landlines - the land conservancy · landlines in pursuit of the mark of distinction ... • panera...

7
Local People, Local Land www.LCSLO.org Landlines IN PURSUIT OF THE MARK OF DISTINCTION e Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County opened its doors over 25 years ago in response to a community need to preserve land for wildlife, scenic open space, farming, and ranching. What started as a small shop with a single part-time employee has since grown into a professional nonprofit business with 14 staff members who steward 13,800 acres of conserved properties and restore hundreds of acres of local lands throughout the County. Now more than ever we recognize our essential role as the leading voice of conservation in our community. Our mission to permanently protect local land requires a serious commitment to permanence and professional standards of excellence. To address these essential aspects of our work, a strategic goal was established for e Land Conservancy to earn national accreditation status. Accreditation formally recognizes organizations for meeting national standards of excellence, upholding the public trust and ensuring that conservation efforts are permanent. National accreditation is critical for the growth of e Land Conservancy, the confidence of our supporters, and the achievement of our mission, says Bob Hill, Executive Director. “It supports our strategic goals of leadership, excellence, and permanence. Simply put, accreditation takes e Land Conservancy to the next level.” Becoming an accredited land trust requires a three-step process of registration, pre-application, and application through e Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent professional program of the Land Trust Alliance. Land trusts are granted accreditation only after Continued on page 3 Gearing Up For Accreditation SPRING 2012 | Volume 28 | Number 2 What Do You Think? Landlines got a facelift! We were able to design this new layout in-house and received a competitive print bid to bring full color to our readers at minimal cost. We are always mindful of our budget and look for ways to improve without compromising your dollars. Please tell us what you think about our makeover! We love to hear from our readers.You can send us an email LC@LCSLO. org and let us know your thoughts! Look Inside Notes from the Field.........................................................5 Caught on Camera.............................................................7 New Trustees.......................................................................8 Calendar of Events............................................................11 Be sure to take advantage of community fundraising events from Sage Eco Gardens & Nursery and California Pizza Kitchen--great deals that will benefit you and The Land Conservancy at the same time!

Upload: others

Post on 25-Mar-2020

0 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Landlines - The Land Conservancy · Landlines In PursuIt of the Mark of DIstInctIon ... • Panera Bread for their in-kind donation of bread and pastries • Special Events and fun

Local People, Local Land www.LCSLO.org

Landlines

In PursuIt of the Mark of DIstInctIonThe Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County opened its doors over 25 years ago in response to a community need to preserve land for wildlife, scenic open space, farming, and ranching. What started as a small shop with a single part-time employee has since grown into a professional nonprofit business with 14 staff members who steward 13,800 acres of conserved properties and restore hundreds of acres of local lands throughout the County. Now more than ever we recognize our essential role as the leading voice of conservation in our community.

Our mission to permanently protect local land requires a serious commitment to permanence and professional standards of excellence. To address these essential aspects of our work, a strategic goal was established for The Land Conservancy to earn national accreditation status. Accreditation formally recognizes organizations for meeting national standards of excellence, upholding the public trust and ensuring that conservation efforts are permanent.

National accreditation is critical for the growth of The Land Conservancy, the confidence of our supporters, and the achievement of our mission,

“”says Bob Hill, Executive Director. “It supports our

strategic goals of leadership, excellence, and permanence. Simply put, accreditation takes The Land Conservancy to the next level.”

Becoming an accredited land trust requires a three-step process of registration, pre-application, and application through The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent professional program of the Land Trust Alliance. Land trusts are granted accreditation only after Continued on page 3

Gearing Up For AccreditationSPRING 2012 | Volume 28 | Number 2

What Do You Think?Landlines got a facelift! We were able to design this new layout in-house and received a competitive print bid to bring full color to our readers at minimal cost. We are always mindful of our budget and look for ways to improve without compromising your dollars. Please tell us what you think about our makeover! We love to hear from our readers. You can send us an email [email protected] and let us know your thoughts!

