2023 Winter Outlook

Ventura Land Trust

UTLOOK WINTER 2023

THEN, NOW, AND FOREVER:

CONSERVATION IS A COMMUNITY EFFORT

VLT BOARD OF TRUSTEES - NEW MEMBER

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mark Watkins • President Sylvia Schnopp, •Vice President Doug Trapp • Secretary Meridith Thompson •Treasurer Brian Clark Russell Galipeau John Krist Kate Larramendy Jane Montague Drew Powers Osmany (Ozzie) Rios

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: Melissa Baffa Contributors: Melissa Baffa, Chris Chaleunrath, Katie Daniels, Russell Galipeau, Dan Hulst, Laura Pavliscak, Trudy Trudeau.

Design: T Christian Gapen Cover photo by Chris Ryan 805.643.8044 PO Box 1284 Ventura, CA 93002 venturalandtrust.org

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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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Ventura Land Trust • Outlook

BRIAN CLARK After obtaining his degree in Environmental & Occupational Health, Brian Clark enjoyed a lengthy career in public service and retired as Ventura’s Fire Marshal in 2015. Since then, Brian has consulted with public, private, and non-profit agencies on issues related to disaster planning, response and recovery. He has also rediscovered a passion for land management and routinely volunteers with VLT, assisting staff in field efforts related to stewardship and conservation. Brian and his wife Tracy have resided in Ventura for the last thirty-two years and have trouble imagining a better place to live and raise a family. Brian’s favorite pastimes are racing sailboats, hiking, and mountain biking, and his favorite title is “Granddad.”

NEW TO THE VLT TEAM GRANT OFFICER EMILY HOLLAND joined VLT in August 2023. Growing up in the Texas Hillcountry, she found her commitment to conservation through the countless hours spent outside on her grandparents’ ranch exploring creek beds and treetops with her friends and family. She solidified her love of service during her time as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cambodia, where she served as an Education Volunteer. Following her service, she received her Master’s in Public Administration from Texas A&M University, where she focused her studies on Nonprofit Management and Environmental Planning. Emily made Ventura home in 2021 and quickly fell in love with the community and local ecosystem. Today, Emily can be found trail running out at Harmon Canyon, hanging out in Downtown Ventura, or camping in the mountains. She is excited to help support VLT’s mission and continue to expand and improve access to the outdoors.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS ASSISTANT DOM MADERAL grew up going on hiking trips and learning about sustainability with her parents and younger brother in Arlington, VA. She attended University of Wisconsin-Madison, leaving with a B.S. and M.S. in Industrial Engineering with a focus on Human Factors Engineering. To take a break from school, they managed and organized volunteers for a multi-day bike tour in Colorado over the summer. In search of a warmer climate, Dom found Ventura and moved here in September of 2022. They spent a year working at Farmer’s Markets while learning about sustainable agriculture standards in California. Dom discovered the land trust as a volunteer and is excited to share fulfilling events and experiences in nature with the Ventura community. She is passionate about social justice education and science communication. Outside of work, Dom can be found drawing with 0.15mm pens, listening to audiobooks, and birdwatching.

LAND STEWARD JAISON QUILANTANG joined the VLT team in July 2023 where he monitors the Willoughby Preserve in the Ventura River Estuary, keeping the area clean and safe. He works alongside VLT staff, volunteers, and community partners to remove invasive species and trash from the property, 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 and safe as possible. Jaison was born and raised in Ventura County, where he spent much time exploring the outdoors through camping and hiking trips. After graduating with a B.S. in Environmental Science from Cal State Channel Islands, he interned at the Walker Basin Conservancy in Nevada, where he learned he wanted to pursue a career in conservation. In Jaison’s free time, you can find him hiking local trails, relaxing at the beach, and reading books at home.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Tonight we offer a toast to mark three occasions —

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ngaging in the “work of forever” is both exciting and daunting. On one hand, we find excitement and inspiration in the fact that the long days, the big decisions, and the sometimessleepless nights will provide benefit for generations of people yet to come. n the other hand, those big decisions come with big consequences, and so it’s vitally important to proceed deliberately, to consult with experts, and to consciously build a community of support so that the work can continue long into the future.

Isaac Newton once said that we can only see far because we stand on the shoulders of giants. s we complete the work of now, we know that we are only here because of the efforts of so many who came before us. s we come to the close of our th nniversary year, we look both toward our past and toward our future, grateful for the tide of support that has carried us so far, so fast.

