WILLOUGHBY PRESERVE
OPEN DAILY FROM SUNRISE TO SUNDOWN
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.
Become a Community Scientist!
Be a part of a collection of community scientists creating the most comprehensive data on the animals, plants, insects, and fungi that exist in Willoughby. Your careful observations help us better understand the biodiversity and manage the nature preserve to the best of our abilities.
To learn more about how VLT uses iNaturalist, please read our blog post The Power of Community Science through iNaturalist.
Recent Willoughby Observations
STEP ONE: Download the iNaturalist App and set up your account.
STEP TWO: Go outside! Take in the life around you–slow down, be curious, pay attention, and take photos.
STEP THREE: Upload your photos to iNaturalist. It will help you with IDs if you need them. Post your observation and we’ll see it on our end–thanks for your contributions!
WAYS TO SUPPORT
Do you want to stay involved in the ongoing restoration of the Willoughby Preserve?
VLT encourages anyone who is interested in Willoughby Preserve to get involved by signing up on our Volunteer Page.