Look InsideNotes from the Field.........................................................5Caught on Camera.............................................................7New Trustees.......................................................................8Calendar of Events............................................................11

Be sure to take advantage of community fundraising events from Sage Eco Gardens & Nursery and California Pizza Kitchen--great deals that will benefit you and The Land Conservancy at the same time!

Page 2: Landlines - The Land Conservancy · Landlines In PursuIt of the Mark of DIstInctIon ... • Panera Bread for their in-kind donation of bread and pastries • Special Events and fun

Page 2 www.LCSLO.org Page 3The Land Conservancy of SLO County Local People, Local Land

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

LISA WISEPresident

HERB KANDELVice President

VALERIE ENDRESTreasurer

ROB DEGRAffCHRIS HELENIuS

PETE JENNy

JEff JORGENSEN

BROOKE LANGLE

SuE LufT

PENNy RAPPA

BK RICHARD

ED CARSON, Emeritus

GARy fELSmAN, Honorary

BEVERLy GINGG, Honorary

STAFFBOB HILL

Executive Director

KAILA DETTmAN HOOKERDeputy Director

DANIEL BOHLmANDirector of Conservation Science

WENDE DAVIDDirector of Development

CRySTAL ELWOODBusiness Manager

CARLOS TORRESRestoration Project Manager

mELODIE GRuBBSField Crew Leader

STACEy SmITHConservation Project Associate

TERESA TIBSTRAMembership & Outreach Coordinator

JACK mATTHIAS, SANDRA QuINTANA, AARON ECHOLS,

DANIEL KRIST, & SERGIO VALLERestoration Specialists

MISSION STATEMENTThrough voluntary and collaborative measures, The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County works to permanently protect and enhance lands having important scenic, agricultural, habitat and cultural values for the benefit of people and wildlife.

Mailing address:PO Box 12206

San Luis Obispo, CA 93406

Office address:547 Marsh St

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Phone: (805) 544-9096Fax: (805) 544-5122

E-mail: [email protected]

Continued from page 1

an extensive review determines that the organization meets all of the required standards; therefore, earning the right to use the distinguished accreditation seal.

The accreditation process provides a unique opportunity for The Land Conservancy to fine-tune policies, address long-term challenges, and streamline operations. This spring we will register for one of two application rounds that begin in 2013. The application is an exhaustive review of the organization’s policies, practices, and records. much of the work is completed, but managing over 25 years of existing records takes time and resources.

Thankfully, we have excellent volunteer support from skilled professionals such as Paul Courcy and Board Trustees, Rob DeGraff and Jeff Jorgensen, who comprise our Accreditation Leadership Team. We also rely on Land Records Interns like Ian Wells and maggie Smith who have been instrumental by reviewing records for each conservation easement and fee-owned property. They’ve quickly learned that there is no “simple” conservation project; each one is incredibly unique. Lastly, we have some initial financial investment from private donors who recognize the benefits of accreditation.

I want to feel confident that my donations are safe and secure long into the future, which is why I supported The Land Conservancy’s efforts to become professionally accredited. -Kristen Hazard, Accreditation Project Donor

The road to accreditation is complicated. The Land Conservancy has made great progress; however, there is much more work to do. Staff, interns, and volunteers will continue to review and organize land records, update

Special Acknowledgments

thank You • Annual Conservation Reception sponsors Charter Communications,

Turley Vineyards, and Central Coast Brewing• Growing Grounds for donated plants for the annual reception• Panera Bread for their in-kind donation of bread and pastries• Special Events and fun Committee members for all their help and

donation of baked goods and beverages• CCCs for volunteer help during the annual reception• HEmANHILL.com for discounted office table• Louise Noel and George Lewis for donated card table• frank Drake for relocating the big boulder at our Black Lake property• united Way of SLO for donating a computer.• Brooke Langle and Kristen Hazard for their in-kind donation of a set of

brand new vehicle ramps and wheel chocks, a new desktop computer and processor, and a truck toolbox.

