OVLC welcomes Brian Stark as Conservation Director
We are pleased to welcome Brian Stark to the OVLC staff. Brian comes to us from the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo where he has served since 1994, filling many shoes along the way from volunteer to Executive Director. Brian’s passion is in conservation, specializing in watershed protection. When not in the office, he enjoys mountain biking, fishing, and playing bass and guitar. “I’m excited about the opportunity to join the OVLC team in Ojai. With a close community and a vibrant local landscape, the opportunities for success seem limitless.” Learn more at www.ovlc.org/staff.
Often our members ask, “is my membership current? I can’t remember what month it’s due.” Renewal letters we mail are often, with the best of intentions, put in the “later” pile sometimes never to resurface. This week, while preparing his taxes, a dedicated member called to ask if we had a record of his 2009 donation. He was sad to realize that his last donation was received in 2008.
We’re rolling out a new plan that we think will help. Instead of different renewal months for each member, we’ll have just one annual membership drive in May of each year. To help you remember just think:
“Spring showers bring MAY flowers.”
When you see the Ojai Meadows Preserve awash with yellow, or the delicate blue and white of the Ceanothus in bloom on the Ventura River Preserve, think OVLC membership time!
We’ll still send you news of the membership drive via e-news and postal mail. However, to help save resources, if you would prefer to receive your membership renewal information by email only, send us an email (info@ovlc.org) to opt out of regular mailings.
Leading up to the May membership drive we’ll have a flurry of spring activities to encourage members and community
friends out to enjoy OVLC preserves. Please take this opportunity to invite your friends and neighbors to one of our spring hikes or tours to help us grow OVLC membership.
On April 24th, we’ll kick off this year’s membership drive with our first annual EarthPlay on the Meadow, a community Earth Day celebration in our own backyard. It’s a FREE family event. Come on out to show your support and help us spread the word. (details inside)
Membership is the foundation of what we do. Like building a house everything depends upon a strong foundation. Your membership support keeps the doors open and the staff working to leverage every membership dollar for $10 in public funding fpr our work to protect and restore Ojai’s views, trails, water and wildlife. Renew your membership between now and the end of May to continue receiving member benefits like our Wild About Ojai programs. Use the enclosed envelope, or renew online at www.ovlc.org.
Ceanothus on the Ventura River Preserve
getting together
EarthPlay Highlights
What a great day to bring your friends and family out to enjoy the wonders of nature on the Ojai Meadows Preserve. It’s a FREE event for all, with plenty of opportunities to show your support for the work of the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy.
A silent auction will feature garden art from local artists and students of Janis Art Workshop. Contact Janis at at 805 646-2555 or Stefanie Coeler at 805 646-3238 if you have any garden art to donate to the auction.
Dianne Bennett, a local artist has generously donated a framed giclee print of the signature painting for EarthPlay, “Tri-colored Blackbirds” for a raffle to support a program promoting art for the environment. She’ll be at EarthPlay to tell you more about the project. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at EarthPlay or in advance at 805 649-6852.
A Memorial Oak Grove will be dedicated at the event for those who would like to commemorate the life of a loved one by naming a young oak tree on the Ojai Meadows Preserve. Call Lynn Malone, Member Services Director if you would like to name a tree after someone special. 805 6496852 ext. 2.
Join the OVLC and engrave a family rock to show your support for our work. We’ll display your rock at the new bridge we’ll be building on the Preserve (see more info on page 5). We are excited to begin the bridge project on the meadow, and hope to dedicate the new bridge at next year’s EarthPlay event.
For up to date information about EarthPlay on the Meadow
EarthPlay on the Meadow
A community Earth Day Celebration
Saturday April 24th
For several years, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy and Oak Grove School have worked together to bring Earth Day to life in Ojai. The event traditionally held on the Oak Grove campus will move this year to the Ojai Meadows Preserve.
The first annual EarthPlay on the Meadow will take place on Saturday, April 24th on the Ojai Meadows Preserve. Many local organizations and businesses with a GREEN focus have been invited to participate and we are still taking exhibitor requests at info@ovlc.org.
Joining the planning team are volunteers from OVLC, Oak Grove School, Ojai Rotary West, the Rotary Club of Ojai, and the Ojai Valley Green Coalition. If you would like to help, please call Lynn Malone, OVLC Member Services Director at 805 649-6852 ext. 2.
