & BroesamleKathy

Judith & Donald Diaz

Judy Meleliat & Reilly Jensen

Karen & Dave

Brubaker

Removed: 20 acres of Arundo

Hosted: 4 Corpsmembers from CDFW’s Watershed Stewards Program

Leashed: 4 OVLC office dogs

Kashi & Jennifer Lee

Kathryn Ferguson

Kay Chatowski

Keri & Stephen Matte

Kerry Miller Designer/ Builder, Inc.

Kitty & JohnstonJohnny

Lale Welsh & Jon Drucker

Larry Rose & Lisa Larramendy

Las Palmas de Ojai

Laughing Dog Ranch LLC

Linda L. Maigret

Lisa Smith

Loren Bouchard & Holly Kretschmar

Lucy & TolmachJonathan

Marc Evan Jackson & Beth Hagenlocker

Maria & Tyler Barrell

Marie & Keith Brown

Mark & Cherryl

Connally

Mark Silbernagel

Marsha & Paul Fonteyn

Mary Bergen

Mary M. Downer

Matthew Velkes & Liza Chasin

Acquired: 9.55 acres along San Antonio Creek

McDaniel Insurance Services

Meiners Oaks

Ace Hardware

Michael J. Jauregui & Susan Olson

Mike & Erika Swimmer

Mike Sullivan & Melissa Bishop

Nathan Wallace

Niels & Robin Nyborg

Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company

Oliver Wilson & Kaarina Tienhaara

Pamela & Richard Smith

Pastel Society of the Gold Coast

Patty & John

Abou-Samra Kearney

Peter Adee

Peter Seery

Phil Moncharsh & Diane Zusman

Polly & Scott Nelson

R.A. Atmore & Sons, Inc.

Raina Penchansky

Richard & Maddy

Ehrman

Robert Tallyn & Betsy Bachman

Roger & Pat Essick

Ronald & Linda Phillips

Ruth Lasell & Bob Bonewitz

Sam Thirion

Sandy Buechley

Sasha & Hanson Gifford

SC&A Insurance Services LLC

Scott Bevans & Valerie Dykeman

Siobhan McDevitt

Soul Body Ojai Healing Arts & Yoga Center

Stuart Meiklejohn & Mary Ann O’Connor

Sue Gilbreth

Susan Bee

Susan Taylor & John Houghton

Blake* & Susanne

Wilson

Suzanne & Phil White

Swanner Physical Therapy

The Glass Man Professional Window Company,Washing Inc.

The John J. Moller Family Foundation

The Olson Family Giving Fund

Tobias ParkerGeneral Contractor

Tobias & Tania Parker

Toby & Melissa White

Tony & Donna Athens

Tony & Roslyn (Roz) Demaria

Trent & Kris Greco

Virginia & Steve

Newkirk

West Coast Air Conditioning

William & Elise

Kearney

William Burnside

WORB Inc.

Wyatt & Claudia Harris

Guardians of the Ojai Valley

$5,000+

Allen & Marilyn Camp

Ann & Harry

Oppenheimer

Anne Crawford

DeZonia

Annica & James

Howard

Anonymous

Athletic CompanyBrewing

Bob Unruhe*

Bruce & Marilyn

Wallace Foundation

Christine Bednar & Dean Wigger

Christopher Noxon

Charitable Fund

Cotyledon Fund

Interned: 2 students in the Native Plant Nursery

Courtney Nichols

Gould & Gordon

Gould

Cynthia & Byron Grant

Dr. David & Cindy Garber

Dr. Fred Fauvre

Francis (Hank) Pepper

Green Valley Project

Greg & Mechas

Grinnell

Gregory Rutchik & Erin Stern

High on Kennels - Fred Presson

Holdfast Collective

Joan Roberts*

John S Kiewit

Memorial Foundation

Julie Rischar*

Karen Courington & Dan Lukasiewicz

Karen Hellmuth & Bob Vandersluis

LEA Family Fund

Linda Turner

Molina Family Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Victor

M. Sher

Ojai Valley Inn

Patagonia

Phillip Bradley

PM A Friend

Resources

Legacy Fund

Robin Roy & Cathy Zoi

Sespe Creek Collective

So Hum Foundation

Tailwind Fund

Tay Lesley

The Land Trust Alliance

The MOB Shop

The Shanbrom Family Foundation

The Stanley and Joyce Black Family Foundation

Tom & Michelle

Tamplin

Totem Ranch Co

Trade Desk

Tucker & Phil Adams

Ventura County

Watershed Protection District

Warren Zavala & Sarah Self

Thank you to our Pushing Up Poppies Legacy Giving Club members. Your commitment to OVLC leaves a legacy for Ojai, and for future generations to come.