WIshlIst• Digital camera [Canon Powershot or equivalent point and shoot, 8

megapixels or greater, 4x zoom or greater] • Pressure washer [at least 2500psi, gas powered]• Intern sponsors [$250 internship stipend]

Donated goods are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated! Call Teresa at (805) 544-9096 or email at [email protected].

LANDLINES © is a quarterly publication by The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County.Editors: Teresa Tibstra and Wende David

Printed on recycled paper. Sign up for our eco-friendly online edition and get all the same great photos and stories!

Land Records Intern, Maggie Smith, has her hands full with boxes of documents to sort and organize.

© Stacey Smith

policies and develop plans. As we move ahead, we will share our progress with you and ask for your ideas. Getting input from our members and supporters is an essential part of the process.

Successfully achieving accreditation is a mark of distinction in land conservation. your local land trust has an opportunity to be a leader by becoming one of the first 20 accredited land trusts in the state.

We are seeking volunteers and financial support to prepare the organization’s application, ensure implementation of required practices, and organize critical documents. Help us today so we can celebrate accreditation tomorrow!

YOU CAN HELP US BECOME AN ACCREDITED LAND TRUST

• Sponsor an Intern Stipend for $250 [Receive special progress updates from “the trenches”] • Volunteer as a Land Records Intern [Email [email protected]]• Donate to the Accreditation Project [Donations of any size are welcome; Mail a check OR donate securely online at

www.LCSLO.org. Be sure to designate your donation for “Accreditation Project”]

Page 3: Landlines - The Land Conservancy · Landlines In PursuIt of the Mark of DIstInctIon ... • Panera Bread for their in-kind donation of bread and pastries • Special Events and fun

Page 4 www.LCSLO.org Page 5The Land Conservancy of SLO County Local People, Local Land

SPECIAL PLACESSPECIAL PLACES

For Pete’s sake people! In this economy who gives a care about nature when people can’t afford the essentials. - Online response to a Tribune article in February 2012

The sentiment above underscores the dangerous notion that protecting natural resources is a luxury cause, something that only deserves attention when the economy is flush. We couldn’t disagree more. In fact, we see land conservation in San Luis Obispo County as critical to a strong local economy and the overall well-being of our community. Without healthy, intact natural landscapes would we have clean air, fresh drinking water and a local food supply? Would we have places to escape the built environment and find solace, peace and spirituality? The answer is clear: Land conservation is essential.

Visionary leaders of the past recognized the value of natural landscapes and established legal agreements (conservation easements) and nonprofit land trusts to oversee these protected properties. Today, everyone in the united States benefits from this private land conservation movement that permanently protects 47 million acres of land including thousands of rivers that eventually run through our tap and sustain America’s farmland.

As the preeminent leader of land conservation in our region, The Land Conservancy directly addresses San Luis Obispo County’s main challenges and provides services critical to maintain our high quality of life.

According to a 2010 ACTION report, residents said the top 3 issues facing San Luis Obispo County in the next few years are jobs (22%), fast & uncontrolled growth (13%), and water issues (12%). The Land Conservancy helps meet these concerns (See sidebar).

The 2010 ACTION study, (Visit ActionSLO.org to view the full 2010 ACTION Report), also revealed that over 90% of residents visited outdoor recreation sites at least once in the past three months, and residents wanted more recreational opportunities such as bike paths (57%), hiking trails (54%), and natural areas (51%). The Land Conservancy directly provides these

County Residents Call For Conservation

Top 3 Issues Facing SLO County

EMPLOYMENT/JOBS• LCSLO program services directly

support the two largest economic industries in SLO County: tourism & agriculture. Protected lands provide scenic beauty, recreation areas, and varied tourism business opportunities.

