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: Theodore Subbotin
Contributors: Melissa Baffa, Chris Chaleunrath, Dan Hulst, Dom Maderal, Emily Holland.
Design: T Christian Gapen
Cover photo by Theodore Subbotin
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Copyright 2024 Ventura Land Trust. 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.
ADMINISTRATIVE
MANAGER, LEEZA PRICE joined the VLT team in April 2024. For over 20 years, Leeza has served in local environmental and marine science education, administrative, and management positions including Channel Islands Naturalist Corps at NOAA Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and Channel Islands National Park, Volunteer and Interpretation Manager at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, Tidepool School Educator at Hollister Ranch, Education and Tour Program Coordinator at UCNRS UCSB Coal Oil Point Reserve, and Database Specialist at Ventura Botanical Gardens. Previously, Leeza graduated from UCSB and worked locally as a tutor, library coordinator, and researcher for 9 years. Leeza grew up in Palm Desert, often walking with her grandfather in a beautiful undeveloped area that later became a preserve she visits with her family. Leeza loves adventures with her husband and two sons, walking at VLT preserves, and working together to make a positive impact in our community.
FIELD
TECHNICIAN, ROB RAHM hails from the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York. He graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in anthropology and has spent time on research teams in Kenya and Peru. While in Peru, he mapped wooly monkey population dynamics and distributions across the montane forests adjacent to rural communities. His dedication to conservation motivated him to continue his education and pursue new degrees in horticulture and natural resource conservation. He has worked on multiple projects on wetland mapping, biomonitoring, and invasive species management in the Finger Lakes region. Rob is thrilled to continue working in invasive species management with VLT’s stewardship team. He truly admires the passion of the folks at VLT and hopes to make a tangible impact in conservation. He enjoys hiking, biking, and rock climbing in his free time with his partner Xenna. He has a loudmouth, big gray cat named Reggie.
ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBER, MARC WEITZEL
graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Wildlife Science. His extensive experience includes seasonal roles with Oregon State Parks and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, as well as service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Colombia and Papua New Guinea. He joined the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) System, managing several refuges, including Vieques/Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico and Tijuana Slough in California. Notably, he oversaw the early years of the California Condor Recovery Program. Before retiring in June 2019, he served as the Senior Advisor for the Department of the Interior’s International Technical Assistance Program, managing projects across multiple regions. Marc has received numerous awards from various organizations and has been a member of IUCN’s World Commission on Protected Areas since 1993. His contributions are honored by having a Neotropical nematode named after him, reflecting his impact on wildlife conservation.
eing a mom, a sibling, a wife, and a former teacher, I have a lot of experience in sharing and encouraging others to share fairly. Sharing comes easily to some, while others need a bit more coaching. Whether people are sharing space, materials, or time, it’s an essential part of being human in a complex society. The ability to share with grace and kindness marks a person as a strong and healthy community member, while hoarding resources and ignoring others’ needs reflects poorly on an individual.
When resources are finite and in demand, such as with open space, sharing can be complicated. Who should have access to these places, and how should they be allowed to use them? What about those who disregard the rules, are rude to their fellow visitors, or disrespect nature’s inherent right to exist?
One of the most challenging aspects of managing publiclyaccessible open space is managing human behavior. A full spectrum of behavior can be observed on our preserves and in other natural spaces, from those who firmly adhere to “Leave No Trace” principles to those who believe that the space exists only to cater to their every whim and desire, even if that desire is destructive. Fortunately, the vast majority of our preserve visitors tend to operate at the LNT end of the spectrum.
Another aspect of sharing as it relates to our work as a nonprofit organization relates to funding. VLT has been blessed with support from a broad segment of the community, folks who believe that their personal wealth is best put to use protecting and restoring nature. These supporters share their resources for a variety of reasons. Some come from an environmental perspective, understanding that we live within a closed system and that a healthy environment benefits all living things. Some approach it from a local perspective, believing that open space benefits our regional quality of life. Some are human-focused, knowing that time spent in nature benefits physical, mental, and emotional health. Many have a mixture of these beliefs.
