Vol. 9 No. 2
Fall 2013
VHC Receives $28,000 to Continue Wetland Restoration
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by Derek Poultney
n the third Saturday morning of every month, VHC volunteers gather at the Willoughby or Big Rock Preserve in the Ventura River area to remove Arundo, clear new recreational trails, remove trash, and learn about conservation and habitat restoration. Arundo donax is the non-native Giant Reed. It looks like thin bamboo. It’s everywhere, an invasive, aggressive species, brought to California for roofing material and erosion control in the 1820’s and now so widespread as to choke out native plants.
Drought and Ventura’s Hillsides by Tom Johnston, Climatologist
This June, the Southern California Wetland Recovery Project (SCWRP) awarded the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) $28,000 to ensure the continued success of VHC’s volunteer and wetland education programs. The grant also helps VHC take many schools on fieldtrips to the Ventura River, where students participate in habitat restoration and water quality demonstration activities. Other organizations do this restoration work in our area as well. The Ojai-based non-profit Concerned Resource and Continued on page 3
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he brown hills overlooking the City of Ventura look lifeless. Lack of rain brings forth the word “drought.” However on the top of a hill proudly stand two trees (non-native Blue Gum Eucalyptus)-a testimony of survivors, enduring years of droughts, floods, fires, and humankind. Would that any growing thing can be as hardy. During the drought of 1862-64 thousands of cattle died, ending the era of rancheros. The flash flood in February 1992 brought nationwide attention to the flooding of the RV park at the mouth of the Ventura River. Land erosion can be extensive during such flooding. These two intense weather events demonstrate how we might have to adapt to future extreme weather in our region. Continued on page 6
President’s Message..............................................2 News Briefs...........................................................3 Conservation Celebration...................................4-5 Cooper’s Hawks.....................................................7 Film Festival Save the Date....................................8 Lynn Bartosh and Bruce Hunter removing trash.
“Conservation Celebration Event” See Pages 4 - 5
President’s Message
Dreams to Reality By Tim Coonan
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en years old! The Ventura Hillsides Conservancy reached that milestone this year. Was it really just ten years ago that the fight to save the Ventura hillsides from development spawned our local land trust? In that period of time, our conservancy – YOUR conservancy – has acquired valuable Ventura River habitat, and has become a leader in the effort to clean and restore the river and create a viable river parkway along it. What will the next ten years bring? Our membership will surely grow, and the conservancy will continue to
be the go-to land trust in the Ventura area, with more acreage under our care, more habitat preserved and saved from development. Perhaps by then the Ventura River will be fully restored and the Ventura River parkway will be the focus of recreation on the western edge of Ventura, with a restored river estuary to boot. We will be ever more attentive to the recreational needs of Venturans, of whom a full quarter will be seniors and baby boomers by then. Most importantly, we have every intention of establishing a foothold in the Hillsides themselves, our initiating
and enduring goal. We envision conservation easements to allow recreation and conservation of hillside properties, and we will also focus on the ultimate objective – outright acquisition of large signature hillsides properties. We look forward to your help in making that dream become a reality!
UPCOMING EVENTS... Volunteer Appreciation Picnic and Big Rock Open House On Saturday, October 26 the Conservancy will host our annual from Noon-2:00 pm at our preserve below Foster Park. Whether you have chopped arundo, picked up trash, planned an event or stuffed an envelope for us we want to thank you! Food and drink will be provided, along with tours of the property. If you have never visited our spectacular Big Rock Preserve, this is your chance. Directions: Park at Casitas Vista overpass and go south of Foster Park along the Bike Path
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2013 Aloha Turkey Round-up Sunday November 24, 8AM This event is a benefit for the Conservancy and part of the SOAR Trail Running Series, comprised of 4 great off-road trail runs dedicated to raising awareness of SOAR – a local non-profit dedicated to stopping urban sprawl in Ventura County and protecting our precious open spaces and agricultural lands. A portion of the proceeds from each of the races will go directly to support SOAR’s work. By participating in 3 out of 4 of the following runs, you will receive a SOAR Trail Run Series Tote Bag with goodies donated from local business. Awards will be presented at the final run in the series.