• LCLSO brings grant money and agency funding into SLO County through funded easements and restoration projects. These projects require professional services which generate business for local consultants and companies.

• LCSLO is a mid-sized professional business with a significant staff comprised of professionally trained and skilled employees.

WATER• Protecting properties with springs

and streams while strategically conserving connected land parcels ensure healthy watersheds that provide fresh water.

• Voluntary conservation easements on private property serve as a sensible and affordable means of protecting the quality and quantity of existing water resources.

FAST & UNCONTROLLED GROWTH

• LCSLO is the only organization dedicated to balancing land conservation and development in SLO County.

• External funding is needed to protect SLO County’s expensive land resources. LCSLO leverages state, federal and national grants.

• LCSLO strategically protects land based on prioritized conservation values.

A place to escape and enjoy a breathtaking view from Terrace Hill in San Luis Obispo.© Judith Hildinger

community assets which offer free access for many different purposes. After all, there’s no fee for hiking a trail, reading on a bench, or hosting a picnic with friends.

The Land Conservancy has been working with the County to expand the Bob Jones Trail for over a decade. We permanently conserve places, like Froom Ranch, that offer new areas to hike, mountain bike or bird watch,

says Wende David, Director of Development. “We’re also supporting the farmers and ranchers that you see at local markets. This organization makes sure that local lands benefit local people.”

Land conservation is an integral component of our community bottom line, and as such it requires our attention and support. Although our region currently has regulations and zoning that keep development in check, these tools are not permanent and could be overturned by future governing bodies. Private conservation is different. LCSLO’s land conservation projects are bound by legal contracts that restrict future harmful land uses and protect the properties forever.

As a nonprofit, we serve the needs of our community. So go take a hike, enjoy the scenery, and soak up the benefits. If you’re inspired and capable, donate or volunteer your time and talent. We welcome your support in our mission to permanently protect local lands for the benefit of people and wildlife.

Today the crew is planting twenty-five Coast Live Oaks (Quercus agrifolia) on the northeastern section of the Black Lack Ecological Area (BLEA), in part of a much larger effort to restore the approximately 9-acres of farm land back to its original dune scrub and riparian habitat. This has been an on-going restoration project for the past 7 years, and as we walk around the site today, it is exciting to see sprouts of native buckwheat (Eriogonum parvifolium), silver dune lupine (Lupinus chamissonis), mock heather (Ericameria ericoides), and coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis) speckling the sand. Even more fascinating are the visible patches of Blochman’s groundsel (Senecio blochmaniae) and Blochman’s leafy daisy (Erigeron blochmaneae), two of the more sensitive native species to the dunes.

We chose the planting layout for our new oaks wisely, careful to avoid any established natives and mindful to make sure they are spaced a good distance from each other. years from now, these trees will grow big so we want to make sure they will have room to grow. We make sure to use gopher cages while planting these oaks as we have had issues with gophers killing our plants at this site before. After planting the oaks, we put a mulch border around them to keep the weeds down and the soil moist. We will check this site often, at least until next winter, to make sure the trees are getting enough water.

As we pack up our tools and get ready to leave the site, we notice a cluster of monarch butterflies fly by. A great way to end a day out on the field.

Notes From the Field: Oak Planting at Black LakeMarch 7, 2012

© Melodie Grubbs

Page 4: Landlines - The Land Conservancy · Landlines In PursuIt of the Mark of DIstInctIon ... • Panera Bread for their in-kind donation of bread and pastries • Special Events and fun

Page 6 www.LCSLO.org Page 7The Land Conservancy of SLO County Local People, Local Land

HANDS ON THE LAND

Caught On CameraSanta margarita School Students meet Their Wild Neighbors!The students from Santa margarita School are getting up close and personal with the surrounding wildlife. Along the Learning Among the Oaks Trail at the neighboring Santa margarita Ranch, six remote wildlife cameras have been set up. Students, teachers, and families have been excited to see the amazing diversity of animals from the camera.

