COSF Establishes Julia Osborn-Gourley Memorial Fund to Benefit National Wildlife Federation campaign for Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing.
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., June 1, 2020
Conejo Open Space Foundation (COSF) seeks volunteers and donations to maintain and improve Conejo open space trails.
As the COVID-19 global pandemic is expected to continue to impact our community for months to come, Conejo Open Space Foundation (COSF) invites community members to support the extensive open space and trail system of the Conejo Valley that serve as a respite for local residents.
“The Conejo Open Space trails offer a safe and invigorating escape for residents who seek social-distancing-appropriate exercise and adventure on foot, mountain bike, and horseback,” said Jerry Westby, President, COSF Board of Directors. “Now more than ever, we need volunteers to help keep watch on our trails, to ensure visitors from out of town as well as locals are respecting the trails and maintaining appropriate social distancing. Also, donations to our non-profit organization have dipped in recent months and we welcome tax-deductible contributions to help fund ongoing programs sponsored by the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) and the Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing.”
In recent months, thanks to corporate and individual contribution to COSF, the organization was able to fund multiple programs, including: pledging $10,000 to the National Wildlife Federation, donating $30,000 to COSCA for the construction of a new bridge in Hill Canyon, creating a video for the Conejo Valley Unified School District 4th graders who had to miss this year’s Trails Education Days due to school closings, and producing COSF’s Speaker Series presentation on the filming history in the Conejo Valley.
Conejo Open Space Volunteer Opportunities
The COSCA Volunteer Corps has many ways for residents to help maintain and preserve the open space that surrounds our beautiful Conejo Valley. By joining with others, we can make sure that the trails, canyons, and ridge lines will be enjoyed by visitors for generations to come.
“We’ve seen an increase in use of our trails as locals as well as visitors from neighboring communities seek fresh air and exercise during the pandemic, and we are seeking volunteers at this time to help monitor appropriate use of our trails,” Westby said.
The Trail Ambassadors program is made up of volunteer hikers, bicyclists and equestrians who have been certified through a formal training program and wear ID badges. For more information on this program, visit: https://www.cosf-test.org/events/trail-ambassadors/
For anyone frequently enjoying the Conejo open space, or looking for an incentive to get out on the trails regularly, why not report what you see, put maps in a kiosk, or pick up some trash along the way? The Trail Watch program is easy to join; for more information, visit https://www.cosf-test.org/volunteer/trail-watch/
In Memory of Julia Osborn-Gourley
Julia (Julie) Osborn-Gourley passed away while on an archaeological tour in Ethiopia on
January 23, 2020. A life-long environmentalist and nature lover, Julie was appointed to Conejo Open Space Trail Action Committee (COSTAC) and the COSF board in 1997. She served as COSF secretary for several years, then as president from 2003 through 2013. Through the years, Julie worked tirelessly for Trails Education Days and was instrumental in the creation of the COSF Adopt-A-Trail program. She also served as a Trail Watch volunteer and participated in countless trail work events.
Following Julie’s 2017 retirement from the COSF board, the directors “Adopted an
Oak Tree” in her honor. The tree is located near the planned bridge in the Conejo Canyons Open Space, which is particularly fitting since Julie long advocated for the construction of a bridge in that area.
COSF has established a Memorial Fund in Julie’s name. All donations will be directed to the National Wildlife Federation fund for the Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing. The foundation donated to the fund last year, and Julie was pleased with our involvement. To add your support, please go to cosf.org/donate, or mail a check to: COSF, P.O. Box 2113, Thousand Oaks, CA 91358.
Helping to Preserve, Promote, and Protect Our Open Space
The Conejo Open Space Foundation (COSF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation formed in 1995 to promote, support and help maintain the open space and trail system of the Conejo Valley, and to educate visitors as to their roles as custodians and protectors of the open space and the environment. We support and help fund ongoing programs sponsored by the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA). We are funded through individual, business, and corporate memberships, donations and grants. Funds received by COSF are highly leveraged through the extensive use of unpaid community volunteers and other in-kind donations.
0 Comments