What happened to the Music Festival?
In 2012 we celebrated 10 years of Ventura Hillsides Music Festivals. During that time we accomplished many of our goals for land conservation. We have received several donations of land within the Ventura River watershed and have been very focused on restoring and opening these preserves to the public. We are also making great progress toward a land acquisition in the hillsides. This is an exciting opportunity and essential for our ultimate success. As this is a high priority for the Ventura Land Trust, we have taken the time to create, establish and reaffirm our strategies for accomplishing these goals. For this reason, the Ventura Hillsides Music Festival is on hiatus. Be assured we will keep you posted as our strategy develops and plans for the next big event unfolds. And thank you for ten great years!
What are you doing about the homeless people living in the river bottom?
The Ventura River has been heavily impacted by the proliferation of illegal camps and the trash and pollution they generate. No trash or septic services are available in these areas and as a consequence vast quantities of refuse enter our river and end up on our beaches and in our ocean. In some areas vital habitat for native and migrating species has been degraded beyond the capacity to support wildlife. To address this issue the Land Trust has partnered with the City of Ventura and various local social service organizations to offer “a hand up, instead of a hand-out” to individuals who are ready to make a change for the better. We do our best to make it possible for people interested in those services to make the transition from outdoor living to case management and recovery programs. Project Understanding, the Salvation Army and the Turning Point Foundation are organizations who provide services to this population and their help has been instrumental in our efforts to reclaim and reconnect to our water source.
Where will the Ventura Land Trust obtain the money to purchase land?
We will be launching a long term fundraising campaign to gather the capital necessary to achieve our goals. Our money will be donated from citizens and government agencies through:
- Enlisting a broad membership base
- Sponsoring fundraising events
- Soliciting direct monetary donations
- Receiving endowments and gifts
- Pursuing grants from foundations and government agencies
- Partnering with other organizations to obtain grant monies in conjunction with a project of mutual interest
What will Ventura Land Trust do with the land?
Our land stewardship strategy will be developed to balance public recreation, preservation of scenic views and enhancement of ecosystem values. Trails for hiking, biking, or horse riding may be built depending on the area, and all potential land uses will be overseen by the experts on our stewardship committee.
What can I do besides give money?
If you are interested in helping the Ventura Land Trust by donating your time and expertise we have a robust volunteer program. If you like to get outdoors you can attend one of our monthly habitat restoration events, which generally occur every third Saturday of the month from 9AM-Noon. More information can be found on our events page. We also have several committees in which you could participate depending on your interest and skill including our film festival committee. Other committees include fundraising, communications, land, stewardship and governance.
How are you different than Ventura Citizens for Hillsides Preservation (VCHP)?
VCHP and the Land Trust are two separate nonprofit corporations with their own boards. There is no overlap in board membership. VCHP is a 501(c)(4) political, non-tax deductible non-profit run entirely by volunteers. VCHP has no sign-up fees or dues. The Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) tax deductible non-profit land trust. The Land Trust has membership dues and paid professional staff to accomplish its mission to acquire, manage and protect open space lands for public access.