Christina mcAdams, an Environmental management and Protection major at Cal Poly, set up the remote wildlife cameras as part of her senior project with oversight from Dr. John Perrine. Each week Christina shares new “captures” along with a challenge question to engage students in learning about local wildlife. youth enrolled in the 4-H Oak Naturalist After School Program at Santa margarita School have had a front row seat for the project as they learn about the tools used by biologists to study local wildlife species diversity, activity patterns, and more. Additional photos, questions and data sheets are on display in the school library and will soon be available online at www.SmCf.org.

GET INVOLVED

WITH SMCF

Volunteer to help with summer watering

and maintenance to help native plants get

established.

Volunteer as a leader in overseeing nest box

monitoring.

Donate to the SMCF Oak Trail Fund to support trail maintenance and Cal Poly

student intern stipends.

Contact Program Director

Beverly Gingg (805) 549-9319 or

[email protected] Interesting captures include a mountain lion, bobcat, and fox. Three of the six wildlife cameras were provided with support from the California Wildlife Conservation Board.

© Santa Margarita Community Forestry

HANDS ON THE LAND

Stewardship: Reaching Out to the CommunityThis is the third article in a Landlines series exploring the ways The Land Conservancy is addressing each of the four stewardship policy categories: Conservation, Accessibility, Outreach & Education, and Funding & Responsibility. Director of Conservation Science, Daniel Bohlman, explains our goals to provide education and outreach for LCSLO properties.

During a recent staff retreat, members of our staff described the path that led to their eventual career in conservation. While our individual paths were diverse, a common thread ran throughout all of them: the time spent in wild, outdoor places during childhood. In fact, several recent studies found that exposure to natural areas at an early age resulted in a significant increase in understanding and defending the concept of wilderness. These findings are consistent with the words of the Senegalese environmentalist, Baba Dioum, who said, “In the end we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught.”

• Encourage community support for the stewardship of our property.

• Encourage visitors to become stewards. • Support the development of volunteer programs that

create direct links between the community and our properties.

• Provide opportunities for interpretation and experiential learning pertaining to core conservation values.

While The Land Conservancy strives to address pressing stewardship concerns in a timely fashion, we acknowledge that we have limited resources to do so. As the saying goes, “many hands make light work”. By encouraging and inspiring others to take up the role of steward, The

Taking advantage of many hands, Cal Poly students help plant native trees and shrubs along Lower SLO Creek last fall.

© Melissa Sparks

Land Conservancy hopes to foster a sense of community ownership and endearment while benefiting from “many hands” to provide prompt response and lasting success. We are grateful to those in the community who already serve as stewards of Land Conservancy properties, such as frank Drake, a neighbor of our Black Lake Canyon Preserve on the Nipomo mesa. After a vandal struck at the preserve, frank jumped on his tractor to help our staff move a 1-ton boulder back into place at the property entrance. There are other stories like this of caring community members who serve as land stewards, and we hope there will be many others in the future.

Sometimes simply providing access and encouraging stewardship are not sufficient to educate visitors and cultivate a sense of stewardship. To address

Considering outreach and education through the lens of research, the words of Baba Dioum, and our own experiences, it is clear that spending time outdoors in experiential learning opportunities profoundly increases appreciation and understanding of the natural environment. It also reinforces the need for access to wilderness in order to maximize the impact of conservation outreach and education.

When thinking about the special conservation properties that The Land Conservancy owns and manages, we established a Stewardship Policy that prioritizes the following outreach and education goals:

When a movement began to develop the wild mountain meadows of my local park for a series of ball fields, my parents helped me take action. At age 9, I carefully crafted a letter to my State Assemblyman about keeping the meadow wild. Not only did he write me back, but the movement to convert the park was defeated! The wild meadows still remain today. – Kaila Dettman, Deputy Director

this, The Land Conservancy will rely on guided property tours, interpretive signage, print materials and other passive methods to continually educate visitors and build meaningful connections to our lands. Additionally, The Land Conservancy is considering a volunteer docent program to offer more guided educational opportunities. Whether it comes from a docent talk, reading a simple sign, or taking a contemplative stroll on one of our trails, The Land Conservancy’s goal is the same: to create connections and conservationists.