These natural spaces that VLT protects are “yours, mine, and ours. ” Collectively, we have the privilege and the obligation to ensure that they are safe, healthy, and biodiverse. Due to your support of VLT and our mission, we are able to protect these vital spaces for the benefit of current and future generations. On behalf of VLT’s staff, Board of Trustees, and volunteers, and importantly, on behalf of the tens of thousands of annual visitors and the wildlife who depend upon our preserves, I want to thank you for that support.
Yours in nature,
Melissa Baffa Executive Director
NEW TRAILS OPEN!
The Morris Family Trail (110) and Trail 108 are open for exploration! These stunning paths wind through the west side of Harmon Canyon Preserve, offering a delightful mix of switchbacks and gentle rolling grade reversals. You’ll also find a thoughtfully designed drainage system to help minimize erosion, ensuring a sustainable adventure for months to come.
As you hike or bike, keep your eyes peeled for the occasional snake and be mindful of loose soil—the trails are still settling from their construction earlier this year.
A huge thank you to our amazing friends at Sage Trail Alliance for their invaluable support in bringing Morris Family Trail and 108 to life in 2024! If you haven’t enjoyed these trails yet, grab your shoes and go explore.
many years in the making, a project carefully stewarded by VLT’s Deputy Director Dan Hulst. Funded by a Recreational Trails Program grant provided by the State of California, this project stretched more than 5 years from initial application to final completion.
The Morris Family Trail opened in August 2024 and features beautiful views of Coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia). The construction of these trails was a project
Yours, Mine, and Ours
Building a Legacy of Conservation
By Melissa Baffa
One fascinating aspect of managing a land trust is the “forever” perspective. As we work to protect our land in perpetuity, we must expand our focus from short-term issues to a long-term vision. This “forever” perspective, while unusual, is incredibly freeing. It reassures us that the land we manage—on behalf of our plant and animal brethren, as well as the human community—is truly “yours, mine, and ours.” This outlook helps guide our decisions from a wide, collaborative, and science-based standpoint.
This perspective drives us as we grow the Ventura Land Trust (VLT) and connect more deeply with our community. A prime example of this commitment is our MyVLT membership campaign, launched earlier this year. Frequent visitors to Harmon Canyon Preserve demonstrate a strong sense of ownership and pride in their local environment. Many know every trail by heart and can describe the seasonal patterns they’ve observed, the best spots for breathtaking views, and the precise lengths of their favorite trails. In 2023, Harmon received an impressive 83,000 visitors; if just 10% of them became VLT members, the funds raised would significantly support our stewardship of this impactful preserve. Therefore, we invite you, in the spirit of “yours, mine, and ours, ” to join us in caring for this amazing place by becoming a member.
In a similar vein, some VLT advocates have chosen to enhance their support by hosting fundraising events on behalf of VLT, opening up what’s “theirs” to create a stronger base of support for what’s “ours.” We have successfully hosted house parties and concerts in partnership with some of our most dedicated supporters. In the coming pages, you can learn how you, too, can host an event to benefit VLT.
For those who contemplate legacy and wish to make a lasting impact, many have included Ventura Land Trust in their estate plans. This relatively easy and painless option ensures long-term sustainability for VLT. While some donors prefer to keep such designations private—sometimes surprising the nonprofit beneficiary—we encourage you to share your plans with us! We would love to celebrate your decision and discuss the impact such a gift will have on our organization. Of course, we can also keep your planned gift confidential if you prefer.
While the focus of many nonprofit appeals is on monetary contributions, we want to shine a light on those who share their time and talent. Time is our most valuable resource— you can make more money, but you cannot create more time. The VLT Ambassador program offers volunteers the
opportunity to invest their time in projects meaningful to them and to VLT. In this edition of Outlook, some of this year’s Ambassadors have shared how their ideas and hard work are benefiting our preserves and our community.
Speaking of community, we want to thank the many volunteers, sponsors, donors, and attendees of this year’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival! This annual community-building event is a powerful reminder of the strength of collective action. Now in its 15th year, this summer’s festival was our highest-attended and most smooth-running film festival yet!
