S p r i n g 2 0 0 6

Inside2006 Event and Hiking Series

Welcome Suzanne Jones and Karin Korda

Many Thanks to Our Donors

Stewardship Update

Calling All Painters

Volunteer Opportunities

M u i r H e r i t a g e L a n d t r u S t

This edition of the Muir Heritage Land Trust news- letter is all about you. We’ve listed the names of all of you

who contributed to the Fernandez Ranch Campaign to date. Over 970 names are on the list and they include private donors, corporations, private foundations, state and federal agencies.

The Fernandez Campaign continues through this spring with the work we are now undertaking to restore the property and plan for public access. We cannot open the Fernandez Ranch to the public until we make it safe, which means replacing the bridge that crossed Rodeo Creek, restoring sections of the creek that washed out the previous bridge, and building a modest staging area that provides safe parking.

Luckily, we have the help and some funding from the State Coastal Conservancy and the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. Our new bridge and Fernandez Ranch trail system will be an important segment of the 400 mile Bay Area Ridge Trail, that will some day connect Land Trust properties in the Franklin Ridge to EBMUD watershed lands and East Bay Regional Park District parklands.

We will continue to ask for your support and participation as we undertake this exciting and challenging work on the

Fernandez Ranch, and negotiate future land acquisitions. Our partnership with the Environmental Studies Academy and the students’ stewardship projects on our other properties will be expanded to include the Fernandez Ranch once we finalize the creek restoration, public access, and prop-erty management planning process.

On a personal note, many of you are aware of my plans to take an edu-cational leave from July of this year through June 2007. I’ve been accepted to Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, where I will receive a Mid-Career Masters of Public Administration. My decision to leave the Land Trust at this time was based on a number of factors. The Muir Heritage Land Trust is now at a point where the staff and Board of Directors are highly skilled and expe-rienced in all aspects of land conservation and land management.

In my absence, Linus Eukel will be the Acting Executive Director, and Suzanne Jones will work as a contract Land Program Manager. Linus’ experience and passion for the Land Trust are evident in his successful tenure as Development and Communications Director. Suzanne is equally passionate about preserving the beautiful open lands of Contra Costa County, and has worked for many years as a community volunteer both in Lamorinda and West Contra Costa County.

Finally, my two wonderful sons are on their own, doing very well in their respec-tive colleges. James will graduate from U.C. Santa Cruz this spring and Robert is in his sophomore year at U.C. Berkeley. As an original founder, the Land Trust has always been like my third child, so now at age seventeen, I am confident it will thrive without my constant attention and moth-ering. It’s time for others to step in and I’m very excited about the growth and changes that will occur in my absence.

MHLT Executive Director

Mt. Wanda acquisition completed in 1992! Hal Olson, Tina Batt and Jack Telfer, property owner Gordon Strain and Frank Pereira.

The next generation of Land Trust supporters: Beth Pardieck, MHLT Stewardship Manager, Tina Batt’s sons, James and Robert Wilson at the 2005 Fresh Aire Affaire.

Pete Crooks, Diablo Magazine

M u i r H e r i tag e L a n d t ru S t

P.O. Box 2452Martinez, CA 94553

925-228-5460 925-372-5460 faxinfo@muirheritagelandtrust.orgwww.muirheritagelandtrust.org

Staff

Tina Batt Executive Director

Linus Eukel Development &

Communications Director

Mary Alice Stadum Executive Associate

Beth Pardieck Stewardship Associate

Board of Directors

Mark Wilson Chair

Ken Fischer Vice Chair

Sheila Grilli Secretary

Louis E. Stoddard Treasurer

Peter Colby Steve Pardieck June Rogers Marj Ross

Donn Walklet

Emeritus Board Members

Mary Ann Gaebe Hulet Hornbeck

Hal Olson Nancy Schaefer

Jack Telfer Everett Turner

Honorary Board Member

Jim Cutler

Editor

Linus Eukel

Newsletter Contributors

Tina BattSuzanne Jones Beth Pardieck

Mary Alice Stadum

2 M u i r H e r i tag e L and Tru st Hor izons

All hikes start at 9am unless other-wise specified, and will take place rain or shine. Please bring water and comfortable walking shoes. Additional hikes will be announced throughout the year.

Please look to our website for more information: www.muirheritagelandtrust.org or call (925) 228-5460.

Carquinez Shoreline Exhibit - From the Rivers to the SeaFebruary 1st - May 31st

Contra Costa County Historical Society History Center - Martinez

This exhibit presented by the East Bay Regional Park District and the Martinez Historical Society focuses on the Regional Parks found along the Carquinez Shoreline and features photographs and artifacts documenting historical sites from Martinez to the new Zampa (Carquinez) Bridge in Crockett. For more information, please call (925) 229-1042 or (925) 757-2620. Fernandez Ranch Outing with Tina Batt Saturday, March 18

Join the Land Trust’s Executive Director, Tina Batt, on this moderately strenuous 3-hour hike around our newest property, the 702-acre Fernandez Ranch. Participants will learn first hand about the restoration projects that will enable this property to be opened to the public. Bring a guest and introduce them to the Land Trust. Please call for more details.

Crockett Hills DedicationSpring, TBD

The East Bay Regional Park District will open this scenic open space overlook-ing the Carquinez Strait when they hold their public dedication. Please call (510) 762-7275 to confirm and reserve.

