On Thursday, September 19, Rick Halsey, director of the California Chaparral Institute, will present “Exploring the Chaparral and Rediscovering Yourself through Nature,” a community lecture beginning at 7 PM at the Museum of Ventura County. A part of Ventura Land Trust’s ongoing Environmental Speaker Series, Halsey will discuss how connecting with nature through local native habitats offers us a way to achieve what so many philosophers through the ages have identified as essential to achieving a meaningful existence – "to know thyself.”

“For more than two million years, evolution took place out in nature and was driven by our instincts,” said Halsey. “Today, as we try to reconcile the conflict between the demands of civilization, social expectations, and our ancient, wild selves, nature often provides the best remedy.”

Halsey is a writer, photographer, and the director of a non-profit research and educational organization dedicated to the preservation of California's native chaparral ecosystem and supporting the creative spirit as inspired by nature. He has given more than 500 presentations and written numerous papers and articles over the past 15 years concerning the importance of reestablishing our connection with nature and understanding local habitats, especially the chaparral.

Ventura Land Trust’s Environmental Speaker Series, now in its fourth year, is one of the many ways VLT works to educate the public about important environmental topics. Reservations are highly recommended and a $10/person donation is suggested at the door.

Ventura Land Trust is proud to do our part for the 2019 Ventura County Coastal Clean-up Day!

VLT staff will lead the charge at the Emma Wood State Beach group camp area. Join us as we clean and clear cigarette butts, bottles, trash and plastics from the area so it doesn't end up polluting our ocean and wildlife.

This beautiful area has been neglected in recent times, and we need the community's help to deal with large trash piles that build up from illegal camping. Multiple endangered species call Emma Wood State Beach home, and it's one of the last natural sand dune systems in Southern California. Let's work together and make it safe and clean for the plants and animals who live here!

* Please wear a long sleeved shirt, long pants, and closed-toe shoes (preferably hiking boots) to this event. There is thick brush and poison oak present around the work area. We will be out in the sun so make sure to wear a hat, sunscreen, and bring a reusable water bottle! Please remember, this cleanup will focus on trash removal from abandoned homeless encampments. Participants are likely to get dirty, so please dress appropriately.   

* Please note: Cleanup volunteers must be at least 14 years old. Due to the nature bio-hazardous materials occasionally found at cleanups, we do not encourage young children to participate in these events. Please see our Events Page for more family-friendly outings!

Follow this link to see the Sponsors for the Ventura County Coastal Cleanup Day Events  www.vccoastcleanup.org 

In October, we need your help removing invasive species at Willoughby Preserve. We will chop, pull, and lop non-native, invasive plant species that are wreaking havoc on our native riparian ecosystem! Our Willoughby Preserve has come a long way over the years, but it's up to us to keep it healthy and chalk full of native plants. 

River Restoration events are a part of VLT's ongoing efforts to bring the Ventura River back to its natural state and make it more welcoming to human and wildlife visitors alike. Please wear pants, long sleeves, closed-toe shoes, and don't forget sunscreen and water. We'll provide the tools, you provide the enthusiasm!

 

Meet VLT staff at 9 a.m. next to the Main St. Bridge along the bike path near downtown Ventura (at Main St. & Peking Streets). We will gather next to the Land Trust's beautiful informational kiosk. Please wear pants, long sleeves, closed-toe shoes, and don't forget sunscreen and water!

 

Please note: River restoration volunteers should be at least 16 years old. Due to the nature of tools used and bio-hazardous materials occasionally found in the river estuary, we do not encourage young children to participate in these events. Please see our Events Page for more family-friendly outings!

Want to contribute more than sweat-equity? The Ventura Land Trust now offers affordable River Restoration Sponsorship opportunities. Environmentally-minded individuals and businesses are invited to support our habitat restoration work by financially contributing to the costs of cleaning, clearing and restoring the land. There's no better way to put your money to work!

Kick off the holiday shopping season at a 40% off private VLT members-only ONE NIGHT ONLY shopping night at Patagonia's Great Pacific Iron Store in Ventura.

All current $100+ dues-paying VLT members will have the run of the store for two hours and receive 40% OFF their ENTIRE PURCHASE! On top of that, we will serve up complimentary wine, beer and nibbles.

Don't miss out on this chance to shop till you drop while receiving this amazing ONE NIGHT ONLY discount.

This event is ONLY open to current VLT members at $100+ membership levels.

Not a $100 member yet, Donate and become a member today!

Want to help prepare Harmon Canyon for public use? Love to run? Then this event is for you! Ventura Land Trust is teaming up with Runners For Public Lands on October 26th to connect runners of all abilities and anyone who is interested to open space preservation, outdoor recreation, and habitat restoration. This sneak peek of the preserve is your chance to come out and help build trails that will be used by the community for years to come. Ventura is lacking in public trails and we need your help to change that! 

Ventura Land Trust is currently in the escrow for this fantastic preserve, this process could take over a year before we can purchase the property. In the meantime, there is plenty of work to be done! We will be working on clearing brush to reduce fire hazards and building trails for the public to enjoy once we have our grand opening.

The event will start at 7:30 am with a run through the canyon (that is not yet open to the public outside of Ventura Land Trust led events) to preview the preserve that will go to 8:45 am. The volunteer work day will begin at 9:00 am where we will work on removing invasive plants, clearing and preparing trails, and restoring native habitats within Harmon Canyon. 

For field work, we ask that you please wear long pants, long sleeves, sturdy closed-toe shoes (preferably hiking boots), sunscreen, hat, and reusable water bottle. We will bring gloves and tools, though you are welcome to bring your own if you have a particular preference. 

We provide the tools; you provide the enthusiasm! Please RSVP so we know how many tools to provide.

This property is currently CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC except for special volunteer restoration events.

Trespassing could impact the purchase process, please don't take the risk! 

Join us on Saturday, November 16th from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. to help plant native plants and remove invasive species at Hayden Preserve. We will be planting an assortment of native trees and plants, and removing some of those pesky invasive plants that always seem to pop up when nobody's looking. Additionally, we will spread mulch on the preserve to help slow erosion and restore soil quality.   

VLT staff will provide the tools and direction and volunteers will provide the manpower. Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of the team that will beautify Hayden Preserve! Please make sure to wear closed toe shoes and long pants/sleeves.  

Join us on Saturday, December 15 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. to help plant trees and remove invasive species at the Big Rock Preserve. VLT staff and volunteers as will get down and dirty to prep the soil, dig holes and create a beautiful arbor of trees that will provide shade, scenery and solace to people walking, hiking and enjoying nature at Big Rock Preserve. We will be planting an assortment of native trees and plants, and removing some of those pesky invasive plants that always seem to pop up when nobody's looking.    

VLT staff will provide the tools and direction and volunteers will provide the stoke! Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of the team that will beautify Big Rock! Please make sure to wear long pants, long sleeves, sunscreen, a hat and don't forget your water bottle!