2021 Spring Outlook

Ventura Land Trust

UTLOOK SPRING 2021 | Vol. 17, No. 1

Into the wild OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAMS HELP CHILDREN THRIVE

ALSO INSIDE • Mountain Lions Roam at Harmon Canyon Preserve • Docents Make a Difference at VLT Preserves

New to the VLT Team

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s our open space acreage has increased, so has the size of our staff. Say hello to the three newest VLT team members.

Katie Daniels, Land Steward

Mark Watkins • President Jill Shaffer • Vice President John Hankins • Secretary Sylvia Schnopp • Treasurer Steve Doll Jermaine Jackson Dennis Kulzer Jane Montague Osmany “Ozzie” Rios Scott Weiss Don Wood

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: Dan Hulst, Adrienne Stephens, Leslie Velez, Mark Watkins Design: T Christian Gapen 805.643.8044 PO Box 1284 Ventura, CA 93002 Venturalandtrust.org

STAY CONNECTED

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All rights reserved.

Ventura Land Trust is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, awarded to land trusts meeting the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence.

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Katie obtained a BS in Biology with an emphasis in Ecology at CSU Channel Islands and interned at several environmental organizations while also holding down a managerial job. More recently, Katie worked as a Biological Field Technician with a local environmental consulting firm.

When not at work, you’ll find Katie spending time with her partner, walking the beach path, Zooming with family, reading, birding, roller skating, enjoying Downtown, and exploring the great outdoors.

“The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now.” — Chinese proverb

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veryone seems to agree that 2020 was an incredibly challenging year. Civil unrest, divisive politics, and a global pandemic affected us physically, emotionally, and economically and these challenges will continue to impact us in 2021 and beyond. While acknowledging our shared struggles over the past year, we are pleased to report that 2020 was a truly transformational year for Ventura Land Trust.

tecting our investment. We are committed to pursuing future acquisitions and upholding the promise of protecting open lands for all to enjoy as scenic, recreational, and environmental community assets.

After years of organizing, planning, and strategizing, Ventura Land Trust closed escrow on nearly 4,000 acres of property this past year. The seeds of these property acquisitions were planted many years ago.

Today with Harmon Canyon Preserve open to the public, we are able to enjoy an incredible property for much-needed (socially distanced!) outdoor recreation.

Reflecting on the above quote, I am thankful that almost 20 years ago a group of citizens came together to form what is now Ventura Land Trust. Thank you to all our donors, volunteers, sustaining members, Board and committee members, and our staff for your dedication to the mission and purpose of Ventura Land Trust. .

There is still much more work to be done. In order to steward the land in perpetuity, we will continue raising funds, building trails, improving access, and pro-

Mark Watkins President, Board of Trustees

Carole Comstock Gonzalez, Bookkeeper With over 25 years of accounting and bookkeeping experience, Carole has fully immersed herself in the financial administration of the organization.

Carole grew up in the Santa Clarita Valley and spent her childhood summers camping, hiking, and exploring the expansive outdoor playground of California and neighboring states. From an early age, Carole’s mom, Gini, instilled in Carole a strong work ethic, a love of nature’s beauty, and a deep respect for the harmonious balance between humans and the natural world.

Carole’s insatiable quest for adventure has taken her to numerous national parks, most recently completing the Rim 2 Rim trek across the Grand Canyon. When not planning new adventures, Carole leads an active lifestyle full of running, cycling, hiking, yoga, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Bryan Gonzales, Preserve Assistant Bryan “returned home” to Ventura with his wife and five children in 2008. His grandfather grew up here over 100 years ago in a house off the Avenue. After 20+ years as the Chief Financial Officer for the social services agencies in Kern and Ventura counties, Bryan took an early retirement in order to redirect his life back to his passion for the environment.

Bryan finds beauty and wonder every day he spends at Harmon Canyon Preserve, but nothing brings him more satisfaction than helping others enjoy the preserve. When you see him out and about in an old black Suburban, on a little orange tractor, or patrolling the canyon on foot, stop and share with him what beauty or wonder you have found at Harmon Canyon Preserve.

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Photographer’s Eye Trained on Ventura Land Trust Preserves hotographer Chris Ryan has joined Ventura Land Trust as our Conservation Photographer. In this new role, Chris is dedicated to capturing the beauty of Ventura Land Trust preserves in the lower Ventura River watershed and the hills of Harmon Canyon.

CHRIS RYAN PHOTO

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Katie has jumped right in to help keep Willoughby Preserve in the Ventura River estuary clean and safe. Working with VLT staff, volunteers and community partners, Katie’s main responsibilities are to remove invasive species and trash from the property, plant native plants, prepare and submit reports on VLT’s restoration activities, and coordinate with other community organizations to compassionately manage homeless activity and keep land along the river as natural as possible.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEXX

Chris began his journey in photography as an avid outdoor enthusiast who often explored mountain and wilderness areas throughout California. He discovered a passion for photography during his first-ever road trip across the Great West – a trip he refers to as his “awakening.” Chris drove over 5,000 miles across seven states, capturing images from sunrise to sunset. Chris set out to get lost in the great outdoors, but never expected to find himself.

