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Wetland Walk at Ojai Meadows Preserve
March 5, 2023 @ 9:00 am - 11:30 am
$25
Photo courtesy of Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
Please use the REGISTER button at top or bottom of this page to sign up before clicking on the PayPal link at the bottom of the page to secure your space. The PayPal cost includes their fee. If you prefer, when you register you may request instructions for mailing a check for $25/person.
If the event sells out, PayPal will not accept your payment. You will see a message that says this event “is not available at this time” and you will be returned to this page. If that happens, be sure to click on the REGISTER button below to sign up for the waiting list. If spaces become available they will be filled based on date and time of waiting list signup.
Cancellation policy: I will refund your payment if you notify me up to 72 hours (3 days) before the start of the event. After that I will make every effort to fill your space (and I’m usually successful) but cannot guarantee.
REGISTER
There’s not been a better time in recent memory to experience the wetland at the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s Ojai Meadows Preserve. Please join me and my wife Rondia for a leisurely nature walk on the historic wetland on Sunday, March 5, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. We’ll identify native plants that have been used for centuries by the Chumash and other Indigenous people of California for shelter, food, medicine, fiber, ceremony and much more. Gardeners will discover how these plants can be used in home yard and garden landscapes. We’ll view first-hand the many benefits of the preservation and restoration of this special piece of land by the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC). In the main pond at the lowest spot in the wetland, we’ll see waterfowl and typical wetland plants such as tules and cattails. This winter’s rains have brought up several smaller vernal pools as well. This walk is presented under a Special Use Permit from OVLC.
For decades the wetland was buried under sediment and fill dirt from nearby construction. A grove of non-native Eucalyptus trees was planted in the 1950s, negating the possibility of native habitat returning on its own. The property also was threatened with the possibility of a shopping center and parking lots. The meadows were acquired in 2000 by OVLC with an outpouring of community support to protect them. Most of the $1.35M came from 140 citizens and businesses, who demonstrated their commitment to preserving the meadows’ natural beauty. Flood waters from Nordhoff High School and Maricopa Highway were diverted onto the meadows bringing wildlife back to the area. Native plant restoration is an ongoing project.
Before the walk, I will have copies of my book, Medicinal Herbs of California, available for sale and signing. A number of plants that we will meet can be found in the book. I’ll also have Milt McAuley’s classic Wildflowers of the Santa Monica Mountains which includes every plant we’ll see.
Paid registrants will receive a confirmation email with parking directions, what to bring, etc. Afterwards, they will get a follow-up email with a list of all plants and wildlife seen. No dogs or smoking, please.