OPEN SPACES The latest news from the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Vol. 7 No.1 Working to Protect The Ojai Valley’s Future - Today Spring 2000

Thank You Ojai! Campaign To Preserve Ojai Meadows Is A Success

n less than three months, local residents exceeded the $525,000 necessary to acquire, preserve and I protect, the 32-acre parcel located between Nordhoff High School and the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. “The overwhelming community support for this project was beyond our greatest expectations,” exclaimed John Broesamle, OVLC Board President. Local donors responded enthusiastically by helping the Conservancy beat both the campaign goal and the December 31st deadline. These additional funds will be used to help “The overwhelming community with the long support for this project was beyond term care for our greatest expectations!” Ojai Valley

open spaces like the Ojai Meadows Preserve. photo courtesy of the Ojai Valley News The 32-acre Preserve is now open to the public and can be accessed from the Maricopa Highway. During the coming years, the Conservancy hopes to restore the wet- It’s Official! Supporters celebrate the lands and oak woodlands habitats to provide a site for out- acquisition of The Ojai Meadows. door education and better habitat for wildlife. See pages 5 and 6 for more information about the Ojai Meadows Preserve. Cluff’s Gift Helps Acquire Key Downtown Parcel

he holiday season brought The former gas station property, on its own as a positive reflection another ‘open space present’ which has commanding views of of the Ojai Community spirit,” T for the Ojai Valley. A generous Topa Topa Mountain and the sur- says Jim Engel, OVLC Executive $200,000 gift from Sheila and Don rounding Los Padres National Director. Cluff enabled the Conservancy to Forest, will be developed into a The Redevelopment Agency lead the acquisition effort of a half- community park which reflects the has taken temporary ownership of acre site on the corner of Ojai character of Ojai. The design the property to enable final clean- Avenue, El Paseo and Rincon phase for the project will occur dur- up of the site from past contamina- Road. The Cluff donation is the ing the first six months of the year tion and the elimination of potential largest individual gift ever received with input from the community. liability. The past contamination by the Land Conservancy. The Once the plan is completed, OVLC which occurred in the ground water acquisition was finalized on will help raise the funds necessary table below the site is not expected December 28th, thanks to other out- to develop and maintain the park to have any impact on the develop- standing contributions by the Ojai site. “Years from now, when people ment of the site as a community Civic Association and the City of have forgotten the past history of park. Ojai Redevelopment Agency. this site, we want the park to stand Ojai Valley Land A Message From Our President Conservancy Post Office Box 1092 We Did It! Ojai, California 93024 Phone/Fax • (805) 646-7930 etween October 10 and December 20 the Conservancy raised E-mail Address • [email protected] B $535,000, including a lead gift of $200,000 to purchase the Palmer Street Address: Property just north of Nordhoff High School. On October 10, 130 people 206 N. Signal St. Suite ‘J’ gathered under a scorching sky and renamed the site, the Ojai Meadows Preserve. On December 11 volunteers began the process of returning the land to its natural state. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Our success with the Meadows Preserve Campaign required years of preparation and the combined efforts of scores of Conservancy mem- Julie Bloomer bers. Our Board of Directors alone have contributed $70,000 towards the Caryn Bosson Campaign to Preserve Ojai’s Special Places Forever. John Broesamle That campaign continues. On the last day of 1999, thanks to a stun- Fred Bysshe ning $200,000 lead gift from Sheila and Don Cluff, the City of Ojai, the Alice Chesley Ojai Civic Association, and the Conservancy were able to close escrow Stacy Davis on the half-acre triangle at Ojai Avenue and El Paseo Road. Within the Roger Essick next twenty months, this will become a gem of a park for the entire com- David Garber munity to enjoy. Carl Huntsinger Meanwhile, our rehabilitation of the Meadows Preserve is gaining Thad Hyland momentum. Right now we need many volunteers with a variety of skills Jim Jackson who are willing to join our “open space team” that will educate the public Allan Jacobs about the property, oversee it, and keep it clean. With 786 members--over Joan Kemper 100 new ones since the capital campaign began last October--abundant Philip Moncharsh talent should be available. Please help, won’t you? Nancy Myers Philip G. Pierpont John Broesamle Mary Nye Pierpont Alan Rains Michael Shapiro Leave A Legacy Mansfield Sprague Carl Thelander Give A Gift For Future Generations of the Ojai Valley Pat Weinberger Please join the seven families and individuals who in 1999 Allan West included the Conservancy in their will or trust. Consider the last- Merrill Williams ing impact of an estate gift for the preservation of the natural and