BEAUTIFUL PANORAMIC VISTAS REWARD HARMON CANYON PRESERVE HIKERS WHO REACH THE GOLDENBERG OVERLOOK.

“Photographing nature is the best possible way to preserve the experience,” said Ryan. “The most enjoyable and lasting photographs come out of pure exploration – when I discover a composition rather than plan for it. Outdoor photography can be a spiritual experience for me. Extended periods of solitude allow me to get some quality time with our creator and nation. I believe we all need to step outside the bubble of everyday life, disconnect from distractions, and really absorb the beauty all around us.”

Chris believes that photography can be both fine art and a powerful tool to achieve conservation goals. His artwork can be seen at both Rincon Brewery and Cask Alehouse in Ventura and soon he will add new artwork featuring Ventura Land Trust.

In the meantime, you can see more of his Ventura Land Trust conservation photographs on his website and social media channels. www.chrisryanpix.com FB:@ChrisRyanPhotography, IG:chrisryanpix SPRING 2021

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FEATURE C

Pandemic Bright Spot

Ventura Wild Connects Children to Nature

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By Leslie Velez, Development Director

orldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the imposition of shelter-in-place mandates and physical distancing practices for over a year now, separating children from each other and the world around them. Ventura Land Trust’s education program Ventura Wild offers a powerful antidote: nature.

In a recent program session, 5and 6-year-old children carefully built structures from sticks and searched the ground for bones, feathers, and seeds with a trio of educators before stopping in the shade for a story and a sack lunch. The group practiced sneaking through the grass like a fox until a “coyote call” signaled the end of play time. Single file on the trail, the children made their way to the top of a hill for a beautiful view.

Ventura Wild joined Ventura Land Trust’s suite of nature-based education programs in 2020 to foster a child’s sense of connection to the natural world. Instructors trained in education, environmental science, and wilderness safety guide children through shared adventures, skill development, and play. Eight-week long program sessions for children ages 2 to 15 meet weekly. Spanish language sessions were added in 2020.

INSET: CREATIVITY COMES ALIVE IN NATURE ABOVE: OUTDOOR EXPLORATION MAKES LEARNING FUN RIGHT: RAIN DOESN’T DAMPEN CHILDHOOD ENTHUSIASM RIGHT CENTER: TREASURES ABOUND ALONG THE VENTURA RIVER FAR RIGHT: VENTURA WILD INSTRUCTOR TRUDY TRUDEAU DISPLAYS A “BUG HOTEL” STAFF PHOTOS

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Program Director Heather King has seen an increase in interest in nature-based learning during the pandemic, with 400 participants in 2020. “Maybe as a child you watched ants streaming from ant hills in your backyard, climbed trees in the park, or built forts out of fallen branches,” said King. “For many adults today, these simple childhood activities are taken for granted.

Children growing up with the challenges of COVID-19, virtual classrooms, and the lack of nature access often miss out on these important connections.”

King says that interactions with nature can be critical to enhancing the effectiveness of education, whether children are attending school in person, virtually, or via hybrid approaches. Decades of studies document ways in which exposure to the natural world, including breathing fresh air, feeling warm sunlight, and interacting with nature-rich environments, is vital to physical

and psychological well-being.

“Children are innate scientists and love to experience the sights, scents, sounds, and textures of the outdoors,” King continued. “Nature provides countless opportunities for discovery, creativity, problem-solving, and life-learning.

As children take risks, try and fail, and try again, they gain resilience and confidence.”

Program educators have kept the spirit of Ventura Wild alive, even as the pandemic forced changes. “During the pandemic, we reduced our group sizes and program hours, and incorporated strategies for safe distancing, mask-wearing, and heightened hygiene. Parents tell us every day how valuable and life-affirming our programs are for their children,” King reports.

Because of the swell of interest, over 50 children await an open program spot. Ventura Wild is thoughtfully expanding its capacity with additional educators and plans to purchase a van to ease the barrier of transportation to program sites. The Ventura Wild educator training academy prepares young adults from under-represented communities to be the next generation of environmental stewards and improves diversity in nature education and access.

“When students see themselves reflected in their educators, connections are more easily formed,” King reflected. “This has a lasting impact on youth, especially those who have little, if any, access to the outdoors.

They come to understand that these parks are theirs and they feel empowered to explore and protect them.”

Through Ventura Land Trust, Ventura Wild, is working to build an inclusive program so diverse groups of youth can explore and learn in nature. “A sense of calm, a surge of energy, a marvelous moment that lasts a lifetime, these are the gifts of nature,” says King.

“We aspire to create the space for that connection to happen more often.”

To learn more about Ventura Wild programs or donate, visit www.venturalandtrust.org SPRING 2021

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PHOTO BY MICHAEL DARTER

VLT Docents Ready to Assist You

TRAILS

By Dan Hulst, Preserve Director

earing bright yellow vests, VLT docents can be found at the entrances and on the trails of the Harmon Canyon and Big Rock Preserves educating visitors and making them feel welcome.