I think that ussell alipeau, a member of our Board of Trustees, got it just right when he delivered the sunset toast at the th Anniversary Gala earlier this fall. The content of his toast is included on this page.

Continuing upon ussell’s re ections on home, I can’t help but express my gratitude that our home is such a special place and that we have this beautiful open space to protect and restore and enjoy. It takes a community of support to reali e the fruition of a vision decades in the making.

On behalf of the staff, Board of Trustees, and many volunteers of Ventura and rust, I’d like to thank you for your support and wish you a very happy close to .

Yours in nature, Melissa Baffa Executive Director

First, the past: we toast those who stewarded the land for thousands of years the Chumash and those who had the foresight years ago the Ventura illsides Conservancy who decided that place is at the intersection of the people we know and the experiences we have. That place ties these two quintessential pieces together. Over the years we have sought to carve out the land we occupy more times than not, we know the land carves us. he places where we live form who we are. nd this place is our home. o we raise our glasses to toast those who acted to make sure nature and open space plays a role where we come together and where we fashion shared experiences. o raise your glass - toast your neighbor and more importantly C M M M . econd, the present we toast today’s stewards.

Not just those who toil endlessly to manage and restore these lands, but also those who work behind the scenes to bring these places under the stewardship of the Ventura and rust. o we raise our glasses to toast those who have gathered tonight, and those who are here in spirit, and thank them because they have chosen to invest in future generations so we can continue to en oy and experience these places, our home. o we toast the stewards. astly, the future. e ust witnessed the strength of healing when we returned two rehabilitated barn owls back home. heir healing will continue, just as ours will as we dine together and kindle new friendships. This healing only occurs because people like you care; you believe that nature has healing powers, just as you have healing powers. very time you lay your hands on the land to restore its naturalness or care for nature’s inhabitants you invest in the future through your healing powers. These natural places have healing powers and combined with yours, create the uality of place, and place matters. o I ask that you raise your glass one more time. his time to challenge one another to soar alongside our feathered friends with a watchful eye, get more involved, and get others involved because when the Ventura and rust succeeds, these lands held in trust will remain as natural places, where our community intersects and en oys shared experiences and the quality of life is enhanced. Thank you for trusting us to hold these places and thank you for years of support. It is your support that enables the Ventura and rust to create a wonderful sense of place. o we raise our glasses to you the community. hank you, en oy your evening and the Ventura and rust C M U M .

WINTER 2023

PERENNIAL POWERS

Superhero Shrubs!

A Fall Update from the Hillsides

By Laura Pavliscak

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hile fall may not be the showiest time of year, remarkable things are happening in our wildlands! Our shrubland species are superbly adapted to interannual variation in precipitation, and especially to this kind of seasonal drought--many plants slowing growth and even dropping leaves (exhibiting “drought deciduousness”) this time of the year. Others take full advantage of the general lull in community level resource consumption and make a final push to reproduce.

California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), common sandaster (Corethrogyne filaginifolia), sawtooth goldenbush (Hazardia squarrosa), cliff aster (Malacothrix saxitalis), and longstem buckwheat (Eriogonum elongatum) are all unabashed fall bloomers, offering that very last resource boost to late-season pollinators, which in turn support the fall migrant birds, and so on. A miraculous circle of life all around us!

Enjoy the exceptional adaptations of our unique ecosystem during this hopefully eeting dry season before the first precious storms awaken winter lushness on our doorstep!

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Autumn shrubland foliage is often mistaken for being completely dead or dying, but do not be deceived! What you are seeing is a display of adaptation native plants coping with long spells of hot, dry weather go into a state of dormancy, awaiting the rainy season.

WINTER IS COMING As we head into a potentially wet El Niño winter, VLT may need to close the preserves periodically due to rain. Have you ever wondered why we do this? Please visit venturalandtrust.org/rainclosures to learn more.

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Ventura Land Trust • Outlook

COMMITMENT TO CONSERVATION

Monitoring and Accreditation Demonstrating Accountability through Annual Reviews and Reporting

By Laura Pavliscak

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all is here, marking the season that VLT staff prioritize annual monitoring surveys. VLT is an accredited land trust through the Land Trust Alliance (LTA), which makes us responsible for tracking nuanced details of our governance, financials, land transactions, and stewardship practices each year.

As part of our stewardship commitment, we formally survey each of our properties and easements to comprehensively evaluate the ecological and cultural conditions of the landscape and how our stewardship actions have matched the goals outlined in our management plans. VLT owns seven properties and holds one conservation easement, in all overseeing the documentation of almost 4,000 acres of conserved wildlands.