Contra Costa Gold Fields and Fernandez Ranch HikeSaturday, April 15

Before the Fernandez Ranch hike, join us to look for the beautiful yellow Contra Costa goldfields, an endangered flower species. These rare flowers grow only in a few places in the state. You will have the opportunity to learn how this property was saved and what we are doing to protect it. Then, join us for a walk in the beautiful hills of our newest acquisi-tion, the magnificent 702-acre Fernandez Ranch. Enjoy native wildflowers such as lupine and California poppies, lovely elderberry trees thought to be 200 years old and abundant live oak and California bay. Not to be missed. Please call the Land Trust office for more details.

2nd Annual John Muir Birthday and Earth Day CelebrationJohn Muir National Historic SiteSaturday, April 22, 10:00am to 4:00pm

The Land Trust will have one of the many exhibit booths set up to help celebrate John Muir’s birthday and our planet’s birthday. John Muir’s house and surrounding orchard and vineyards are open free to the public, and there will be a stage with music and entertainment throughout the day. Exhibits will range from organic farming and agriculture to energy con-servation and alternatives, recycling, green building materials, wildlife, and land con-servation. Quite suitable for children. Please call the John Muir Site at (925) 228-8860 for more information.

Mt. Wanda Wildflower HikeSaturday, April 29

A feast of flowers. Tad Shay, Lead Park Ranger at the John Muir National Historic Site, will be our guide for this peek at spring’s splendor. Join us for a walk in the woods where John Muir looked for wildflowers. Meet at 9:00am in the Mt. Wanda parking lot on the corner of Alhambra Avenue and Franklin Canyon Road in Martinez. Bring your wildflower

2006 Hike and Event SeriesDetailed information, updates and a handy poster version of events are available on our website.

book and camera for flower identification and wonderful memories. This activity is quite suitable for children. Please call the John Muir Site to reserve your spot or for more information at (925) 228-8860.

Carquinez Horticultural Center DedicationSaturday, May 13

Please join us to celebrate the grand opening of the Carquinez Regional Environmental Education Center’s (CREEC) new Crockett greenhouse. This event will be held in conjunction with CREEC’s annual Eclectic Garden Tour. Please check their website www.creecyouth.org for details or call Sandra Dare at (510) 787-2265 for more information about this event.

6th Annual Martinez Horseman’s Benefit RideSaturday, May 20

This annual ride is a valuable fundraiser for the Land Trust, sponsored by the Martinez Horseman’s Association. This year riders and walkers will trek through the newly opened East Bay Regional Park District’s Crockett Hills property. Please call Judy Goode at (925) 228-8788 for more details.

Hiking and Seed Collection on the Fernandez RanchSaturday, May 20

Join Dr. Dean Kelch of the Jepson Herbarium for a seed collection day on the beautiful Fernandez Ranch. The morning will be spent looking for native grasses, collecting seeds and learning about local native plants. The afternoon will be spent propagating locally collected cuttings in the CREEC Greenhouse. Please call the office for more details.

The 8th Annual Bay Area Open Space ConferenceFriday, June 2

This annual conference includes speakers and presentations on the protection and enjoyment of parks, natural habitats and agricultural lands in the San Francisco Bay Area. Browse through exhibition hall displays sponsored by agencies, organizations, professionals and businesses who protect and manage

the region’s incredible parks and open spaces. A great networking opportunity.Space is always limited, so reserve your place early at www.openspacecouncil.org.

Fernandez Ranch Celebration Saturday, June 10

The Land Trust invites its members and the community to help celebrate the acquisition of this beautiful 702-acre property. Hikes, horse-drawn carriage rides, and refreshments are just a few of the highlights of this special day. Learn more about the many restoration projects underway for this great property as the Muir Heritage Land Trust, the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, and Restoration Design Group share their plans. This event is quite suitable for children. Not to be missed. Please call the Land Trust office for more details and to RSVP.

Bay Ridge Trail DedicationSummer TBD

The John Muir National Historic Site and the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council join forces to dedicate a section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail on the mountain named for John Muir’s daughter, Wanda. Come walk the trail in the early evening and watch the full moon ascend above the hills. This is an evening program quite suitable for children. Please call the John Muir Site to reserve your place (925) 228-8860.

M u i r H e r i tag e L and Tru st Hor izons 3

Attention Plein Aire Artists

We welcome you to spend time painting the abundance of Spring wildflowers. Traditionally, artwork representing MHLT properties is selected for our annual Fresh Aire Affaire invitation, as well as other program and publication materials. If you are interested in having any of your paintings or drawings selected, please contact the Land Trust.

larry Hanson

larry Hanson

Event Schedule continued from page 3

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Suzanne JonesJoins MHLT

The Muir Heritage Land Trust is pleased to announce the August 2006 appoint-ment of Suzanne Jones as its new Land Program Manager. Suzanne comes to us with six years’ experience in open space advocacy in Contra Costa County. In that time she founded and directed two open space organiza-tions (in Richmond and in Lamorinda) which inform the public of threats to open space and encourage citizen involvement in the land-use permitting process. She has represented environmental concerns in public testimony and written comments on dozens of land use issues throughout the county, and has worked closely with environmental groups, pub-lic agencies, and developers to protect remaining open spaces from development impacts. Previously, she was a science policy analyst in nuclear disarmament and arms control at Princeton University’s Center for Energy and Environmental Studies, and later in global climate and energy policy at U.C. Berkeley. She holds a Master’s degree in physics from Stanford University and Ph.D. in particle phys-ics from Cornell University. Suzanne lives in Moraga with her husband Rob and their year-old son Dean.

