CLEAR LAKE HORIZONS

Fall 2013 C.L.S.P.I.A.

CLSPIA Patrons Thanked for Their Support

You may have noted that the current CLSPIA membership form has a category of membership called PATRON. During this past year many of our members joined CLSPIA at the Patron level.

As a way of showing appreciation for this generous support, the Clear Lake State Park Interpretive As-sociation Board decided to thank Park Patrons directly by inviting them to a special occasion called “A Patrons’ Appreciation Evening”.

That is why on the evening of October 19th, a group of CLSPIA Patrons gathered in the Park at the Pavilion. Patrons were greeted by CLSPIA Board members and were served appetizers and delicious Lake County wines. Though there was a chill in the air, two portable heaters kept everyone comfortable. Dinner was served at 6 p.m. starting with an interesting green salad and artisan bread. This was followed by the main course which featured mushroom-onion braised tri-tips, roasted root vegetables, green beans amandine and more Lake County wine. Dessert was a delicious Lake County pear walnut cake, made from a recipe originated by Marcie Cadora many years ago. You may remember that Marcie and her husband had the Oak Barrel restaurant in Soda Bay for many years. Topping the cake was a scoop of vanilla ice cream, hand-churned by board member Neil Towne.

Following dinner, the group was treated to a video entitled ‘Sharing the Neighborhood for 5000 Years’. The presentation showed the excavation of Highway 53 at Anderson Marsh State Park in Lower Lake when the highway was widened in 1984. Very few people have had the opportunity to see this video which features the many archeological treasures found during that excavation. Archeological expert Greg White of Chico was on hand to answer the Patrons’ many questions. He led a lively discussion which proved to be very interesting.

Your board members are so pleased to have the extra support of the following Patrons in 2013: Anne Barquist, Gae and Henry Bornstein, Bernie and Lynne Butcher, Chris and Joyce Cary, Kim and Charlie Eadie, Joanne Jameson, William and Mary Kettenhofen, Pam and Gary Maes, Val and Tom Nixon, Rus-sell and Joyce Porterfield, Jim and Wilda Shock, Nancy and Bob Smith, Stephen and Nancy Stetzer, Mike and Jan Thomp-son, Bobbi and Neil Towne and Sean and Jeanette Towne.

On behalf of the Board and the Association, President Madelene Lyon thanked all Patrons for their very generous support.

Whew! Where has this year gone? It’s fall already and we’re looking foward to 2014 with expectation.

It has been a pretty nice summer, weather-wise -- not too hot -- which has been good for the campers in our park. We could have used a lot more rain in the early spring, but how can we control that? The low level of the lake is a bit distressing,

but we need to be optimistic about a good rainy season this fall and winter!

A highlight of CLSPIA’s activities in 2013 was our ‘Speaker Series’ during the summer season. We had four speakers giving very informative talks on nature-related subjects. Each of these educational presentations was very well at-tended, and the hope is that the ‘Speaker Series’ will happen again in 2014.

Next year is the year to celebrate 150 years of State Parks. Each park is encouraged to commemorate the ‘birthday’ by doing something special. Our board is working on a plan to do that, but we want to surprise everyone when our plan becomes a reality. Stay tuned!

Madelene

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A Message from Madelene Clear LakeHorizons

is published by the

Clear Lake StatePark

InterpretiveAssociation

www.clearlakestatepark.org

Association OfficersPresident - Madelene Lyon

V. President - ???Rec. Secretary - Sandy Moura

Treasurer - Julie BerryNancy Cary Smith - EditorVerna Schaffer - PublisherBobbi Towne - Membership Brad Barnwell - HistorianBrad Barnwell - Publicity

CLSPIABoard of Directors

Brad BarnwellBill Beat

Julie BerryCathy Hall

Madelene LyonJohn Maley

Sandy MouraStephen Stetzer

Bobbi TowneNeil Towne

Beat the Rush! Renew your membership or join now using the form on the back page of this newsletter. To pay online go to www. clearlakestatepark.org -- Select ‘About Us’ and scroll down.

The number to the right of your address tells the last year of your membership. You will receive news-letters and 10% off purchases at the VC Store. Patrons will be invited to a dinner event.

Your dues support Park interpretive programs and help keep VC exhibits in good order. Dues also support the salary of Junior Ranger leader, Dana, who is planning exciting programs for community and camper children.

CLSPIA programs are run on renewable energy … Volunteers and Docents. Please check boxes to mark Park programs that interest you as a docent or volunteer. The Park provides training and you will meet wonderful people… we guarantee.

Last and most important ... remember to enjoy your park. Come for a walk, a picnic, a quiet time to sit and listen to the birds and watch the animals. You can soar with the osprey, dive with the ducks and dance with the falling leaves. Hope to see you in the park.

