Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods Newsletter, Spring 2008

8/9/2019 Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods Newsletter, Spring 2008

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WISH LISTVacuum Cleaner

Spotting Scope &

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Board Members

Bill Bambrick, President

Ann Chambers, Past President

Rich Lawton, Vice President

Kathie Lowrey, Secretary

Bob Caricato, Treasurer

Lisa Bacon

Rob Dickerson

Frederika Haskell

CAL

Ranger Jeremy Stinson

Executive Director

Michele Luna

Executive Assistant

Annie Cresswell

Administrative Assistant

Diane Barth

Programs ManagerRuby Herrick

Event Coordinator

Carol Farnes

Ofce Volunteers

Helen Baum

Shona DeSilva

Roz Hendy

Yvonne Kenner

Michele Sokol - Coordinator

Newsletter Staff

Michele Luna

Diane Barth

Lisa Bacon

Contributors

Bea Brunn

Carol Farnes

Ruby Herrick

Norman Hill

Michele Sokol

E-News

To receive our E-Newsletter

please go to our website and

sign up for these periodic

updates. You will be given an

opportunity to choose the

types of information that you

wish to receive.

ExEcutivE dirEctorS MESSagEMichele Luna, Executive Director

Wildower of the Season By Norman Hill, Docentinn pn, Silene california

The bright red owers of this plant are easy to spot: 1 inch in diameter, with four lobes on each of

its ve petals. The leaves are lance-shaped, up to 3 inches long, and arranged opposite each other on

to 1 foot stems. It is found between Gilliam Creek and Schoolhouse Creek near where they come

together, and on the east bank of the entrance parking lot, where it blooms May to July, usually shortly

after the Red Ribbons bloom. Remember, the Red Ribbons are pink and have four petals with three

lobes, whereas Indian Pinks are red and have ve petals with four lobes.

A white, occasionally light pink, relative that blooms earlier

is Common Catchy or Windmill Pink, so called because of

its uniquely angled petals, S. gallica (not a native). It is widely

found in lightly shaded areas.A distant relative, Proliferous Pink or Wild Carnation,

Tetrorhagia nanteuilii, formerly Tunica prolifera, blooms in the

spring with ve small pink petals above a bulging ovary, has

narrow, stem clasping leaves, and is found in open areas in

Austin Creek S.R.A. such as along the Gilliam Creek Trail or

in the East Austin Creek re road. It is sometimes confused

with the composite (Asteraceae) Twiggy Wreath Plan, Stepha-

nomeria virgata, which blooms later with 4-7 pink petals,

because both have bulging ovaries and grow in similar terrain.Photo by Reny Parker

It seems like a lifetime ago when I was driving home from a meeting in Santa Rosa on January 10thand heard the announcement about the proposal by our Governor to close State Parks as one ofthe ways to balance the State budget. My phone call to Sector Superintendent Linda Rath when I got

back to the ofce revealed that our very own Armstrong Redwoods and Austin Creek were in fact

on the list. What a shock! I am proud to say that Stewards responded quickly with a press release the

very next day. At this point, Ive lost track of all the media interviews that I have done. The Town Hal

meeting that we held last Thursday was another validation of the incredible support we have in ght-ing this outrageous plan. We are very grateful for all the help we have received from organizations,

community members, and the legislators in our district. So many people ask us what they can do to

help. While there are suggestions on the front page of this newsletter, I will reiterate something that

former Senator Wes Chesbro stressed at the Town Hall Meeting:

Write personal letters and mail them to our legislators!

(Addresses and talking points are on our website)

Besides keeping up with the campaign to Save our State Parks, our new Docent and Community

Education Seminars have been a huge success. Refer to our website for upcoming seminars and

orientations for the many programs we support in our parks. There are still opportunities to receive

on-the-job mentoring for many of our programs.

In the past few weeks the Willow Creek Fish Passage project began, which will provide Stewards and

State Parks with the construction plans needed to secure funding for the next phase of the effort to

resolve the issues at second bridge that prevent salmonids from migrating in and out of the water-

shed. We are very excited to be making great progress on this effort.