Point San Pablo Peninsula Hike led by Bruce BeyaertSaturday, July 22

Bruce Beyaert of Trails for Richmond Action Committee (TRAC) will lead us to this unknown part of the Point San Pablo Peninsula for beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay. Point San Pablo in Richmond is the scenic geographic dividing point between San Francisco and San Pablo Bays with five miles of current-ly vacant shoreline running north from the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge to the Point San Pablo Yacht harbor. You’ll learn more about the challenges of implement-ing the San Pablo Peninsula Open Space Study managed by the Land Trust and about the Peninsula’s rich cultural his-tory including Chinese shrimping camps, the last whaling station operating in the U.S., and the largest winery in the nation before Prohibition. Please call the Land Trust office for more details.

Fernandez Ranch ExplorationSaturday, July TBD

Join a docent-led tour of the 702-acre Fernandez Ranch. As the summer morning fog disappears be prepared for spectacular views of Mt. Tamalpais and Mt. Diablo. Hike through the golden hills and cool shade of this property’s grand oak stands. Please call the Land Trust office for more details.

Annual Fresh Aire Affaire Dinner Saturday, August 19th

We invite you to join us for this very special evening to benefit the Muir Heritage Land Trust. Together we will enjoy honored guests, delicious cuisine, beautiful music and the excitement of live and silent auctions. Reservations are limited and last year’s event sold-out quickly. Please watch for your invitation in July’s mail or call the Land Trust office for more information.

Mulholland Ridge Preserve Hike Saturday, September 16

Enjoy sweeping views of the Oakland Hills to the west and Mt. Diablo to the east when Suzanne Jones leads us on this hike of the 250-acre Mulholland Ridge Open Space Preserve in Moraga.

White-tailed kites, Cooper’s hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, and other raptors can be seen foraging in the Preserve in the fall. This moderately strenuous 2-3 mile hike, will include a few climbs, and a long flat walk along the ridge itself. Please call the Land Trust office for more details.

Fernandez Ranch Stroll with the Bay Area Ridge Trail CouncilSaturday, September TBD

Docents from the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, will guide us over the Fernandez Ranch landscape where the proposed Bay Area Ridge Trail will connect to the Carquinez Strait trailhead. Please call the Land Trust office for more details.

Sky Ranch, Dutra Ranch and Gustin Ranch HikeSaturday, October TBD

From their sprawling rolling hills, these three contiguous Land Trust properties offer spectacular views of the Carquinez Strait and Mt. Diablo. Join Beth Pardieck, Land Trust Stewardship Associate, on this 5-mile moderately strenuous hike through ranch lands where early Martinez settlers lived and worked. You will also visit a recently complet-ed habitat restoration project on Sky Ranch and learn more about the Land Trust’s envi-ronmental education programs. Participants will want to return again and again to view nature’s ever-changing show while raptors soar overhead. Please call the Land Trust office for more details.

Fernandez Ranch Hike Saturday, October TBDJoin us for a docent-led Fall hike as the Ranch’s deciduous oaks show their bright autumn colors. Look, listen and learn as resident wildlife gather food for the coming winter months. Please call the Land Trust office for more details.

Land Trust Annual MeetingThursday, November 9th

We close the year’s events with our Annual Meeting. Everyone is invited to share in our review of 2006 and a look ahead at 2007. Special guests, staff presenta-tions, and refreshments add to the evening’s pleasures. Location TBD. Please call the Land Trust office for more details.

M u i r H e r i tag e L and Tru st Hor izons 5

Thanks to Our Generous Donors Includes donations since April 2004

Leadership ($100,000 and Up)California State Coastal ConservancyGordon & Betty Moore FoundationNational Oceanic Atmospheric AgencyThe Oakmead FoundationThe San Francisco FoundationToll Bros., Inc.Wildlife Conservation BoardWilliam Lyon Homes

Benefactors ($25,000 - $99,999)Bay Area Ridge Trail CouncilBraddock & Logan Services, Inc.Discovery Builders Inc.HJW GeoSpatial, Inc.J. M. Long FoundationNew Cities Development GroupS.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation

Patrons ($10,000 - $24,999)Citation Northern, Inc.City of ConcordMary CorleyKay Cox & Paul CraigJoffa & Ellen DaleEast Bay Community FoundationFiredoll FoundationKB Home South Bay, Inc.McBail CompanyMendelson Family FundPease Family FundTaylor Woodrow HomesTesoro Refining & Marketing Co.The David B. Gold Foundation

Major Donors ($1,000 - $9,999) Diane AvenCarol BaierMona & Robert BattTina BattBay Area Barns & TrailsAlice & Rick BonnerJoseph ByrneChevron Products CompanyJohnson & Louise ClarkRonald & Rosemary ClendenenMarshall & Ann CochraneThomas & Terri Coleman ConocoPhillips Company

