2020 Fall Outlook

Ventura Land Trust

UTLOOK Fall, 2020 | Vol. 16, No. 1

Harmon Canyon Preserve OPENS TO ENTHUSIASTIC PUBLIC

ALSO INSIDE • Wild & Scenic Film Festival Coming October 16 • VLT Earns National Accreditation

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGEC

A

Escape to Ventura Land Trust’s Newest and Biggest Preserve

s evidenced by overflowing trailhead parking areas, accessing nature is clearly front and center on people’s minds these days. Access to open space is no longer a subconscious want; it is a conscious need and indispensable for the preservation of our physical and mental good health.

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed an unprecedented demand on public access to nature. Fresh air, exercise, and breaks from screen time bring balance, calm and rejuvenation during these anxious times. As if their lives depend on it, people are flocking to nature in record numbers. That is where Ventura Land Trust can help.

Opening VLT’s new Harmon Canyon Preserve to the public could not have derek POULTNEY come at a better time.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR While many activities are closed or curtailed due to COVID-19, Harmon Canyon Preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk for everyone’s enjoyment. Admission is and always will be free. You no longer need to drive to Ojai, Santa Barbara or the Santa Monica Mountains. We have 2,100 acres of unspoiled open space right here in Ventura’s own backyard!

We invite you to the beautiful land that Ventura Land Trust has protected for you.

Ventura Land Trust • Outlook

V

entura Land Trust is proud to announce that we have been awarded accreditation by the Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Commission. By becoming accredited, VLT joins an esteemed network of more than 400 accredited land trusts across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to professional excellence and to maintaining the public's trust in their work.

PHOTO BY STEVE DOLL

Head up to Harmon Canyon Preserve, stretch your legs, take a deep breath (6 feet away from others) and rejuvenate. If you enjoy the experience, please consider becoming a VLT member or renewing your membership at a higher level (www.venturalandtrust.org/membership).

Your membership enables us to provide free public access to Harmon Canyon Preserve – through good times and bad – forever.

Together, we will get through the pandemic because access to nature is more important now than ever and it’s what Ventura Land Trust does best. Looking forward to seeing you out on the trails.

Derek Poultney Executive Director

DIRECTIONS TO HARMON CANYON PRESERVE CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.VENTURALANDTRUST.ORG/HARMONCANYON.

2

Ventura Land Trust Achieves National Accreditation

National accreditation confirms that the accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship. Accredited land trusts steward almost 20 million acres of land in the U.S. –­ the size of Denali, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Everglades, and Yosemite National Parks combined.

Becoming nationally accredited was a rigorous 2-year process that required Ventura Land Trust to fine tune its financial and organizational policies, programs, and procedures; provide extensive documentation; and undergo a comprehensive third-party evaluation.

“We learned how to improve every aspect of our organization and this important distinction inspires us to reach even higher operational success,” said Derek Poultney, VLT Executive Director.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Don Wood, President Dennis Kulzer, Vice-President John Hankins, Secretary Sunjay Moorthy,Treasurer Steve Doll Jermaine Jackson Jane Montague Sylvia Munoz-Schnopp Osmany “Ozzie” Rios Jill Shaffer Mark Watkins Scott Weiss

OUR MISSION The mission of Ventura Land Trust is to permanently protect the land, water, wildlife, and scenic beauty of the Ventura region for current and future generations.

OUTLOOK

THE NEWSLETTER OF VENTURA LAND TRUST Editor: Adrienne Stephens Editor Emerita: Brooke Ashworth Contributors: Kate Furlong, Dan Hulst, Derek Poultney, Adrienne Stephens, Leslie Velez, Don Wood Cover Photo by Marie Lakin Design and Layout: T Christian Gapen 805.643.8044 PO Box 1284 Ventura, CA 93002 Venturalandtrust.org

STAY CONNECTED Find us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube Copyright ©2020 Ventura Land Trust.

All rights reserved.

FALL 2020

3

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE C

ON THE HORIZON C

Protecting Ventura’s Open Space for Generations to Come

O

2020 has thrown us a curveball. We have had to pause some volunteer events and field education programs.