Ventura Hillsides Conservancy Outlook
Fall 2013
VHC receives $28,000 to Continue Wetland Restoration Continued from page 1
Environmental Workers, known as The CREW, continues removing root stubble on our preserves, having contributed, in-kind, approximately $18K in labor so far this year (in addition to $25K last year) The CA Conservation Corps recently completed a $50,759 in-kind project removing and treating approximately 3 acres of root stubble at the Willoughby Preserve. Also thanks to the SCWRP grant, Resource Conservation Partners is treating all the root stubble our volunteer and labor crews have cut over the past few years to make sure it simply does not grow back. VHC hosted its 2nd annual river picnic in June to show the community how much safer and cleaner the Willoughby Preserve is now -- compared to last year. Due to very high attendance, Conservation and Development Managers Derek Poultney and Lee Sherman each needed to give extra tours of the Willoughby property to accommodate everyone. The tours showcased areas of root stubble removed by the CA Conservation Corps and The CREW, a water quality demonstration hosted by Santa Barbara Channel Keeper, and a brief discussion with the Ventura Audubon chapter about birds likely to be seen in the area. The event was also attended by Das Williams, representatives from the offices of Julia Brownley and Hannah-Beth Jackson, City Council members Christy Weir and Brian Brennan, and hordes of local VHC and Friends of the Ventura River supporters. Derek Poultney led a tour of the Willoughby Preserve and discussed how it takes a community to preserve our precious hillsides and river resources.
Crew members from The CREW (Concerned Resource and Environmental Workers).
VHC News Briefs — Fall 2013 The Union Bank Foundation recently awarded The Conservancy a $5000 grant to continue our work in restoring the Ventura River. In addition to providing funds, Union Bank is also partnering with the Conservancy to provide volunteers for our restoration work. We will host half-day restoration events from 9:00 am to Noon every Fall 2013
first Tuesday of the month to provide opportunities for our corporate partners who give their employees time off to volunteer during the week. For their dedicated work on the Ventura River Trail Guide, Development Manager Lee Sherman and Conservation Manager Derek Poultney were awarded Certificates of
Recognition from the California State Legislature at the September 30th Friends of the Ventura River meeting. Also recognized were: Patrick Johnston of the NPS-RTCA program; Ed Wehan of City Parks; Paul Jenkin and Cynthia Hartley of Surfrider Foundation-Ventura County Chapter; Miguel Rodriguez of CAUSE; and Kathy Bremer and Diane Underhill of Ventura Citizens for Hillsides Preservation. Congratulations to all!
Ventura Hillsides Conservancy Outlook
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Conservation Celebra Marks 10 Years of Open Space Protection at Olivas Park Adobe Fiesta
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Photos by Steve Aguilar, Commentary on Auction by Stephen Svete
he land trust hosted 250 members, friends, and supporters at its first ever Conservation Celebration on a serene fall night at the historic Olivas Park Adobe courtyard. Several local restaurants, wineries, and brewers offered their culinary delights, while being serenaded by the New Orleans swing sounds of the Jill Martini Soiree. Auction items were donated by scores of donors (see sidebar story). After welcome remarks from staff and trustees, a host of local political leaders offered formal congratulations and words of appreciation for the important work of the Conservancy.
Park Adobe of the Olivas ls al w c ri to The his
stivities.
framed the fe
Trustee Tom Weisel hears from a supporter with our new trustee Jennifer Montoya joining in.
Longtime supporter Claudia Arm ann, accompanied by spouse Kurt (left) and their son Kai, observes the fest ivities with Erik Nasarenko.