The Morrison & Foerster FoundationThe Strong FoundationUnion Bank of California FoundationMarta Van Loan & Barbara HannafanDonn & Tracy WalkletBill WeinerChris & Teri WillsMark & Anne Wilson

Sponsors (Up to $999) AnonymousAnonymous - Earth Share of CaliforniaJan AaronianJohn & Cheryl AbelMary Ann AbreuDenise AckerSeth AdamsH. F. & Virginia AgnewLisa AguirreJohn & Barbara AhlquistCarol Alderdice & Roger EppersonWilliam AlexanderJames & Elsie AllenMarjorie AllendorphSusan & Andres AnackerBurt AndersonCarol AndersonCatherine AndersonScott AndersonSteven AndresenCarl & Sharon AnduriCharles & Thea ArchulettaRonald & Judith ArrantsNancy & Myron ArtistAngela AsbornoPatricia AshleyAssociated ServicesRobert & Laurie AstonAthletic OutpostMarjorie & Earle AtkinsonDick AweniusMiriam AweniusJohn BaasRebecca BabayansAkbar & Sukriye BadriKaren BallockLevi & Katherine BargerFrancis & Alice BarhamJeanie BarnettMichael BarryHunt & Patti BascomCharles BeamanDeRoyce & Linda BellRicki & Richard BellFrank & Joanne BellecciEdward & Mildred BennettSusan BennettJames BenneyRuth BentonGregory & Regina BenzKatherine & Marc Berger

Ann & Robert CormackRalph Cotter, Jr.Daily Graphics, Inc.Ray & Margaret DeGennaroJohn DeemingKathleen DombrowskiEdward & Yoshimi DownerEast Bay Regional Park DistrictEdwards & McCaslin, Inc.Robert Elia & Suzanne JonesThea Ellesin-JanusLinus & Stephanie EukelKen & Martha Fischer Friends of HerculesJim & Mary Ann GaebeKenneth GerlackHands-On Quilters of RossmoorLarry & Sue HansonJames HaynesRussell & Kathleen HeathGeorge & Judith HelderKent & Nancy HobertDavid & Susan HodgesHolland America LineJo Anne HostingJohn KieferNancy KittleWally KubicekLeader Universal IndustriesSteven & Susana MaronMichael MuirJoyce MunsonNational Electrical Contractors AssociationSylvia & Eugene OnopkoGerald OveraaSteve & Cathy PardieckParsons CorporationLawrence E. & Mary PeiranoPlumbers Local 159Helene & Roy PowlanRick Johnson InsuranceWilliam G. Robinson, TTEE Robinson Family TrustMarj & Gene RossDavid & Leslie RuebCarl & Terry RunyonShapell HomesShell Oil ProductsKatherine ShepardW. Dirk Sikkema & Linda YoungRichard & Sharon SmithMildred SnelsonSt. Mary’s CollegeMary Alice & Joe StadumLou & Marilyn StoddardGeorge & Helene StraussJohn & Elouise SutterJack & Asilee TelferJohn & Wilma TelferTelfer Oil CompanyThe Mechanics Bank

Angie BergesonScot & Carol BergrenBennett BerkeBob BermanI. Marie Besler & Jeanne McRae AtwoodSuzan & Robert BestBruce & Sandra BeyaertKim BhattPatty BiascaFrank BindtBertell & Mary BlackDavid BlackburnJerry & Floy BlairB. G. BlalockAnne BlandinBlanding Boyer & RockwellJames BlickenstaffDawn Block & Michael HarrisCarolyn BloweJackie & Richard BobroskyGary & Lois BoguePolly BoissevainBetty BonesJack and Barbara BontempsArt BonwellCarolyn BooneAnn BordenMarcheta BowdleMary BowermanRichard & Mary BowersLarry Bowman & Li Tsang, M.D.Dolly BoyerDouglas BoyerMarcella BoyerMadaline BoyesSandra BozarthBraddock & Logan GroupLorraine BrauerRichard & Christine Braunlich, Jr.Lorraine BrayLarkin Breed, Jr.Linda BrockwayJennifer BrodieKurt BrombacherAllynee BrownDorothy BrownRon & Joan BrownRon & Sharon BrownErik BruceEric BruggerGwendolyn BuchholzDouglas & Christine BurgessGarrett BurkeHarriet BurtSherida Bush & Timothy PlattDennis ButkowskiC.C.C. Building & Trades CouncilCalifornia Bluebird Recovery ProgramDavid L. & Susann CalkinsAngela CallDorothy Callison

Garia Deane GantJanet & Donnell DegrafLawrence Del SantoPamela DellaHerman & Joan DennyDonald & Linda DentonPatricia DericksonPaul & Charla DetjensRobert & Kimberly DeVriesDharma FramingDiablo FoodsLeonor & Joseph DionneRoger & Rochelle DolanJohn & Nancy DonkonicsBob DoyleBarbara Kay DoyraMarika & Victor DragottiMary DubitskyLinda & Duane DuchschererFrank & Madeline DunphyDonald Dupont & Meg MurrayDiane DykeDaniel & Barbara EatonE. P. EdgarPhyllis EdmondsonCarolyn EdwardsPatricia & Leon EgbertJon & Julie ElamJames H. Eldredge & Anne M. BreedloveRobert & Margaret ElliottMarie & Anthony EmersonDee EnglandDebra & Edward ErhardtKaren EricksonRussell J. & Patricia EricksonPeter & Virginia EstabrookKenneth EverettCheril FaganMichael FahyChris & Allison FarnitanoMark & Dawna FarrarMartin & Julia FaulknerGary & Laura FebusRay & Elaine FeeleyJane FernandezT. K. FerrellSusan FerroRobert & Barbara FiernerWillard & Ann FineGregory Fischer & Keith SlaughterHarry & Sheilah FishTom & Carol FishelDaniel & Gaye FletcherWalter FloodNina & Michael FlussBarbara FogersonChristopher Forrest & Manisha OjhaBrett & Marguerite FosterVivian FoxHelene & Randall FrakesJoanna Francois