We have learned to hold Zoom board meetings, virtual field visits, and online education programs.

We have had to re-work the way we work. The one thing that has become clearer than ever is the importance of having open space nearby and the need to provide public access to our glorious environment, for beauty, don WOOD meditation, learning, and exercise.

PRESIDENT I could not be more excited to announce that Ventura Land Trust has opened Harmon Canyon Preserve, which at over 2,100 acres, is fast becoming the area’s premiere destination for hiking, long distance running, mountain biking, nature education, and enjoyment. While the preserve is open, like Curren, the endeavor is still in its infancy.

We have much work to do to build more trails, provide amenities, and ensure a safe and healthy environment for all to share. We are proud to provide free public access from dawn to dusk to the preserve and, with your help, ensure proper management of this

4

C

n July 19th of this year, I became a grandfather!

My first grandson, Curren, was born to my daughter, Paige, and her husband, Kyle. His birth reinforced why I am a part of Ventura Land Trust. I want to ensure that Curren can enjoy playing in the hills of Ventura County, as I did when I was a boy, and that his grandchildren can do the same.

Ventura Land Trust • Outlook

Coming Oct. 16 OVID-19 may have cancelled a lot of things but when it comes to VLT’s annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival, the show must go on! We are thrilled to once again bring the community together on Friday, October 16, for our 11th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival — this year coming to you as a live-stream event you can watch with family and friends from the comfort of your own couch.

Beginning at 7 PM, please join us for an array of environmental films that will leave you educated, entertained and inspired PLUS the same great food, drinks, and fun of the live event. Special ticket packages featuring local Ventura restaurants, breweries and raffle items are on sale now and, the best part, friendly hosts from Ventura Land Trust will guide the entire experience.

Visit: www.venturalandtrust.org/wsff2020 and get your tickets today!

FIELD NOTES C PHOTO BY DASHIELL DUNKELL

land in perpetuity. Help make this a reality by becoming a VLT sustaining member. Call the VLT office at (805) 643-8044 or visit our website (www.venturalandtrust.org/membership).

Public access to nature is more important than ever and VLT is doing everything we can to make that happen, safely and forever.

Don Wood President, Board of Trustees

A

s one season closes and another opens, one constant is the persistence of Ventura Land Trust’s stewardship team. Over the past year, Ventura Land Trust has worked extensively to remove Arundo donax at both Willoughby Preserve and Hayden Preserve. This fast growing, invasive species is problematic for many reasons, including its flammability and dense growth pattern. Following a small fire at Willoughby Preserve in July, castor bean dan HULST (Ricinus communis) began PRESERVE DIRECTOR growing rapidly in the 1.5acre burn scar. Luckily, stewardship staff sprang into action quickly and was able to remove all of the castor bean before it went to seed.

Aside from invasive species removal, stewardship staff has worked diligently to prepare Harmon Canyon for public access. In the wake of the Thomas Fire, developing a fire management plan for Harmon Canyon Preserve has been top of mind. By working with the Central Ventura County Fire Safe Council, Ventura Land Trust has developed a strategy to create defensible space along the Wildland-Urban Interface in accordance with the Ventura County Fire Hazard Reduction Plan.

Furthermore, a preserve-wide fuel load reduction plan is underway with input from local fire partners.

Interested in getting your boots dirty?

Join VLT staff on future projects such as these.

Contact dan@venturalandtrust.org for more info.

FALL 2020

5

FEATURE C

Harmon Canyon Preserve Wows Hikers, Cyclists, and Nature Lovers and ‘‘Breathtaking,’’ “spacious,” “nature at its best”

are just a few of the many accolades being showered upon Ventura Land Trust’s beautiful new Harmon Canyon Preserve. After nearly a decade of planning, negotiating, and fundraising, Ventura Land Trust recently purchased the 2,123-acre hillside property and opened the gate to Ventura’s first large-scale public nature preserve.

“Acquiring Harmon Canyon Preserve is a watershed moment for Ventura Land Trust,” said Derek Poultney, VLT Executive Director. “Our founders’ vision of protecting the land forever is realized with this purchase. We are excited to welcome everyone to come and enjoy it.”