VLT docents provide visitors with information about Ventura Land Trust properties and programs, reinforce preserve rules, encourage safety, and inspire others to embrace “leave no trace” principles. In return, VLT docents meet fellow nature lovers, explore some of Ventura’s most beautiful landscapes and gain the satisfaction of knowing they’re inspiring the community to protect our natural areas for future generations.

Bob Cohan, a longtime Ventura Land Trust supporter and one of VLT’s most loyal docents, has already volunteered over 100 hours at Harmon Canyon Preserve. The first time Bob visited the preserve, he was “blown away by the beauty and expansiveness of the property.”

VLT STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS JOIN FORCES TO BUILD NEW TRAILS AT HARMON CANYON PRESERVE

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ew trails are taking shape at Ventura Land Trust’s Harmon Canyon Preserve. When building new trails, our goal is to create routes that allow visitors to explore the variety in the landscape and experience the joy of being in nature while also minimizing impacts to the surrounding habitat.

One of our first considerations when designing a new trail is to think about who will be using it. In the lower sections of Harmon Canyon, where many families explore on foot, you’ll find new trails that are designed to limit the average speed of users. The lower trails have tighter turns that require users to slow down and anchor points to ensure that hikers and cyclists stay on the developed trails. In the upper canyon, where users are more likely to be cycling, trails are wider and designed for higher speeds.

Harmon Canyon’s steep slopes and relatively

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loose soil composition make trail development particularly challenging. Water management on trails is critical and keeping running water off the trails during a rainstorm helps to minimize erosion and preserve trail integrity. To protect our trails from water damage, VLT utilizes both drainage knicks and rolling grade reversals to minimize water flow on trails.

Over the next ten years, we intend to add about 30 miles of new trails at Harmon Canyon Preserve. This effort will take significant time, effort, and financial resources. If you appreciate being able to hike and cycle in our beautiful hills, please consider becoming a VLT member and joining us for future volunteer workdays. Our goal is to provide exceptional trail experiences for every visitor and protect Harmon Canyon Preserve forever. To learn how to help, contact Dan Hulst at dan@venturalandtrust.org.

find joy in seeing newly planted trees and new trails take shape.”

Bob spends so much time at Harmon Canyon Preserve that he is on a first name basis with the staff and several “regulars” who also frequent the property. Knowing that VLT needs more docents, he often encourVLT DOCENT, BOB COHAN, SPENDS MANY AFTERNOONS ages his friends to join him.

“Other than a little mud on EXPLORING HARMON CANYON PRESERVE. your boots, there aren’t any downsides to being a docent.”

PHOTO BY ADRIENNE STEPHENS

for the love of

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By Adrienne Stephens, Outlook Editor

Bob volunteers at least four times a week and generally hikes a 7-mile roundtrip route to one of the beautiful vista points. “I’ve always enjoyed nature and Harmon Canyon is simply amazing. While walking the trails, I get a great workout, meet the most interesting people, and

Becoming a docent is easy. The only requirements are to complete the training and the ability to walk or bike on the trails—plus the desire to share your love of nature with others. Sound like fun? Email VLT Docent Coordinator Danielle Bonnici at docent@venturalandtrust.org for more information.

Mountain Lions Roam Free at Harmon Canyon Preserve

If you happen to encounter a mountain lion in the wild, here are some tips:

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By Adrienne Stephens, Outlook Editor

armon Canyon Preserve is home to members of our local mountain lion population. We have observed tracks, captured wildlife camera photos of them, and received a few sighting reports from preserve visitors. An important part of VLT’s mission is to preserve wildlife habitat, so knowing that these beautiful cats are roaming the preserve affirms the work we do.

Mountain lions (scientific name Puma concolor), also known as pumas and cougars, hold a Guinness world record for the animal with the greatest number of names. They are found from the Yukon to the southern Andes and throughout California’s hills and mountains. Mountain lions are generalist predators but need meat to survive, with deer being their main food source. Although they are not considered an endangered species, their survival locally is threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by freeways and urban growth.

The overall health of a mountain lion population depends on its ability to move safely between regions to maintain genetic diversity.

Although most people are afraid of encountering wild cats in nature, please know that mountain lions tend to be quiet, solitary, and secretive. In fact, they generally will avoid humans. Mountain lions are, however, an ambush predator so it is worthwhile being aware at the times when they are most active, at dusk and dawn.

• Do not run from a mountain lion. Running may stimulate a mountain lion’s instinct to chase. Instead, stand tall, face the animal, make eye contact and slowly back away.

• Do not crouch down or bend over. A person squatting or bending over looks a lot like a four-legged prey animal. Avoid squatting, crouching, or bending over, even when picking up small children. Have children stand close to you instead.

• Do all you can to be intimidating. Attempt to appear larger than you are by raising your arms, waving them slowly and yelling in a loud voice.

A WILDLIFE CAMERA CAPTURES A MOUNTAIN LION ROAMING AFTER DARK AT THE HARMON CANYON PRESERVE.

SPRING 2021

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Ventura Land Trust

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

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Ventura Land Trust • Outlook