Joe & Laura CanciamillaDelayne & William CapshawCandis Carlisle-KattenburgMario & Margot CaronaCarmelo & Alicia CaroneMarilyn & Edward CarvilleThomas & Cindy CaseyAlice CastellanosKatherine CastroBob & Donna CerriSusan ChampagneBob ChapmanWilliam & Patricia ChaseChow RestaurantPriscilla ChristensenChronicle PavilionDave ClarkMonica ClarkKayleen & Dennis ClemensNaydeen CliftonKathleen & Alan CluteBrigitte & Steven CoateRoy CoatsChris Codding & John RiccaMitch CoffmanMarcella ColarichPeter & Susan ColbyGuy & Carol ColonSara ConleyContra Costa Hills ClubJan Rae CookJoanne CookeChristopher CoonDonna CooperJasper CooperWilliam Cooper & Susan HornDavid CopelandDouglas & Rosemary CorbinAmanda CorderoJacqueline & Werner CordesMario & Margot CoronaPatricia CorrNancy CorserEloise CottonGlen & Yvonne CottrellMarc & Diane CoventryCarolyn CrawfordSusan CreightonDee Dee & Chris CrossCarolyn CurranSuzette CurranVincent CustodioJames & Gail CutlerSylva DajaniBruce & Janet DalenJennifer & William DaltonThelma & John DanaLinda & Rudolf DanielDave Smith & CompanyMickey & Joe DavisVickie DawesDonald de Fremery

Eugene FranzJeri & Tom FraserJohn & Elinor FraserJulian FrazerSteven & Meg FreedmanFriends of Lara DelaneyJack & Catherine FrostDorothy FrumsonJeane FurnessLoren FurtadoRhonda FuttermanGary & Elaine GallaherGenevieve & George GatesDonna GaughenDebra Gee-Merkle & Eric MerkleWinifred GeganMark GeiserJeannine GendarLaurie GilbertPatricia GleasonSabiha GokcenKaren GollJoseph & Maria GoodJudy & Lloyd GoodeSara GoolsbyMarshall & Eleanor GordonLisa GorrellSara Janice GrajekBill & Diana GranadosBarbara & Robert GrantJohn GravellCharles & Gail GreenNancy GreenShirley GregoryBruce & Jan GrenkeMarjorie GrennanJean & Charles GretzMarjorie GriffinThomas & Jan GriffinBob & Debra GrilliSheila GrilliVirginia GrinerPaul & Mary GrunlandRich GuarientiMary GulbransonPhil & Dorothy HaagFrank HackettThomas HaglerJean HalfordFrank & Sandra HallRichard HallfordMaureen HallisyBarbara HallmeyerMary Ann HalvorsonChip & Phillipa HankinsRoss & Gladys HannaLaura HansenWilliam & Joan HansenJaness HansonJill HarckeJeannie HarmonMary Harper

Aarin HarrisKathy Ann HarrisPatricia HarrisGrace & Peter HartdegenAlfred & Marian HarveySteve Harvey & Pamela SeifertCarol & James HatchAnn HatcherJohn & Ann HatzenbuhlerLaurie HavasAnnick HawkinsShanna HawleyMichael HayesRodney HeadingtonHeadways Hair DesignJackie HeathJo HeathcoteKenneth & Virginia HeiderickJohn & Lee HeimClaudia & Scott HeinRobert HeinenWaltroud HeinritzMary HelbigKarl & Linda HempflingMary-Louise & Delbert HendrizJoanna HenrichsDuke & Jill HerreroDaniel HershAlison HillDella HillWilliam & Mildred HillJeanne HilsonRobert HislopNadine & Michael HitchcockDennis & Mary HoaglandJudie & Jack HockelCharles & Marjorie HogleEllen HoleDonald & Helen HolmOliver & Rachel HolmesBob & Joan HolmoeRussell & Betty HoltAndrew Holtz & Rich ElliottSally Holzman & Robert HoaglandTim HonyadaMary HookHulet HornbeckAnn HornsbyKathleen HosmanDon & Jane HouserFred HowardIrja HowtonLinda HuffmanB. HughesWilliam & Lesley HuntNoel HurdDenis & Cathy HustonChristine & Rick ImrieIndustrial LumberInfectious Disease Specialists Medical GroupCathy Ivers