At the intersection of shared experience and legacy lies VLT’s nascent preserve, currently known as Mariano Rancho. This expansive 1,645-acre preserve will protect the hillsides rising above downtown and midtown Ventura forever. We believe it is essential for this
preserve to carry a name that is culturally, historically, and geographically relevant. In the spirit of “yours, mine, and ours,” we invite the community to participate in naming this new preserve. Please read on to learn how you can get involved.
Together, we are building a legacy of conservation. The sense of ownership we share over these special places can be channeled into actions that will positively affect our region for generations. By embracing the “forever” perspective, we can ensure that our efforts today resonate well into the future, benefiting both our community and the natural world we cherish. Join us on this journey to protect and nurture our precious landscapes for all who inhabit them now and in the years to come.
Wild & Scenic Film Festival Recap
This year’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival was a huge success! With 37.7% of attendees joining us for the first time and 62.3% returning, it was a fantastic way to connect with both new and familiar faces. An impressive 93.5% of participants said they’d come back, highlighting the event’s significance for our community-building efforts at Ventura Land Trust.
We had 115 incredible volunteers who contributed a total of 400 hours to the event. Ticket sales surpassed 900, breaking previous years’ numbers and making it our biggest festival to date— we couldn’t have done it without our community! With the incredible turnout, we were able to meet our auction goals, which allows us to continue protecting Ventura’s beautiful open spaces. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival remains one of our favorite ways to connect with our community and celebrate our shared commitment to the environment. We can’t wait to see you again next year!
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRIS RYAN AND BROOKE SHERIDAN
Photos from the 2024 Wild & Scenic Film Festival held on August 24, 2024, at the Ventura County Credit Union Headquarters.
What’s in a Name?
By Melissa Baffa
You may have heard that VLT is conducting a campaign to solicit community input in renaming Mariano Rancho preserve. The VLT Board of Trustees, excited by the opportunity to provide public access to an additional 1,645 acres in Ventura, approved the plan for renaming the preserve with a unanimous vote.
VLT Board President Mark Watkins explained, “The hillsides above the downtown are an integral part of the community, and we think that involving the public in the naming of this preserve will result in even greater pride, ownership, and care of this wonderful new public asset.”
Patterned after a similar recent effort conducted by another California-based land trust, the renaming campaign is being conducted in phases. During the first phase, which ended in October, community members submitted potential names through an online portal. Ventura Land Trust’s Board of Trustees is currently reviewing the list of nominations and identifying the top names to move forward to the final round of voting, to be conducted during the month of December. The final decision will be revealed in February, to coincide with Ventura Land Trust’s “birthday.”
“We believe that the name of VLT’s new preserve should be culturally and historically relevant, inclusive, and deserving of a place in perpetuity,” VLT’s Executive Director Melissa Baffa explained. “Perhaps the community feels that ‘Mariano’ is that name. But we want to take this opportunity, being that we are talking about a name that will be spoken in this community forever, to give our friends and neighbors a chance to weigh in on it.”
For those wishing to learn more about our current plans for the new preserve, please visit the VLT website, where you can peruse some Frequently Asked Questions and access recordings of several of the community meetings we have conducted as a part of our community-based informationgathering process. This can be found at venturalandtrust.org/marianoranchopreserve
To participate in the renaming process, please visit the Ventura Land Trust website at venturalandtrust.org/ marianoranchopreserve/renaming Individuals will be able to submit one single vote each for their favorite name. Vote forms containing incorrect contact information will be excluded from consideration. The Board of Trustees of Ventura Land Trust will have the final determination over the name.
Aerial photo of Mariano Rancho preserve courtesy of Liam Pickhardt.
The MyVLT Membership Campaign
The MyVLT initiative, created and managed by VLT board members, aims to convert Harmon Canyon visitors into VLT members by generating excitement around personalized engagement with the preserve. It highlights the unique connection between VLT and Harmon Canyon with collectible, activitydriven items and on-the-spot membership sign-ups. Throughout the summer, volunteers and board members engaged visitors at the preserve, providing membership options and branded merchandise.
It’s not too late to join the movement!
Visit venturalandtrust.org/my-vlt to learn more and to become a member today. Below are some high-level highlights of the initiative’s impact by the end of the summer.
ADOPTABLE DOG OF THE MONTH
Calling all dog lovers! We’re thrilled to announce our Adoptable Dog of the Month campaign!
