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OJAI VALLEY LAND CONSERVANCY NEWS
volume 14 number 4 | winter 2007
Ojai Meadows Restoration Project Begins!
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Wetlands restoration on the Ojai Meadows Preserve will soon make efficient use rainwater runoff. The previous weed-choked and unsightly drainage ditch is being turned into a meandering stream leading to a two acre pond which will provide storm water a place to drain during rainy seasons. This re-contouring of the waterway through the preserve will restore the land to conditions similar to those that existed prior to development of the surrounding areas. Native trees, shrubs and other vegetation will be planted along the stream and around the pond.
The stream will meander through the eucalyptus grove before joining with the Happy Valley Drain. A small part of the eucalyptus grove was removed to accomplish this work. They will be replaced with native oaks, willows and sycamores, leaving the majority of the eucalyptus grove intact.
Service learning students from CSU Channel Islands and Santa Barbara City College sort and sterilize some of the thousands of acorns collected by children, youth and adult volunteers in preparation for planting on the preserve. Approximately 5,000 acorns have been planted to date, with thousands more to be planted in coming weeks and months.
Garrick Thompson of Coastal Restoration Consultants and OVLC restoration associate Sheri Mayta tend native seedlings being propagated onsite for transplanting along the meandering stream, in the newly-created wetlands and bordering areas. As many as 40,000 native shrubs, wildflowers and grasses will be transplanted in the next several months, in addition to the 7,000 natives already planted.
Please forgive the inconvenience… Our insurance requires the work area to be closed until completion in December.
For detailed project information, please visit our website at www.ovlc.org