spring 2010 landlines newsletter ~ land conservancy of san luis obispo county

8/8/2019 Spring 2010 Landlines Newsletter ~ Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County

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TheLand Conservancy is pleased to announce Bob Hill as its new Executive Director,following Brian Starks recent decision to step down in order to be closer to his family.Over the course of The Land Conservancys 25-year history, other former Executive Directors have included John Ashbaugh (1984-1991) and Ray Belknap (1991-2004).

Bob has served as Conservation Director under theBoard of Trustees since 2004 and has significantly ex-panded the scope and scale of the land conservationdepartment during that time. Bob joined The LandConservancy as an intern in 2001 while at Cal Polyworking on his Masters degree in City and Regional

Planning. As an intern, Bob updated the San LuisObispo Greenbelt plan and was hired as a full-timeemployee upon completing his graduate studies.

Its a great feeling to have started off as an intern,then join the staff, followed by a leadership role,and to now have the trust and support of theBoard and our community to lead our local landtrust into the future.- Bob Hill, Executive Director

Previously, Bob earned his Bachelors degree at UCSanta Cruz and then worked for several years at a community bank where he learned real estate and finance doing construction loans and commercial mortgages.

The Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Bob as the new Executive Director withouthesitation. Bob has tremendous composure, diplomacy and conservation experiencHe is directly responsible for our organizations recent land protection successes anwe are thrilled to have him at the helm of our organization.- Gary Felsman, Presiden

As Conservation Director, Bob oversaw more than $15 million worth of important conservtion projects countywide. He more than doubled our conservation holdings in the Fern Cayon area of Cambria; completed key conservation projects in Black Lake Canyon and theGuadalupe-Nipomo Dunes while serving as a chair of the Dunes Collaborative; helped forga successful conservation partnership with the Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos and CountyParks; continued The Land Conservancys long-standing efforts working together with the

City of San Luis Obispo; and helped pioneer Camp San Luis Obispos Army Compatible UBuffer Program to further the San Luis Obispo Greenbelt.

In the Executive Director role, Bob sees a future for the organization that includes focusingon the conservation of agricultural lands and local food production, embracing the OctagonBarn as a signature project, and continuing our land restoration and stewardship activities.Ensuring The Land Conservancys permanence and long-term sustainability are also hall-marks of Bobs vision.

In his spare time, Bob enjoys hiking, camping, canoeing, skiing, and rock climbing, whileplaying and listening to jazz music fills his creative side. Bob lives on Terrace Hill in San LObispo with his wife, Jaime, their twin baby boys, Albert & Oscar, and their chocolate lab,Barnum.

Vol. 26 No. 2 - Spring 2010

New Director to Lead LCLSOUpcomingEvents

DISAPPEARING

DESTINATIONS

Photo Slideshow &Book Signing

Enjoy a first-hand account

from author Kim Lisagor of

world-renowned destinations

in peril and how we can help.

Earth Day -Thur. April 22nd

6:30-8pm

Land Conservancy Gardens

547 Marsh St., SLO$5 suggested donation for

LCSLO members/bicyclists;

$10 for others

DuneQuest 2010The Land Conservancy and

partners invite you to this free

educational symposium!

Thur-Fri. May 6-7th

8am-4pm

No. & So. County locations

dunescenter.org

Art After DarkView and purchase original

artwork by Jessie Skidmore

with 25% of sales going to

The Land Conservancy.

Fri. May 7th

6-9pm

547 Marsh St., SLO

jessieskidmore.com

Bike BreakfastMay is Bike Month!

Start your day off with aBikers Breakfast Bonanza!

Thur. May. 20th

7-9am

Land Conservancy Office

547 Marsh St., SLO

Octagon BarnOpen HouseSun. July 4th

1-4pm

4559 S. Higuera St.$5 suggested donation

Bob on a recent site visit to Janet Andrewsproperty along San Luis Obispo Creek.


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Forbes Gift Boosts Octagon Barn Center Plans

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Future of Froom Ranch Looks Sunny

The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County is pleased to announce a substantial donation by the ForbesFamily Fund which significantly boosts efforts to complete the Octagon Barn Center project. The Forbes generougift will support our endeavor to successfully usher the project through the Countys Conditional Use Permit (CUP)process and ultimately bring the site closer to opening for community use. The Octagon Barn Center is envisioned aa community gathering place to promote local agriculture, history, recreation and sustainability.

