Villa Ventura was created in January​ 2001. The ranch originally  consisted  of a ranch house, barn and storage shop. A small pond was located in the canyon beyond the pine trees.  We began our journey with a 10 year plan and a list of priorities to follow.  Five  " phases" were listed in order of priority. First was fencing. The entire property was controlled by wire " no Climb" fence  with PVC top rails. Cross fencing was added to prevent over-grazing by the wildlife. Second was water for the entire [property, with ponds. Third was a driveway that was over a mile . Fortunately asphalt was much cheaper 10 years ago. Fourth  was habitat and planting. Finally , fifth would be remodel the ranch house and barn "shops". The family decided to adopt a mission statement to guide us through the many stages of development. Since we had a wildlife collegiate background, protecting the habitat we were to create was among our top priorities. Adding wildlife to the area became a vital concern. Since we were located between 3 lakes, animals and birds could be drawn into the property with the appropriate habitat. .....................................................................................to create, preserve and protect an ecological habitat for wildlife ............................................................. . .................................................................................................................................. ..............................................................................................................................



   Water would be our first  step to address. The property is located  in a box canyon so a dam on the West side could be created. In order to filter and oxygenate the water a series of water control devices and a wetland with plant life  would be required.  A tri-level aqua-dam impoundment could be created from the East to the West, following the blue line water course established .  A local excavator was hired to remove the sandstone bottom and dig the  ponds to a maximum depth of 35 feet below the original grade. This top pond would cover one and one half acres and provide habitat for several species of fish. The slabs of sandstone were carried up the steep hillside to the North to create a road for the plateau located above. A holding pond was created on top for additional summer water usage.  Minimal damage was done to the landscape by mapping the geographical location of  the virgin pine and oak woodlot. Sandstone removed was further used to create spillways from each level of the three major ponds. A second tier was built at a height of 22 feet. This would serve as a road access across the water and the beginning of pond number two. This would be a smaller structure of one half acre within to create a  breeding and loafing area  for the waterfowl. Drainage to the third tier was banked by a 15 foot high dam with a weir and creek. This wetland area would serve as a giant filter from the aviary and hillsides where the roots of cattails, tules, water lilies, primrose and water hyacinth  could trap sediment and debris to purify and clear the water.



    Four additional bridges were created  and two foot culverts installed to energize the water, creating a creek where the original Indian grinding stone bed could be seen. Three small holding tule ponds further purified the water. To prevent water from leaving the property, solar pumps were installed to raise the water back through the ponds to the top pond. A waterfall from an existing boulder was created in the center of what would later be termed the 'fishing' pond.  A 5,000 gallon tank holding pure well water was set on top of one of the three hillsides. This would provide continuous water to the main house, shop, guest cottage and out buildings. Sprinklers and drip irrigation  were added to feed 2 pastures and 500 trees. 



   Now that water flowed throughout the property we began to think about habitat for the wildlife. Oak and pine  trees could be thinned to improve growth for the underbrush of manzanita, buckbrush, brushoak, Indian paintbrush, clover, miners lettuce,  red fern, wild berries and wild rye grasses. Irrigation to these key areas was trenched and provided refreshment in the hot summer months.  Turkeys could roost at night in the pine trees. Oaks would serve as a canopy of shade and acorns in the Fall.  Ducks and geese could nest on the hillsides and in the meadows. Several brush piles were left from the clearing for the quail to use as cover to  nest and hide. Squirrels could nest in the pine tree canopy with the doves and song birds. Access roads were cut across the areas to provide immediate access to virgin areas in case of emergency, fires or poachers. 



    One hundred and twenty cottonwood trees were planted to provide shade and prevent erosion from winter storms. Clover, rye, milo, duckweed  pampas grass, scotch broom, pyracantha berries and roses were planted for food and cover for all the wildlife. Catfish,  minnows mosquito fish,  crappie and  bluegill  were planted from a local fish hatchery. Crawfish were trapped from a local underground mine cave. Black bass were added as other ranch ponds dried from Summer heat. Neighbors helped as over 100 fish , of varying sizes were given a new home with guaranteed fresh water.



   The property had no wildlife at the beginning. We built an aviary  12 feet high , and 40 feet by 60 feet in dimensions. Predators such as bobcats,grey fox, racoons and skunks had to be kept out from the birds. A trench 18 inches deep surrounded the perimeter with 18 inch sheet metal forming a barrier. Layers of chicken wire, two inch wire and  " no climb "  fencing were tied together to prevent access by unwanted visitors. Domestic game breeders supplied  mated pairs of Canadian geese , wild turkeys, mallard and wood ducks, mourning and ring neck doves. Birds that were not to create wild offspring such as bantam chickens and green peafowl were added to the aviary as permanent residents. When the young polts and chicks reach about nine weeks of age they are released into the wild habitat to join existing birds from previous years'  hatch. We calculated that a great many would leave the property as a " pecking " order of dominance was established. Birds that remained would create a sufficient population that the " carrying capacity " of the habitat could maintain. Pictures  that are viewed on our website are from the original breeding pairs we stocked 10 years ago. Surrounding properties benefit from the wildlife and they are able to enjoy God's creatures as we have. 



    Maintenance is our major task now as there is always something to repair, trim or restore. Luckily when economic times were better, we had the foresight to remodel the shop into sections. Plumbing, welding, paint, gas tools, storage, electrical,  wood work, construction, and tanning areas were separated. Since we live in the country it would not be feasible to hire a repairman for all problems. We became very self sufficient.  Automatic feeders were installed to limit the personal contact with the  wild animals.  Banding birds with metal leg and plastic neck collars helped us track the movement of the wildlife. Neighbors call us  when an injured animal has been found. If the bird requires intensive care , we transport them to the ranch house where  we have the capability to heal them much quicker. To rehabilitate , we release them into the appropriate aviary to mend until their release back into the wild.

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     Turkeys and peacocks drop their tail feathers after breeding season in July. Several tall pine trees serve as their roost site away from predators. We have been collecting and cleaning these feathers for ten years. Someone suggested selling these colorful feathers and the idea to create " Wildlife Art " began in August of 2012. The first edition has just been presented to view and sell at our store address.

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  ..............................................The Ventura family hopes that you have enjoyed our home and website as much as we have loved creating this special and unique part of  California. Please come back and see us again and be sure to tell your friends of this magical place. Thank you and God bless you and your family......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................