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Auctioneer gets the excitement flowing. The event, including auction proceeds, netted over $12,000 for conservation projects managed by the Conservancy.
A handsome couple absorbs the good vibes.
niment: an outstanding musical accompa The Jill Martini Soiree provided s Lang Mile and Jill s. ed by 1930s Pari a retro-gypsy jazz sound influenc ar. guit pair up on
Honorable State Senator Hannah Beth Jackson, a charter supporter of VHC, delivered an impassioned speech of gratitude and support for the Conservancy’s work. Here, she is flanked by Development Manager Lee Sherman (left) and trustee David Comden.
Ventura Hillsides Conservancy Outlook
Fall 2013
ation
Thanks to ourSponsors
Founding President Brooke Ashworth expresses gratitude to the community for 10 years of rewarding work in conservation in Ventura.
Ferguson, Case, Orr, Patterson, Villa Tasca Gardens, Four Star Printing, Ventura Rental Decked out for a night at the Ado be, two supporters prepare to sample the goods.
ident Tim Conservancy Pres
Coonan listens to
a supporter.
City Councilwoman Christy Weir and Marie Lakin listen to local artist MB Hanrahan.
Shawn Kelley (center) of the Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project chats with VHC’s Derek Poultney. Trustee David Comden (center) and spouse Tina enjoy the vibe with another celebrant.
compare Chianese and wife Paula VHC Outlook Editor Bob ey. Pou ion Manager Derek ltn notes with VHC Conservat
Fall 2013
Magnavino Cellars was one of three wineries pouring fruit of the vines for the Conservancy’s guests. The Oxnard-based winery plans to open an Oxnard Shores tasting room soon.
Ventura Hillsides Conservancy Outlook
Thanks and appreciation to the following for their generous contribution of auction items: Everard & Brooke Ashworth B on Main Lynn Bartosh Caffrodite California Cubs The Canyon Club Channel Islands “Air” Channel Islands Sportfishing The Clark Family Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Diane Dennell/Relevé Unlimited Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort Amy Fager Gary Bulla Saltwater Flyfishing Adventures Dave Hadlen and Walker-Hearne Ranch Ray Harris Homegrown Surf Shop Horny Toad Gerhardt Hubner Island Packers Kellie Vallianos/Yoga KeVita Jamie King Randy & Whitney Labrie Lifetime Legal Limoneira Jim Martin Seth MacFarlane & Ron McFarlane Montoya State Farm Insurance Mountains 2 Beach Marathon Nomad Marble & granite Montoya State Farm Insurance Mountains2Beach Marathon Nomad Marble & Granite Paradise Pantry Patagonia Pete’s Breakfast House Pierpont Inn & Spa Pierpont Racquet Club Plum Accessory Gift Boutique Derek Poultney The Refille Shoppe REI Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Rocksteady Fitness Chuck Rogers Rosie Lee Imports Saban Theatre Santa Barbara County Bowl Susan Sinclair Cabi Consultant Charmaine Singer/Spa Allegre Spa by Diane Loring Teva Tina O’Brien Gallery & Studio United Studios of Self Defense Ventura City Fire Department - Station 2 Tom Weisel Gerald Zwers VC Reporter
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Drought and Ventura’s Hillsides from page 1 Ventura has a semi-arid climate: rainfall is therefore an exception rather than the rule. Our rainy season is usually from December to March, when 77% of the annual rainfall occurs. Over time farmers and municipalities learned to capture rainwater so as to reduce the impact of drought to a minimum. We have settled in with the rain we have, so far. A good thing, since in August 2013 the U.S. Drought Monitor showed the drought classification to be “severe” not only for Ventura County but also for all of California and much of the western United States. We can measure the severity of a local drought in several ways. Statistics only tell part of the story because month to month and yearly variations are often large. The average annual rainfall in Ventura is 17.98”. For this rain year ending June 31, 2013 the total rainfall was 6.28”: last year’s total was 9.81”.