Land Conservancy leaders expect the permit process to take most of 2010.

We are hopeful that we might be able to grade the site in spring 2011and complete construction of other site amenities shortly thereafter.The Forbes Gift is an incredible endorsement of our vision and trulyTHE enabling gift for the CUP process. -BK Richard, Project Managerand Land Conservancy Board Trustee.

Although the Barn structure has been physically restored, a variety of studiesand site improvements are required by the County of San Luis Obispo beforeallowing public use of the property. Just like all other private landowners, TheLand Conservancy must formally review and plan for fire safety, ADA accessi-

bility, water and electric usage, traffic patterns, event parking, drainage, ero-sion and a variety of other occupancy contingencies. We must provide studyreports on possible impacts to biological, cultural and historic resources.These essential components of the process are both time-consuming andcostly which underscores the importance of private support from Bert & Candace Forbes.

Land Conservancy leaders continue to seek out donors and partners to subsidize additional critical site infrastructure.As a community amenity, the site will provide public access for biking, short trail walks and meetings. If you haventbeen to the Barn or would like a tour of the site, join us for an Octagon Barn Open Houseon July 4th from 1-4pmAnyone interested in donating, sponsoring or making a special memorial gift should contact Wende David, Director of Development at(805) 544-9096.

With overwhelming support from the community, the Froom Ranch Open Space campaign is well under way! But this newsletter goes to print, the project is still nearly $10,000 short of its goal.

More than 200 individuals and businesses have made donationsfrom $2 to $10,000to protect Froom Ranch as

community open space. This 310-acre property includes rich wildlife habitat, sweeping views of the Morros, and exis

ing trail infrastructure. Adjacent to the existing Irish Hills Reserve, the conservation of Froom Ranch will expand the

reserve to over 1,000 acres and allow for a series of new trails. You can help by sending your donation to The

Land Conservancy or giving online at www.LCSLO.org. Any funds raised beyond the Froom Ranch project goa

will go to The Land Conservancys Visionary Vistas Fundfor future land purchases.

We have especially enjoyed the generous and lov-ing donations made to Froom Ranch in memory of

the lateWilliam McWhinney. Williams love for

local lands did not go unnoticed. Williams daugh-

ter, Carol, was instrumental in permanently pro-

tecting Black Lake and other dune lakes in South

County during the 1990s when she worked for the

CA Coastal Conservancy. Special thanks and apprecia-

tion to the McWhinney Family and those who donated in Williams memory.


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Don & Mary Smith Support SLO Greenbelt

The Land Conservancy was deeply saddened by the passing ofDean Morgridge,a generous conservation supporter and community member. As a RAM (Retired

Active Men) Taster, he helped coordinate and sponsor community programs.

Dean was also a champion of native plants and creating landscapes that blend in

with the natural ecosystem. Further, Dean and his wife Patty Ann were the single

largest community contributors to the 2006 Collaborative Conservation Projectwhich

permanently protected more than 700 acres of important lands in the greenbelt

surrounding the City of San Luis Obispo. We would like Patty Ann and The

Morgridge Family to know that Deans legacy will continue forever in the lush

grass, sprawling oaks and wildlife that thrives on the very lands he helped conserve here in San Luis Obispo.

Special thanks to all those who donated in honor of Dean especially his fellow RAM Tasters.

In Memory of Dean Morgridge

At 86 and 91 years old respectively, Mary & Don Smith are one of the most forward-thinking couples in SanLuis Obispo. The Smiths recently donated $10,000 to The Land Conservancy and another $10,000 to the City of

SLO for the Froom Ranch Open Spaceacquisition project. Until about ten years ago, their political activism, espe-

cially Dons frequent appearances at public hearings, made them a household name among community leaders.

Today theyre making waves again in an effort to inspire others to think big about supporting local land conserva-

tion.

Both Mary and Don were raised on small family farms in Ohio where

they learned to love and value land. Because Dons family didnt have

electricity, he rigged their windmill to a generator to run the lights in the

house, barn and chicken coop. He still doesnt understand why he was

forced to take a bath every Saturday night only to get dirty and sweaty

hiking into the hills the next afternoon to check on the sheep out at pas-

ture. But he admits that it might have been good practice for the 500

miles that he and Mary have since hiked in the High Sierras.