Open to the public daily from dawn to dusk at no charge, Harmon Canyon Preserve is a spectacular recreation destination that includes miles of trails within scenic wildlife habitat. The preserve’s hills and canyons encompass old oak groves, seasonal streams, and breathtaking views of Southern California’s mountains, coastlines, and Channel Islands.

ON TOP OF THE WORLD Clockwise from above, View from the highest elevation in the preserve, photo by Dashiell Dunkell Purple Sage in bloom, photo by Annette Baldwin Baja California tree frog, photo by Kate Furlong Bee on yarrow, photo by Dashiell Dunkell

“When our preserve plan is more fully implemented, we will host a grand opening celebration,” said Poultney, “but for now, we’ll add trails, signage, and preserve amenities while we continue to raise the funds needed to assure our ability to care for Harmon Canyon Preserve forever.”

To learn how you can help complete our vision for Harmon Canyon, contact VLT Development Director Leslie Velez at (805) 643-8044 or leslie@venturalandtrust.org.

6

Ventura Land Trust • Outlook

FALL 2020

7

BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHANGES C

VLT

recently added three new trustees to our board. Please say hello to:

Jermaine Jackson works for 3M as a Surgical Solutions Specialist. He currently is an executive board member for the Ventura Community Police Foundation and previously served on a planning committee with CAUSE (Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy) helping to create awareness of the need for fair and balanced city council districts in Ventura.

jermaine JACKSON

osmany RIOS

jill SHAFFER

Jermaine received his B.A. in English from Norfolk State University and continued on to complete his M.A. of education at Old Dominion University. He lives with his wife, Andre Malia, son Trey (University of Oregon), and daughter Jia (Foothill High School) in Midtown Ventura. As an Eagle Scout, Jermaine loves the outdoor lifestyle Ventura has to offer and is passionate about preserving it.

Osmany “Ozzie” Rios — Ozzie is a 15-year veteran in the banking and finance field and currently serves as Vice President for Mechanics Bank. Passionate about helping his community, Ozzie volunteers with various local organizations and often finds himself teaching financial literacy classes, participating in community clean up days, and rolling up his sleeves to help maintain our natural resources A Southern California native, Ozzie obtained his B. A. in Psychology from UCSB and has lived in Ventura for 10 years. Ozzie has served as a board member for the Westside Community Development Corporation since 2018 and is proud to now serve on the Ventura Land Trust Board. When away from the office, you will find him seeking adventure while hiking our local trails, at the beach, or on an off-roading adventure.

Jill Shaffer — A nonprofit leader and development professional for the past 30 years, Jill has served a variety of Ventura County community organizations. She currently is the Fund Development Director at the Ventura County Community Development Corporation. Jill previously was the Executive Director of the Ventura County Leadership Academy as well as having worked for Habitat for Humanity and several Ventura County YMCAs.

Having developed an early appreciation of our natural world while hiking, biking, and bird watching with her father, Jill believes wholeheartedly in the critical need for everyone to infuse nature into their lives. A mother and grandmother and an accomplished multi-sport athlete, Jill is excited to use her fundraising skills and community connections to elevate the work of Ventura Land Trust and preserve our open space for future generations to enjoy.

FOUR TRUSTEES DEPART We recently said our goodbyes to four very dedicated trustees. Although we hated to see them go, we are incredibly grateful for their many years of service to our organization.

Karen Bednorz ­— A founding member of Ventura Land Trust, Karen volunteered tirelessly, working on everything from managing the talent area at Ventura Hillsides Music Festivals to launching VLT’s annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival with her husband Gary, to joining the board in 2015. Karen was expert at enlisting the support of businesses, artists, and volunteers to further VLT’s mission.

Susan Lefevre — A college professor with a long history of non-profit involvement, Susan chaired and/or served on several VLT financial committees and helped envision and launch VLT’s Advisory Council.

Paul Meehan ­— Paul served as President of the Board of Trustees for 2 years of his 6-year tenure and continues his dedication to VLT by serving on its Land Committee, volunteering on restoration projects, and keeping our computer network up and running.