Friends of the Park, Dues are Due!

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October 2013, Superintendent ReportAnother summer is over and I am already missing the activity as well as see-ing the smiling faces of our visitors from around the world. Clear Lake and Anderson Marsh host a diverse crowd from many faraway places. I recently visited with a couple from France. They were an exciting young couple traveling the North Coast and they decided to visit and camp with us here. They were fascinated with the town of Kelseyville as well as the birds they were seeing on their hikes. I left them admiring their fresh views of Kelseyville and Clear Lake. The following morning I noticed a note at their campsite saying that they had a wonderful time at Clear Lake and will be back, and a big thank you to the Rangers. My visits with far away travelers are something I will always cherish as the Superintendent here at Clear Lake. I can also say that my daily visits

with our locals keeps me on my toes as they can point out what we need to do following a full house on weekends during peak season. I would really like to thank those locals walking around the park daily picking up garbage with a big smile on their faces. The volunteerism here is wonderful.

It is project time again for our maintenance staff. The visitor center deck should be completely redone with new redwood decking by October and then on to the next projects. During the month of October, Kelsey Creek Camp-ground will be closed for a paving project and then it will re-open early November. The Indian Nature trail was recently rehabilitated with patches of overlay and new interpretive paneling. We worked in cooperation with and consulted with the Big Valley Pomo tribe for interpretive input. The trail is a wonderful experience with a spectacular view at the overlook.

I would like to welcome our new Park Maintenance Chief Wendy Lieberg. Wendy will be starting November 1, 2013. Wendy has almost 20 years of State Parks experience and will be a valuable addition to staffing with State Parks at Clear Lake. We should also be close to hiring a permanent Supervising Ranger as well as another Ranger. We are really seeing a positive change with staffing levels.

I would like to thank both the Clear Lake State Park Interpretive Association (CLSPIA) and the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association (AMIA) for their continued dedication to State Parks. We really could not get things done without all of your help.

We recently started general maintenance of the McVicar Trail at Anderson Marsh and will continue to open the trail up this winter with the help of Cal Fire Crews. I look forward to seeing you on the trail!

The new CLSPIA donated woodshed at the park entrance looks and works great. I anticipate wood sales to rise especially during holidays with the use of this new facility.

The donor agreement with AMIA is working very well, especially with having a park aide at the ranch house grounds on weekends. You will see many new improvements to the grounds and trails.

I would like to thank all of my staff, volunteers, and park visitors for a successful 2013 season.

Ranger Aaron Wright is not new to Clear Lake State Park, having been with us for several years. In addition to his other Park duties, Aaron has been ac-tive in reporting official State Park information and local park information to CLSPIA Directors at many of their monthly board meetings.

Aaron is vitally interested in the preservation of the many archeological trea-sures which are to be found at Clear Lake State Park and Anderson Marsh State Historical Park.

We congratulate Aaron on his new position, Ranger Supervisor, and look for-ward to working with him in promoting the welfare of beautiful Clear Lake State Park.

Park Welcomes Ranger Aaron Wrightas Ranger Supervisor

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It seems to grow everywhere, unplanted and unwanted, even in the Park. We wonder who could have invented this monster. It has some seemingly ingenuous attributes that would do justice to a botanist’s sci-fi novel.

Star Thistle is a ‘naturalized’ species originally from Europe and Asia which has explosively increased in number in the west. Each plant may produce 700 to 1,000 seeds. The seeds are innocuous looking bits of chaff that seem to escape bird and animal foraging in very significant numbers. The plant has an unusual life cycle. Young plants grow slowly through the winter and early spring, usually beneath a dominant cover of grasses and other annuals.

Just when soil moisture lowers to stop most annual plant growth in the late spring, star thistle seems to leap into a growth spurt. Apparently a large tap root and clever water con-servation team to supply adequate water throughout the hot summer. Even when starved for water a diminished dwarf thistle actually can carry out its cycle with a single tiny blossom.

The flowering heads come equipped with 1 inch spines that can break off at the tips and become lodged under the skin of unwary people. The leaves and stems contain a potent alkaloid that can poison horses if eaten in large quantity.

Fields of Star Thistle seem to crowd out most other plants and after several seasons become the dominant plant. Our pastures, gardens and even the Park should not welcome Star Thistle.

Star Thistle, Centaurea Solstitalis

The County of Lake and other areas of California that share our Park’s life zone, are the long time habitat of the majestic Valley Oak. These oaks provide a mantle of cool green during the hottest of summer weather. They support countless bird nests and often house owls, squirrels and other trunk-hole seekers. Their shade protects from the hot summer sun. And, as it happens each autumn, these beautiful and stately trees “rain” acorns in the autumn. Many animal and bird spe-cies depend on acorns as a major food source, Woodpeckers, scrub jays and squirrels among them. Early native inhabitants of Lake County gathered and processed acorns as an important food source.