The day will start at 10am at Rotary Park with EarthWalk to EarthPlay and an alternative transportation exhibit. Rotarians will encourage participants to get out of their cars and walk or ride a bike to EarthPlay, with prize drawings for those who use alternative transportation. Rumor has it there are some great prizes so you’ll want to ditch the car, carpool to the Rotary Park and Ride, take the trolley or ride a bike.
From 11am until 5pm, join us on the meadow for EarthPlay a celebration of the Earth in our own backyard. There will be fun and games for all ages. Ecoeducation, wheelbarrow races, a maze in the mustard, rubber duckie races, kids activities, great food, and exhibits will highlight the day. Members renewing at the event and new members will be invited to plant a family tree on the meadow. No event would be much fun without music. Oak Grove UnPlugged, an outdoor concert sponsored by Oak Grove School, will take place during the event from 1- 4pm. Bring a blanket or a beach chair to enjoy the fine and funky sounds. California Solar Electric will be powering the sound stage wtih solar energy, be sure to check out their Solar Roller sun powered generator. Oak Grove will also offer electric vehicle tours from the Meadow to their campus for those interested in learning more about the school.
Wrapping up a perfectly fun day will be Howling at the Moon a concert under the full moon with the Household Gods This promises to be an evening full of fun, fine wine, great music, decadent desserts and a spirited live auction. Take the kids home after EarthPlay, have dinner and come back for some grown up fun! This is the fundraising part of the day so come on out and show your support. On the auction block are several great getaways, to Hawaii, Snowmass Colorado, Mammoth, and The Boulder Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Tickets are affordable for all at only $25 in advance, $30 at the door and may be purchased at www.ovlc.org, or by phone at 805 649-6852 ext. 2.
JOIN US and bring your friends for the first annual OVLC HOOWWL!
EarthPlay
Co-hosted by The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Oak Grove School, Ojai Valley Green Coalition Ojai Rotary West and the Rotary Club of Ojai
At 10am join Ojai Rotary West for an EarthWalk from Ojai Rotary Park to the Ojai Meadows Preserve for EarthPlay family fun for all ages on the Ojai Meadows Preserve from 11am till 5pm featuring Oak Grove UnPlugged A free concert from 1-4pm sponsored by Oak Grove School
Ojai Defense Fund
Ojai SoundnEyes
Ojai Storytelling Festival Euterpe Farms
Grow Food Party Crew
Janis Art Workshop Matilija Coalition Julie Tumamait
WILD ABOUT OJAI
Environmental Learning Series - Spring Session
MIGRATING BIRDS of the
OJAI VALLEY PRESENTED BY
Allen Bertke and
Jesse Grantham
A two-part program
Friday, May 7th at 7pm
Slide presentation at the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. (located at the HELP of Ojai west campus on Baldwin Road)
Saturday, May 8th at 8:00am Birdwalk with Jesse Grantham on the Ojai Meadows Preserve (located on Maricopa Highway next to Nordhoff High School)
SPRING WALKS
on the ovlc Preserves brought to you by Ojai Community Bank and Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
Jesse Grantham, California Condor Project Manager, OVLC board member and local birding expert, with Allen Bertke, Ventura Audobon member and bird photographer extraordinaire will present a slideshow of stunning bird photographs identifying migratory birds frequently seen in the Ojai Valley. Many of Allen’s photos have been taken in his own back yard where he has counted 102 different birds and photographed nearly as
many. This year his photo collection has grown along with his passion for photographing local birds.
Participants will learn to identify Ojai’s many feathered friends, where to look for them, how to plan a habitat within the home landscape, and also gain valuable information on birding supplies and publications.
Bird walk on the ojai meadows preserve Saturday, May 8th at 8:00am
Join Jesse, fellow birdwatchers, OVLC friends and Audubon members for a birding tour of the Ojai Meadows Preserve. This is a great chance to see first-hand how the newly created habitat for local migratory birds and wetlands species on the Meadow has attracted several previously absent birds and waterfowl. Meet at the Nordhoff High School parking lot, wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars.
If you prefer to start a little later, come at 9am for a bird photography walk with Allen Bertke (free walk, listed below.)
FREE for OVLC members, $10 for non-members. Become a member today! RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! 805 649-6852 or info@ovlc.org.
Join us this spring on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, at 9am for an exploration of one of our preserves. A trained docent will lead interpretive walks suitable for the whole family.
