Conejo Open Space Foundation

View the recording of Betina Loudermilk’s talk about the plight of the Western monarch butterflies and what you can do to help them survive

For COSF’s summer 2022 Speaker Series virtual presentation on June 8, butterfly educator Betina Loudermilk of Betina’s Little Farm & Butterfly Garden gave a fact-filled presentation about the East and West Coast monarch migrations and lifecycles. She discussed the mysterious resurgence of the Western monarchs and the grave threats they Read more

By Anne Russell, 4 years06/10/2022 ago

_Special Announcement Environment Plants Native Wildlife

Ventura County Bans Sale of Tropical Milkweed to Protect Monarchs

Because of its role in spreading disease among Western monarch butterflies, tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) has been classified as a “noxious weed” by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. That led to a June 1 notice of a ban by Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner Ed Williams on its sale Read more

By Anne Russell, 4 years06/09/2022 ago

Accomplishments Environment Speaker Series

View Dr. Sean Anderson’s talk about the impact of ‘global weirding’ in the Conejo Valley and what you can do to slow it

For COSF’s first 2022 Speaker Series virtual presentation on March 2, conservation ecologist Dr. Sean Anderson examined the multiple threats posed to the Conejo Valley by global warming—or “global weirding,” as he calls it because of the bizarre weather events it causes. Dr. Anderson, who chairs the Environmental Science and Read more

By Anne Russell, 4 years03/05/2022 ago

Accomplishments Environment Fundraising Wildlife

COSF Completes $10,000 Wildlife Crossing Pledge; Adds Bonus Gift

Thanks to generous donations from members and supporters, COSF was able to add $6,800 to the $10,000 donation already pledged to fund the construction of the $87 million Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing over the 101 freeway. The additional money came from the Julia Osborn Gourley Memorial Fund, which COSF created Read more

By Steve Clark, 5 years11/05/2021 ago

Accomplishments Environment Fundraising Wildlife

COSF Contributes another $2500 to the wildlife crossing of the 101 Freeway at Liberty Canyon

Most of us think of the wildlife crossing as only for the benefit of mountain lions, so that lions from different regions can mingle, reduce interbreeding and strengthen the gene pool of the population. In reality, the wildlife bridge will benefit many more species, including plants and birds! COSF is Read more

By Steve Clark, 5 years06/14/2021 ago

Accomplishments Environment Speaker Series Video Animals Wildlife

Watch the recording of the talk: Changes in Bird Populations due to Urbanization over 25 Years

Dr. Daniel Cooper, who spoke to us via Zoom on Thursday evening June 10th, gave a scholarly presentation of his research into the changes of bird populations over the past few decades due to expanding urban areas. He finds that some species thrive in cities, some avoid them, and others Read more

By Steve Clark, 5 years06/12/2021 ago

COSCA Environment

Thousand Oaks free Chipper Day: April 24

By Steve Clark, 5 years04/21/2021 ago

Environment History Wildlife

The 51st anniversary Earth Day is Thursday, April 22, 2021

“Earth Day is an annual event celebrated around the world on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, it now includes events coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network in more than 193 countries,” according to Wikipedia. The article continues, in part, “On January 28, Read more

By Steve Clark, 5 years04/19/2021 ago

Environment Plants Native Wildlife

Spring Wildflowers: Bloom or Bust?

You’ve probably noticed that we haven’t had much rain so far this year. Rainfall in most of Ventura County has totaled less than 3 inches, which is less than a third of what we normally would have gotten. That doesn’t bode well for the spring wildflower bloom, says Anna Huber, Read more

By Steve Clark, 5 years03/24/2021 ago

Accomplishments Environment Fundraising Speaker Series Video Animals Wildlife

Watch the recording of the 101 Freeway wildlife crossing talk: its need and current status

“Wow. Beth is even better than I had hoped!!!” That was one response to March 11th presentation on the need for the 101 Freeway wildlife crossing bridge. The Zoom webinar was given by Beth Pratt, the Executive Director of the National Wildlife Federation for California. 215 people registered for the Read more

By Steve Clark, 5 years03/14/2021 ago

Environment

Are you apprehensive about Climate Change?

If so, join a small group discussion, led by Victoria Clayton of the Climate Psychology Alliance

to be held virtually

Wednesday, May 6 via Zoom

If so, join a small group discussion, led by
Victoria Clayton of the Climate Psychology Alliance