Ed Wehan ­— Ed has tremendous experience serving the Ventura community, marked especially by 16 years as a City of Ventura Parks and Recreation Commissioner. While a trustee, Ed helped broaden and strengthen VLT’s relationships with important civic and business leaders. Ed leaves the board to serve as Board President for the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Members and Supporters Our most sincere thank you to everyone who supported Ventura Land Trust from January 2019 through June 2020

Abacus Business Services, Inc. Mark Abbe Bea and Kevin Abe Jim and Joanne Abing Joan and Moustapha Abousamra Susan Adamich Denise Abdun-Nur Agilent Technologies Sierra Alder Jeff Allen Alpine Geotechnical Andrea and James Alverson Maria Abanilla Anchor QEA, LLC Libby Anderson Michael and Donnella Andraos Betty Anear Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Another Beautiful Day to Excel Fund Claudia Armann April Armstrong Laurie Arnold Brooke and Everard Ashworth Emma Ashworth Ashworth Leininger Group Elizabeth Augusta Amy Avelar Dan Ayers Jenny and Dr. Jeff Baarstad Betsy Bachman and Robert Tallyn Melissa Baffa Debra Bailey Tony Baker Catherine and John Baker Eileen Baldwin Annette and Ron Baldwin Bank of the Sierra Mimi Baranowski Dick Barbar Mary Barnhizer Caitlyn Barrera Lynn Bartosh Sheila Bartsch Maureen and Philip Basile Lauren Bassing Lori Bates Laura Bauer

Richard Bauleke David Bayer Charlie Baysinger Donna and Jerry Beatty Sheran and Jeffrey R. Becker Karen and Gary Bednorz Suzy Bell Anne Marie and Scott Beppler Robert Berkovitz, D.C., Cert MDT Laura and Peter Berson Yvonne Besvold Laura Bibler Kim and Mike Bierwolf Carol Bishop Russ Bishop Barbara Bissett and Gary Wiseman Sara Blakely Caroline Blakemore and Lawrence Gust Marie and Donald Bleier Jennifer Blumenberg Sathiya Bly Linda Bogart Caryn and Charlie Bosson Peter Boyer Ann Boyes Marylee and Robert Bragulla Jean Bramer Grace Brandt Kathy Bremer Theresa Brenner-Farrell and Jack M. Farrell Susan Britton Kathleen Broder Kathy and John Broesamle Drew Brooker Ron Broschart Shelly and Steve Brown Barbara Brown Amber Bruno Jeanie Bryan Amy and Paul Bujold Ellen Bunde Terri Burgess Melinda and Steve Burkhart Michele Burns Deborah Burns MarLynn and Dr. Lamar J. Bushnell Hermie and Randall Butler Marian Butler Patricia Butler Susan Butler Deborah Bylo

Rachel Cahn and John Wingate California Institute of Environmental Studies California Solar Electric Patsy and Scott Carey Marcie Carnine Chuck Carter Linda and Boris Chaloupsky Judith Chamberlin Elisabeth Charas Norene Charnofsky Kim Charnofsky and Robin W. Sturgeon Carolyn and Douglas Chase Karen Cherry Paula and Robert Chianese Anonymous City of San Buenaventura City of Ventura Environmental Sustainability Barbara and Gilbert Clarin Karen Clark Tracy and Brian Clark Steve Clark Jeffrey Clark Karen Clench Coastal Connections Stefanie and Willi Coeler Wendy Coffey Susan Coffey and James Herron Sean Cole Cheryl and Todd Collart Bryan Collings Tina and David Comden Parris and John Collins Tim Comstock Sue Conklin John Connor David Cook Beth and John Cook Marila and Jeff Cook Mindy Cooper-Smith and Robert James Patricia and Jim Correll Terri Costello Christine Cote Phil Coulter Crazy Greek Food Truck Sharon Cromartie Janet and Daniel Crotty Sheila Crowder Betty Crowell Terra Crowley Dan the Glassman

