On Saturday September 22nd, employees of Wells Fargo Bank and their friends and family are invited to join Ventura Land Trust to restore habitat at the Big Rock Preserve. Join Ventura Land Trust staff and fellow employees in contributing to the repair and revitalization of land that was burned in the recent Thomas Fire. Restoration activities will include:

• Moving mulch
• Repairing/grooming trails
• Removing invasive plants
• Watering newly planted trees/plants

Big Rock suffered significant fire damage and 80% of the 1,000+ trees VLT had planted on the property over the past three years were burned. The Ventura Land Trust has begun the process to "Bring Back Big Rock" and will continue working on the property until all 1,000 trees have been replanted.

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 retreat from burned areas and 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!

Please reserve your spot to join in on this event. RSVPs help us know how many tools to provide and we don't want anyone to be empty handed!

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).