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, 3 years06/10/2022 ago

_Special Announcement Accomplishments Plants Native Speaker Series Video Plants

Read the synopsis, then watch the recording of the “Native Plants Demystified” Speaker Series event from October 14, 2021

Native-plant experts Laura Pasetta, Jenn Rodriguez, Antonio Sanchez and COSCA Administrator Brian Stark spoke from their extensive knowledge and experience of developing a garden of native Southern California plants. The video recording and a photo gallery can be found below this brief synopsis of their presentations. Laura Pasetta (Clinical herbalist, Read more…

By Steve Clark, 3 years10/16/2021 ago

Plants Native Video Plants Wildlife

The Amazing, Versatile Coast Live Oak

While hiking over our local hills and through canyons, you’ve undoubtedly been awed by a canopy of coast live oaks or seen one perched majestically on a hillside. They’re tough, hardy drought resistant trees that can live for 250 years. You may have seen branches growing out of burned trunks Read more…

By Steve Clark, 4 years02/02/2021 ago

Plants Native Video Plants Wildlife

How Well Do You Know and Appreciate Prickly Pear Cactus?

We’ve all seen prickly pear cactus on sunny, rocky slopes and, hopefully, you haven’t accidentally fallen or backed into their spiny pads. Did you know those sharp spines are not only for defense, but also act as modified leaves? The fruit of the prickly pear cactus is nutritious and good Read more…

By Steve Clark, 4 years12/16/2020 ago

Environment Plants Native Video Animals Video Plants Wildlife

Milkweed and the beautiful Monarch Butterflies are inextricably linked but endangered

This is the time of year we can spot the monarch butterflies migrating to their winter homes and also a good time to learn more about why the narrow leaf milkweed is the most important plant for monarchs. We often see milkweed in sunny areas near our trails, but do Read more…

By Steve Clark, 4 years11/16/2020 ago

_Special Announcement Accomplishments Speaker Series Video Plants Wildlife

Watch the recording of November’s Wildfire Recovery presentation

National Park Service wildfire ecologist Dr. Marti Witter gave a fantastically interesting and informative talk, “Fire History, Climate Change, and Wildfire Recovery in the Santa Monica Mountains” on November 12th. The Zoom presentation is now available for viewing. Her talk was the finale of the Conejo Open Space Foundation speaker Read more…

By Steve Clark, 4 years11/14/2020 ago

Plants Native Video Plants Wildlife

Beautiful, aromatic white sage is now endangered with its trendy use in burning smudge sticks

White sage is considered sacred and still used by indigenous peoples for medical and ceremonial purposes, but did you know it’s now becoming endangered? While hiking along a local trail, it’s likely we’ve stopped and enjoyed the wonderful aroma of white sage that’s common on sunny hillsides and in chaparral Read more…

By Steve Clark, 4 years10/16/2020 ago

Plants Native Video Plants Wildlife

All about Black Elderberry Plants – a video

Have you seen elderberry bushes with their purple fruit along the trails? Have you wondered if it’s ever been used as an herbal remedy? As a musical instrument? The Conejo Open Space Foundation is delighted to announce our collaboration with noted local naturalist, Laura Pasatta, for a series of videos Read more…

By Steve Clark, 4 years09/16/2020 ago