OPEN SPACES
The latest news from the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Vol. 9 No. 2
Working to Protect The Ojai Valley’s Future - Today
Summer 2002
Ceremony Highlights Creek Open Space Dedication
“T
hank you, Betty McCurley!” was a commonly heard statement at the March 24th dedication of the nine-acre parcel, which spans both sides of Creek Road. Her generous donation and willingness to cleanup the site made the project possible. Allan Jacobs, a Conservancy Board Member, presented her with a plaque that expressed the Conservancy’s “greatest appreciation for the incredible gift to the residents of the Ojai Valley.” Guests also had the chance to explore the property and ask questions of Conservancy staff and board members. McCurley’s gift also helped launch the Conservancy’s new San Antonio Creek Watershed Project. This initiative is focused on working
Allan Jacobs and Betty McCurley enjoy a moment together before the ceremony where her 9-acre San Antonio Creek Property was transferred to the Conservancy.
with other San Antonio Creek landowners, who are interested in protecting their land through conservation easements, land donations and other conservation tech-
Earth Day Walk Benefits Conservancy
O
ak Grove School students, parents and staff came up with a great idea- to sponsor an Earth Day walk from downtown Ojai to Oak Grove School while raising money for open space protection. The inaugural walk, which coincided with their annual Spring Art Festival, was successful beyond anyone’s expectations. In total, the event had over 120 participants and raised over $3,500 for land acquisition. “We are so appreciative of the School’s efforts,” said Carl Thelander, Conservancy Board Member and Oak Grove parent. The walk followed Ojai Avenue to the “Y” then turned north on the Maricopa Highway before crossing the Ojai Meadows Preserve. “It was such a success that we are hoping to make this an annual event with the Earth Day Walkers Enjoy The Ojai Conservancy,” stated Gregg Kravitz, Meadows Preserve. one of the event’s coordinators.
niques. “Land donations are not always an option, so we encourage the use of conservation easements as an alternative,” remarks Jim Engel, OVLC Executive Director. Easements protect conservation values (scenic, ecological or agricultural), while allowing the landowner the flexibility to control management of their property and future ownership. “Easement holders can sell their land or pass it along to their children with the knowledge that it will always be protected,” adds Engel. For more information about conservation easements and protecting your land, call the Conservancy at 6467930 or visit our website at www.ovlc.org.
Construction Alert! Due to the Arcade Plaza Renovation, access to the Conservancy office will be through Local Hero Books until late September. Regular bookstore hours are 10am until 6pm. If you need to come to the Conservancy office before or after these hours, please call us before your visit. Deepest thanks to the owners and management of Local Hero for allowing us to use their store for access.