Don earned an engineering degree and worked in electrical, radio and

aerospace engineering with military installations across the country.

Mary raised their two boys and consistently volunteered at their school

and scout troops outings. Since moving to San Luis Obispo in 1973 to

escape the smog of L.A., theyve been instrumental in supporting conservation by helping elect environmentally-

friendly City & County representatives and by speaking out at thousands of public hearings. I think Ive at-

tended more meetings than most of the city and county staff members, joked Don. With his eyesight and

hearing deteriorating, today Don regrets not being able to stay active in local politics. Instead, he and Mary chose

to do what we could by contributing a small amount to the good work of The Land Conservancy.

The Smiths recognize the importance of local land conservation primarily for protection of our Countys rich soils

and natural beauty. But they are quick to point out that saving land also saves wildlife and saves the air

quality at the same time. I think Mary summarized their approach to land conservation best when she suc-

cinctly noted, If we dont save it, its gone forever.

In total, The Smiths donated $20,000 with half going to the Citys Froom Ranch Open Space purchase and the

other half to The Land Conservancys Conservation Impact Fund.

We are doing this for future generations, not for ourselves. We want to set an example and make sure

there is something left for them to see. - Don & Mary Smith

Mary & Don Smith donated $20,000 towards

the permanent protection of local lands.


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New Leaders, Renewed Energy

As the newly appointed Executive Director, one ofBob Hills first key decisions was to re-structure the organiza-tion by distributing responsibility among existing leadership staff, while concentrating authority in a single ExecutiveDirector. (Formerly two co-directors each directly served the Board of Trustees and supervised different program staff.)

Kaila Dettman now serves as Deputy Directoroverseeing the organiza-tions fiscal budgeting, day-to-day operations and managing the restoration

program and its staff. Daniel Bohlman, as Director of ConservationScience, is responsible for the stewardship, management and protectionof all the Conservancys conservation and restoration lands. WendeDavid is stepping up as Director of Developmentto manage privatefundraising, community relations and Board development.

The Board of Trustees supports this strategic restructuring of staffand is pleased to recognize the talent and experience of our existingstaff leadership. Bob, Kaila, Daniel and Wende are all extremelyprofessional and accomplished young leaders with an unparalleledamount of energy for the work ahead.. - Lisa Wise, Vice President

In nearly four years at The Land Conservancy, Kaila Dettman has suc-cessfully won multi-million dollar contracts and supervised the implemen-tation of major restoration projects that further the organizations mission and also generate funds for overall opera-tions. She holds a B.S. in Animal Science with a minor in Rangeland Resources and a M.S. in Watershed Hydrologyand Soil Conservation from Cal Poly. She is also a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC)and currently serves as co-chair of the Dunes Collaborative.

Daniel Bohlman has served The Land Conservancy for nearly five years during which time he implemented formalscientific monitoring protocols, elevated our profile among the scientific community, and monitored all conservationproperties to insure that conservation values were protected. He holds a B.S. in Ecology and Systematic Biologyfrom Cal Poly with a concentration in Botany. Daniel currently chairs the Dunes Collaborative Restoration TaskForce and is a member of the Morro Bay Natural Estuary Programs technical advisory committee.

Wende David has grown The Land Conservancys private annual fundraising by nearly 200% over the last 4 yearsand has helped increase awareness of the organizations local community impact. She holds a B.S. in EnvironmentalPolicy & Behavior from the University of Michigan and currently serves as the Chair of the SLO Chambers Sustain-ability & Resources Committee and as a volunteer grant reader for United Way.

All four of The Land Conservancys new directors are younger than 35 and represent a new generation of conserva-tionists that both value the hard-won advancements of previous conservation champions and recognize the dynamicland-use challenges of the future. As emerging young leaders, they all share a keen sense for successful communitycollaboration and leveraging staff talents through teamwork.

The Land Conservancy also welcomes new staff member, Carlos Torres, whoimplements field tasks at our restoration sites as Project Coordinator. Carlos wasborn and raised in Puerto Rico. He attended the University of Puerto Rico tostudy Horticulture and then transferred to the University of Hawaii where heearned a BS in General Agriculture and Tropical Forestry. Carlos worked on theBig Island in a native plant nursery and surveying rare plants before moving to SanClemente Island to grow native plants for a restoration project.

