OPEN SPACES
The latest news from the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Vol. 9 No. 3
Working to Protect The Ojai Valley’s Future - Today
Fall 2002
New Preserve Projects Support Protection Effort
“W
e’re entering a new phase of our work to protect open space,” said Jim Jackson, Conservancy President. “The next two years will see plenty of activity at the Ojai Meadows Preserve.” Jackson is referring to the Conservancy’s partnership with Ojai Unified Schools to help restore wetlands habitat, reduce flooding problems and improve school facilities. During the coming years, several acres of the Preserve will be transformed to support a seasonal or yearround wetlands and additional plant and animal species. Wetlands have declined dramatically in California and Ventura County and are home to many endangered and threatened species. The Preserve originally contained wetlands, but dredging, grading and redirection of water over the past fifty years have greatly diminished the quality of the wetlands. The Conservancy is also planning to hire a Preserve Assistant at the end of August to help with daily operations at the Conservancy’s open space properties, including The Ojai Meadows. The Assistant will be working with existing and new volunteers, who will educate visitors about the Preserve and its rules. Their presence should make it a safer place for everyone to enjoy with family and friends. For those interested in meeting the Preserve Assistant and hearing
about volunteer opportunities, see Events Page 3, “Chatting about Open Space.” Last November’s 5-acre fire at the Ojai Meadows Preserve
Ojai Meadows Preserve
reinforced to Conservancy staff and board members why our fire management efforts are so critical. Since taking ownership, the Conservancy has worked closely with local fire officials to reduce the risk of fire threatening adjacent residences and schools. Mowing is done each May around the perimeter of the 58-acre property, along walking trails and surrounding the Eucalyptus Grove. This year the Conservancy stepped up its efforts by also reducing the amount of leaf litter, debris piles and small tree saplings in the Eucalyptus Grove. “This area is our biggest concern,” said Pete Johnson, former Education Coordinator. “A fire in the grove could be a serious threat to neighboring homeowners. Removing these ‘fuels’ will greatly
reduce this risk.” A side benefit of this effort is to give young live oaks and other native plants more sunlight, where they were struggling to survive under the fast growing nonnative Eucalyptus. During the next five years, the Preserve will undergo a major habitat restoration effort to return native trees and shrubs to the landscape. “We want to protect the few native plants that presently exist and do whatever we can to boost their chances for survival,” explained David Magney, Conservancy Restoration Committee member and environmental consultant. The Conservancy also became concerned with people sleeping and starting fires in the grove. The brush clearance has increased visibility into the grove and should discourage these activities. This effort will become an annual project.
LAST CHANCE TO R.S.V.P! Please call now to reserve and make your payment for
Moonlight On The Meadow Fundraiser Saturday, September 14th • 5pm $60/PERSON advanced payment required Call 646-0251 or email ovlc@ojai.net