A single oak tree creates a sphere of influence that extends in a zone around the outer part of the tree. Beneath the tree is shade and a layer

of leaves and duff that suppresses evaporation, supports insects, shelters and protects deer and small animals and can be an attractive hiking area in an otherwise hot dry environment. When growing on a slope, an oak’s roots help prevent soil erosion. Either on a slope or on level ground, the constant rain of leaves, especially in the fall, fuels the decomposition cycle, encourages earth worms and soil bacteria, and leads to the return of nutrients to the oak, and to all plants in the area.

Above the oaks, swallows by day and bats by night pluck insects that had been feeding on or hiding in the trees. Warblers and wrens search through oak branches on the lookout for insects. Mammals such as squirrels and even raccoons may use the branches as safe havens. Beneath the oaks there is increased support for earthworms and moles, decomposers in the soil and many other moist soil organisms by virtue of their shading effect on the area. Holes in dead, hollow oak trunks are often favorite animal habitats while dead falls and branches on the ground are lookout perches for birds, hollow cavities for lizards and snakes, and a breeding area for termites … in turn the favorite food of many insect eaters. Dead wood is another source of soil nutrients as soon as the decomposers work is finished.

Celebrate and protect our good fortune, our wonderful oak trees.

Thank you, Grant Cary

Those Wonderful Oak Trees

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A Bit of HistoryFormer CLSPIA Director Leona Butts is wondering if Park visitors, especially those who come to the Visitor Center, notice a small rock marker that tells about the Park’s founding. It begins, CLEAR LAKE STATE PARK, Received by California 1948 ....

CLEAR LAKE STATE PARKReceived by California 1948

THESE HILLS AND SHORES WERE GIVEN BY FRED W. DORN AND NELLIE HENDERSON DORN

IN MEMORY OFLEWIS HENDERSON

WHO FIRST PERCEIVED THE NEED OF A SITE ON THIS BEAUTIFUL LAKE FOR THE PEOPLE OF

CALIFORNIA.

PLAQUE PRESENTED BYKELSEYVILLE WOMEN’S CLUB 1969

It was a Beautiful MorningThe sweet sounds of David Neft’s piano drifted over the Park as guests enjoyed their customized om-elets, fruit, pastries, coffee and fixings on a perfect spring morning at this year’s Wildflower Brunch, on April 27th.

The Park pavilion sheltered the many omelet cooks as breakfast goers brought their cups of goodies to be added to their customized breakfasts as well as sheltering orange juice, coffee, pastries and fruit stations.

The weather cooperated with blue skies and white clouds and the park was dressed in spring green. Glenn Smith led a group of early morning hikers on the Indian Trail, the Visitor Center Store was a busy place, and Dr. Harry Lyons lectured in the indoor auditorium.

All in all, it was another delightful and delicious Wildflower Brunch.

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Director Visits the Park

Clear Lake State Park welcomed a special guest during the summer camping season when retired Marine Corps Major General Anthony Jackson and his wife spent several days visiting while living in their camping trailer. Anthony Jackson is the Director of the California State Parks. He and his wife reported that they had a pleasant stay and enjoyed their visit. The Park was one of several California State Parks visited by the Director during the summer.

Clear Lake, the largest fresh water lake entirely within the borders of California, is of great interest and extreme importance to those of us who are fortunate to be inhabit-ants of Lake County. We appreciate lake views, watch for grebes, ducks, herons, pelicans and other bird life, enjoy boating on the lake’s cool waters, even take an occasional swim and also appreciate lake water brought to our homes by several local water companies. The Lake is also of great importance to many residents of Yolo County

As many of us know, Yolo County has long standing rights to a variable amount of Clear Lake’s water every year, an amount measured on the Rumsey Gage.

Terry Knight, Outdoors writer for the local Record Bee, reported on September 28th that Yolo County had ceased withdrawing water from Clear Lake and Indian Valley Reservoir for the current year. He stated that Yolo County’s water allotment this year was 83,590 acre feet, and noted that a very small amount of water would continue to flow from Clear Lake to protect down-stream fisheries.

Mr. Knight reported that the level of Clear Lake was currently 1.33 feet on the Rumsey Gage. Clear Lake is considered full when the Lake level is at 7.56 feet. This year the highest water level reached by the Lake was 6 feet.

