Groups Launch Plan to Protect Oaks

A program designed to stem the steady loss of stately oaks to development pressures in the Ojai Valley has been launched by two nonprofit groups.

Armed with a $2,732 state grant, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy and Ojai Valley Horticultural Society have begun a joint venture called “Ojai’s Heritage Oaks.”

“We’ve been losing oak trees--and pretty dramatic ones--over the years,” said conservancy Associate Director Caryn Bosson, who added that the chopping down of a weakened 200-year-old oak in Libbey Park last summer caused a furor in the community.

“Well-meaning property owners simply don’t understand how to treat these trees.”

The program will produce a brochure on oak care for homeowners that will be distributed free April 26 on what is being dubbed “Ojai’s Heritage Oaks Day.”

The brochure will include a form guiding property owners through an assessment process to gauge the health of their oaks and discount coupons for local arborists.

“We have long wanted to create a simple brochure on oak tree care for homeowners,” said Kathy Rilling, horticultural society president.

“The surprising thing is that after researching around the state, we have found that nothing like this exists.”

The groups are looking for volunteers willing to attend training on oak tree issues and then spend about three hours as part of a two-person team handing out the brochures this spring.

People may call 646-7930 for more information or attend an informational meeting at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Boyd Recreation Center.

Oaks are considered an emblem of the Ojai Valley, said Bosson, noting that several roads have been built to bypass the trees.

“Preserving oak trees is a natural outgrowth of wanting to preserve Ojai’s natural beauty,” she said.