Graduate school at Cal Poly brought Carlos to San Luis Obispo, where he hasbeen studying and restoring rare plant species in the Guadalupe dunes for his Mas-

ters in Biology. For the past few summers he has been working in the Sierra Nevada, studying fens and rare plantspecies. His other interests include traveling, surfing, reading, yoga, politics, and organic farming.

We wish a fond farewell to Restoration Specialist, Leah Lippe, who helped implement our mission by removing

major invasive plant infestations and planting thousands of natives. Thank You!

(L to R) Daniel Bohlman, Wende David, Bob

Hill, and Kaila Dettman lead LCSLO.


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Enhancing Carillo and Adobe Creeks

The only appreciative audience on a daily basis might be an elegant pair of Red-Tailed Hawks or a curious family ofdeer. Rain might complicate planting the remaining shrubs and trees in the heavy clay which sticks to our boots and

clumps so tightly we cant fill the holes. The auger might break, the irriga-

tion system may blow out, or one particular species may refuse to germi-

nate from seed. These are the constant challenges of our restoration pro-

jects.

Yet the same rain that leads to sticky boots brings welcome sustenance to

the plants that have already been carefully placed in strategically dug holes.

Despite soggy weather and occasional repairs, we persist! Above all, it is

the hawks, the delicate emerging grasses and wildflowers, the future vision

for a working landscape in harmony with nature, that make the little pro-

ject hurdles and all the hard work worthwhile.

These challenges and the lessons they teach have helped The Land Conser-

vancy establish itself as a leading restoration specialist in San Luis Obispo

County. The extensive academic, professional and field experiences of ourveteran staff have earned the respect of other field professionals and encouraged

trust as we pioneer new techniques.

Our staff has been working diligently to install over 6,400 native trees and shrubs

and 160 pounds of native grass and wildflower seeds on Carillo Creek and Adobe

Creek across Nipomo Creek from the historic Dana Adobe. This winter and spring

as Part II of this three-phased project, the largest planting effort the Land Conser-

vancy has ever installed at one time was completed. We did not do it alone. Grow-

ing Grounds, Grizzly Academy youth, the Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos

(DANA), the California Conservation Corps, the Northern Chumash, and

many other community members and volunteers played important roles in makingthis restoration installation a success.

The goals of this project are to restore wildlife habitat, reduce erosion, improve wa-

ter quality, and increase infiltration along Nipomo Creek. By planting California

natives, we are setting the stage for improved soil health and stability and for estab-

lishing sustainable food sources for wildlife. A healthy stand of grasses, wildflowers

shrubs, and trees along the stream corridor will buffer these freshwater tributaries from future grazing and farming

activities on the site.

This project truly emphasizes how we achieve complete conservation

by protecting and enhancing a special place for community benefit.

We look forward to stewarding the site in the coming years and

observing its evolution from young trees and tiny new shrubs to a

mature stream corridor filled with life.- Kaila Dettman, Deputy Director

This project is funded by the Department of Fish and Games Office of Spill Prevention &

Response and the California State Coastal Conservancy via Oil Spill Settlement Funds.

In-kind project support is provided by the California Conservation Corps.

Special thanks to the hard-working local CCC crews, like those shown at right.

Restoration Crew Leader, Melodie Grubbs,

(left foreground) shows CCC members how to

properly install plants at the restoration site.

Restoration Specialist, Nate Reiss,

(right) helps a CCC member drill

holes for thousands of plants.


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No Santa Margarita Child Left Inside

Learning Among the Oaks, an extremely successful environmental education program,is celebrating 5 years of aninnovative partnership between teachers & families of Santa Margarita Elementary School, private landowners ofSanta Margarita Ranch, program funders from Wildlife Conservation Board & UC-Cooperative Extension and suppofrom The Land Conservancy of SLO County. This springmembers of the Native Tree Committee and other specialguests are being treated to a best of the trail anniversary hike which will showcase the range of experiences that

Santa Margaritas students and their families have enjoyed during the programs first five years, and talk about the im-pacts of the program for the school and community. Selected 6th & 7th grade students who are trail alumni will serveas trail ambassadors.Learning Among the Oaks (LATO) educational coordination is supported by Cal Poly interns, Casey Dilg and Ra-chel McDowell, volunteer Carol Sinsheimer, and Program Director, Beverly Gingg. LATO is supported by 2005-08and 2009-11 grants from the California Wildlife Conservation Board to the San Luis Obispo County University of California Coopera-tive Extension.