The Ilvento hike, is an eagerly awaited adventure for those who enjoy “hoofing it” to the top of a mountain for a breathtaking view.
Wear sturdy walking shoes and remember to bring water and snacks. Please leave pets at home.
FREE for everyone, so bring a friend!
MORE INFO AT WWW.OVLC.ORG
March 13 - Ilvento PreserveOjai view hike with the Broesamles
March 27 - Ventura River Preserve Wildflower walk with Cricket Twichell
April 10 - Ojai Meadows Wetland Restoration Docent Tour
April 24 - Ojai Meadows Wetland tours at EarthPlay on the Meadow
May 8 - Ojai Meadows Preserve Bird Photography Walk with Allen Bertke
May 22 - Ventura River Preserve River Walk with Paul Jenkin
Rick Halsey leading a recent Chaparral walk on the Ventura River Preserve
IF WE ONLY HAD A BRIDGE!
CAN YOU HELP?
If you’ve taken a stroll on the observation trail on the Ojai Meadows Preserveve lately you know that the new retention area is in need of a bridge for safe access across the creek.
We are exploring the possibilities and could use your help. If you are able to volunteer or help with:
Project coordination
• Design or engineering services
• Welding, carpentry or masonry skills
• Equipment for heavy moving
• Building materials and supplies
• Please let us know by calling 649-6852 ext. 2 or email lynn@ovlc.org.
VOLUNTEERS MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Volunteer Opportunities abound at the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. We are a staff of six, with only two people managing nearly 2,000 acres of land, one person managing events and one managing the office. We are always thankful for anyone who can help. Here are a few things we need help with over the next few months:
On the Land
Help keep weeds in check in restored areas until the native plants get a good foothold. We also need help preparing the Ojai Meadows Preserve for our upcoming EarthPlay on the Meadow event.
EarthPlay on the Meadow
We need help before and during EarthPlay on the Meadow including game monitors, help in the children’s area, waitpeople to serve drinks at the evening concert, table decorators, bakers, someone to engrave names in rocks, set up and break down help, someone to set up the rubber duckie race track, publicity help, graphic design, mailing help, and more. Many hands make light work!
If you can help, please email lynn@ ovlc.org or call 649-6852 ext. 2.
Patagonia employees gather annually on one of the OVLC preserves to help with restoration projects. This year they spent Groundhog Day weeding an area they planted last year on the Ojai Meadows Preserve. We appreciate the dedication it takes to tromp around in the mud of winter. Lucky for us, they LOVE it!
Sespe Flyfishers, helped Preserve Manager Rick Bisaccia plant 65 Western Sycamore, Black Cottonwood, California Black Walnut and Mexican Elderberry trees in a channel of the Ventura River recently cleared of Arundo. The Flyfishers purchased and donated the trees.
Join the Shangri-La Club
Occasionally, the OVLC receives a planned gift from one of our dedicated members. While it is a wonderful surprise that we gratefully appreciate, knowing your intentions in advance allows us to better plan for the future and most importantly, allows us to thank you in advance. In appreciation for any verbal or written (nonbinding or binding) planned giving commitments to the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy you will become part of our Shangri-La Club. If you desire in the future, your name(s) will become a part of our Shangri-La Club wall or grove at one of our preserves.
Giving is a very personal choice and we respect your privacy. If you prefer you can be a part of the Shangri-La Club anonymously. If you choose to help by letting the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy know of your plans please go to www. ovlc.org/give/planned-giving to get and return the Shangri-La Statement of Commitment Form. Contact our Development Director Darcy Gamble at 6496852 ext. 6 if you have questions or would like to discuss tax-wise giving options.
2009 “DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT” CAMPAIGN A BIG SUCCESS!
In an economic climate where many nonprofits were experiencing up to 40 percent declines in 2009 giving, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy community of members pulled together to ensure that didn’t happen here. Our sincere thanks to the OVLC members who rose to the challenge of the generous donors who provided matching funds for your end of year gifts. Those who participated in the match on average gave twice as much this year than in the boom years and we are thankful to every one of you.
Without you we may have fallen severely short of our budget needs resulting in cuts across the board. Because of your end of
year gifts we are able to continue to care for the views you enjoy, the trails you walk, the water you drink and the wildlife you cherish for another year!