Professional Window Washing Theresa and John Darling Jacob David David and Sylvia Weisz Family Foundation Kenmere and Bob Davidson Roberta and Patrick Davidson Jackie Davis Lisa Davis James Dawson Emily and Ed De La Llave Dee Dowell Memorial Ventura Police Officer’s Association Jorge DeLeon Katie and Lance Deutschman Denise Dewire Debbie Diamond and Wolf Brieman Elizbeth Diaz de Leon and Joseph Connett Kathleen and Dave Diermier Thomas E. Dimock Caroline and Steve Doll Monique Domis Dennis Donley Diane and Peter Dowler Carrie and Greg Drevenstedt Kristy, Gary, Arlo and Ever Duncan Saskia and Dashiell Dunkell Kathy and Tom Dunlop Evan Durtschi Anne Duval-Hollins Jane and Dennis Dwire earthlings.digital Diane Eberhardy and Bruce Puntenney Carol Eckland and Jim Heller Stacy Eckstrom Linda and John Edison Christine Effimoff Jim Eisenhart Susan Ekwall Carrie Eller Diane Ellis Cheryl Endo Cheryl and Chuck Engel Jeanie and Jim Ertman Mark Esakoff Traci Escamilla Dawn and Luis Espinosa Cherie and Mike Eulau Lynda and Fred Evans Velma Everton Family Walsh CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

8

Ventura Land Trust • Outlook

FALL 2020

9

Farm Flame Inc Karen and Glen Farr Fast Green Racing,Inc. Kate and Bill Faulkner Stacy and Matt Fausset Steve Fedde Beryl Feller Jim Fickerson Scott Fickerson Marisa and Matthew Fienup Kathryn Fink Jeannie and Paul Finnegan Thomas Fite Karen Flock and Dan Long Lynn Fogel Terrence Foley For Your Home Furniture Martha and Jim Ford Jill Forman and David Young Nancy and Richard Francis Lori and Greg Frank Sandra Fuller Kate Furlong Bernie Furlong Russell Galipeau Dierdre and Robert Gallagher Nancy and Patrick Gallagher Connie Gallaway Marguerite Gamo and Jen Rossignol Garden Club of San Buenaventura Greg Gardner Gretchen Garnett Janeen Gaul Dalius Gedgaudas Lynn and Al Geller James Gilligan Coley and Christian Glasgow Jack Goethel Bonny Goetz Kacie and Tyler Goff Brad Golden Arlene and Joel Goldenberg Ish Goldstein Jessica and David Goldstein Tony Gonella Tina Gorelik Larry Graves Christina Gray Sheridan Green and Patrick Haskins Rebecca Green Shank Alisa Greenstate-Jenkin Greumber Donor Advised Fund Tammie and William Grewe Growfund Global Impact Deborah and David Hadlen Linda Hadlen Richard Hadley Jennifer and Jim Hall II Hayley Hamilton Kathy and Alan Hammerand Susan Hancock Phil Handley John Hankins Nancy Hankinson M. B. Hanrahan Cindy Hansen Rebecca Hanson Deb and Jim Harmon Jason Harris Barbara Harrison

John Harrison Carol and Steve Hart Robert Hartman Cynthia Hartmann Maureen and William Hathoot Sharon and Dennis Hawkins Rose Hayden-Smith and William Smith Angela Heald Susan and Paul Hecht Larry Heinlein Karen Hellmuth and Bob Vandersluis Kathy Helms Wendy and RJ Henchy Julie Henszey Jeffrey Hereford Martha and Michael Herman Sandra Hernandez Kim Herren Kathy Higgins Paul C. Hilbun Barbara and Larry Hilburn Debra and Jeffrey Hill Linda Hillman Barbara and Randolph Hinton Linda Hitt Jennifer Holland April and Dan Holmes Victoria Holzapfel Hongola Family Marc Hoopingarner Jimmy Hopper Andrea Horigan Matthew Hostetler Hilary Howard and Lee VanHouten Lawren Howell Carol and Gerhardt Hubner Amy Hueppe Dan Hulst Jan and Bruce Hunter Donald Hurley Grant Hutchinson Alison Huyett Debbie Hyde and Jay Ansama It’s in the Sauce BBQ, Inc. Jon Ives Jermaine Jackson Angie and Ryan Jauregui Florence and Ramsey Jay Jacob Jenkins Jim Hall Racing Tom Jina Lori Jochums Nancy Jenkins Michael Johnson Mary Jones Rose Ann and Thomas Jones Judith Stapelmann Fund Mary and Richard Kanatzar Justin Kane Joanne and Monroe Kaplan Marge Karney Rondia and Lanny Kaufer Sierra Kaval Elise and Bill Kearney Diane and Edward Keay Kenyon Kelly Kristen Kessler Mel Kilpatrick Paul King Chris Kinsey

