When the Thomas Fire struck Meher Mount on December 4, 2017, it cleaned up flammable trash hidden away in the underbrush.
It also revealed other non-flammable, previously hidden trash. There are pieces of metal - ranging from old fence wire to unused pipes - seemingly strewn randomly around the property near the Visitor Center and the Topa Topa Patio.
THE REMAINDER of a fence and former outbuilding at Meher Mount, probably left by the 1985 New Life Fire. (Photo: Sam Ervin, January 5, 2018)
The Thomas Fire has given Meher Mount a timely opportunity to clean up this debris - some of it dating back to the 1985 New Life Fire and before. In addition, there are a couple of other tasks related to the fire needing volunteer help: thoroughly scrubbing two refrigerators and cultivating the soil under the Coast Live Oak near the entryway to aid its long-term health.
FIRE CLEAN-UP DAY
- DATE: Sunday, January 28, 2018
- TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- PLACE: Meher Mount, 9902 Sulphur Mountain Road, Ojai
(Backup/Rain Date: Saturday, February 10, 2018)
WORK TO BE ACCOMPLISHED
MARGARET MAGNUS is picking up random debris - an old bucket - in the Prasad Orchard. (Photo: Sam Ervin, January 5, 2018)
- Walk the property, pick up debris and deposit in a dumpster
- Scrub two refrigerators
- Rake the soil around the Coast Live Oak at the entryway
WHAT TO BRING
- Wear work clothes and sturdy shoes that can get muddy and dirty
- Bring layers as the weather temperature changes throughout the day
- Bring a hat, work gloves if you have them, and water
- Please bring your own lunch and snacks
TRAVEL GUIDELINES
- If traveling from the Santa Barbara area, allow about 1-1/2 hours given possible slowdowns and partial road closures.
- If traveling from the Los Angeles area, allow about 2 to 2-1/2 hours given traffic and possible partial road closures.
- If you are coming from out-of-the area, staying at Meher Mount is not possible, even camping. There are nearby motels in Santa Paula and Ojai. See Area Information.
RAIN DATE - FEBRUARY 10, 2018
If there is heavy rain on January 28, 2018, the back-up Fire Cleanup Day is Saturday, February 10, 2018. Check this page near the January 28th date for any notice of rescheduling due to weather, road closures and other events.
MEHER MOUNT REMAINS CLOSED TO VISITORS
A TEMPORARY SECURITY FENCE at Meher Mount. Due to safety concerns and lack of water, Meher Mount remains closed to visitors. It will be open only for work volunteers on Sunday, January 28, 2018. All others will be asked to leave. (Photo: Margaret Magnus, January 5, 2018)
Due to safety concerns, lack of water and closed facilities, Meher Mount is not open to visitors. Those arriving who are not volunteering for the Fire Cleanup Day will be asked to leave.
QUESTIONS?
If you have questions, suggestions or comments, please contact Fire Cleanup Day coordinator, James Whedon.
“To work thou hast the right, but not to the fruits thereof.”