And the greatest news of all is that our matching donors were so pleased with the results of the campaign, that a few have offered to contribute to a challenge match in 2010. We have a goal to have $50,000 in the matching fund by June 30, 2010. Please contact Development Director Darcy Gamble at darcy@ovlc.org or (805) 649-6852 ext. 6 if you would like to participate. And remember you can always make a contribution or renew your membership online at www.ovlc.org/give.
Thanks to the following OVLC friends for their contributions received from December 1 thru December 31, 2009
Heritage Members
Margot Griswold
Peter Muller & Jillian Hoffman -
Dancing Tides Foundation
Nathan WallaceBruce & Marilyn Wallace Foundation
President’s Circle
Yvon & Malinda Chouinard
Michael & Hannelore Gresser
Wyatt & Claudia Harris
Jerry Jones - So Hum Foundation
Thomas & Barbara Malley
Stuart Meiklejohn & Mary Ann O’Connor
Jane & Richard Weirick
Oliver Wilson & Kaarina Tienhaara
Friends of the Ojai Valley
Dan & Victoria Breen
John Davis & Lorraine Brown
Willi & Stefanie Coeler
Robert J. Geres
Larry Rose & Lisa Larramendy
Ronald & Linda Phillips
Val Schorre
New Members
Dorthea Atwater
Elaine Enns & Ched Myers
Beth & Wim Jonker
Briana Lamar
Gift Memberships
From Joan Roberts to Hans & Annika Gruenn
Albert & Linda Mehrabian
Steve Sabine
employer match
Patagonia for Sandy Buechley
Renewing Members
John & Lisa Adair
Tia Andrews
Steve Bennett &
Leslie Ann Ogden
Dave & Tracy Bettles
Ruth Lasell & Bob Bonewitz
Barbara Bowman &
Sol de la Torre Bueno
Chano & Teresa Camarillo
Jim & Myrna Cambianica
James & Terri Capito
Norene Charnofsky
Joyce Chell
Alice Chesley
Anne & Garrett Clifford
James & Dorothy Combs
Stuart & Kyle Crowner
Evelyn & Bain Dayman
Sally & David Disco
Mike & Barbara Donohue
Diane Duncan
Andrew & Sharon Engel
Ruth Farnham
Dick & Kay Felton
Jim & Kris Finch
Patsy & Harold Glenn
Cari Guerrero
Richard & Sandy Hajas
Jane Handel
Sister Francis Mary Hart
Gay & Kathlyn Hendricks
Greg & Penny Herring
Winifred W. Hirsch
Carolyn Huntsinger
David Intner & Sage Essick Intner
Chester & Bernadette Jagiello
Karen & Josiah Jenkins
Tod & Carolyn Kuhn
Jonathan & Linda Lambert
Elizabeth Lashbrook
Anne Littler-Brown & David Brown
Tom & Rebecca Lowe
Connie Kay Lowry
Lyn & Don Luxmore
Mary McCormick
Daniel Moses &
Charlene Spretnak
Riley Neel
Kenneth Niessen & Susan Guy
Ojai Valley Family Medicine
Group-Drs. Mary Dial &
James Halverson
Maruja Real
Don & Sue Reed
Kathleen Richards
Lee & Katherine Rosenboom
John & Peggy Russell
Kate Russell
Amy & Sara Schneider
Rowe & Molly Burgett
Marilyn & Larry Shames
John & Caroline Thacher
Louisa Hagen & Terry Thompson
David & Mary Trudeau
Christine Wallach
Allan & Joyce West
Marilyn K Whitford
Catherine Wilcox
George Wymer
Annual Fund
Robert & Carole Adams
Robert Auric & Anna Jacobs Auric
Cecily Blake
Doug & Leanne Campbell
Vera Carbaugh &
Judy Duff
Gary & Mackay Crampton
Laura Crary
Duane Dammeyer &
Marty Bonvechio
Donna Deitch Banky
Richard &
Kristal DeVillers
Karen & Bill Evenden
Gary & Brenda Farr
Maudette & Frank Finck
Michael & Linda Foley
Farel Footman
William Girvetz
Patsy & Harold Glenn
Frank & Linda Granat
Chester & Bernadette Jagiello
Michael J. Jauregui & Susan Olson
Ed & Barbara Kutchma
John & Reese Lamar
George & Anne Leis
Keith & Kathleen Manion
Warren McConnell
Patt McDaniel
Douglas &
Mary Jo McLeod
Anne & Mike Morris
Deborah & Wayne Pendrey
Nancy Pepper
Marty & Barbara Pops
Paula Power
Barry & Donna Rabe
Lucy W. Read
Tim & Lucinda Setnicka
Barbara Sorem-Hughlett
Anna Thomas
Karen & Nat Traudt
Helene & John Vachet
Deric & Barbara Washburn
OVLC Business Sponsor Profiles
OLD CREEK RANCH WINERY
Carmel and John Whitman own the Old Creek Ranch
Winery and have been supporters of the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy for eight years. We appreciate their support, their tasty wine, and their desire to preserve a bit of natural and cultural history at their winery in the Ojai Valley.