ADVISORY COUNCIL agricultural heritage of the Ojai Valley. Your contribution will be used for: David Bury Ellen Hall • Preserving critical open spaces like the Ojai Meadows Richard Handley David Lavender, Sr. • Restoring important natural habitats Vivienne Moody Steve Olsen • Educating our youth and community to be better stewards of Nina Shelley our open spaces Al Stroberg If you have already named us in your estate plans, let us thank you for your generous gift and welcome you to the Conservation STAFF Legacy Circle. For a confidential inquiry about helping to protect Jim Engel the future and beauty of this valley, please contact the Linda Solomon Conservancy office at 646-7930.

2 Conservancy News Briefs Ilvento Preserve Burns pproximately 80% of the Conservancy’s Ilvento Preserve was impacted by the Ranch Fire in late A December. The understory plants and shrubs were burned completely, while the Coast Live Oaks seemed to have survived with very little damage. “This is a good sign for this chaparral plant community which depends on fire for its long term health,” says Carl Thelander, wildlife biologist and OVLC Board Member. The preserve’s wildflowers, ferns and other plants were documented last year by local photographer Bob Rene. “These photographs will allow us a special opportunity to record the changes to the Preserve from year to year,” states Jim Engel OVLC Executive Director. “Everything looks pretty bleak at this point,” adds Engel, “but come spring we should have a spectacular display of wildflowers.” Walking with Fire, a tour of the Ilvento Preserve will occur on Saturday, April 15. See page 9 for Upcoming Events. Membership Tops 780 hanks to an amazing outpouring of community support during 1999, the Conservancy has expanded to 786 T members. More than doubling the organization’s list of supporters in the last year. Sue and Gary Horgan, who became the Conservancy’s 699th and 700th members, stated that they joined because, “You are accom- plishing what others simply dream of doing.” Clean Up Day everal dozen volunteers, young and old, turned out for the Community Open Space Day at the Ojai S Meadows Preserve on December 10. Participants had an opportunity to hear about the Conservancy’s future plans for the site and lend a helping hand. A truck load of trash and other debris was pulled from the property and old growth Valley Oak Trees were cared for with the hope that their health will be improved. See page 4 for more information on how to volunteer at the Ojai Meadows Preserve and for other projects.

Broesamle Named Citizen Of The Year n early December, John Broesamle, OVLC President was named the Citizen Of The Year by the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce. Broesamle, a professor at I Cal State Northridge, took a year sabbatical from his teaching to focus on the OVLC’s efforts. “John has been a fearless supporter of open space in the Ojai Valley during the past five years,” commented Jim Engel. Congratulations John for this well deserved honor.

