OPEN SPACES
The latest news from the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Vol. 8 No. 1
Working to Protect The Ojai Valley’s Future - Today
Spring 2001
MISSION POSSIBLE: Besant Meadow Protected
T
hanks to a $15,000 grant from the Wallis Foundation, a $30,000 anonymous gift, and many other generous gifts, the Conservancy was able to exceed the $660,000 necessary to acquire the high priority, 25 acre parcel. The funds raised will also be used for the basic care of the parcel to ensure its protection. “The community has responded again with incredible generosity,” said Jim Engel, the Conservancy’s Executive Director. “Because of their dedication, the Ojai community has another ‘gem’ of a property that will be protected forever,” adds Engel. Now that the property has been saved, it will be added to the adjacent Ojai Meadows Preserve. In total, the Preserve will now include 58 acres of oak woodlands and wetlands. A team of graduate students from the Bren School of
photo by Michael McFadden
Ojai Meadows Preserve
Environmental Science and Management at University of California, Santa Barbara are nearing completion on a habitat restoration plan. Local students from elementary through high school will be helping to implement and monitor the restoration process. Presently, the Conservancy uses a group of dedicated volunteers to walk the property, educate visitors, and clean up the Preserve.
Education coordinator, Pete Johnson will be working with these volunteers throughout the coming year to make sure the Preserve remains beautiful. “The Preserve has suffered from vandalism to fences, dumping of trash, and unleashed dogs harassing wildlife, but overall people are treating the property very well,” said Johnson. See “Ways to Help” on page 9. “You can tell they love to have such an outstanding place to walk so close to Meiners Oaks and Ojai.” Even though the fundraising campaign has been completed, naming rights remain on several of the significant Preserve features. Naming rights are a wonderful way to honor or memorialize family, friends, or mentors. These namings will be available until they are reserved with pledges or gifts. Call the Conservancy office for more information.
Open Space Protection Efforts To Grow In 2001 As the Conservancy enters its fifteenth year of protecting the Ojai Valley’s open spaces, the Board and staff are looking forward to a year of continued open space successes. Here are four of the most important priorities for 2001: • Educating more landowners about how they can protect their land and receive potential tax benefits. Conservation easements will play a key role in this effort. Conservation easements allow landowners to continue to use and enjoy their land and in return they
sign an agreement which allows little or no further development of their property. In return they receive a tax break or payment. • Continuing the partnership with Ojai Unified School District and the Bren School at UC Santa Barbara to develop a resource management plan for the Ojai Meadows Preserve. Local schools will also help with the implementation of the plan and have opportunities to use the Preserve as an “outdoor classroom” and enrich their existing learning environment.
• Beginning the Global Information System (GIS) mapping of the Valley’s most important resources to help the Conservancy and community members determine the priorities for future open space and resource protection. • Supporting ongoing efforts to provide excellent service for our 1,000 plus Conservancy members, including email updates, an expanded website, new educational programs, and a credit card service for their convenience, to name just a few.