If you are interested in becoming a Land Conservancy site steward or docent, please contact us at (805) 544-9096 and ask for Daniel or e-mail [email protected]. Be sure to include your availability, the property or area of the County you prefer, and any additional skills. you can also donate directly to our Healthy Lands forever fund in support of the maintenance, care, and study of conservation lands owned by LCSLO.

Santa Margarita Community Forestry

Page 5: Landlines - The Land Conservancy · Landlines In PursuIt of the Mark of DIstInctIon ... • Panera Bread for their in-kind donation of bread and pastries • Special Events and fun

Page 8 www.LCSLO.org Page 9The Land Conservancy of SLO County Local People, Local Land

CONSERVATION IN ACTION

The Land Conservancy Welcomes New Board TrusteesPublIc PolIcY Pro:ROB DEGRAFF

Rob DeGraff moved to the San Luis Obispo area from Portland, Oregon with his wife mary Sampson. Rob spent many years developing progressive policies to address a wide variety of public issues. Rob served as the Vice President for Public Policy for the Association for Portland Progress (APP), Portland’s downtown association, where he crafted policies addressing such issues as transportation, business development, housing, public safety and human services.

I learned early in life that I was happiest when part of team working to advance a cause in which I believe. The Land Conservancy’s mission is such a cause.

Rob goes on to say, “I am also happiest when I am being challenged to learn something new. I know I have much to learn about land conservation.”

He was instrumental in the development of several of Portland’s programs including Downtown Clean & Safe, a program known widely in the field for its creative problem solving.

Rob has a B.A. in Sociology from the university of Oregon and a J.D. from Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College. In 1978, Rob was admitted to the Oregon State Bar.

legal WhIz:CHRIS HELENIUS

Chris Helenius was born and raised in San francisco. After graduating from uC Berkeley Chris attended the university of Santa Clara law school and graduated in 1976. He was a law clerk on the Supreme Court of California and then moved to San Luis Obispo where he practiced law for thirty years and eventually became a partner with the firm of Burke, Smith, Helenius & Hayes. Eight years ago, Chris retired from the active practice of law but kept his license to practice and continues to pursue his legal education.

In my lifetime, the nation’s population has doubled but California’s has increased by 500%. Through the efforts of land trusts like ours, enormous effort is being made to protect land resources and check urban sprawl, and it’s all being done between willing sellers and willing buyers. It just doesn’t get better than that.

Chris and his wife, Lynn marie, of forty-two years have two children, marcus and mikko. His family has owned and continues to own ranch/farm property and all the generations of family remain deeply attached to the wonder of California. Chris is a lifelong sailor, skier, backpacker and traveler. His love of travel continues. Chris has been to over ninety-five countries around the planet.

Visit www.LCSLO.org to read more about Rob DeGraff, Chris Helenius, and other Board of Trustees.

The Land Conservancy proudly honored Bob Lindquist as the inaugural recipient of the Barbara Baltimore Volunteer Award.

I have had the great pleasure of being able to volunteer for The Land Conservancy for many years,

says Bob Lindquist. “The varying projects have all been about promoting wise land use and restoration, increasing the environmental quality of SLO County, and informing the public about the importance of paying attention to local conservation issues. most importantly they have all been fun for me, and it is I who owe the super directors and staff of The Land Conservancy gratitude for letting me be involved.”

In 2011, we established the Barbara Baltimore Volunteer Award to recognize volunteers who show exceptional dedication, longevity, and hands-on support for local land conservation and restoration. The Board of Trustees and staff hope to recognize an outstanding individual or group each year.