Together you have made a deep commitment to extend your values and vision beyond this lifetime. You recognize the importance of long-term sustainability for an organization that promises to protect what you love forever.

Legacy gifts are a beautiful way to honor your connection and

express gratitude for the memories and experiences you have had in our beautiful valley. 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.

Learn more at ovlc.org/ways-give/planned-giving

THANK YOU TO PUSHING UP POPPIES LEGACY GIVING CLUB MEMBERS

Anonymous (25)

Arne Anselm & Michelle Velderrain

Barb & Mike Rugo

Bill Brothers & Susie Ault

Cathy Diorio

David & Elizabeth Silva

Debra Eve & David Leggett

Dennis & Meredy Benson Rice

Don & Sue Reed

Eleanor Crilly

Gregory Rutchik & Erin Stern

Huora L. Williams

Jerry Maryniuk & Diane Bertoy

Jill Forman & David Young

Joan Roberts*

John* & Kathy Broesamle

Laurie Edgcomb

Linda & Boris Chaloupsky

Mary & Greg Iler

Mike Briley

Nancy Pepper

Pat & Roger Essick

Paula Power

Rachel Kondor & Brian Segee

Robert Tallyn

Sandy Buechley

Tania & Tobias Parker

Terry & Cindy Wright

Theresa Gorey

Tom Rambo

Willi & Stefanie Coeler

CREATURE FEATURE

IT’S UNBE LEAF ABLE!

If you’re a gardener looking to attract pollinators to your garden, then the answer is clear—narrowleaf milkweed ( Asclepias fasciculatum) is the beloved pollinator plant you need! During the winter months, narrowleaf milkweed goes dormant, conserving its energy for the upcoming spring. As days grow longer and warmer, fragrant cream-colored flowers start to emerge. These delicate blooms are a magnet for pollinators, especially the iconic monarch butterfly.

By incorporating narrowleaf milkweed into your garden, you contribute to the conservation efforts of monarchs, helping to ensure their survival for generations to come. So, when you hear about narrowleaf milkweed, don’t just think of it as “unbeleafable”—think of it as a vital connection to the beauty and wonder of nature, making your garden a sanctuary for pollinators and a link in the chain of life. Visit our website to learn more about planting native plants in your yard: ovlc.org/rewildojai

WESTERN WHIPTAIL

In the Ojai Valley, a species of lizard known as the western whiptail or tiger whiptail ( Aspidoscelis tigris), captivates observers with its striking appearance and lightning-fast movements. As a diurnal species, the western whiptail thrives during daylight hours, engaging in active foraging to satisfy its insectivorous diet.

Unlike its regional counterparts, such as the western fence lizard, which stealthily stalks its prey, the western whiptail is a dynamic forager, fearlessly delving into the earth in search of sustenance. With remarkable speed and agility, it adeptly captures swift-moving insects like ants, beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders, all while leaving a trail of awe in its wake. A true testament to nature’s wonders, the western whiptail’s presence in the Ojai Valley adds to the allure and biodiversity of this captivating region.

THANK YOU TO OUR BUSINESS SPONSORS FOR PROTECTING OUR OPEN SPACE.

OJAI MEADOWS SPONSORS

Dr. David L. Garber, D.D.S

Henry Land Surveying

Las Palmas de Ojai

Lorraine Lim Catering, Inc

Patagonia

Topa Topa Brewing Company

STEELHEAD SPONSORS

High on Kennels

REI

Sespe Creek Collective

The MOB Shop

SAN ANTONIO CREEK SPONSORS

Aqua-Flo Supply

BANDITS Bandanas

E3

The Glass Man Professional Window Washing Company, Inc.

Herring Law Group

Ojai Valley Inn

Rotary Club of Ojai

Tonya Peralta Real Estate Team

PARKWAY SPONSORS

Alpha Stone Inc.

Broken Spoke Challenge/ Fast Green Racing

Firestick Pottery

Hammitt

Jim and Rob’s Fresh Grill

Kerry Miller Designer & Builder, Inc.