photo courtesy of The Ojai Valley News

Conservancy Video Receives National Recognition he OVLC’s 10-minute video about open space and the Conservancy’s role in protecting the Ojai Valley has T received national recognition at a land trust conference in Aspen, CO during October. The video was high- lighted as one of the best examples of what conservancies can do to promote their efforts. Produced and edit- ed by Jim Jackson, a film producer and Conservancy Board Member, the video has captured many beautiful scenes from around the Valley. It is available for $5 from the Conservancy office. 3 Ways To Help Volunteers Volunteer Needed For Opportunities New Preserve he acquisition of the 32-acre T Ojai Meadows Preserve brings new challenges and respon- sibilities. The Conservancy’s com- mitment to public access for this site will help to enrich the lives of Ojai Meadows And The Ilvento Preserve Valley residents by providing walk- ing trails, educational opportuni- Preserve Coordinator Trail and Sign ties, and a place to relax and Help train, organize and motivate Maintenance Assistants reflect. As a result, trails will need our volunteers force. Help keep our trails in good shape to be maintained, trees planted and for the public’s enjoyment and cared for, questions answered for Preserve Hosts safety. visitors, and other tasks to keep the Preserve looking its best. We Walk trails and report on Preserve Tour Leaders need your help, so if you are look- conditions. Contact and educate ing for an opportunity to lend a visitors about the Preserve. Help guide nature walks of the helping hand, whether it be weekly Preserve for school groups and or monthly, please contact us at Tree Caretakers individuals. 646-7930. Provide watering and basic care for our old and young Valley Oaks. Do you have other skills? Call us. SAVE THIS DATE Saturday • March 25 • 10am Volunteer Training Day Other Other Ways To Help at Ojai Meadows.

Opportunities Ojai’s Open Spaces Those interested in becoming involved should attend this impor- Event Planners • Include the Conservancy in your tant gathering. Want to help plan and implement will or trust. our next successful and exciting event? A great chance to make • Honor or memorialize a friend or Purchase The new friends and help the family member with a gift in their Conservance grow. name. Sweet Reality • Use your RAINS Card. We Music CD Volunteer Coordinator receive 3% of the total purchase. As our volunteer ranks grow, we eaturing Ojai artists, this CD need your help to inspire and train • Tell your friends F is a great addition to your new volunteers. about the music library. Half the profit from Conservancy the sale of this CD will go to the Newsletter and why our Campaign to Preserve Ojai’s Esitor/Writer/Designer mission is so Special Places. Call the Ojai Have you got the interest and the important to Valley Chamber of Commerce at skills to help us prepare our newslet- the Valley’s 646-8126 to order this wonderful ter or write an occasional article? future. compilation of music for only $16. 4 Preserving Ojai’s Special Places Forever The Ojai Meadows Campaign Civic Association Makes Ojai Businesses Strategic Gift Provide Super uring the late days of November, OVLC Support For D received a much needed boost to its open space efforts through a $130,000 gift from the Ojai Ojai Meadows Civic Association. The Association made the gift in the spirit of its founder, Edward Libbey, who was greatly concerned with the quality of life jai businesses have a long his- in the Ojai Valley during the early part of the 20th century. The gift was O tory of generous support for split evenly between the Ojai Meadows Campaign and the triangle prop- local nonprofit organizations and erty acquisition at El Paseo Road and Ojai Avenue. their contributions for the Ojai Meadows Campaign was no excep- Campaign Was Successful tion. Bronk-Vreeland Ford donated $100 for each vehicle sold to a In Many Ways Valley resident during November and December. The result of this out- n addition to the obvious success of acquiring the Ojai Meadows standing offer was a $6,100 check to Preserve, our supporters can also feel good about several other mile- I the Conservancy. “We’re doing this stones from this community effort: for people who have an interest in the • Campaign expenses were kept • The Conservancy added over Ojai Valley,” said Dick Bronk, who close to 7% (typical campaigns 100 new members between developed the donation program. average 10-20%). October and the end of the year, Other business contributors making us over 786 ‘friends’ strong. included the Rains Department • Conservancy Board Members Store who donated $1,500 towards contributed over $70,000 to the the Campaign through the Evening campaign to help cover campaign See How You Can Continue for Open Space and Conservancy expenses. This means donations To Help The Ojai Meadows Day events. Rains regularly from the community were applied Preserve. Volunteer donates a percentage of each sale directly to the cost of acquiring Opportunities Are On Page 4. for Conservancy members who use and preserving the property. their Rains Card.