Santa Margarita Community Forestry is another local program, supported entirelyby volunteers, that focuses on a Demonstration Forest at the elementary school. For-est intern/Cal Poly graduate student Kevin Osborne recently trimmed the trees and

checked the overall health of the forest, while Sharon Drake and Betty Williamsworked with their classes on adopt-a-tree Easter decorations. Spring plantings arebeing planned for the Demonstration Forest and the site is in need of weeding too.Special thanks to Cub Scout Pack #125, and the California Conservation Corps (Benand crew!) for invaluable help with maintenance jobs. Visit SMCF.org for informa-tion on volunteering and how to get involved.

Our hat is off to Beverly Gingg for masterfully creating and growing this out-standing LATO education program that provides hands-on experiences for hundredsof children each year. We should also point out that Bevs coordination of SantaMargarita Community Forestry projects are voluntary through support from private donors and The Land Conser-vancy.

As it turns out, we arent the only one who noticed Bevs good work. Beverly Gingg was recently awarded the 2010Barbara George Women in Philanthropy Awardduring the 36th Annual Women of Distinction Program.

Congratulations and thank you, Beverly, for your dedication and community spirit. You are truly an incredible woman!

Volunteer Profile: Ted Aclan

For most people riding a bicycle from Arroyo Grande to San Luis Obispo would not be considered fun. But TedAclan isnt most people. Born in the Philippines, he didnt even learn to ride a bike until he was in high school.

I like having an excuse to exercise my body and my mind. By riding my bike

from home to my volunteer job at The Land Conservancy once a week, I get to d

both. And I ride slow and have fun.- Ted Aclan, Office Volunteer

The father of 2 children, Ted feels blessed to have raised his family in San Luis Obispo

County. Over the past four years he has volunteered with The Land Conservancy by

pulling weeds, watering plants and removing trash from our restoration sites. Now, Te

helps out one day a week in the office assisting with out-going mailings, helping with fil

ing and office projects, and providing general staff support.

Teds easy smile and quick jokes have endeared him to The Land Conservancy staff. Even more, his dedication and

commitment to his community and his health are an inspiration to all. Thanks for all your great help, Ted!


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*Local Food Feature: DeRosiers With the Grain

When The Land Conservancy purchased 18 acres of prime agricultural land along San Luis Obispo Creek fromKarin Argano in 2006, we had a distinct vision; enhance the riparian habitat and farm the property in a sustainable

way. Since that time our vision has expanded to consider how we might be able to use our property, not only to

provide quality habitat for wildlife and grow organic crops, but also to help these crops find their way into our lo-

cal community. Over the past few years, while the lands remained fallow to qualify for organic certification, we

searched for the right person to help us realize this vision. EnterJohn DeRosier.

In 2006 John DeRosier set out on a quest to bring local grain farming back

to San Luis Obispo County. Based in Paso Robles, John has been success-

fully growing and processing traditional grains such as wheat, oats, and bar-

ley using dryland (non-irrigated) and biodynamic farming practices, then

selling them through his wildly popular Community Supported Agriculture

(CSA) program, With the Grain.

After several successful seasons in Paso Robles, John made the decision to

expand his offerings to include quinoa, amaranth, sorghum, and other

grains. As these varietals are sensitive to the type of frost common to a

Paso Robles spring, John set out to find a new lease property with the quali-

ties needed to explore these grains.

This past winter The Land Conservancys Director of Conservation Science,

Daniel Bohlman, met with John at the Conservancys property. The two

walked the soggy fields, in the waning winter light, each sharing their vision

and considering how the two might come together at the site.

In March, John DeRosier signed a five year lease with The Land Conser-

vancy to biodynamically grow heritage grains on the Conservancys 18 acres.

Additionally, John has agreed to provide outreach to local schools in an ef-

fort to re-connect school children to the land and the crops that providetheir lunches. Both John and Daniel hope that one day these locally-grown grains will be found in those lunches.

For more information visit:www.withthegrain.org.

*This series features local Land Conservancy partners who help protect and steward local lands.