10 Ventura Land Trust • Outlook

Karen and Doug Kirk Erik Kirkegaard Patti and Robert Kirsch Angela and Mark Kirwin Andi and Ed Kish Sharon Knecht and Joe LaHood Susan Knupp Joy Kobayashi Suzzi Koenig-Brown and Josh Brown Raeann Koerner Scott Kopald Mary Ann and Karl Krause Teresa and Gregg Kravitz Judi Kroeger Sonia Kroth and Jorge Mijangos Jayne and Dennis Kulzer Nancy LaBella Jordan Laby Gary Lairmore Marie Lakin Erin C. Lamb Jeffrey Lambert Connie and David Lantrip Cora Lee Lanzisero Kate Larramendy and Roger Wright Kate and Fran Larsen Latitudes Fine Art Gallery Mindy Lawrence and Stephen Svete Leslie Leavens Jill Lee Susan Lefevre Lennox Foundation Robin Lerner Geri Levine Loe Dennis Lewis Lewis Engineering Michelle Libman Limoneira Foundation Grace Lin Carol Lindberg Kathryn Linskey Lloyd Properties Michelle Lockard Dee and John Lockwood Joyce and Ted Lombard Dana Longan and Norman Schiele Christine Longbine Frank Longbine Mary Looby Brenda and James Loree Janet Lorenz Los Padres Forestwatch Jacqueline Lovell Brenda Luce Liana Lucey and Hans Hormann Cindy and David Luff Lunetta Appraisal Company André Luthard, Gaynor Ranch Josephine and Alex Lynch Amanda Lynch-Thorpe Margaret MacDonald Stephen Mack Miriam and Darryl Mack Vera Maguire Allison and Tom Maires Tom Majich Pat and Tim Malloy Colleen and John Malone Megan and Kevin Marble

Janet and Jim Marcoux Hayley Marcus Grady Marold Elaine Martinez Benjamin Mati Nancy Maxson Anna and Tom McBreen Ed McCombs Lisa McEwan Sharon P. McGahan Jim McGee Kevin McKean Marjorie Sands McKernan Karen McMahon Paul McMartin Andrea McNeill and Gary Hickman Mechanics Bank Paul Meehan Pease Mendelsohn Family Fund Dena Mercer Lynn and Ken Merideth Meridian Design Construction LLC Ron Merkord Michelle and Luke Metz Margaret and Calvin Meuser MIIR Holdings LLC Loren Miller Mieke Miller Rena and Don Mills Janna Minsk and Carl Morehouse Mister Softee Paul Mithra Kate Moise Pam Monaco Monimos Foundation Jane and Curt Montague Montecito Bank & Trust Suz Montgomery Jennifer Montoya Karen Moore Gayla Moore Elizabeth and Sunjay Moorthy Kathy and Wayne Morgan Allison Morle David Morris Binney Walker Moss Ms. Lilith Sally and Tom Mueller Patricia Munger Sylvia Muñoz Schnopp Dana Bentley and Thomas Murphy Margaret Murphy Mark Murray Myers, Widders, Gibson, Jones and Feingold, LLP Martha and Robert Neary Lynn and Virgil Nelson Karen Nelson and Bill Hamilton Joanna Nesen Network For Good Janet Neuwalder and Larry Abele Colleen and Tom Nevins Holly Newman Spencer Noren Catherine Nye Douglas O’Brien Sherry and Bob O’Hollaren Kyle O’Kelley