Opportunities To Make A Difference In The Future Of The Ojai Valley Gift Naming Rights at The Ojai Meadows Preserve

• $400,000 Ojai Meadows Preserve Still Available • $ 75,000 Wetlands Trail Still Available • $300,000 Preserve Wetlands Still Available • $ 50,000 Preserve Perimeter Trail #1 Reserved • $200,000 Preserve Grasslands Reserved • $ 25,000 Interior Trail Reserved • $200,000 300 year old oak tree Still Available • $ 25,000 Preserve Perimeter Trail #2 Still Available • $150,000 200 year old oak tree Still Available • $ 2,000 Old Oak Grove Reserved • $100,000 150 year old oak tree Still Available (fifty names)

The OVLC is offering a limited number of gift naming rights for donors who wish to honor or memorialize family, friends, or mentors. All gifts can be made over a two-year period and will be used for the preservation and care of Ojai’s last remaining open spaces.

5 Campaign Contributors

A special thanks goes out to the following community members who helped us to exceed our fundraising goal of $525,000

Anonymous Donors: 6 Kathryn & Lloyd Fellows Linda & Jonathon Lambert Regal’s Ojai Wine & Cheese Tucker & Phil Adams Leni Fleming Carol Langford Scott Robert Ripple Khaled & Sheryl Al-Awar John & R. Joan Fullerton Jim Lashly Sara Sackner & Andy Behar Kathryn & David Allen Dr. David & Cindy Garber David & Val Lavender Alan & Carol Saltzman Patty & Ross Atkinson Carol Garramone & Kelly Lewis Nancy & Nicholas Scanlan Linc & Sheila Anderson Charles Massaro Eric & Wendy Lockwood Amy Schneider Howard & Elizabeth Bacon Cheryl & Dean Geiser Dottie & Jim Loebl Teddy & Dick Schneider John & Susan Bee Angie Genasci Tom & Rebecca Lowe Nina Shelley Stephen Bennett Seabury & Patty Gould Ruth Marks & Roger Conrad Jill & Bill Shanbrom Mr. George E. Berg Frank & Linda Granat Rachel Mason Ellen & Michael Shapiro Carol Bishop Katherine & Jesse Grantham Delee Marshall Linda & Spencer Silver Barry Betlock & Joyce & Roderick Greene Gay Martin & Patricia Cluche Daniel & Olga Singer Chris Bjornstedt Andrew & Judith Gustafson Ruth Mathews Pegi & Jeffrey Skoff Lerie & Arthur Bjornstedt Mr. & Mrs. Leo Hammerschmitt Bob Matthews Chris & Brett Smithers Julie Bloomer & Scot Rabe Ellen Hall & Rich Handley Joe & Betty McAllister Jan Smithers Bob & Bobbie Boschan Marty & Niki Harder Michael & Julie McFadden Linda Solomon-Ploeg Caryn & Charlie Bosson Larry & Pat Hartman Rosa Lee Measures & & Kees Ploeg John & Kathy Broesamle Kathryn Hauser Albert Harris Susan S. Speer & Gene Miller Bronk-Vreeland Ford Mike & Elizabeth Hermes Wilma & John Melville Mansfield & Chilant Sprague Mr. & Mrs. Stan Brown Leslie & Oliver Hess Margaret & Al Stroberg & Betsy Patterson Ulrich Brugger Priscilla Hickman Frederick Menninger Henry & Susan Stoutz Philip & Cindy Burton Tony & Barbara Hirsch Bill & Cookie Miley Jake & Sandra Stub David Bury & Associates Toetie Hogenboom Robert & Denise Miller Lillian & Bryan Tally Robert & Marqui Bury Sally & Lamar Hoover Ruth Miller Taormina Theosophical Vickie & David Byrne Sue & Gary Horgan Geraldine & Dean Miner Community,Inc. Fred & Judy Bysshe Kent & Camille Houston Terry Mitchel John & Caroline Thacher Charles Casey Connie & Tom Hunt Judith Mize Carl & Katie Thelander Sheri Ann Cate Thad Hyland Phil & Karen Moncharsh Anna Thomas Alice & Robert Chesley Allan & Janet Jacobs Vivienne Moody Nan & Carl Tolbert Jim Churchill & Lisa Brenneis Assemblymember Judi Morningstar & Albert Kywi Glenn & Kathleen True City of Ojai Hannah Beth Jackson Virginia Moyer Paul D. & Ollie B.Turner Jerry & Bronda Colegrove Jim & Susan Jackson Michael & Adrienne Muller Frederick & Marion Twichell Yvon & Malinda Chouinard George Jaidar & Malchia Olshan John & Andrea Muller Kim Uhlich Betsy & Aaron Clapp Carolyn & Robert Jarboe Elaine Needham Bob & Virginia Unruhe Sarah Clark & Timothy Thomas Dr. Michael J. Jauregui & John & Andrea Nelson Ventura Rental Center Vivian Clarke Susan Olson Robert Craig Newman Helene & John Vachet Karen Courington & David & Deborah Junod & Nicola Kaftan Dr. Eve Venturi Dan Lukasiewicz Brett & Denise Kantrowitz Angela & Anthony Ocone Liz & Doug Vernand Creative Endeavors David Kaplan & Janet Reineck Ojai Civic Association Dr. & Mrs. Mort Vinecour The C.R.E.W. Dolores & John Keith Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce Deric & Barbara Washburn Thomas & Dorothy Crossman Joan Kemper Ojai Valley News Guy & Leone Webster Stacy & Kevin Davis Ray King & Kale Starbird Muriel Parfitt Harriet P.Wenig Paul Del Signore & Leonard Klaif Rosemary & Rick Payne Ronald & Helayne White Michele Murdoch Marci & Dan Komaiko Nancy Pepper John & Jo Anne Wilson Peter & Heidi Di Capua Mike & Nancy Krumpshmidt Barbara & Marti Pops Julia Wilson Patricia Ellison Bruce & Patricia Kuebler Prudential Ojai Realty Milton & Glori Young Delleen Enge (in memory of Robert & Dorothy Rail Brian & Chris Zeiner James & Julia Engel Ken & Esther Kuebler) Alan & Jan Rains Bob & Marilyn Essick Tod & Carolyn Kuhn RAINS Department Store Roger & Pat Essick Lacey & David Lantz Frank & Maruja Real