Donors continued from page 5

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Arthur & Bonnie JamesRuth JamisonEleanor JardineRobert JeanesRoy JeansThomas JenckesDavid JessonCarole JobeAlvin & Carol JohnsonLes & MaryLou JohnsonMuriel JohnsonRobert E. JohnsonKevin & Joan JohnstonHoward JonesJacqueline & Arthur JonesKathleen & David JonesPeter & Jeanne JonesEric & Constance JorgensenHoward & Carol JoryLaury Joseph & Doug RoweFrank JurikDavid & Lois KailRichard KawinMarcia KeefeJohn KeibelDean Kelch & Daniel WeinsteinWilliam & Joan KelleyJim & Janet KennedyMike & Allison KenneyHelen KimballDixie KingJohn KingMarian KingSelma KingRichard King & Sandra HaugnerJessica KinningerKatherine KinoshitaGlenn & Ro KirbySteven KirbyNorman KirshenGeorge KleemanRon KlineKathleen KliperaAl & Ruth KlobasHelen KnoppCarl Kohnert, Jr.Linda Korenman & Robert LindseyRalph & Carolyn KraetschSusan KraughtoTim & Julie KruseNancy KuchinsWilliam KuehnLafayette Park HotelSherry LairdJames & Beverly LaneCarol Lane & Larry BradleyPeter LangleyJeri & Steven LarsenDiane LastDon & Gladys LastonRon & Paula LathropBob & Beverly Lauderdale

Lloyd LavagettoWilliam LawrieJ. LazerZoe LeachEttore LealeC. & M. LeithRose & Ronald LernbergGregory LewisKenneth & Carol LewisLinda LewisGlen Lewis & Martha JosephRichard & Charlotte LinigerJane LoganShirlee LoretLSA Associates, Inc.Teresa LucchesiJanet LuhmannMargaret LunaSuzanne & Nathan LutzAlice Lynn-WilkinsonPeggy & Craig LyonRennett Mac IntyreJohn & Shirley MacDonaldA. MacKayC. MacKayJennifer MackeyLil MacLeanDon & Maryima MacPheeJudith Ann & Earle MahanL. G. & Margaret MahlerJane MailanderMain Street SweetsCarol & Hugh MaioccoFlorence & Robert MalesElaine MaloneBarbara MannDon & Kathie ManningJane ManningMonya & Chris ManningSara ManningJoe Mariotti, M.D.Helen & Donald MarlowPatricia MarshallDavid & Marilyn MartinChristopher & Guadalupe MartinezMartinez Community FoundationJoan MasseySandra MataJoe & Laura MattaMarjorie & Kimble MattinglyElizabeth MayersLeila MazoAnna & Floyd McCartyGene & Deborah McCabeLee & Charles McCaffreeRichard McCallDon & Nancy McCormackStuart & Barbara McCulloughRosemary McDonaldHelene & Mark McElyeaJack & Nancy McFarlandMike McGill

Lorraine OsbornLura D. OsgoodWilliam & Mary OsmusEsther & Robert OswaltDouglas & Paula OtaLynda OwensEdella ParadaBeth PardieckEdith PardieckJag & Judy PatelNancy & Thomas PattenHeidemarie PattersonSteve & Patty PaulyJohanna PayneJoyce PayneAnne-Lise PeacheeMartha PearsallAnita PearsonPamela PeckPeets CoffeeHildah PembertonJohn & Dianne PereiraCyrle PerryThomas & Cynthia PetersWalter PetersLois PetersonElizabeth & Tom PiattCleone PinkNoreen & Jordan PittaBeatrice PixaHerbert PlochSusan & Leslie PolgarJanet Popesco ArchibaldLorraine & Warren PossinPeter & Robyn PraetzLarry PrendergastNancy PrescottAlbert PriceBarbara ProfeLewis & Margaret PruittFrank PuglisiAlyce QuadrosDan RademacherSuzanne RadfordVirginia RadosevichPaul Radosevich & Elise ThomasWendy RaggioSusan & Doug RandallWayne & Barbara RasmussenR-ComputerConstance RegaliaKay & Paul ReganLuana ReichardVictor & Jean RemoriniRenaissance ClubSportElisabeth Renner, M.D.Patricia & Robert RezakRobyn & Christopher RiceClara RichertRichland Development CorporationCharles RickenbacherDolores Ricks

Michele McGradyJoyce & John McIntyreMary McKeyRose McKinnonGloria McLaughlinNancy McLaughlinHazel McMullinShirley McPheetersJoan & Royal McPhersonVirginia McRaeJohn & Diane MeadeViolet MedeirosMichelle & Rolf MehlhornLynn MeischRobert & Ella MeisenheimerMike & Jamie MenascoEdgar MendelsohnDon & Lea MerchantC C MillerCarolyn & Keith MillerBeth Miller-BornemannCarolyn MillsBarbara MinnemanAnn MoldenschardtRobert MonacoGreta & Louis MoncherLynn MoncherCarolina MontufarDiane MooreIvy MorrisonBetty MortonMount Diablo Group, Sierra ClubMuir West RealtyAlexander & Joohee MuromcewDione MustardEllis & Rose-Mary MyersJudith MyersKatherine MyskowskiBetty Jane Nevis, TrusteeCandice & Stephen NewburnShirley NootbaarBonnie & Melvin NordahlReino & Virginia NummiMarjorie Nyberg HoffmanMary O’Hara-ZimmermanCharles S. O’ConnorRudolph & Margaret OehmDeborah & Terry OelschlaegerOffice of Assemblyman Joe CanciamillaOffice of Congressman George MillerOffice of Senator Tom TorlaksonOld Republic Title CompanyJean & Dale OldsJohn & Dianne OllilaM. D. & R. P. OlowinCharles & Anne OlsenHarold & Marie OlsonJean OlssonWilliam & Kay O’NeilMark Ory & Diana Minnick