Ventura Rainfall 1965- 2013
Years
Other indicators of drought include the annual browning of the hillside grass in the spring. On average this browning takes place in mid-May but this year, 2013, it was mid-February. In August 2013 Lake Casitas had 66% of water capacity; the last time water spilled over the dam was in 1998. As the chart above indicates one year or even two years of low rainfall does not make for a drought (see the four year moving average). However, the National Climatic Data Center reported last week that, “Although the entire West is dry, concern is especially high in California, now facing its driest year since accurate records began in 1895.” It is important to note that over time a wide variety of plants and animals have adapted to this unreliable supply of water. Continued on page 8 Photo by Bob Chianese
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Connecting Conservation to Health & Safety Shifts Conservation Mentality from “Nice to Have” to “Need to Have”
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ccording to a 2012 national survey commissioned by The Nature Conservancy and conducted by a bi-partisan research firm, habitat conservation for providing clean water is “at the top of voters’ priorities.” VHC’s ongoing work in the Ventura River therefore is the kind of conservation work foremost in the public’s mind. The report finds that “Pollution of rivers, lakes and streams rates as one of the most serious conservation problems . . . and has consistently been at the top of voters’ priorities.” “Voters believe that land conservation positively impacts their own drinking water.” “Ensuring reliable supplies of clean water cannot be stressed enough as a primary rationale for conservation.” In fact, 53% of Republicans and Democrats alike say that “the best reason to conserve nature is to preserve the benefits people can derive from it – for our economy, our health, and our enjoyment,” while 39% feel that “the best reason to conserve nature is for its own sake – to leave systems of plants and wildlife undisturbed to evolve, change and grow.” Further, 76% believe we can protect land and water and have a strong economy at the same time, and 84% “favor evaluating the benefits of nature through… the number of jobs created…or the additional clean air and water a natural area provides (92%).” Clearly, conservation and clean water are non-partisan goals. See a report on the survey at: http://www.nature.org/newsfeatures/ pressreleases/conservation-is-patrioticand-has-bipartisan-support-accordingto-new-poll.xml.
Ventura Hillsides Conservancy Outlook
Fall 2013
Cooper’s Hawks By Jim Susha and Karin Kersteter, Ventura Audubon Society
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e love our backyard birds. Over 50 million Americans feed birds in their backyards. And that is why it can be quite upsetting the first time you see a predator such as a Cooper’s Hawk pick off a small songbird at your feeder. Once a hawk finds your feeder, it will return again and again hoping for an easy meal. Identifying a Cooper’s Hawk is typically a matter of keeping your eyes peeled: they’re common but smaller than other more common hawks like the red-tailed, so your eye might skip over them in flight. They have a flap-flap-glide flight pattern and a remarkably long tail to identify them in flight. And they fly much closer to the ground and through trees unlike the red tails that tend to soar. When they take a bird, their primary diet, Cooper’s leave only a small circle of feathers on the ground: the beak and head, the legs and feet, and the body are all gone. Feeders definitely attract Cooper’s. The other birds send out an alarm through chirping sounds and then go quiet to indicate a danger is present. If the feeder is removed for a couple of days, the hawks will normally move on. Cooper’s are here year round with increasing numbers since the elimination of DDT and the decrease in the hunting of birds. Cooper’s are very aggressive, tough, and excellent flyers who will go right into a bush or shrub to grab a Fall 2013
meal. They even hunt squirrels, bats, chipmunks, and rabbits and at times raid nests. But Cooper’s mainly eat birds. Small birds are safer around Cooper’s Hawks than medium-sized birds like doves, quail, pigeons, jays, and chickens. A family of Cooper’s Hawks at our house forced us to make a decision: we chose to stop feeding our backyard birds until the hawks had moved on. But watching the hawks teach their little ones to hunt proved to be fascinating. With parents looking on, two fledglings perched forty feet above ground on tall trees on both ends of our yard. Each youngster would swoop down, leveling off three feet above the middle of the yard and then lift up to a forty-foot branch on the opposite end. Then the second fledging would swoop the other way following the same route and land on the tree its sibling had just left. They did this for several days. When the fledglings would pass about six feet from my window I heard that ”meow” call they use to communicate. The most common call is a loud, grating “cak-cak-cak,“ two to five seconds long. They tend to be silent the rest of the year. Once they mastered the swoop, the fledglings hunted from the trees along a nearby golf course for about a month. Then they all left and all our birds returned. Only the crows have not fully returned, but I’m certain they haven’t forgotten us.
