Arroyo Conejo Open Space facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arroyo Conejo Open Space |
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| La Branca (the Barranca) | |
View of La Branca from the Arroyo Conejo Trail
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| Location | Ventura County, California |
| Nearest city | Newbury Park |
| Area | 302 acres (122 ha) |
| Established | July 1977 |
| Governing body | Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) |
Arroyo Conejo Open Space is a large natural area in Newbury Park, Ventura County, California. It covers about 302-acre (122 ha) of land. Most of this area is part of the Arroyo Conejo Nature Preserve, which is about 250-acre (100 ha). This special place helps protect nature in the western Simi Hills.
Exploring Arroyo Conejo's Natural Beauty
The preserve is often called La Branca or the Barranca. These are Spanish words for "the canyon." Some people even call it the Grand Canyon of the Conejo Valley because it's so impressive! Its main goal is to protect beautiful areas, animal homes, and important historical sites in the Conejo Valley.
The Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) has managed this land since July 1977. La Branca is a narrow gorge, or canyon, that stretches for three miles. It goes from northern Newbury Park, near the Rancho Conejo Playfields, all the way to Hill Canyon.
This canyon has steep cliffs that rise up to 300 feet (91 m) high. The preserve is home to many different plants and animals. You might see southwestern pond turtles, mountain lions, bobcats, black bears, deer, and coyotes. Many birds also live here, like quails, golden eagles, hawks, and owls. The preserve also has a flowing stream called the South Fork of the Arroyo Conejo. You can find areas with plants that grow near water (riparian zones), steep canyons, California oak woodlands, and wetlands.
Discovering the Wetlands
The Hill Canyon Wastewater Treatment Plant has the biggest constructed wetlands in Ventura County. These wetlands cover about 15 acres (6.1 ha) within the Arroyo Conejo Nature Preserve. People have worked hard to make this area better for nature. They removed plants that didn't belong there and planted many native trees and wetland plants.
This area is a safe home for the special Southwestern Pond Turtle. Many birds also enjoy these wetlands, including mallards, coots, and herons. You can also find many types of freshwater fish here.
A Look Back: History of the Preserve
People realized how important this natural area was a long time ago. In 1972, it was highlighted in a plan for conservation. Then, in 1976, a study called the Conejo Canyons Study identified it as having very important natural resources.
In 1974, a group called the Conejo Valley Audubon Society met with The Nature Conservancy. Someone visiting during these meetings was amazed to find such a "wild and untouched place" right inside a city. To protect these lands, a group called Small Wilderness Area Preserves was formed in 1976. The Arroyo Conejo Nature Preserve was officially created in July 1977, taking over from this group.
