Public Access to Ventura Hills Nature Preserve is at Risk
Public access to Ventura Hills Nature Preserve is under threat due to a lawsuit brought by Chevron and Aera Energy.
Help us keep this preserve open to the public forever.
Why This Matters
Ventura Land Trust opened this preserve for the community to safely enjoy and connect with. A lawsuit brought by Chevron and Aera Energy threatens this access. They claim that allowing the public to use Hall Canyon Road interferes with their asserted legal rights to use the road for oil operations. Chevron and Aera have asked the Court to close Hall Canyon Road and VLT's trailhead to the public.
Ventura Hills Nature Preserve has been protected through more than 25 years of community effort and public investment. This preserve exists today because people across Ventura came together to ensure it would be preserved and accessible for future generations.
We are committed to protecting safe, long-term public access, and we need your help.
Read Chevron’s and Aera’s complaint.
Read Ventura Land Trust’s opposition.
What’s at Stake
Photo: Liam Pickhardt
Hall Canyon is the only feasible flat space on the property for building a vehicle-accessible trailhead. Closing this access point will effectively close the preserve to the public.
Access and conservation go hand in hand. Ventura Land Trust is responsible for ensuring this land is both protected and accessible, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Take Action
Choose How You Want to Help
Speak up for Public Access
Make your voice heard by local decision makers.
We’ve made it simple to send a message of support to leaders who play a role in protecting public access.
With one click, you can send a message to:
Ventura County Supervisors
Ventura City Council
State representatives
It takes less than a minute—and it makes a real difference.
Show up When it Matters
Public presence matters.
Sign up to be notified about upcoming hearings, meetings, and opportunities to stand in support of public access to Ventura Hills Nature Preserve.
By joining this list, you will:
Get notified when hearings are scheduled
Receive guidance on how to participate
Be part of a visible, community presence
We’ll keep you informed so you can show up at the right time.
Support the Work
Protecting access to open space requires ongoing investment, including legal, operational, and stewardship.
Your support helps Ventura Land Trust continue protecting land and ensuring the community can safely experience it.
Support protecting public access and stewardship of Ventura’s open spaces.
Gifts are unrestricted and allow us to respond where the need is greatest.
Do you have professional expertise, historical knowledge, or another way to support Ventura Land Trust in this effort?
Please contact us at access@venturalandtrust.org.
Photo: Liam Pickhardt