Go Native at Green Drinks with OVLC
The sun was getting lower in the sky and sunlight filtered at a different angle at 5:30pm (though the temperature still felt like summer) in the garden space at Farmer and the Cook for the most recent Green Drinks. Green Drinks, organized by the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, featured the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy on October 5th, with the presentation led by Claire Woolson, the OVLC’s Rewild Ojai and Volunteer Coordinator. Rewilding Ojai is one of the OVLC’s signature projects. Much of the audience were already OVLC supporters; however, there were a few who were new to them and excited to learn. The Farmer and Cook brought out loaded fries and nachos—free snacks sponsored by OVGC partner, PAX International—and guests settled down with their own “green drinks” purchased from Farmer. We were ready for Claire.
Claire has confidence, ease with the audience, and a clear passion for what she does. For those who were new to the OVLC, she went over some of their main programs and objectives and then moved on to this evening’s focus, Rewilding - and what does that mean? And what exactly defines a native plant?
Here are some interesting facts she told us…
There are different levels of native plants from our state and county, and even as specific to those that have “historically and naturally” lived right in our watershed.
Most of California is known as the “California Floristic Province,” a biodiversity hotspot. Our very own Ojai might have twice as many native plant species as areas in other states.
And to circle back to what it means to Rewild, the OVLC is encouraging people in the Ojai Valley to re-envision their backyard landscape with plants that are both native and support our local watershed. It became abundantly clear how important it is to our local eco system to reintroduce native plant species, whether it’s through restoration work or Rewilding our own backyard.
Here are some benefits to planting native local species.
Native species are drought tolerant. Over the millennia, native plants have adapted to this specific climate to live without water throughout most of the year.
Native plants provide the best nutrients for our local animal species, including birds. For example, various berries have a high fat content that our local birds need to thrive.
Native plants that are specific to Ojai characterize our valley and watershed and attunes us to what makes Ojai special and like home.
Interested in learning more? Here are some of Claire’s recommended resources.
The OVLC native plant nursery, where plants are on sale for the public
SAMO Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to habitat restoration, wildlife conservation and public education in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Doug Tallamy’s book, “Nature’s Best Hope”
The OVLC has an unwavering commitment to helping to restore our local landscapes, one native plant and one backyard at a time. Check them out and get inspired to go native!