Grab a picnic basket, don summer wear and sandals, and drive a short way to spend an afternoon at the Old Creek Ranch Winery.
Take a tour if time allows and learn about the history of this lovely operating cattle ranch and winery. Then select your favorite wine from the tasting room which overlooks the orchard - a most serene setting. Enjoy your new favorite pleasure on one of the decks or on a grassy picnic area.
Before you leave, shop in their quaint gift shop, or join their wine club. Please join us in supporting Carmel and John. The winery is located off Highway 33, between Casitas Springs and Oakview.
For more information about the winery, the wines, and to make a purchase please call: 805 649-4132 | www.oldcreekranch.com
HERITAGE FINANCIAL
Demonstrating stability in even the most volatile markets, Heritage Financial has been a leader in Real Estate Financing since 1990.
Privately owned by lifetime Ojai resident Wanda Martin, Heritage Financial has been a cornerstone business in Ojai for 20 years. Their ultimate goal is to create lasting relationships with each client so they can continue providing excellent service for many more years to come. Why sacrifice service for price? Whether seasoned homeowners or first time homebuyers, they have all your mortgage needs covered.
Heritage Financial is approved with many lenders, allowing clients to receive a tailormade home loan to suit their specific needs. With a wide range of products, including FHA and VA, they offer great rates, competitive fees and are always here to answer your call. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your loan is being handled with the utmost care and confidentiality.
“Come the short distance to us … We’ll go the long distance for you!” Evening and weekend appointments available upon request by calling:
805 640-1717 or visiting: www.HeritageFinancialofVentura.com
HOT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sponsorships start at $500 and go up to $10,000. There has never been a better time to become an OVLC business sponsor.
Premier business sponsors at the $1,000 and $2,500 levels receive a generous array of benefits including recognition at our upcoming EarthPlay event and Howling at the Moon concert. Additionally, sponsor ads will appear at the Ojai Theater and in the Ojai Valley News throughout the year, you’ll receive invitations to other special events, and a personalized group tour of one of our preserves.
We are looking for a lead EarthPlay and lead Howling at the Moon concert sponsors.
In addition to regular business benefits these lead sponsorships at the $5,000 or $10,000 level get the following: 1) emcee mentions from the stage; 2) a large banner on the daytime or concert stage; 3) a press release about your business as the lead sponsor of the Howling at the Moon or EarthPlay events; 4) four complimentary tickets to the concert; and 4) sponsorship mention at the top of the programs.
Go to www.ovlc.org/join-us/business-sponsors online or call Darcy at 649-6852 x6 for a detailed list of benefits.
MANY THANKS TO Ojai Valley Land Conservancy BUSINESS SPONSORS
Please join us in supporting these Business Sponsors who help us preserve your trails, views, water and wildlife!
PO Box 1092 Ojai, CA 93024 SAVE A TREE! OPT OUT OF PAPER NEWS
Receive up to date news and reminders of upcoming events, hikes and tours. Sign up to receive our newsletter online info@ovlc.org
NEW TRAILHEAD for the
Ventura River Preserve
The River Parkways Grant project will soon provide a new trailhead for the Ventura River Preserve. Through a partnership between the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, the Ventura County Watershed Protection District and the Ventura County Resource District, recreational access to the preserve will be greatly enhanced. The grant has already funded Arundo removal in this area of the Ventura River.
by Bostrom and Associates and will include vehicle and equestrian trailer parking, interpretive signage, and 3,000 feet of paved wheelchair access to the Preserve.
As early as the fall of 2010, hikers, bikers and equestrian users of the preserve will have a beautiful new trailhead on the south end of the preserve just off of Baldwin Road. The trailhead is currently being designed
The project will also add 2.5 miles of new trails leading from the trailhead to the existing trail system on the preserve.
We look forward to helping to provide enhanced access to the Ventura River for the people of the Ojai Valley.