MAJOR GIFT NAMING RIGHTS STILL AVAILABLE • SEE PAGE 5 FOR MORE DETAILS Call the OVLC at 646-7930 for further information Preserving Ojai’s Special Places

6 Thanks Loyal Supporters Help Us To Grow Stronger

very year, hundreds of our members choose to renew their membership. We are happy to recognize the E following individuals and businesses who have renewed their membership since the middle of October. Your loyalty is greatly appreciated. Dolli Alexander Harold and Patsy Glenn Sylvia and Shlomo Raz Arne Anderson and Nita Whaley Gretchen Greenberg & Keith Buchan Robert and Alice Rene Andy Behar and Sara Sackner Carl and Marian Greenfield Don and Ann Scanlin Caryn and Charlie Bosson Gwen and Jerry Gross Michael and Ellen Shapiro Julie Bloomer and Scot Rabe Kathleen Hellwitz William and Dolores Shouse John and Kathy Broesamle Betty Izant Lance and Sheila Smigel Rowe and Molly Burgett Jim and Susan Jackson Howard and Edie Smith Fred and Judy Bysshe Allan and Janet Jacobs Mansfield and Chilant Sprague Sally Chenault Ann Derby Joy Glenn and Loise Stubblefield Alice and Robert Chesley Joan Kemper John and Caroline Thacher Malinda and Yvon Chouinard Ray King and Kale Starbird Carl and Katie Thelander Aaron and Betsy Clapp Kenneth and Sue Lakes Anna Thomas David and Cynthia Cohen David and Muriel Lavender Ernest and Barbara Watson Arie and Ida Crown Memorial David and Val Lavender Samuel Weill, Jr. Stacy and Kevin Davis Tom and Rebecca Lowe Richard and Jane Weirick Sally and David Disco Lee and Shirley Lyon Allan and Joyce West James and Julie Engel Michael and Julie McFadden J.B. and Elizabeth White Rose and Don Engel Linda McMillan James and Corrie Lassen-Willems Roger and Pat Essick Rudolph and Elizabeth Nava Merrill Williams David and Cindy Garber Earl and Alice Ragland Heather Young Donald Garrett Alan and Jan Rains Alan and Diane Zusman A Special Thanks To All the volunteers for the Ojai Meadows. Michael McFadden Spaces. Kees Ploeg for his handy December 10 Community Day at for donating a portion of the sales work around the office. The Ojai Meadows. David Allen and of his Ojai Calendar. Cookie Miley seven families that added the Company for donating a copy for the beautiful, hand-made note Conservancy in their estate plans machine and executive chair. cards. The nine donors who gave and wills during 1999. Al Stroberg Susan Bee, Judith Gustafson gifts of stock or mutual funds dur- and Betsy Patterson for contribut- and Spencer Silver for their hard ing 1999. Ojai Cafe Emporium for ing a Pentax camera. Larry Wilde work preparing mailers and hosting our monthly fundraising for his hard work on the Landis newsletters. Bronk-Vreeland Ford group. The Ojai Civic Association Property and Besant Meadows. for their very generous donation of for their inspiring $130,000 contri- $6,100 to the Ojai Meadows bution towards the Ojai Meadows EXTRA GIFTS ARE Campaign. The City of Ojai and downtown triangle property. IG IFT Redevelopment Agency for their The Ojai Valley Chamber of AB L $50,000 commitment to the Commerce for agreeing to donate Robert & Amy Dennis downtown triangle property. half the profits from the sales of the John N. Hall Katie Fellows for her hard work on Sweet Reality music CD. The Ojai Pat Jump the Community Day at Ojai Valley News for their generous John & Peggy Russell Meadows. Lee Fitzgerald and donation of ad space for the Ojai Lorenz Schaller April Rogers for filming the Meadows Campaign and use of John & Joanne Wilson December 10 Community Day at photos for this issue of Open 7 Membership And More Welcome To Our New Members e have soared to 786 members, thanks to your exceptional support. This