The management of each property looks a little different, and our formal annual surveys are an opportunity to take stock and set goals for the next year.

Photo monitoring is a key part of this process, and we collect and curate hundreds of photos each year.

Repeat imagery can tell a powerful story about how landscapes change over time, allowing qualitative assessments of vegetation patterns, infrastructure development or dismantlement, and the impacts of fire, ood, and drought. ften, studying repeat imagery reveals these in uences interacting, suggesting patterns in biodiversity and ecological function evident at the time of survey.

DECEMBER 17, 2017 JANUARY 10, 2023 Looking up Harmon Canyon immediately after the Thomas Fire and six years later during the same time of year showing a remarkable transformation from moonscape to diverse intact native shrubland and recovering oak woodland.

JANUARY 6, 2017 DECEMBER 22, 2022 Looking up Sanjon Canyon in the Mariano Rancho Preserve at east-facing slopes a year before the Thomas Fire and five years after. This area had burned 12 years prior to the 2017 photo, and the shrublands appear well developed. In 2022, the recovering shrub community shows change: lemonade berry and toyon have largely resprouted since 2017, more herbaceous species are visible, and general shrub cover has reduced.

Ideally, monitoring occurs at the same time each year to allow comparisons in plant growth and biological condition, and fall is a great season to conduct these surveys when the vibrant colors of spring are less distracting, perennial species are more visible, and the year’s generation of biomass is still clearly evident. ur observations and photos are drafted into formal reports that are cumulatively submitted to the LTA every five years during the accreditation renewal process.

The accreditation renewal window for VLT starts in early 2024, and we are working hard to prepare for the rigorous oversight process. This detailed, time-consuming work is a central, if less publicly visible, part of what we do as a land trust, and a proud representation of our commitment to conservation excellence.

JANUARY 6, 2017 DECEMBER 22, 2022 High resolution aerial imagery, another tool we use to monitor our properties, showing lower Big Rock Preserve in June 2022 and July 2023. The 2023 image indicates a dramatic reduction in riparian vegetation after significant flooding events in winter 2022/2023.

WINTER 2023

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TRAIL TALK

Digging Out: Repairs Continue in Upper Harmon Canyon

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eavy machinery and hand work have been required to address the earth movement in upper Harmon Canyon.

Because our partners at Southern California Edison (SCE) must be able to access important energy infrastructure onsite at Harmon Canyon Preserve and in the hillsides beyond, the utility company holds an easement over the main road through the preserve. Repairs made to this road must accommodate SCE vehicles; those repairs started in August.

SCE continues to evaluate solutions for the washed-out creek crossings north of the Harmon Canyon-Long Canyon intersection. The creek crossing at the West Road-Harmon Canyon intersection will require an engineered solution that can safely handle water ow without washing out, and SCE is currently working on plans for this location. It is not yet clear whether these repairs will be made ahead of the 23/24 wet season.

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WANT TO VOLUNTEER?

Ready to get your hands dirty and contribute to the community like the folks on this page?

Contact volunteer@venturalandtrust.org

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Ventura Land Trust • Outlook

ABOVE AND LEFT, work crews made of volunteers, contractors, and VLT staff have been utilized to rebuild sections of the Roper-Smith Family Trail eroded by last winter’s fierce storms.

BELOW, when it can be used, heavy machinery is useful for moving and compacting soil.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Michael Connolly Docent Program - Harmon Canyon Preserve

By Katie Daniels

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fter retiring from a successful career in project management, Michael Connolly sought to maintain an active lifestyle and build social connections. The opening of Harmon Canyon Preserve (HCP) offered the perfect opportunity to realize these goals. In December 2021, Mr. Connolly contacted Ventura Land Trust with a strong desire to join its Docent Program. Following the completion of VLT’s docent curriculum and orientation, he was well-prepared to promote responsible recreation within HCP’s 2,123-acre expanse, celebrated for its oak woodlands, winding riparian corridors, and thriving wildlife habitat. Today, Mr. Connolly has dedicated over 550 hours of volunteer service to VLT, consistently going above and beyond his docent role by actively participating in special events, such as the Gear Garage Sale, Wild and Scenic Film Festival, and in the Mountains 2 Beach Marathon beer garden.