As a dog-friendly office full of rescue pups, we’re partnering with amazing organizations like Start Rescue, Ventura County Animal Services, SPARC, CARL, the Humane Society, and Paw Works to help our furry friends find forever homes. Each pup featured will come with a special treat: a Ventura Land Trust dog membership to enjoy after they’re adopted!
So, let’s make tails wag! Checkout venturalandtrust.org/ adopt
PHOTO CREDIT: VLT
Board of Trustees members Russell Galipeau, Brian Clark, Kate Larramendy, and Jane Montague table for MyVLT on its kick-off weekend.
MAKE A FOREVER GIFT
Guardians of the Green: Supporting Conservation through Planned Giving
By Chris Chaleunrath
Ventura Land Trust has launched an exciting new initiative called Guardians of the Green, a planned giving society aimed at securing long-term conservation efforts in Ventura County. As a community-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting natural spaces, VLT’s latest program offers environmentally conscious individuals a way to leave a lasting legacy.
The Guardians of the Green program invites donors to make planned gifts through bequests, charitable trusts, and other estate planning methods that ensure the protection of Ventura’s open spaces for future generations. These contributions will support VLT’s ongoing efforts to acquire, preserve, and restore the natural landscapes that define Ventura County.
Current Guardians of the Green, Jim and Joanne Abing, emphasized the critical role of planned giving in the organization’s long-term success. “By becoming a Guardian of the Green, supporters are ensuring that their love for the environment extends far beyond their lifetime. It’s a meaningful way to make a lasting impact,” they stated.
The launch of this planned giving society reflects a growing awareness of the need for sustainable, forward-thinking conservation strategies. As Ventura continues to face development pressures and environmental challenges, the Guardians of the Green will empower individuals to contribute to the preservation of local habitats, trails, and wildlife corridors.
Members of the Guardians of the Green planned giving society will receive special recognition and opportunities to engage with VLT’s leadership, attend exclusive events, and witness firsthand the impact of their support. This initiative not only serves as a financial foundation for VLT’s work but also fosters a community of conservation-minded individuals committed to protecting Ventura’s natural treasures for generations to come.
Whether through long-term legacy planning or a year-end donation, your support ensures that Ventura’s natural beauty is preserved for future generations. For more information, visit venturalandtrust.org/planned-giving or contact Chris Chaluenrath, VLT Development Director, at (805) 643-8044 x 702 or chris.chaleunrath@venturalandtrust.org
YOU CAN PUT THE FUN INTO FUNDRAISING!
By Chris Chaleunrath and Emily Holland
Hosting a small event for Ventura Land Trust (VLT) offers numerous benefits for both the community and the organization. By organizing a fundraising event, you directly support VLT’s mission to conserve local natural resources and enhance Ventura’s public spaces.
VLT provides event logistics, an online ticket sales portal, promotional support, and donation management. As the event host, you’ll handle the primary guest list, food, and rentals.
In addition to fundraising, small events raise awareness about the importance of land conservation and outdoor recreation. Guests will enjoy a memorable experience while learning how they can contribute to preserving Ventura’s natural beauty. Such gatherings foster a sense of stewardship,
encouraging participants to become more actively involved in local conservation efforts.
By hosting an event, you create a ripple effect, turning a simple gathering into a meaningful cause that benefits the entire community. You and your guests can contribute financially while also strengthening community ties and raising awareness for the protection of Ventura’s cherished natural spaces.
Whether it’s a casual gathering or a more formal affair, these events promote community engagement while raising crucial funds for preserving Ventura’s scenic landscapes.
To learn more about hosting an event for Ventura Land Trust, visit venturalandtrust.org/host-an-event
Join us in building a shared legacy of conservation and community spirit!
PHOTO CREDIT: VLT
Local musicians Jim Rankin and Jodi Farrell perform at our 2023 house concert fundraiser at the home of Steve and Caroline Doll with proceeds benefiting the Ventura Land Trust.