Pond Turtles Prepare for WinterDr. Nick Geist, at his summer lecture in the Visitor Center, reminded us that the Western Pond Turtles which live in Kelsey Slough, here at the Park, will soon be finding niches for their annual hibernation. Park visitors have enjoyed watching them bask in the sun during the summer months.

Western Pond turtles are cold blooded and need exposure to the sun to regulate their body temperature. During the spring months, females deposit clutches of up to eleven eggs in sand or soft soil usually

near a water source. As winter approaches they seek places to hibernate, usually in the soft muddy bottoms of streams. The Park’s Kelsey slough is ideal for wintering Pond Turtles. They are omnivores that use their senses of sight and smell to find food and must swallow their food under water. When hatch-lings, these turtles outer shells are as small as three inches and can grow to be as large as 12 inches. Western Pond turtles can live as long as fifty years.

If you have missed seeing the Park’s Western Pond Turtles this summer, come visit them next spring or summer when they will be visible once again.

Keeping an Eye on Clear Lake

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Board ActionsApril 2013

Noted the camping limit has been extended form 14 to 15 days during peak season. (Off season limit is 30 continu-• ous days.)Learned that Camp Hosts are settled in Kelsey Creek campground.• Suggested that next year, Board members contact their e-mail lists with Brunch news.• Learned that rack cards for the Brunch are ready.• Noted that the Park water system was being repaired.• Decided not to have a May walk.• Noted that the VC store will be open during the Brunch.• Learned of major web site changes with Verna Schaffer as webmaster.• Learned that speakers are being engaged for summer VC lectures.•

May 2013 -- A quorum was not present at this meeting.Deferred approval of minutes for the next meeting.• Learned that profit from the Brunch was $1746.00.• Noticed that the price of campers’ wood has increased from $4.00 to $4.35 per bundle.• Noted that reservations and camper numbers are up from last year.• Learned that the new district director was impressed with the Park and facilities.• Learned that Bob Keiffer would speak at the VC on May 18th at 2:00 pm.• Noted that all VC items are being offered at sale prices.• Conducted a “postmortem” of the Brunch to note improvement needs.• Will place action plans for the 2014 Brunch on the November agenda.•

June 2013 -- No Meeting held.

July 2013Learned that more family units are camping this year.• Noted that new DPR director, Anthony Jackson and wife stayed in the Park two nights.• Learned that Jr. Ranger attendance has been low. Publicity needed?• Decided that Board meetings will be held on the 1st Thursday of each month.• Looked forward to next newsletter to be published in October.• Discussed difficulty in getting approval for newspaper publicity pieces.• Noted that hike leader Walt Lyon had good attendance in June.• Learned that VC sales have been low.• Discussed VC schedules, numbers, training and attendance in relation to docents.• Noted that CLSPIA has 117 members including 14 patrons.• Discussed web site needs and personnel.• Learned that Dr. Nick Geist, Val Nixon and Dr. Harry Lyons would speak at the summer lecture series.• Noted that CLSPIA would have its “usual” spot at the Pear Festival.• Confirmed a dinner for CLSPIA Patrons in the fall.•

August 2013Noted that next year is the 150th anniversary of the California State Parks.• Listened to a summary of Park Ranger responsibilities.• Learned that the Association is responsible for volunteer clothing items.• Set the date of October 19th for the Patron Dinner• Learned that Sandy will arrange the staffing of the Pear Festival booth.• Discussed future CLSPIA projects.• Decided to consider a new system for awarding space on the VC honor wall.•

September 2013Happily learned that two additional ranger positions have been approved for the Park.• Noted that two camp hosts are now on duty in the Park.• Learned that the Park was at capacity over Labor Day with no disturbances.• Noted that Sunday, October 13th will be Park Volunteer Appreciation Day.• Discussed Coastal Cleanup Day, Sept 21st.• Decided to feature the upcoming Patron Appreciation Evening in the next newsletter.• Reported that the Web Site was looking good.• Decided to develop a “Quilt Trail”, quilt block in honor of the 150th Anniversary of California State Parks.• Suggested that 2x4 name plates be placed on the VC Honor Wall as thanks for donations of $500.00 or more.•

Note: If you are reading Clear Lake State Park Horizons for the first time and find the goals and activities interesting enough to pursue further, we would welcome your inquiry into becoming a volunteer docent. It really is lots of fun, as well as highly educational. If you are interested, please call the Ranger’s office at 279–2267.

Clear Lake State ParkInterpretive Association5300 Soda Bay RoadKelseyville, CA 95451

2014 CLSPIA Membership FormClear Lake State Park Interpretive Association (CLSPIA)

NAME _________________________________________________________________ PHONE _______________________________

ADDRESS _____________________________________________________________ E-MAIL _______________________________

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