Upstream from the Ventura River Estuary and alongside the Ojai-Ventura Bike Trail, the Willoughby Preserve protects 9 acres of dynamic riparian woodland and wetland habitats.

Prior to acquisition in 2012, this property had been significantly degraded by illegal encampments and the invasive species arundo (Arundo donax). VLT worked with partners and volunteers to remove encampments, garbage, and fully control arundo on the property. To this day, we maintain a consistent effort to keep the Preserve free from trash and arundo, with a minimum of weekly surveys and response efforts. We estimate over 500 tons of garbage have been removed from the Willoughby Preserve since 2012.

While Willoughby Preserve is open to the public, there is no established trail system in this area due to fluctuations in stream levels.