Ojai Meadows Preserve

The Ojai Meadows Preserve, in downtown Ojai next to Nordhoff High School has become a pristine example of what an ecologic restoration project can be. With support from the Ojai community, it has transformed from a degraded property to a thriving natural wetlands wildlife habitat in just a few short years.

A little history…

Since the late 1800’s when the land encompassing the preserve was cleared of a massive oak woodland for grazing, this property has been continually degraded in the name of development. For decades the historic wetland was buried under sediment and fill dirt from nearby construction. A well intentioned human attempt in the 1960’s to restore a grove of trees resulted in an invasion of non-native species, eroding the possibility of original native habitat returning on its own. Wildlife species moved elsewhere to find habitat to support their needs. Though humans were able to enjoy the rapid growth of new trees, few wildlife species were.

For decades the meadows property was threatened with further development. From car lots, to a shopping center, developers had grand ideas. The meadows were acquired in 2001 by the Land Conservancy with an out-pouring of community support, to protect them. Most of the 1.35 million dollars raised came from 140 concerned citizens and businesses. It takes a community, and Ojai once again demonstrated its commitment to the natural beauty we enjoy here.

A community benefit…

A few years after it was acquired, the Conservancy in partnership with the Ojai Valley Unified School District, secured grant funding to restore historical water flows to the Preserve by diverting floodwater from Nordhoff High School and Maricopa Highway onto the Preserve. The project created win-win solutions for the benefit of the community and for the restoration of historic wetland habitat on the Meadow.

With flooding problems alleviated, OVLC enlisted the help of botanists, biologists and restoration specialists for advice to bring the land back to a healthy natural state. These experts designed a plan to excavate fill dirt recreating a basin for flood water to drain from the highway, Nordhoff High School and the neighboring Taormina neighborhood, and to replace eucalyptus and other non-native plants over time with trees and plants native to Ojai.

To replace trees that were removed, thousands of young native trees and plants have been planted in an ongoing effort to re-forest the preserve. Hundreds more oaks, sycamore and cottonwoods will be planted. As the young native forest grows, the older non-native trees will age and many will fall with time as newly planted trees begin to grow and take their place.

Wildlife returns…

Within months of the excavation, water was returning to the wetlands, bringing with it scores of new wildlife sitings. Well, perhaps not new, but new to us. Weasles, egrets, owls, and many species waterfowl and other birds not seen for decades are being spotted daily. The cattail marsh abounds with nesting red winged blackbirds. Frogs chirp happily, and feast along with other natural predators on insects, including mosquito larvae, which is kept in check by natural predation and mosquito fish.  A leisurely stroll around the meadow will delight the senses with the sights, smell and songs of nature.

If you have a wildlife experience on the preserve, we would love to hear about it. Please let us know in the comments box below.

Education abounds on the Ojai Meadows Preserve…

Environmental education programs and restoration tours occur throughout the year. If you or your group are interested in learning more, please give us a call, and we will be glad to schedule a tour for you.

With funding tight, teachers at three neighboring schools are happy to have use of the Preserve as an outdoor classroom for hundreds of local students. Nordhoff High School students participate in field science classes and service learning projects, learning through ‘hands-on’ opportunities while helping with the restoration effort.

Visiting the Ojai Meadows…

Come take a walk around the preserve on the loop trail that begins and ends on Maricopa Highway in front of the Preserve. The trail is enjoyed by hikers and bicyclists, bird watchers, artists and others seeking a break from urban life.  For the protection of wildlife and restoration efforts, please remain on the trail and enjoy the view from behind the protective fence.

Dogs and their people are welcome and must be connected by a leash at all times for the safety of wildlife and other dogs and their walkers. “Mutt Mitts” are available at the Nordhoff and Lomita Avenue entrances for picking up after your dog. Please dispose of used mitts in trash receptacles at either entrance.

Equestrian and motor vehicle use are prohibited by the terms of the grant funding for ecologic restoration in the hope that sensitive habitat will be protected.

Want to help?

Naming right opportunities to honor family, friends or mentors are still available for a wide range of donations. Currently, trees and a creek crossing are among the naming opportunities. Please email the Conservancy at info@ovlc.org for more information.

If you would like to volunteer to be part of the Meadow restoration project, give the OVLC a call at 649-6852 or email info@ovlc.org. We have regular volunteer work days, and other projects which can be done on your own.