7 M u i r H e r i tag e L and Tru st Hor izons

Donors continued from page 6

8 M u i r H e r i tag e L and Tru st Hor izons

Garrett RieggLois RiesenbergSally RiggsWesley & Linda RippeeCarol RobertsPeter & Eileen RobertshawJohn & Pat RobertsonTheodora & Dan RobertsonKeith RobinsonLisa & Scott RobinsonElizabeth Robinson AnelloDebra Robinson DavyAldo & Irena RoccaJune RogersMark RossEd & Dawn RothRosalie RothDavid & Shari SafianoffJan SandersonLinda SanfordSubir & Mary SanyalM. SaputoGlendoris SargentEd SattlerRobert & Edith SaundersHope SavageSave Mount DiabloC. A. & S. G. SavinovichRichard & Ruth SayreNancy SchaeferMark & Leslie SchillingerRichard SchneiderIngeborg & George SchoeningJacqueline & Jeff SchubertDavid & Adele SeaborgRocco SeenoCece SellgrenJames & Nellie SethKaye SeversonAnn ShanckRita & Eric ShandBill & Jeanne SharkeyThomas & Barbara SharmanCharlotte SheaPeter & Helen SheaffJoanne & William SherrardJeff & Tina SherwinWilliam ShewryRichard & Barbara ShoopKent & Frances SichelRafael SieroSierra Club - Delta GroupSteve & Barbara SillaJane SilvaLorraine & George SilvaJeanne SimmonsReta & Duane SimmonsJanet & Paul SimonsBarry & Theresa SimsJean SiriIgor & Shirley SkaredoffBarbara & John Skidmore

Ronald Skoletsky & Marie Morel-SeytouxDr. Lyn & Mrs. Carol SkolnikB. SladeElizabeth & Thomas SlateDana SlausonW. L. & Evelyn SlessingerKendall SmeethAlan & Joan SmithDiana & Thomas SmithGenny SmithMatt & Mary SmithRobert SmithWilliam D. & Phyllis SmithGregory & Jocelyn SmyersCharles & Muriel SonneRose SparacinoRobert Speck & Sloan McDonaldSpike’s Produce Sharon SpindelMalcolm SproulJudith Ann Stadler-LothropMargaret SteeleDonald & Beverly SteffenJean SteffensenLewis & Diane StewartHarlan Strickland & Carol WileyJames StrongMartin & Sandra StuartTom & Karen SturgesDavid & Linda SturgisJack & Mary SugrueFred & Georgine SullivanDavid & Pamela SummersSunrise BistroAlan & Dawn SurgesBill & Jeanie SurgesKaren SwaimGeorge & Lisa SwansonSteve & Jane TannerPhyllis & Al TappeJ. B. & Nancy TatumDennis & Sally TeeguardenBrian ThiessenPatricia ThomasMarie ThompsonCarl ThorsenTilden-Wildcat Horsemen’s Assoc.Rita TischlerDavid & Betty Jo TittleWilliam TomlinsonPamela TondreauHelen TontiGary & Regan TorrettaTouchtone Climbing & FitnessTrails Club of RossmoorRobert TrautzRay & Helen TrebinoBruce & Carolyn TreneryHarvey TrowbridgeSusanne TrowbridgeDoris Tucker

Martin & Florene TurkingtonEverett & Petal TurnerGayle UilkemaDon & Jacqueline UlrichCaroline & Donald UnderwoodArliss & A.J. UngarJim & Rita UtzJoan ValancyJ. Frank & Edith Valle-RiestraLetty Van Der VegtJanet & David Van EttenHolly Van HoutenDiane & Frank VervoortMartin & Polina VitzJules & Cecilia VoergeMichael VukelichPenny & Jere WadeArnie & Karen WadlerPhilip WaggonerMichael & Joyce WahligNiels & Elizabeth WaidtlowPhyllis WainwrightWilliam & Susana WainwrightBarry WaldmanMary & Pello WalkerConstance & Jack WallaceGary & Lyn WallsWilliam J. & Elizabeth WalshElaine WanderRahima WarrenFranz & Sarah WassermannJanice WatsonRosa WatsonThomas WattKinari & Cam WebbCharlotte Webber & Joan SimersonElizabeth WeeksHermann WelmKay & Donald WelshJanet & James WenningerNancy WenningerAnn & Edward WenselEdwin WestRoger & Penny WestphalMark WestwindWestwind AdventuresRobert & Karen WetherellIdell WeydemeyerMark Whatley & Danuta ZarodaDavid & Alan WhippyPatty WhitlockClaudia WhitnahBillie & Barry WhittakerTim & Meridith WielandWild Birds UnlimitedMiriam & Richard WilkinsGary & Betsy WillcutsBobbe WilliamsJeff & Karen WilliamsMargie Williams & Mark AndersonDolores WilliardRita Willis