I want to thank Camille LeGrand from Russian River Getaways for becoming our Canopy Sponsor for

all our events in 2008. Camille, a long time supporter of Stewards, has donated $5,000, for which we

are very grateful. This will pave the way for more sponsorships to come.

Now its time for me to get away with family to our Mexican casita where I will get some needed rest

and be ready for the next round when I return on April 3rd. Enjoy spring in our parks everyone!


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cELEBratE tHE ritES oF SpriNgSeed-time, owering, budding, vernal equinox

Spring is the time when light replaces the darkness of winter and owers are considered the symbols of spring. The vernal equinoxusually occurs on March 20 or 21 and marks the beginning of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere.Winter was particularly difcult this year with the news that the Governor has proposed closing Armstrong Woods and Austin Creek

SRA (as well as other important parks). Stewards will be chartering a bus to take a large group to State Park Advocacy Day. Sign up

to go with us to Sacramento to let the Legislators know how we feel. We have 57 people signed up in numbers we can make adifference.

We are fortunate here in Sonoma County as our rst spring-like days often come

mid-Winter in February and March. At our January training Joyce Bacci pointed out

a batch of Fetid Adders Tongue/Slink Pod (Scoliopus bigelovii) just over the bridge from

the parking lot heading up to the East Ridge Trail. It pays to get out on the trails

early and experience the rst wildowers at Armstrong Woods, as well as the vivid

fungi within the forest oor.

January was unusually wet this year; fear of drought is now behind us and with it the promise of exquisite displays of wildowers

throughout Spring. Our new Docent and Community Education Program has been enthusiastically received. Board Member and

retired Ranger Rich Lawton set the stage for our session on Principles of Interpretation, followed by a walk in the forest by Ranger

Dave Horvitz. David Berman from Westminster Woods delighted us with lots of tips on interpreting our Russian River watershedand working with school children. Our rst general orientation (postponed from January 5th) was well-attended and informative

presentations were made by a variety of program coordinators.

February (still raining) brought out a standing-room crowd to hear Dr. Sara Allen present some of her vast knowledge of pinnipeds

on the Sonoma and Marin coast. Docent Mary Follis, assisted with some interesting visuals from Keary & Sally Sorenson, presented

an informative talk on identifying Sonoma Coast birdlife. A trip to the Marine Mammal Center followed on Sunday (still raining).

The sun came out for over two weeks and the world seems to be a much better place after days and days of nearly continuous rain.

A wonderful Redwood Ecology talk and walk by Brendon ONeil was extremely well-attended; followed by Armstrong tour guide

logistics and another hike. Last weekend was dedicated to our Tidepool program on the Sonoma Coast. Long-time docent Keith

Nelson, an expert in many areas, lled in for John Klobas for an intertidal exploration on a glorious spring-like low-tide afternoon it

doesnt get much better.

We say good-bye to Ranger Dave Horwitz who has retired as of the end of February. And, hello to Ranger Ellen Brem, our new

Ranger at Armstrong. Ellen comes to us from the Diablo Vista District.

The sun was warm but the wind was chill.

You know how it is with an April day

When the sun is out and the wind is still,

Youre one month on in the middle of May.

But if you so much as dare to speak,

A cloud comes over the sunlit arch,

A wind comes off a frozen peak,

And youre two months back in the middle of March.

Robert Frost (18741963)

Two Tramps in Mud Time (1936)

Diane Barth

The rst day of spring is one thing,

and the rst spring day is another.

The difference between them is

sometimes as great as a month.

Henry Van Dyke (18521933)

Fishermans Luck (1899)


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WHaLE WatcHBea Brunn, Whale Mother

Whale Watch is in full swing, but we have had a slow start and unfortunatelyhad to cancel two weekends because of stormy January weather. On thedays we have been able to stand upright at the Head we have seen some whales.

Saturday, February 9 was a glorious, warm day and we had several sightings, the

whales spouting and showing their backs. These are the last stragglers (also known

as teenagers) still heading south. Later this month we should see the rst ones

heading back north, so we are all anxiously awaiting the mothers and calves swim-

ming by. As usual all our volunteers are very enthusiastic and helpful talking to all our

visitors.