The award honors the late Barbara Baltimore who was The Land Conservancy’s most dedicated volunteer to date and left the largest planned gift in the organization’s history.

In Bob’s past life, he was a Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at San francisco State university for 30 years. Since 2005, Bob has been involved with projects at the

CONSERVATION IN ACTION

Volunteer Spotlight: Bob Lindquistbarbara baltIMore Volunteer aWarD recIPIent

filipponi area, monitored water quality in the San Luis Obispo creeks, coordinated volunteers for Lower SLO Creek floodplain, led Restoration Bike Rides, and currently volunteers with the Annual Creek Day Clean-up and serves on Barn Committee and the Barn Landscape Committee as the Chair.

“Bob’s long-standing volunteerism with The Land Conservancy and his willingness to take on any project in need reminds us of Barbara’s commitment,” said Wende David, Director of Development. “Bob was the ideal frontrunner for this inaugural award.”

Weed warriors, Bob Lindquist (right) and the late Barbara Baltimore at the Filipponi

Ecological Preserve back in 2007.© LCSLO

If you are interested in volunteering with us,

please contact Teresa at [email protected].

In June, we will be rolling out our 2012 membership Campaign, and we’re counting on you for support! The new campaign allows everyone to renew and join as a member at the same time with Annual membership valid from July through June of the following year. Now you can take your cue from the land—when you see spring wildflowers and green hills, think of renewing your LCSLO membership.

Our campaign goal is to increase local support for conservation by growing our current membership 140%. Because we need more people to help us protect more land, we have eliminated a minimum dollar amount. Any donation amount makes you a LCSLO member and earns you special member benefits.

Be sure to look for us at different events and community booths as we spread the word about The Land Conservancy. Better yet, help us gather new members. Pass along this newsletter, invite others to the events on page 11, and tell your friends about The Land Conservancy.

We hope you will join us on the “membership Campaign” trail!

© BK Richard

MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN

spring

© LCSLO

© LCSLO

Page 6: Landlines - The Land Conservancy · Landlines In PursuIt of the Mark of DIstInctIon ... • Panera Bread for their in-kind donation of bread and pastries • Special Events and fun

Page 10 www.LCSLO.org Page 11The Land Conservancy of SLO County Local People, Local Land

Project Manager, Carlos Torres, leads the Wildflower Hike at Black Lake Ecological Area.Special Events and Fun Committee Kathy Cohon, Mary Sampson, and Carol Courcy get ready for the annual reception.Adult steelhead have been spotted heading upstream in San Luis Obispo Creek

Because of their skittish nature, it’s hard to capture steelhead on camera. We’re able to get some shots with the help of our project partners and snorkeling!Restoration Specialist, Daniel Krist, trimming back unwanted growth at the Dunes.Restoration Specialist, Aaron Echols, and the Restoration Crew getting their hands dirty with willow staking..

1

2

3

4

5

6

© James apRoberts

© Freddy Otte

© Carlos Torres

© LCSLO © LCSLO © LCSLO

CaLocal Faces, Local Places Calendar of Events

COMMUNITY OUTREACH EVENT AT THE EARTH DAY FOOD AND WINE FESTIVALSaturday | April 21 | 1-5pmJoin us at the Earth Day Food and Wine Festival to celebrate sustainably produced foods and wines. We will host a community outreach booth to give you an opportunity to join The Land Conservancy as a member or learn more about the organization. For tickets to the event visit www.earthdayfoodandwine.com.

SAGE ECO GARDENS AND NURSERY COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT THE LAND CONSERVANCYSaturday | April 21 | 9am-5pm Sunday | April 22 | 9am-4pmAre you itching to get out to your garden? Need new plants or design ideas for a sustainable landscape? Come visit Sage Eco Gardens and Nursery to be inspired! While you’re there, buy something! A portion of the weekend’s proceeds will benefit local land conservation. Tell your friends and spread the word. The location is 1188 Los Osos Valley Road in Los Osos. Visit www.sagelandscapes.net for info.

