A long time ago......
Perhaps as recently as 20,000 years ago this area had a year round lake which would have attracted a large variety of Pleistocene animals.

More recently...
For most of the last century, the area was used for grazing and the raising of crops like wheat. It is possible that oaks were removed from the property during that time. Disking of the property and channelization of the drain running through the wetlands has further disrupted the native vegetation. Today, less than five percent of the preserve is covered by native plants. In the last 30 years, several failed attempts were made to develop the two properties including a large shopping center, condominiums and a housing tract.

Just Yesteryear...
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy made several unsuccessful attempts during the last decade to purchase the 58-acre parcels before succeeding in November of 1999 and December of 2000. The community raised over $1.3 million to purchase and provide for the basic care of the new Ojai Meadows Preserve. Since then grant funding has been received to provide for restoration of native wetlands habitat and vegetation.

Photo by Michael McFadden

Tomorrow...
The Conservancy hopes to have a large group of volunteers to help protect and care for the property. During the year 2001, the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at UC Santa Barbara developed a conservation plan, which includes the restoration of the oak woodlands, native grasslands, and seasonal wetlands area.  Students from Ojai Valley Schools will work with environmental professionals to restore the Preserve with planting, monitoring, and care of the restored areas.

During the year 2002, the OVLC purchased an additional 14-acres to ensure that historical water flows will return to the Preserve and that wetlands will again cover parts of the Preserve. 2006 has been the year when the restoration effort kicks into high gear. During the next few years, look for the site to begin to transform to a more healthy ecosystem for people and wildlife.

Preserve Use

The Ojai Meadow Preserve was purchased for the conservation of open space, the protection of wildlife and natural communities, and for the enjoyment and enrichment of visitors. Even though the Preserve is privately held, the Conservancy's Board of Directors believes that certain public uses are appropriate for designated areas, they include:

• Walking
• Bicycling
• Nature study
• School education programs
• Dog walking on leashes

The Board of Directors have also determined that certain uses are inappropriate for the Preserve, they include: 

• Camping
• Fires of any type including smoking
• Motor Vehicles
• Shooting or fireworks
• Horses
• Littering or dumping of refuse
• Disturbing, collecting or killing of animals
• Collection of plants

Groups of ten or more are welcome, but they must first register by calling the Conservancy's office or sending an email to: ovlc@ovlc.org.