John DeRosier inspects his biodynamic qui-

noa. He is dry-farming this and other grains

on 18 acres of Land Conservancy lands.

Biodynamic agriculture is amethod of organic farming that

emphasizes the holistic interrela-

tionship of the soil, plants, and

animals as a self-nourishing sys-

tem. It is thought by many to be

the most sustainable farming sys-

tem because it emphasizes a big-

picture approach that incorpo-

rates the health of the crops, soil,

land and farmer. You might

think of biodynamic agriculture as

extreme organic farming.

6 Ways to Support Local Agriculture

Shop at Farmers Markets (find your local market at: slocountyfarmers.org) or look for

locally grown food in your grocery store. If you shop there frequently, encourage the

store to stock more locally grown produce and packaged foods made in SLO County.

Join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program to receive a weekly or

monthly share of the farm. You may even be invited to tour or help at the farm!

Eat at and recommend restaurants that feature locally grown, seasonal produce.

Thank a farmer by introducing yourself and sharing why you appreciate them.

Stay informed on policies that impact agriculture and let your elected officials know

what you think. Get ag smart by visiting slofarmbureau.org.

Dont trespass on private land! That includes mountain biking, picking fruits or vege-

tables, and casual hiking. This upsets landowners and gives others a bad rap.


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Ten in 10 Initiative: 10,000 Native Plants in 2010

Top 10 SLO CountyValue Cr ops

1. Wine Grapes all $166,378,000

2. Strawberries $73,198,000

3. Broccoli $60,162,000

4. Cattle and Calves $51,992,000

5. Vegetable Transplants

$33,207,000

6. Head lettuce $27,721,000

7. Cut Flowers $25,026,000

8. Indoor Decoratives

$18,430,000

9. Cauliflower $13,618,000

10. Leaf Lettuce $12,313,000

More info at:

www.slocounty.ca.gov/agcomm

Asyou drive around our County or stroll through Farmers Market, it is obviousthat agriculture plays a lead role in our local economy. But how big is that role

and what has it been like lately for our neighboring farmers and ranchers?

The Countys Department of Agricultural recently released crop statistics for

2009. Total San Luis Obispo County crop values for 2009 are estimated at a

gross value of $623,095,000 compared to $602,922,000 for 2008. Despite the

3% increase, some local farmers and ranchers have struggled to make ends meet

solely on their agricultural operations.Many growers continued to feel the negative effects of the four year

drought in 2009. - Bob Lilley, County Agricultural Commissioner

Nevertheless, local food production continues to be a major economic engine

for San Luis Obispo County. In 2000 total crop values were estimated at a gross

value of $487,658,000. That means the local agriculture market has increased by

more than $135M over the past 9 years.

Wed like to tip our hats to the hard-working men and women who support this industry, espe-

cially the many who steward our local lands in the process. Thank you for providing us with

locally grown food & fiber.

How Important is Local Agriculture?

Winter rains made it abundantly clear how essential natural areas are to managing flooding and refilling freshwateraquifers. The Land Conservancy is looking to further enhance our Countys natural areas by planting 10,000 new na-tive plants during 2010. We are asking community members to help by planting natives at their own properties in or-der to reach this goal.

Recent restoration plantings by our staff have already launched the goal past its half-way mark with over 6,400 nativesplanted along Nipomo Creek and another 1,100 native plants installed at Black Lake Ecological Area in South CountyBut thousands of additional natives still need to be planted by the end of 2010and you can help!

Help Plant 10,000 Natives

1. Purchase native plants at Ten in10 sponsoring businesses to receive discount.

2. Plant natives at your home, schooor church and report your numbers toThe Land Conservancy.

3. Volunteer at a planting day withThe Land Conservancy (this fall) oranother organization and report thenumber of native plants your groupinstalled.

4. Tell others about the Ten in 10Native PlantInitiative.

5. Watch for news about success inreaching our goal!

Get 10% off Your Native Plant PurchasesPresent this flyer to a staff member at the following locations to receive 10%off your total purchase of native plants as part of The Land Conservancys10,000 in 2010 Initiative. Discount excludes vegetables or non-native ornamentals.