Donna and Lee O’Neil Terri Odom Steve Offerman Ojai Chamber of Commerce Brittany Oliver One Tree Planted Mary Ann and Michael Orman Fred Ortiz Judith Owen Claire and David Oxtoby Vera Pampalone PanAmerican Seed Company Joseph Panushka Debbie Parisi Patty Pasley Patagonia, Inc. Kappy Paulson Barbara Pavliscak Leslie-Lynn Pawson and Dean Ryan Jackie and Brandon Pearce Banks Pecht Karen and Tom Pecht Linda and James Peddie Nancy Pedersen Betty Walker Pfeiler Rebecca and Peter W. Percy Kimberly Perry Pickles Family Fund Carey and Derek Poultney Judy and David Poultney Laura and Steven Powell Roanna and Ted Prell Judy and Ted Price John Puccetti Marla Randall Sarah Raskin William Raymond Real Cheap Sports Kim and Peter Reale Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) Red Door Real Estate Carol Reed Glow Gary Reeder Matthew Reese Judith E. Refsland Kay Regester Eric Reinhardt Suzy and Chris Reinhart Jamie Rens Barbara Rex Eric Reynolds Andy Richards Daniel Richards Russell Richardson Steve Richardson Whitney Riles Marlayn Riley Rincon Consultants, Inc. Rincon-Vitova Insectaries, Inc. Osmany Scott Ripple Rebeckah Rithner Drew Roberts Lynn Rockney and Kenneth Finger Andrea Rodriguez Rolls Scaffold Inc. Lupe Roman David Romero Tessa Roper and Kent Smith

Edward Rose Larry Rose Marjory Rose Robin and Greg Rose Sandra Ross Catherine Rossbach Stefanie and Myron Roth Susan Roth Jason Rowley Lilly and Rockne Rudolph Constance Rutherford James Sands The Estate of Michael Freeman Sands Roxanne Sandwall Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Julie Santia Mary and Sal Saputo Robin and David Satnick Wendy Sauter Teresa Savi Evan Schiller Janice Schneider Joyce and Bruce Schoppe Anna and Carl Schorsch Kevin Schroepfer Craig Seabaugh Searle Creative Group Kevin Seelos Nancy Settle Vaniotis Jill and Mike Shaffer Shikha Shah Robert Shakman Sara and Tanner Shelton Marshall Sheridan Andrew andJody Sherman Sara and Justin Shipp Lori Shuttleworth Joe Siddens Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Phil Simon Gordy Simpson Monique Skupien Slaughter, Reagan & Cole, LLP Sandra and Charles Sledd Jamie Snively Social Comfort Food Truck Brendan Soule Southern California Gas Company Diana and Fran Sparagna Josh Spiker Kristen Sponseller Patti and Mark Stanifer Brian Stark Katie Staub Steamy Bun Truck Michael Steinbaum Denise Stennette Adrienne and Chris Stephens Billy Stepler Michelle Stevens Shaunna and John Stith Mike Stoneking Casey Stoops Nanette and Jason Stowell Laura Sugino and John Ford Brian Sullivan Ed Summers Surfrider Foundation Ventura County Chapter Janice and Jim Susha Austin Takeda

Rosemary Takeda Benjamin B. Tapia Daisy Tatum Joan Tharp Liz and Vic Thasiah The Conservation Alliance The Cummins Foundation The Trade Desk, Inc. Billye and Bill Thieman James Thompson Meridith Thompson Willard Thompson Donna Thonis Toad&Co Bill Tokar Pam and Gary Tonucci Topa Topa Brewing Company Mary and Tim Troske Maureen Tunney and John Oldach Jayne Turcotte Turn5, Inc. Janice Turner TW Land Planning and Development LLC Deby Tygell Denni Tyrrell Daniel J. Uhlar Josie Ulrich Rachel Ulrich Dawn Upham James Uphold Lysa and Mark Urban Mary Van Rynsoever Ann Vargas Kathy and Joe Vaughan VCJC Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood Ventura Downtown Lions Club Ventura Joggers Club Ventura Rental Party Center Inc Ventura Sierra Club Patricia Verdugo-Johnson and Scott Johnson Michael Vivian Jeana Wacker Jenise Wagar-Hernandez and Michael Hernandez Daniel Wakelee Ruth Walker Daniel Wall David Wappler David Ward Robert Warnagieris Sandy Warren and Marcy Belton Pete Warren Scott Waters Amy and Mark Watkins Mike Watling Brian Watnick We Bee Poppin Robin and Guy Weber Val and Ed Wehan Celeste Weingardt Christy and Timothy Weir The Weisel Family Scott Weiss Joan Wells Patricia Wells-Turnage and Bob Turnage Julie and Joe Weyers