is more than double the nation- W al average for similar land trusts! The Conservancy’s successes in the last year are due to the generous financial and volunteer support of our members. John Adair Sue Fuhrman & Ronald Hamlen Ruth Miller Robert & Carole Adams John & R. Joan Fullerton Holly & Dennis Mitchem Victoria Alexander Angie Genasci Judith Mize Howard & Elizabeth Bacon Anthony & Kathan Glassman Deborah E. Moe Larry Beatty & Sultana Parvanta Stan Hakes Curt Mossestad & Carol Peterson Steve Bennett (gift membership from Virginia Moyer Barry Betlock David Goldstein) Adrienne & Michael Muller Rick Bisaccia & Marty & Niki Harder Michele Murdoch & Tara Jeffery-Bisaccia Albert Harris & Paul Del Signore Mr. and Mrs. R.M. Bogart Rosa Lee Measures Elaine Needham Robert & Roberta Boschan Anthony & Barbara Hirsch Robert Craig Newman & Donald Brosnac Laura Hagen Nicola Kaftan Stanford & Eleanor Brown Lamar & Sally Hoover Muriel S. Parfitt Rinaldo & Lalla Brutoco Harry & Sue Horgan Alice & Earl Ragland David Byrne & Carolyn & Robert Jarboe Robert & Dorothy Rail Vickie Carlton-Byrne David Kaplan & Janet Reineck Scott Robert Ripple Peter & Cynthia Cantle George Keenen Larry Rose Charles Casey Leonard Klaif John & Peggy Russell Mardel Cason Debbie Knudstrup Teddy & Dick Schneider Sheri Ann Cate Mike & Nancy Krumpschmidt Pegi & Jeffrey Skoff Sarah Clark & Timothy Thomas Bruce & Patricia Kuebler Jan Smithers Vivian Clarke Tod & Carolyn Kuhn G.S. Stuart Patricia Cluche & Gay Martin Jonathon & Linda Lambert Jacob & Sandra Stub Tom & Becky Collins Kelly Lewis Robert & Susan Tallyn Jerry & Bronda Colegrove Eric & Wendy Lockwood Paula & Victor Theis Thomas & Dorothy Crossman Bent & Else Lundbye Carl & Nan Tolbert Jon Dieges Lee Lyon & Shirley Katz-Lyon Eve Venturi Patricia Ellison Ian & Virginia MacLean Liz & Doug Vernand Dellen Enge Ruth Mathews Marion Warth Vicki & Michel Etchart Bob Matthews Duane & Margaret Westrom Marty Fast Delee Marshall Julia C. Wilson Jeff & Theresa Ferguson Jeff & Debra McComas Terry & Cindy Wright Frances Fitting Linda McMillan Brian & Chris Zeiner Leni Fleming Susan Miley & Scott Hadly Sheila & Jerry Zutavern Off To A Great Head Start ven though a campaign to develop a park on the recently acquired downtown property is several months off, we want E to thank the following individuals for their conbtributions to the purchase, development, and long-term care of the site: Don Brosnac Ojai Civic Association Mansfield & Chilant Sprague City of Ojai Ann & Harry Oppenheimer Allan & Joyce West Redevelopment Agency in honor of Merrill Williams Sheila & Don Cluff Bob & Janith Pulver Ian & Virginia MacLean Regal’s Ojai Wine and Cheese 8 Upcoming Events Upcoming Conservancy Events Education On Late The Wildside February TBA Conservancy Legacy Circle Annual Event (see article below) Wild About Ojai March 25 10am Volunteer Orientation Day at Ojai Meadows fter taking a short winter April 1 10am Wild About Ojai A break, Wild About April 15 9am Walk with Fire/Ilvento Preserve Walk Ojai, the exciting May 6 10am Wild About Ojai education program May 6 Evening Annual Open Space Celebration for families, will start again on the first Saturday of Mark your calendar for the evening of April and continue once a month until the end of the year. Saturday, May 6 Each month participants will have a Annual Open Space Celebration hands-on opportunity to learn more about the wildlife, plants and land- Look for your invitation in early April scapes that share our local envi- ronment. to this always popular event The program is $8 per individ- ual and $12 per family. Space is limited and advanced registration is required.