The Ambassador Perspective
By Theodore Subbotin and Dom Maderal
V Environmental Legacy:
entura Land Trust Ambassadors are dedicated community members essential to preserving and protecting Ventura’s natural landscapes. In its inaugural year, the Ambassador program has significantly contributed to VLT’s conservation efforts. Ambassadors engage in specialized projects that align with VLT’s goals, applying their skills to events, stewardship, and education. They educate others about conservation and enhance public understanding of VLT and its mission. Their projects foster collective stewardship and demonstrate a commitment to preserving Ventura’s shared community assets for future generations.
We asked several recent Ambassadors about their projects and what this work means to them. Here are some of their answers:
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A VENTURA LAND TRUST AMBASSADOR?
Talisa Garcia (TG): My love for local wildlife and sharing it with the surrounding communities.
Dr. Fonda Na’Desh (FN): I believe that the preservation of the environment for all (which includes non-humans) is important and I wanted to be a part of ensuring that happens.
Marina Magaña (MM): I was inspired to become a VLT Ambassador after visiting VLT’s open spaces and seeing VLTs commitment to restoration, education, and outreach in the community.
Georgia Vantyne (GV): I was hoping to find a fun and community-oriented way to bring more nature and science
A Black Bear (Ursus americanus) caught on wildlife camera traps placed by Talisa Garcia in Harmon Canyon preserve.
into my life. As a newer member of the Ventura community, I hoped to find a productive way to give back to this...area which has provided me with so much.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROJECT AND WHAT INSPIRED IT?
TG: My project is looking at wildlife using the riparian corridors in both Harmon Canyon and the Mariano Preserve. Using camera traps, I will be bringing to light the differences or similarities the two properties have, while taking into account the restored and natural habitats of each location. We all share this land but it’s up to us as humans to...preserve it so it can be used for people and animals as well. Caring for [the land] ensures that future generations of yours, mine, and ours can coexist and live side by side peacefully.
FN: My work is identifying and possibly removing invasive plants in the Mariano Rancho Preserve. A love of the outdoors and the natural beauty of the hills and mountains in the area [inspired the project].
MM: I was inspired to table at VLT-affiliated events because of the desire to connect directly with community members and promote education about Ventura’s open landscapes.
GV: I lead hikes through Harmon Canyon, where we explore plants and learn basic botany and plant identification. The goal is not for participants to “know everything” but to gain a framework for identifying plants independently, asking better questions about their surroundings, and finding answers.
CAN YOU SHARE A SPECIFIC MOMENT OR PROJECT EXPERIENCE THAT REINFORCED YOUR SENSE OF COMMUNITY LEGACY?
TG: The first day I put a camera [in the Harmon Canyon creek], I found a bear track. Laura confirmed it [and showed me] a photo from a contractor. A month later, I captured a bear on that camera. The week after discovering the [bear] photo, I [discussed] it with a stranger who turned out to be the contractor that sent the other photo [to Laura]. This moment brought it full circle...we are all working together for the same cause.
GV: As part of my ambassador project, I lead hikes through Harmon Canyon where we get curious about plants and learn basic botany and plant identification. Participants leave knowing how to identify at least three native plant species. Although I may not keep in touch with [them], it makes me happy knowing they will see the species we learned about throughout the county, hopefully reminding them of our time together and strengthening their connection to Ventura’s natural landscape.
HOW HAS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF COMMUNITY IMPACT AND LEGACY EVOLVED THROUGH EXECUTING YOUR PROJECT?
TG: Every time I am out at the properties I [feel grateful] for the chance to put this together not just for VLT, [but also] for a little girl from my neighborhood who [might not have] thought this opportunity was possible. I share this project with anyone I come in contact with and hope that word of
mouth spreads [so more] people who do not know these properties exist get a chance to take in [their] beauty with their loved ones.
MM: I’ve learned how important it is to have community support to truly protect open spaces.
From its early days, Ventura Land Trust has been driven by community members eager to make an impact and educate others about conserving open space. By engaging diverse perspectives at every level, we can preserve open spaces and enhance the well-being of Ventura and surrounding communities. Our ambassador program offers a unique chance to manage an environmental project and be part of this legacy. To get involved, visit venturalandtrust.org/volunteer
Marina Magaña tabling at the 2024 Wild & Scenic Film Festival sharing information about VLT and its mission.
Georgia Vantyne leads a group on a native plant hike where they learn basic plant identification.
