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. 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 existing trails at Big Rock.  

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 Big Rock! Please make sure to wear closed toe shoes and long pants/sleeves.  

Join VLT staff on the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday "Day of Service" at the Big Rock Preserve to help remove non-native, invasive plant species, spread mulch and water new plantings. Join thousands of others across the country who make MLK Day a day of service, a day to help others and a day to honor Dr. King’s legacy.

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. 

To get to Big Rock Preserve, take Highway 33 toward Ojai and exit at Casitas Vista Rd. Turn right, park underneath the highway overpass and walk to the bike path. Take a left at the bike path entrance and we will be set up a short way ahead - near the mural.

Please wear pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and bring a shovel, refillable water bottle and a friend!

 

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!

In February, we hope to finish the planting at the Ocean Friendly Garden! Over the last year, VLT has teamed up with the Ventura Chapter of Surfrider Foundation's Ocean Friendly Gardens to re-landscape and reinvigorate the entrance to the Willoughby Nature Preserve. Located next to the "Welcome to Ventura" sign along the Ventura-Ojai bike path (adjacent to the parking lot located at Main St. and Peking St.), this month we will reinstate native plants adjacent to the Ventura bike trail parking lot. Our goal is to improve sight lines and beautify the area. 

The Ocean Friendly Gardens project is part of an honorary garden being built in the memory of Paul Herzog. Paul was Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Gardens Program Coordinator and a dedicated member of the Surfrider Foundation Ventura County Chapter.

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

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!

Because of the physical nature of the work, volunteers should be at least 12 years of age. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

On Saturday, May 30th, from 9 am - 12 noon, join VLT for a fun family-friendly milkweed planting event at our Big Rock Preserve. Monarch butterflies need milkweed plants to survive - their caterpillars only eat milkweed and Monarch moms lay their eggs on the milkweed plant. Milkweed habitat loss is the biggest short-term threat to the migration of Monarch butterflies.

Join VLT volunteers as we pitch in to provide essential habitat for the migrating Monarchs. We will bring the gloves, shovels and milkweed plants; you bring the enthusiasm!

Meet VLT staff at 9 am at the North Entrance of Big Rock Preserve next to the kiosk. To get there, walk south on the bike path from Foster Park. We will escort you to the planting area where we will do a short Monarch presentation and provide a planting demonstration.

Please wear sturdy shoes, long pants, a hat, sunscreen and bring a water bottle. We will have water on hand for refills.

On Saturday, April 20th, all are invited to join the Ventura Land Trust to plant trees at the Big Rock Preserve. Big Rock suffered significant fire damage and many of the 1,000+ trees VLT planted on the property over the past three years were burned. The Ventura Land Trust has begun the process to "Bring Back Big Rock ." Over the coming years, we will replant the trees that were lost and water and nurture them until they grow tall and strong.  

“Planting trees adds additional aesthetic and wildlife value to the Big Rock Preserve,” said Derek Poultney, VLT Executive Director. “Trees are not only beautiful; they also produce oxygen, prevent erosion and provide homes for animals.”

Due to the unique geology of the area, the Big Rock Preserve is one of the only places between the Ventura River estuary and Matilija Canyon that has year-round water. The area is home to endangered steel head trout, as well as western pond turtles, herons, deer, red-legged frogs and bobcats. Since the Thomas Fire, there has been increased wildlife activity on the property as animals seek out fresh water from the Ventura River.

All volunteers should wear pants, long sleeves, closed-toe shoes, and don't forget sunscreen and a water bottle! We will have water for refills available. We provide the tools; you provide the enthusiasm!

MAP AND DIRECTIONS: 

Big Rock Preserve is located just south of Foster Park along the Ojai-Ventura Bike Trail. There are two entrances to Big Rock.

North Entrance: Take Hwy 33, exit at Casitas Vistas Road, turn right and park underneath the HWY 33 overpass. Walk towards the bike trail and turn left. Continue south for approx. 1/4 mile along the dirt path adjacent to the Ojai-Ventura Bike Trail until you see the Big Rock preserve entrance on the right (look for the kiosk, bench and bike rack under the pepper tree).

South Entrance: Take Hwy 33, exit at Casitas Vistas Vista Road. Turn right and continue straight (under the highway) on North Ventura Ave. Parking is available along North Ventura Ave. Walk north to the break in the fence and take a right along the dirt path adjacent to the Ojai-Ventura Bike Trail. Continue north for approx. 1/4 mile until you see the Big Rock preserve entrance on the left (look for the kiosk, bench and bike rack under the pepper tree).

The Preserve is currently CLOSED except for special volunteer restoration events.

Join VLT staff at the Ventura River estuary to help chop, pull, and lop non-native, invasive plant species and/or remove trash and refuse that are wreaking havoc on our native riparian ecosystem! In May, we will be working at the Willoughby Preserve.

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 cleanup volunteers must 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!

In July, we need your help cleaning up trash at our Willoughby Preserve. Additionally, 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 trash free 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 VHC 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 cleanup volunteers must 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!

TICKETS ON SALE AT THE GATE ON SATURDAY, 8/17/19

This year's festival will be bigger, better, and even MORE FUN! We are thrilled to once again host our popular film festival at an outdoor venue. Bring your low-back chairs and blankets, and prepare for a night to remember!

With live music, food trucks, outdoor games, and more, this year's festival will be one night of fun for the whole community to enjoy. All proceeds from this event will help support the mission of Ventura Land Trust. 

The Wild and Scenic Film Festival offers audiences the chance to enjoy a series of award-winning short films that celebrate the beauty and bounty of our natural world.  This popular festival, which sells out every year, helps to connect the Land Trust’s work to similar environmental efforts around the globe. In addition to viewing films, attendees also enjoy live music, special guests, food, beer, wine and the chance to win high-end items in a raffle that includes original artwork, outdoor gear, dining-out certificates and much, much more.

Doors Open at 5 PM, Films Begin at 8 PM, Fun Lasts All Night!