When asked about his motivation for volunteering, Mr. Connolly highlighted the numerous mental and physical benefits that accompany being a docent. Nearly every day, he heads to HCP on foot, starting and finishing his docent shift at the trailhead kiosk. here, he warmly welcomes newcomers, greets familiar faces, and provides personalized recommendations based on visitors’ interests and experience. After conducting a bit of trailhead cleanup, Mr. Connolly embarks on the preserve’s trail network, remaining attentive to visitors’ needs. He takes great pleasure in witnessing people from diverse backgrounds united by their shared love for nature, relishing the simple joy of discovering peaceful spots for moments of solitude, and finding satisfaction in the physical challenges and sense of community that accompany tasks like trail building.

Michael’s unwavering commitment to both the natural world and the community exemplifies the kind of impact an enthusiastic volunteer can have. Ventura Land Trust expresses deep gratitude for Mr. Connolly’s unwavering support and dedication, recognizing him as an invaluable asset to our mission.

VOLUNTEERISM: A PRESCRIPTION FOR EMPOWERMENT In today’s digital age, the combination of mental stress, physical inactivity, and constant exposure to pressing global concerns frequently leads to feelings of disconnection, isolation, and powerlessness.

Ventura Land Trust (VLT) offers a meaningful remedy through diverse volunteer opportunities.

Join the Docent Program or sign up to be a VLT Ambassador and actively engage in community and fundraising events. Alternatively, you can join the stewardship team and participate in essential tasks like managing invasive species.

Volunteering with VLT not only benefits the environment but also nurtures a sense of community, empowerment, enhanced self-esteem, and improved physical fitness. In the face of the challenges posed by the digital age, volunteering provides a fulfilling means to counteract disconnection and passivity. Whether you’re ready to roll up your sleeves for handson work or to raise your voice to amplify a message, every form of support is genuinely valued.

Join VLT today to make a positive impact in your community and beyond.

Visit the VLT Volunteer page to learn more about Volunteer opportunities - QR code on back cover

WINTER 2023

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INSPIRING A LOVE OF NATURE

Who Will Speak for the Trees?

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ecause Ventura Land Trust is engaging in the work of forever, pledging to protect the land in our care for perpetuity, it’s vital to our mission that we educate community members about nature, inspiring stewardship and advocacy for generations.

Ventura Wild, an education program of Ventura Land Trust, creates meaningful outdoor learning experiences for children and families in Ventura County, with the intent of motivating the next generation of environmental stewards. Throughout the year, Ventura Wild offers session-long programs and summer camps for children up to 13 years old, and youth leadership opportunities for teens and young adults.

Guided in small groups by our team of highly experienced outdoor edIf we want children to ucators, participants flourish, to become truly explore the rich empowered, then let biodiversity of our us allow them to love local natural spaces, the Earth before we ask including visits to them to save it.

Ventura Land Trust — Richard Louv, preserves. Here we Last Child in the Woods provide the opportunity for children to observe, investigate and discover their sense of belonging within our natural world.

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Introducing children to their natural environment offers the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom and tends to the development of the whole child. The unique sensory experiences of nature stimulate curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Spending quality time in nature also builds associations and positive relationships that last a lifetime.

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PROGRAMS FOR ALL! From guided hikes to science lectures to the new VLT book club, Ventura Land Trust offers fun educational programs for nature lovers of all ages! Visit the Events page at venturalandtrust.org/events to learn more about upcoming VLT events and programs.

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Ventura Land Trust • Outlook

NEW MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Paws and Pedals how our upport

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s VLT’s 20th Anniversary year comes to a close, we re ect on the incredible ourney we’ve taken together, preserving and protecting the natural beauty of Ventura. he un agging support of our members provides much-needed funding for our general operations, allowing us to make lasting impact on our region.

We’ve got some exciting news to share about new membership offerings Paws and Pedals: Calling all dog owners and cyclists is your year to visit V preserves to connect with Ventura’s stunning landscapes. ur trails are waiting to be explored, whether by paw or pedal.

Join us on exciting adventures, discover hidden gems, and be part of a community dedicated to preserving the beauty that surrounds us.

New Memberships Unleashed: e’re thrilled to welcome a wave of new members to our Ventura and rust family, especially our dog-loving and cycling enthusiasts V is rolling out new memberships for the cyclists and four-legged friends who love seeking exercise and adventure in our preserves. our passion for nature and commitment to conservation are the driving forces behind our continued success. embership ene ts pcomin Events In addition to special gifts for signing up, dog and cyclist members will en oy special memberonly events tailored for our four-legged friends and biking enthusiasts. rom outdoor training to nature walks to thrilling bike rides, there’s something for everyone to en oy while making a positive impact on our natural environment. lready a ember lease enew our upport As we approach the new year, consider renewing your support or upgrading your membership. V Membership makes a great gift for that hard-to-shopfor nature enthusiast as well our commitment ensures that Ventura’s natural wonders remain protected for generations to come.

