Stewart Canyon Creek winds through Ojai, in the upper reaches of the Ventura River Watershed. This waterway is a vital lifeline for local wildlife and a source of beauty and joy for residents.

Late in 2019, The CREW was offered the opportunity to launch a 20-year ecological restoration project, led by young people throughout the Ventura River Watershed. We embarked on a multi-year pilot phase with partners Pax Environmental, Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, and Ventura Land Trust’s educational program Once Upon A Watershed.

The 2017 Thomas Fire devastated hundreds of miles of trails in the Los Padres National Forest.  The Los Padres Forest Association and many volunteer groups have made great progress in restoring segments of trail, particularly those closest to the front country. 

The CREW offers curbside and drop-off wood chipping to residents of Ojai, Meiners Oaks, Mira Monte, Oak View, Casitas Springs, Foster Park, and the surrounding areas.

The amazing community leaders at Food Share launched outdoor food distribution events in the spring, and C.R.E.W. teams jumped in.

Trail Work, Fire Prevention and Habitat Restoration projects have been the core of The CREW since 1991