VHC Note: Some have asked if there are many more Cooper’s this year than usual. This is hard to determine. Habitat conservation and even restoration of the Ventura River estuary (by our Hillsides Conservancy) could be bringing more of them and other prey birds to our area. But documenting such potential changes in their numbers would take years of comparative study. The Audubon annual yearend bird count might reveal some fluctuations in bird populations given our changing climate and our local efforts at environmental repair. But perhaps more people feeding backyard birds might account for the reputed increase in sightings of the Cooper’s Hawks. After all, they too know where to hang out for a meal.
Ventura Hillsides Conservancy Outlook
Ventura Hillsides Conservancy Outlook q
Tel: 805-643-8044 P.O. Box 1284, Ventura, CA 93002 www.venturahillsides.org Robert Louis Chianese, Editor email: editor@venturahillsides.org
q Outlook is published semi-annually by the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy, a 501 (c) (3) California nonprofit organization. Story submissions and ideas welcomed. Copyright ©2013 Ventura Hillsides Conservancy. All rights reserved.
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www.venturahillsides.org • Printed on recycled paper.
Ventura Hillsides Conservancy PO Box 1284 • Ventura, CA 93002 A ddress S ervice R e q uested
Save the Date!
Wild and Scenic Film Festival 2014 our 5th Year Hosting the tour! Where: When:
Poinsettia Pavilion Friday and Saturday, March 14 and 15 New for Silver Circle Seating Year 5: for a lucky 40.
Ventura Hillsides Conservancy Board of Trustees
Tim Coonan, President Tom Weisel, Vice-President Gerhardt Hubner, Secretary Brooke Ashworth Lynn Bartosh Richard Francis David Comden Jamie L. King Jennifer Montoya Jens Reddeman — Our Mission — The Ventura Hillsides Conservancy is a land trust operating in the Ventura region to protect and conserve open space resources through acquisition of land and easements, stewardship of protected lands, and public education about local natural resources.
VHC is a proud member of the Land Trust Alliance — Visit www.lta.org
Drought and Ventura’s Hillsides continued from page 1 Looking up to Ventura hillsides in the summer, we see an outstanding feature of the steep terrain--the combination of large areas of grey brush separated by spaces of open ground. Not seen are the countless number of animals, lizards, snakes, insects and birds that also survive long dry summers and years of drought. The brush, known as California Coastal Chaparral, consists of native and nonnative plants including California Sagebrush, Purple Sage, cactus, Laurel Sumac, Scrub Oak and others. To survive the long dry summer some plants shed their leaves and go dormant. Others have waxy, leathery leaves to reduce evaporation. In contrast to the ever present Chaparral is the seasonal grassland consisting of mostly non-native species such as Black Mustard, Western Ragweed, Western Wild Rye to mention a few. They germinate with the first winter rains, bloom, shed their seeds, and die. While during a month of heavy rainfall, much of it may flow into the ocean. The cumulative affect of moisture retention in the soil will determine how deep it will reach the plant or tree root system. How our local coastal hillsides fare over the next few months will be something we will all have to watch. Johnston Weather Watch issues a monthly Ventura County Climate Summary via e-mail at no charge. Contact: tomglo123@cs.com
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Ventura Hillsides Conservancy Outlook
Fall 2013