Legacy Circle To Meet Again In Walk With Fire his spring wildflower walk Late February T will be our first opportunity to see what changes the Ranch Fire VLC will again be hosting a brought to the O Ilvento Preserve. Conservation Legacy Circle event to This is a rare recognize supporters who have made opportunity to see what should be a significant contributions through spectacular wild- annual donations, bequests, and flower display. Wear boots and bring water and a snack. The volunteerism. Over 50 people attended last year’s event at Lois Rice’s Environmental Learning Series beautiful home and heard about several proposed projects which are Program is free but you must reg- ister in advance. Come join us on now a reality, including the acquisition of the Ojai Meadows and down- Saturday, April 15 at 9am for this great adventure. town triangle properties, and the launch of the Wild About Ojai and Living with Agriculture Education Programs. Details and dates are still Call 646-7930 to register or for being determined for this year’s event. Invitations will be sent out in more information about early February. OVLC’s education program.

9 Our Wish List Conservancy Will Move Forward With Your Help s the Conservancy grows, so does our need for additional resources. One way you can help is through A the donation of new or used stewardship tools, reference books, and office equipment. Please call us if you can donate any of the items below or if you know of anyone who might like to contribute to the needs of the Conservancy.

• Auction items for members’ annual celebration • 35mm regular or digital camera • donated! • Shovels and other trail maintenance tools • Stacking chairs Take Note • Laptop computer • V.C.R. • donated! • Executive chair • donated! • Copy machine • donated!

Other items that you think would be useful? Please, let us know • 646-7930

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