Monica and Jonathan White James Whitney Pam Wiebe Tanya Renee Will Victoria and Robert Willard Dani and Mel Willis Eleanor Wilson Kate and Ralph Wilson Rikke Wilson Wendy Winet Sara and Blair Winner Justin Wolf William Wong Don Wood Jackie Worden Denise and John Wright Patricia Wynn Alex Yanez Yardi Systems, Inc. Karl Yost Your Cause, LLC Deloria Zabriskie Cherri and Neil Ziegler Diana and George Zinckgraf Wendy and Mark Zirbel Maria Zuart

DONORS IN-KIND

Bruce Fitzgerald Castoro and San Antonio Winery Dennis Kulzer Ed Wehan Firestone Walker Brewing Company Fletcher Chouinard Designs For Your Home Furniture Howard Ehrlich Hydro Flask In the Mix Events Island Packers Joseph & Sons Kirk Mann Latitudes Gallery Leashless Brewing Lori’s Original Lemonade Lorraine Lim Catering, Inc Marilyn Whitford Nails by Kim Natalie and Tim Klessens Not Just Printing Ojai Valley Brewery Patagonia Pizza Man Dan’s Prana Outlet REI Rincon Brewery Santa Barbara Adventura Company Tandem Productions Group The Ojai Vineyard The Refill Shoppe Topa Topa Brewing Company Turtle Type, Inc. Ventura Breeze Ventura County Credit Union Ventura Rentals Ventura Spirits Ventura Water Ventura YMCA Wild Birds Unlimited

FALL 2020 11

Ventura Land Trust

UTLOOK Ventura Land Trust PO Box 1284 Ventura, CA 93002 www.venturalandtrust.org

COVID-19 Spurs Conservation Creativity VENTURA LAND TRUST & MILE 26 RUNNING COMPANY HOST PRESERVE 5K CHALLENGE

W

e challenge you to a race! Participants are challenged to run or walk one, two, or three 5Ks on Ventura Land Trust nature preserves between September 28th - October 4th. The three preserves are the Big Rock Preserve along the Ventura River, Willougby Preserve near Surfer’s Point, and Harmon Canyon Preserve in the Ventura hillsides.

The rules are simple: run or walk one, two, or three 5K routes in any order, at any time, over seven days. You can even complete all the routes in one day. You will discover the distinctive beauty of these local open spaces, protected by Ventura Land Trust and open daily for free public access to nature.

To commemorate the challenge, participants will receive a shirt and medal, and a 10% discount at Mile 26 Running Company.

Register today at www.runsignup.com/venturalandtrust.

ONGOING VENTURA RIVER RESTORATION PROJECTS

HARMON CANYON PRESERVE DOCENT PROGRAM LAUNCHED

T

he massive increase in preserve visitation is heavily impacting the Willoughby, Hayden, and Big Rock Preserves along the Ventura River. High levels of human waste and trash being left behind and an increase in fires started by illegal smoking and campfires requires us to increase our patrols and clean-ups of the properties more than ever with staff, volunteers, and docents. Please help us educate visitors and help protect and restore these precious areas. There are still limited opportunities to help on weekdays (while maintaining 6’ safe distance).

V

LT recently formed a volunteer docent program. Wearing bright yellow vests, docents stay socially distanced as they welcome visitors to Harmon Canyon Preserve, patrol the property, and share information about the preserve.

The commitment is as little as two hours a week.

If you’d like to become a docent, email docent@venturalandtrust.org for more information.

For more information, email VLT Stewardship Director, Kate Furlong at kate@venturalandtrust.org.

Are you a member? If not, join today and preserve what makes Ventura beautiful. www.venturalandtrust.org/membership 12 Ventura Land Trust • Outlook