E hile gifts via check or credit card are traditional ways of supporting Ventura and rust, there are other ways you can give planned giving, which refers to a charitable gift made as part of an individual’s estate planning process, and alternative gifts of assets.

Planned giving allows donors to leave a lasting legacy by providing for Ventura and rust in their will, trust, or other estate planning documents. here are many benefits to making a planned gift to V . irst and foremost, planned giving allows donors to make a significant impact on the organi ation’s work without affecting their current income or assets.

By including Ventura and rust in your estate plans, you can provide for the organi ation’s future while still meeting your own financial needs during your lifetime.

In addition to the personal satisfaction of leaving a legacy, planned giving can also provide tax benefits to donors and their families. epending on the type of planned gift and the donor’s individual circumstances, planned giving can result in income tax deductions, reduced estate taxes, and other tax advantages. second method of giving you may not have considered is alternative gifts which include a range of financial support options. onating stock, certificates of deposit, and other financial products is simple to do and provides generous tax incentives, particularly if the asset has significant appreciation. ther possibilities are designating a portion of your monthly I , social security, insurance, or annuity distribution. ll the donation methods outlined here allow donors to support Ventura and rust in a way that aligns with their own financial conditions and priorities. cheduled distributions and legacy donations stabili e V ’s budget, which is invaluable to any nonprofit. urther information can be found at www.venturalandtrust.org/legacy_giving

Chat with V evelopment irector Chris Chaleunrath at or chris.chalenrath@venturalandtrust.org

hank you for an incredible year of growth and conservation. ogether, we’re making Ventura a haven for nature lovers, two-legged and four-legged alike.

WINTER 2023

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TRAIL TALK

Celebrating 20 Years of Conservation

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n October 14th, VLT hosted its 20th Anniversary Gala at Hayden Private Preserve.

Over 225 guests, sponsors, and partners attended to celebrate twenty years of conservation and community while helping to set the stage for the next twenty. It was a dreamy evening filled with the release of two recently-rehabilitated barn owls, drinks from local partners Ventura Spirits and Topa Topa Brewing Co., a seasonal feast, live music, and good friends. VLT thanks all of our partners, sponsors, and volunteers for helping to make this event possible.

Hayden Private Preserve was transformed into a magical outdoor venue for over 225 supporters, sponsors, and friends. Normally used as an education space for the Ventura Wild programs, the event marked the first time Hayden Preserve was used for a public event. Members of the Hayden family, from who the property was acquired in 2017, were in attendance.

Provided by Gala Chairs & Sponsors Heidi & Mike Whitcomb, The Oak Lounge was a beautiful and popular natural “nook” for guests to enjoy cocktails crafted by Wandering Spirits while connecting with friends. As dusk fell over the preserve, lights strung from the magnificent oak transformed the space into an enchanted setting.

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Ojai Raptor Center Executive Director Kim St for its conservation work with owls and other b

The anniversary gala featured both a live and silent auction and program paddle raise led by VLT Executive Director Melissa Baffa. Proceeds from this event will be used to support VLT’s Stewardship, Conservation, and Education programs.

Bar thro Hills the

Kim Stroud shared an unforgettable experience when she released two rehabilitated barn owls. VLT preserves provide native habitat for a variety of raptor species, including barn owls. The Ojai Raptor Center serves as an advisor to VLT other birds of prey, and Kim Stroud is on VLT’s Advisory Council.

Barrelhouse Wailers brought the energy and excitement up a notch with their New Orleans-style hot jazz throughout the night. Since the early days, Ventura Land Trust has built community through music – the Ventura Hillsides Music Festival, which ran for ten years, brought supporters together to raise funds and awareness about the effort to protect Ventura’s natural open space.

Gala Chairs Heidi and Mike Whitcomb (second and fourth from left), joined by Natalie Manning, Pattie Mullins, and Bruce Holley.

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Ventura Land Trust

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

Volunteer with VLT Opportunities for Everyone Habitat Restoration Preserve Maintenance Office Support Event Planning Tabling Public Education Become a Docent Apply to be an Ambassador And More!

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