Established in March 2026, the Ventura Hills Nature Preserve, (previously known as Mariano Ranch) has been maintained by Ventura Land Trust in order to preserve land and natural resources that are available to the community. As nature trails develop, the public is encouraged to visit these peaceful trails and take a look of the beautiful view up on the hills.

This public sanctuary has been built by the efforts of volunteers and staff that contribute through Ventura Land Trust in order to transform this property.  

“I learned about Ventura Land Trust, and the work they were doing to provide public access in the hillsides, and I was immediately on board. I thought that was a way [in which] I could make a difference for the community… and I haven’t looked back since,” deputy director Dan Hulst said in an interview by Ventura Land Trust. 

Ventura Land Trust says that through the efforts of building this nature preserve, there have been several obstacles. Some of which have formed severe consequences and caused difficulties with managing the land. 

“This property has been marked by decades of extractive use, both of the adjacent oil field and transportation of that oil over the property [Additionally], grazing by cattle resulted in abandoned infrastructure that resulted in proliferation of invasive species,” executive director Melissa Baffa said. 

These challenges bring on additional costs and an exertion of supplies that stack up easily against the organization’s budget. Despite the several complications, Ventura Land Trust employees have expressed their overall determination to bring a safe, biodiverse place for the community that educates visitors on the wonders of nature.

“I want us to be a partner in people learning about this environment, learning about where they live… [because] if you look at these hillsides… there’s a lot of really amazing native habitat out there and I think people deserve to see it,” field technician Quill Yates said.

As the development of the Ventura Hills Nature preserve advances, community members can use this space to take a look at the beautiful landscape around them, take a break from their worries and appreciate the native species that inhabit this rich environment.