Ten in 10 Sponsoring Businesses

Farm SupplySLO 224 Tank Farm RoadMon. Fri. 7:30am 6pm; Sat. 8am 5pm

Sage Eco Gardens & NurseryLos Osos 1188 Los Osos Valley Rd.Mon. - Sat. 9am-5pm, Sunday 9am-4pm

Growing Grounds *Nursery & FarmSLO 3740 Orcutt RoadOpen 3rd Tuesday each month from 2-4pm!*Not valid at Downtown Store


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Farewell Friendsfrom Brian Stark, Former Executive Director

In the 15 years I served with The Land Conservancy Ive had the opportunity to work with so many generous and caing people. Together weve had many great successes for conservation and restoration of important natural areas.

Weve also had our challenges, but these helped us grow and improve our organization. So, it is with a bittersweet not

that I step down as Executive Director of The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County.

As many of you know, I was married last August to the love of my life, Amy. Our story

is a fun one. We have been friends for 38 years after meeting in first grade, and we were

even prom dates in middle school and high school. Reconnecting with Amy made a big

difference in my personal life and has brought me much happiness. After our marriage, I

moved to Thousand Oaks to join Amy and her two daughters, and I have been commut-

ing back here each week to serve The Land Conservancy. While I have always loved my

job here, I also miss being with my new family. My decision to relocate permanently is

really about my desire to be there for my family full-time.

The good news for me, beyond being closer to my family, is that I will be staying in the

conservation and restoration field as the Conservation Director for the Ojai Valley Land

Conservancy. The good news for The Land Conservancy is that our Board of Trustees

acted quickly to appoint my long-time colleague Bob Hill to succeed me as Executive Director.

With Bob at the helm of an incredibly talented staff, and our Trustees playing a very active role in our suc-

cess, I have complete confidence that the Conservancy is in good hands and our transition will be very

smooth. In fact, my decision to step down at this time was made easier by the strength of our organization

I am proud of the projects I was able to work on here, and Im proud of the professionalism our staff has brought to

the conservation field in San Luis Obispo County. I have most enjoyed working with so many passionate people and

valuable community partners. San Luis Obispo County will always hold a special place in my heart, like I know it does

for many of you. I still plan to be a frequent visitor and hope to make it back up here someday.

Lastly, I want to thank everyone I ever worked with here for your support and participation over the years. The Land

of SLO County is truly remarkable, but it is YOU that makes San Luis Obispo County special. Farewell!

Designing for People In Nature

Walt Bremer, Cal Poly Professor of Landscape Architecture, and over a dozen students of hisNatural EnvironmentsDesign Focus Studio spent a quarter applying the integration of landscape ecology, sustainability and environmental plann

principles by designing a site plan for a property on the edge of Los Osos where The Land Conservancy has acquired t

parcels of land adjacent to Morro Bay State Park which will be transferred to State Parks.

The students developed innovative site designs that showed progressive thinking and thoughtful consideration of how

invite the public to use the properties while at the same time protecting sensitive natural resources and providing eductional interpretive opportunities. Special thanks to Walt Bremer and LA403 students, especiallyChristian Boehr(designs below


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Page 10

Local People, Local Land

Brian Stark holds thegolden axe given to himby the local CA Conser-

vation Corps in honor ofhis commitment toconservation at the

CCC.

Members of our Special Events & Fun Committeetoast to asuccessful Annual Reception which they planned & coordi-nated. Left to right, BK Richard, Carol Courcy,Teresa

Tibstra,Valerie Endres , Bob Lindquist and Kathy

Cohon. Not pictured is Margaret Whitson.

Mary Bettencourt, Margo Heekin-Clark,Lisa Bertrand & Charlotte Gorton

Dr. John Perrine , Trustee BeverlyGingg, & Chris Cummings

Marguerite Erickson&Joan Goodall, El

Camino Artist Association

Lucia Casalinuovos 2nd-grade students fromSanta Maria brought native oak seedlings they grin their classroom to a Land Conservancy restorasite in Nipomo to plant their science projects.

Nearly 20 hikers joined LandConservancy RestorationEcologist, Mark Skinner, for aguided wildflower walk on pri-vate lands in the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes.

The Land ConservancysAnnual Conservation ReceptionCelebrated Good Times!

Director of Conserva-tion Science, Daniel

Bohlman, and Restora-tion Ecologist, Mark

Skinner, performtransect monitoring at a

restoration site.