Willows TheatreHoward WilsonMaggie & James WilsonPeter & Amelia WilsonWine ThievesHugh & Mary Anne WinigJudy WobleskiRichard WolfeEllen WolterThurston Womack & Charlotte CranmerCarolyn & Edwin WoodLaila & Bradford WoodSuzy Woodmansee & Thomas SchutzTracy Woodruff & William ClarkJulie WoodsStephanie WoodsBetty & John WoodwardJames & Siedlinde WylesRobert & Kathleen YatesKimberly YavoshSusan & Jeffrey ZahnRuth ZamistBette & Jon ZbasnikLinda ZercherLisa ZinkanMichael Zinns

Contributions for Environmental EducationCalifornia Dept. of Water Resources - Urban Streams Restoration ProgramCalifornia State Coastal ConservancyCity of MartinezNational Fish & Wildlife FoundationShell Oil ProductsThe Watershed Project

Contributions for Public EducationResources Legacy Fund Foundation

Stewardship Update

M u i r H e r i tag e L and Tru st Hor izons 9

By Beth Pardieck

“As the Land Trust works to purchase and preserve more and more open space, responsible stewardship of properties we own and manage becomes even more critical. The goals of the MHLT Stewardship Program are: to protect, restore and enhance each property’s natural ecosystem and resource values, and to preserve, in perpetuity, each property’s open space values, scenic beauty and diverse habitats.”

If you have been up to Sky Ranch lately you may have noticed some dramatic changes. Habitat restoration has changed the landscape, increasing the number of native plants and reducing erosion. A natural spring on the property was suffering from trampling by cattle and the native plants didn’t stand a chance. The first step of this restoration project was to exclude cattle from the area with barbwire fencing to keep them out of this sensitive habitat.

Then, over a period of several months this fall, Sky Ranch became an environmental education site as the Environmental Studies Academy students and community volunteers planted 870 plants of 16 different spe-cies such as Foothill needlegrass (Nasella lepida) and Seep monkey flower (Mimulus guttatus). Each of these plants are flagged and color-coded to show species type, creating a rain-bow effect over the hillside. Though this remote location proved challenging for such a large project - we overcame the problems of transportation and lack of water, and it looks beautiful!

We are now in the monitoring phase of this project, and will keep a close eye on the erosion and the survival rates and growth of the plants over the coming months and years.

The Environmental Studies Academy students have taken this on as a yearlong project that includes monitoring of the site, watering and weeding. As the plants grow, and the site recovers, the overall habitat values are improved and many local species will benefit. The Sky Ranch property has two other springs and the same combination of habitat restoration and environmental edu-cation could be replicated at the other sites, since this project was such a success.

This project was made possible through a large partnership including: the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District, the Environmental Studies Academy, UC Berkeley, Friends of Alhambra Creek, the Watershed Nursery, the San Francisco Estuary Project, the Contra Costa Clean Water Program, Martinez Unified School District, Contra Costa Fire District, Joe Matta

Fencing and help from many volunteers including Bob Chapman, Heath Bartosh and Brett Stevenson. Thanks everyone! Sky Ranch is open to the public. You’re encouraged to visit the site anytime. Please call the office for directions, or join us for a guided hike and tour of this site in October - see the enclosed Hike and Event Series for details.

Environmental Studies Academy students dig holes for the 870 plants that were planted on Sky Ranch.

Materials for the project, such as erosion control fabric rolls, were carried down to the site by many student and community volunteers.

MHLT is pleased to announce the appointment of Karin Korda as Watershed Coordinator for the newly established Friends of Rodeo, Refugio & Carquinez

Watersheds group. Ms. Korda has a B.S. in forestry and over 10 years

experience in natural resource management, including with the Bureau

of Land Management and United States Forest Service. Sponsored by the Muir Heritage Land Trust and the Carquinez Regional Environmental Education Center, this community based program works to protect, improve, and care for the watershed health of the four creeks draining into the Carquinez Strait.

Karin Korda Appointed Watershed Coordinator

MHLT is pleased to announce the appointment of Karin Korda as Watershed Coordinator for the newly established Friends of Rodeo, Refugio & Carquinez

Watersheds group. a B.S. in forestry and over 10 years

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P.O. Box 2452, Martinez CA 94553

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Nonprofit OrgU.S. Postage

PAIDMartinez, CA

Permit No. 189

Volunteer!

Volunteers provide a tremendous benefit to the Muir Heritage Land Trust. You can contribute to the preservation of our community’s natural heritage by lending a helping hand in one or more of the following project areas:

· Event days such as our Fernandez Ranch Celebration or the annual Fresh Aire Affaire

· Outdoor and Stewardship

· Communications and Development

· Administration

To learn more about how you can volunteer, call us at 925-228-5460.

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Save the Dates

Fernandez Ranch Celebration Saturday, June10

The Land Trust invites its members and the community to help celebrate the acquisition of this beautiful 702-acre property. Hikes, horse-drawn carriage rides, and refreshments are just a few of the highlights of this special day. Please call the Land

Trust office for more details and to RSVP.

Annual Fresh Aire Affaire Dinner Saturday, August19th

Together we will enjoy honored guests, delicious cuisine, beautiful music and the excitement of live and silent auctions. Reservations are limited and

last year’s event sold-out quickly. Please watch for your invitation in July’s mail or call the Land Trust office to reserve.

For more information visit us at: www.muirheritagelandtrust.org.

We look forward to seeing you there.