The Ormond Project Ormond Beach is regarded by many as the most important coastal wetland in California’s Central Coast, and by some as the most important wetland south of Monterrey. Geographically, it is a two-mile stretch of the California coast in western Ventura County that stretches from the Port Hueneme pier to the Pt. Mugu Naval Air Station boundary. It is a remnant of extensive coastal wetlands that, a century ago, stretched from Mugu Rock to the Santa Clara River. Driving on California’s Highway 1 from Malibu to Oxnard, one can see another section of the wetlands from one’s car, stretching from the road to the beach where the highway curves north of Mugu Rock. These wetlands are part of the Naval Base Ventura County and off-limits to the public. The Ormond Beach remnant has been protected by its isolation, hidden behind a patchwork of industrial and agricultural parcels along Hueneme Road, the California state road in South Oxnard that connects the Port of Hueneme with California Highway 1. Beginning approximately 30 years ago, the area was gradually discovered by biologists and conservationists who recognized it as an environmental jewel. It is a complex ecosystem combining ocean, sandy beach, estuary, marsh, dunes and uplands. Among its 10 endangered or special status species, Ormond Beach harbors seven endangered or special status birds. As many as 300 bird species have been sighted here. As an undeveloped stretch of beach, Ormond has been the focus of several proposed development projects, any one of which would have destroyed the fragile habitat it provides to wildlife. Earth Alert is the manager and administrator for the Ormond Project (OP), which was the first and is now the oldest organized effort to protect sensitive habitat areas at Ormond Beach. The OP continues to work to protect this area and its essential wildness. Earth Alert’s board member Alan Sanders has been involved at Ormond Beach for more than 30 years. His involvement includes: First discovery of attempts by California least terns to nest at Ormond Beach in 1990. Formation of the Ormond Beach Wildlife Patrol (OBWP) to protect least terns and all other area wildlife. Ongoing OBWP to provide fencing, signage and protective supervision in the area where the endangered California least terns and threatened western snowy plovers nest in the dunes. The OBWP reports trespassers and polluters to Oxnard PD, stops harassment of endangered species and other wildlife and has worked with the Pt. Mugu Wildlife Center to rescue stranded marine mammals and birds that are sick and in need of help. A major role in preventing establishment of an RV park on Hueneme Beach, which would have created a precedent for further development of the area; Communication with Ventura County agencies to stop illegal alteration of area waters and to stop other unpermitted projects. A significant role in prevention of a housing development and marina that would have completely obliterated the wetlands; Yet another significant role in the formation of the ongoing Ormond Beach Task Force, which brought a wide range of stakeholders together under the leadership of the late Roma Armbrust, founder of the Ormond Beach Observers; A leader in the coalition that prevented a 38-acre section of uplands from being turned into a parking lot; Action before the Oxnard City Council to regulate against the use of the area by hanggliders, ultralight and other low-flying recreational aircraft; Filing of comments on a recent proposal to build a major housing project and an industrial park along Hueneme Road that conservationists fear would hem in the wetlands and introduce a level of human and pet traffic that would drive away wildlife; and Development of a strategy that has led to the purchase and planned restoration of over 700 acres of coastal wetlands. Videos produced by Earth Alert: Sand Sun Oil + Gas Ormond Wetland Wonderland Sharing the Santa Barbara Channel [about us][our mission][projects][articles][photos][contact us][links][home]