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Special Thanks & Congratulations

Wish List

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Wheelbarrow(Good, working condition)

Stereo Amplifier (30 watt output & phono/mike input; for Barn sound system)

Binoculars (8 x 42 and waterproof/non-fog; for field use)

Metal dairy stanchion and milking equipment (For historic display)

Donations are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated!

Call 544-9096 to discussion your donation. Thank you.

Board Of TrusteesGary Felsman, PresidentLisa Wise,Vice President

Valerie Endres,TreasurerBeverly Gingg

Pete JennyHerb KandelPenny RappaBK Richard

Ed Carson, Emeritus

StaffExecutive Director: Bob Hill

Deputy Director: Kaila Dettman

Development Director and LandlinEditor:Wende David

Director of Conservation Science:Daniel Bohlman

Conservation Projects Manager:Margo Heekin Clark

Business Manager: Crystal Elwood

Restoration Ecologist: Mark Skinn

Project Coordinator: Carlos Torre

Membership Assistant:Teresa Tibstra

Field Crew Leader: Melodie Grubb

Restoration Specialists:Tim Cole, James Deutsch, ThomMiller, Nate Reiss

Interns:Anthony Baniaga, LidiaDAmico, Fallon Frye, ChristineKempsell, Sarah McCutcheon,Melissa Sparks

LANDLINES is printed on recycled paper. Sign up for our eco-friendly on-line newsletter and preview all the same great photos & stories in full color!

Nipomo ChapterContact Herb Kandel at

[email protected]

Santa MargaritaCommunity Forestry

Contact Beverly Gingg at

[email protected]

Thank You

Judith Hildinger for stepping in to perform essential office work on a short-term volunteer basis. Many, many thanks for your commitment, Judith!

McWhinney Family and Morgridge Family for requesting memorial dona-

tions in honor of loved ones be directed to The Land Conservancy.

Guy Hackman at K Jewel Radio 1400AMfor recording and airing a profes-

sional radio promotion to raise funds for Froom Ranch Open Space.

CongratulationsTeresa & Robb Tibstra on the birth of baby Penelope, our newest member!

Beverly Gingg, recipient of the 2010 Barbara George Women in Philanthropy Award.

BK Richard, recipient of theMorro Bay National Estuary Program Outstanding Contri-

bution Honoree.

547 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo, CA 934

The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo Countyis your local, non-profit land trust working to permanently protect and restore

local lands for the benefit of people and wildlife.

Earth Day Edu-tainmentThere are certain truths we hold about our world: Glaciers top Mount

Kilimanjaro, the Amazon is rainforest, the Rio Grande is a river (and

its grand) ... As it turns out, these truths may not always be.

On Earth Day, were hosting renowned local author,

Kimberly Lisagor, for an educational and entertaining photo

slideshow featuring highlights from her ground-breaking bookDISAPPEARING DESTINATIONS: 37 Places in Peril and

What Can be Done to Help Save Them. Kim will also debut

plans for a television series and sign books.

$5 suggested donation for LCSLO members; $10 for others


12/12

P 12

Annual Donor Fund

___$1000 + Council

___$500 Guardian

___$250 Benefactor

___$100 Patron

___$50 Steward

___$30 Sustaining

___$10 Student

___$____Other

Thanks

foryour

support!

Membership is on an annual basis. All contributions are tax deductible. Please make checks payable to:

Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County - P.O. Box 12206 San Luis Obispo, CA 93406

E-mail me more info:

___________________(we do not share or spam our email list)

____ Id like to receive the newsletter via email

____ Please email me about upcoming events & volunteer

____ Please email me about planned giving options

Y E S ! I w o u l d l i k e t o b e a m e m b e r o f T h e L a n d C o n s e r v a n c y o f S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y .

Name:__________________________Address: ______________________________

In addition to membership, I will contribute to

$_____Octagon Barn FundHelps open this community icon for public use by 2011

$_____Visionary Vistas FundAllows us to act quickly on time-sensitive land opportunitie

$_____Healthy Lands Forever FundSupports restoration and stewardship of our special landsc

$_____Strength in Numbers FundProvides resources to connect our community with our mi

P.O. Box 12206

SLO, CA 93406

Phone: 805-544-9096

Fax: 805-544-5122

Email: [email protected]

w w w .L C S L O .o r g

spring 2010 landlines newsletter ~ land conservancy of san luis obispo county

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