Ventura's iconic Two Trees landmark has long been a symbol of the city's natural beauty and history. But for decades, accessing this beloved spot required trespassing on private property, a steep and often crowded climb through Barlow Canyon. Now, thanks to the efforts of the Rangeland Ag Conservancy, the public can finally enjoy this iconic landmark without breaking the law.
The Two Trees themselves, once part of a grove of more than a dozen blue gum eucalyptus, were planted in the 1890s. In recent decades, only one of the two that remained stood on the conservancy's land, while the other was on an adjacent property now part of the Ventura Hills Preserve. The one on the conservancy's land died first, but initially stayed standing, keeping the landmark mostly intact.
In April 2017, the conservancy planted two new trees, just months before the massive Thomas Fire swept through the canyon. The century-old tree eventually fell, and one of the newly planted trees failed, likely because of predation from squirrels, gophers, and other critters. The other has since grown close to 16 feet high, and the conservancy planted a third to replace the one lost to predation.
For now, that leaves a total of three trees at the spot. The older one left on the Hills Preserve still stands, however, also has long since died. The organization has started restoration projects that included planting hundreds of oak saplings throughout the property, and plans to expand ways for the public to access the site, from sunset yoga classes to the Two Trees hike.
The conservancy opens its gates off Foothill Road on the third Saturday of each month. The next hike is scheduled for July 18. The trail, around 3 miles out and back, will open for self-paced hikes from 8 a.m. to noon. While the hike is free, trail-goers are asked to register to arrive at 8, 9, or 10 a.m. No dogs are allowed and parking is limited.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the history of the land. The ranch, now owned by the Rangeland Ag Conservancy, was once part of Rancho San Buenaventura Conservation Trust, and was home to at least half of the trees for decades. The organization has a rich history of protecting the land from development, with plans to continue using the land for grazing while preserving it from development in perpetuity. This is a testament to the power of conservation efforts and the importance of preserving our natural landmarks.
In my opinion, the Two Trees hike is a must-do for anyone visiting Ventura. It's a chance to connect with nature, learn about the history of the area, and appreciate the efforts of the Rangeland Ag Conservancy in preserving this iconic landmark. The hike is free, and the trail is self-paced, making it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. So, if you're in the area, be sure to sign up for the next hike and experience the beauty of Two Trees for yourself!