VOLUNTEER OUTDOOR RESTORATION DAYSaturday | April 28 | 9am-11amWe need volunteers to continue removal of Cape ivy and to maintain the areas of newly planted vegetation at Lower San Luis Obispo Creek Floodplain Preserve. If you like outdoor restoration, this is the event for you. Bring your gloves and water. All ages can participate! Contact Teresa to sign up and get directions.

LEARNING AMONG THE OAkS TRAIL HIkESaturday | May 5 | 9am-11amCome and learn about the oaks, plants, and wildlife that surround the trail at Santa Margarita Ranch. Join the Oak Ambassadors (selected 5th/6th grade students) as they share their knowledge about the oak ecosystem and rangeland conservation. RSVP required. Space is limited. This is a free event but kindly consider a donation to Santa Margarita Community Forestry. For more info, visit www.smcf.org.

MOTHER’S DAY HIkE AT CERRO SAN LUIS, LEMON GROVE LOOPSunday | May 13 | 10-11amTake your mother out for a morning hike at Cerro San Luis. Whether it’s before your Mother’s Day brunch, or after, this will be a nice way to celebrate Mom and spend some quality time together. LCSLO’s Development Director (and Mom), Wende David will host the hike. Everyone is welcome. Meet at the parking lot at Cerro San Luis Trailhead. For more info about the Cerro San Luis, visit www.slocity.org.

CALIFORNIA PIzzA kITCHEN: MEMBERSHIP DRIVE FUNDRAISERTuesday | June 5 | all day Thursday| June 21 | all dayYou’re invited to a tasty fundraising event at CPK! Simply bring along the coupon on the back page and CPK will donate 20% of proceeds to us. Invite your friends and family and help us spread the word about this great deal! Coupon good for dine-in, take-out, catering, and gift card purchases. For more coupons, email [email protected].

SOLSTICE SCAVENGER HUNT AT THE BOB JONES TRAILWednesday | June 20 | 2-3pmCalling all young conservationists! Join us for an exciting adventure to engage kids on a plant and wildlife scavenger hunt along the trail. Meet at the Ontario Road parking lot. Led by Wende David and Teresa Tibstra. This event is free. Space is limited.

NICk RANCH TOUR & PRESENTATIONSaturday, May 5* from 10am-1pm*Rain cancels event

Enjoy a tour of 1,300 acres of the Nick Family Ranch featuring certified organic, locally-raised grass-fed beef. You will hear how six generations of the Nick’s have earned their livelihoods and about their recent collaboration with LCSLO. Taste the beef straight from the BBQ and, if you like, purchase this wonderful local food. RSVP required. Space is limited. This event is free for members. A suggested donation of $5 per person for nonmembers.

RSVP to [email protected] for events. RSVP to [email protected] for volunteering. Questions or more info, call Teresa at (805) 544-9096.For a complete and updated list of events, visit our website’s “Events Calendar” link.

Nick Ranch© LCSLO

1

2

3

4

5 6

Page 7: Landlines - The Land Conservancy · Landlines In PursuIt of the Mark of DIstInctIon ... • Panera Bread for their in-kind donation of bread and pastries • Special Events and fun

Page 12 The Land Conservancy of SLO County

PO Box 12206San Luis Obispo, CA 93406

www.LCSLO.org

Any donation amount makes you a member until June 2013.

Name

Address

Email Phone

Donation Amount $

Your $100 annual donation generates $700 worth of local land protection, restoration and exploration.

2012-2013 Annual Membership

Do not publish this donation

Send me the newsletter via email

Email me about special events and volunteering

Send me info about planned giving

I have included LCSLO in my estate plans

Membership is on an annual basis from July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013. Donations are fully tax deductible. Please make checks payable to The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County.

2012-2013