Latitudes Gallery

Laughing Dog Ranch LLC

McDaniel Insurance Services

Meiners Oaks Ace Hardware

Move Sanctuary

Ojai Playhouse

Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company

Pastel Society of the Gold Coast

SC&A Insurance Services LLC

Stay Wild Ventures

Tobias Parker - General Contractor

West Coast Air Conditioning

RIO VISTA SPONSORS

Bohéme

California Solar Electric

Couch Guitar Straps

Don & Cheree Edwards

~ RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors

Friends Stable and Orchard

Emily Wilson - Heritage Financial

Revel Kombucha

Soul Body Ojai Healing Arts & Yoga Center

Ventura Roofing Company

IN-KIND SPONSORS

bITvision

California 101 Guide

Custom Printing

Hutchinson and Bloodgood

Ojai Quarterly

Ojai Valley Directory

Ojai Valley News

Shelter Social Club/Rancho Inn

NEW POETRY BOOK FOR SALE

Song of Ojai is a poetic meditation on nature and motherhood, set in the spiritual landscape of the Ojai Valley in Southern California. Taking place over the course of a single day, the author, Kathryn Le Grice, and her young son walk the Ventura River Preserve trails, encountering through their wandering the sights and sounds of its native creatures and habitat. Evoking the beauty and fragility of life, the shifting experiences of the day are weaved with memories of times past as the two wanderers become immersed in the ways of nature and confront with wonder the grand themes that play out in all our lives—love and loss, time and aging, death, birth and renewal.

An amalgamation of many years walking in the Ojai nature preserves, from the initial perspective of being a stranger in a new land to ultimately finding home, Song of Ojai is both a poignant ode to motherhood and a love song to our unique and magical valley.

Enjoy the following poem from the book:

Bees whir in spiraling servitude to their hidden shadow queen. A lizard’s tail, frightened off, still wags a welcome breeze. In its fresh eddy, reverent poppies sway; over fragrant lilac— half a lizard plays.

From a gopher’s peeping face, Gaia’s soft eyes smile; beam over new-grown blossom, the answered prayer of the wild.

As posies of remembrance to Western gravestones pressed, upon our wild blooms we feel spirits fall. In offering— at rest.

We pause . . . . . . to catch the timbre of grasses that swayed our day. Song-spun tales of a valley time never to return in quite this way.

I Flowers I

IN MEMORY OF

Gretchen Miller

from Krista Harris

John Broesamle

from Dennis & Meredy Benson Rice

Friend’s Ranch

Marilyn Gordanier

Ruth Lasell & Bob Bonewitz

Sandy Buechley

Susan Bee

Lou Ann Schlichter

Thank you for the generous gift. This donation helps save some of the beauty of California. from Una Smith

Michael Chambliss

May Michael rest in peace.

from Angela Graveline

Ann & Harry Oppenheimer

Ingrid Green

Jim Patin Keith & Victoria Nightingale

Kristen & Tony Petros

Ruth Lasell & Bob Bonewitz

Sandy Buechley

Tom LaGatta

Robert Evans

May his memory be a blessing. from Alan Kirschbaum

Arynaa Swope

Chris & Karen Birbeck

Dodge Mallare & Danielle Brinkman

Iva Heins

Jean Kilmurray

Jill & Chris Borgeson

Nancy Kochevar

Peggy & Dennis Wood

Tania & Tobias Parker

IN HONOR OF

Anna Getty-Oster

Thinking of you today. from Scarlett Abrous

Jean Blair from Clyde Blair

Daren Magee aka Real Fun, Wow!

from BANDITS Bandanas

Karen Kilpatrick

Happy Birthday!

from R Gary Branchaud

Bob Kilpatrick

Angela Weatherford

June Sears

Natalie Salvo

Amanda Russ

Diane Masters

Lanae Carter

Happy Birthday and Happy Hiking!

from Katherine Willis

Michala, Jack and Smoky

Happy Trails and Tails! Love you all from Rebekah Kepple

Rome, the big, black dog

Good boy, Sit! Stay! from Paul Rudder

Sofia Burke

In honor of Sofia, a senior at Oak Grove School, who held a benefit concert at our venue for your organization. Thank you for all you do!

from Ojai Arts Exchange

The wedding of Anson & Sharon Williams

Wishing you happiness!

from Michaela and Fred Watkins

Cookie & Adam Rosenzweig

Trish Whalen

from Mike Whalen

Weil Tennis Academy Env Science Class Fundraiser

from Weil Tennis Academy

8th grade

Acknowledgments: 5/9/23-8/1/23

Allison & Christopher Davis

Annemiek Schilder

Anthony Ferguson

Barbara Poitras

Catherine Halley

Constance Cornell

Dawn Havel

Diane Rosenblum

El Jarro Mexican Restaurant

Evan Rapoport

Jane Parkes

John Cinatl

Keith & Ana Jewett

Linda Drevenstedt

Lydia Holmes

Maria Mignogna

Matthew Hill

Melissa Lemein

Michael Spagnoli

Shannon Finch

From:

Current donors receive a discount code for Saturday’s Mountainfilm on Tour tickets.