Pacic Gray Whale Migration & Migrating Birds Seminar

Saturday, April 12, 2008, 10:00 am to 3:30 pm with lunch break

Instructor: John Klobas, Master Naturalist & SRJC Instructor

Join us at Bodega Head for a lively presentation about the Pacic gray whale migration. Participants should be able to view mothers

and calves returning to Alaska.

Call Ruby Herrick to register at 869-9177 x01 or email [email protected]

Whale Watching at San Ignacio lagoon in 2009

Michele Sokol, Docent

Once again nine intrepid Stewards set off for Mexico to attend the annual whale watching trip in San Ignacio Lagoon. Whales were

seen and touched, great food was eaten and a lunar eclipse was witnessed. We were all treated to very knowledgeable naturalists

and biologists, all experts in the lagoons wildlife and birdlife. Next year the dates will be Feb. 15-21. If you get your deposit in before

the 09 rates are published the 08 price wil l apply, which is $2150 plus $280 for 2 nights in San Diego. There is a $400 deposit of

which $50 is non-refundable. If 14 people sign up there is a group discount. If you are interested call Gayle 4 Travel at 707-577-1494

or e-mail [email protected]. DONT MISS IT!

Seen dffeen Ws Bs Fe

Mary Follis, Docent

Ducks dabble and dive.

Egrets and Herons wait and stalk.

Ospreys soar from the air and into the water withfeet ready to catch.

Cormorants swim and chase.

Terns and Pelicans plunge head rst into the oceanafter their prey.

Seagulls pirate, beg and steal.

Ravens and turkey vultures poke holes, rip, tare andshare.

Note: Mary is available to lead birding trips at the coast.

Contact the Stewards ofce if you are interested in schedul-

ing a special day with her.

Photo by George Zastrow


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How to Volunteer

for VIP Programs

Call the Stewards ofce at

869-9177 or email

[email protected]

Program Activities

Armstrong Redwoods

Visitor Center Stafng

FAR

Docent Tour Guides

Trail Maintenance

Habitat Restoration Project

Pond Farm Interest Group

Sonoma Cst State Beach

Visitor Center Stafng

Seal Watch

Whale Watch

Tide pool Programs

Watershed Program

Environmental Living Prog.

Sonoma Coast Citizen

Action Team (CAT)

Other Projects

Recycling & Firewood

Ofce Help & Special

Events

Volunteer Program

Coordinators

Joyce Bacci, ARVC

Lanny Keyston, AR Trails, FARLaura Parent, Pond Farm

Linda Fisher Jenner VC

Bob Caricato, Seal Watch

Bea Brunn, Whale Watch

Suzanne Abrams, ELP

John Cole, Recycling

Vacant, Willow Creek Ed.

Bill Bambrick, Sonoma Cst

Citizen Action Team/Trail Crew

The Sorensons, Marine

Debris

Lisa Bacon, Tidepool Prog.

State Park Volunteer

CoordinatorsRanger Ellen Brem

Armstrong/Austin Creek

Ranger Ben Vanden Heuvel

Sonoma Coast State Park

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2008 MariNE dEBriS BEacH cLEaNupS

2008 looks like it will be shaping up to be another productive year as our monthly walks and special

events are once again welcome and free for all that attend. It would appear that our storms have

increased, so has the debris on our beaches.

Come one, come all and join us for one (or more) of our monthly walks, our Earth Day Cleanup,

International Cleanup Day or our Special 4th of July clean up on Salmon Creek Beach. We provide

instruction on safety, methods, birds and mammals, plastics, ocean science and more. Volunteers are

needed to collect and survey debris from a specic location at Bodega Dunes State Beach. Call if yourgroup is interested in Marine Debris collection on dates not scheduled.

DATES: Every fourth Saturday, during a low tide

10:30 a.m. Meet Keary & Sally Sorenson, at Bodega Dunes State Beach by the restrooms

April 5 May 31 June 28

July 26 August 23 September 20 & 27

October 18 November 15 December 13

High tides and storms may cancel or change marine debris dates and or times.

Contact Ruby Herrick, Programs Manager at (707) 869-9177 x01 to sign up, or just show up.

EartH day 2008 - apriL 19, 2008, 9 aM - 1 pM

North Jenner Beach and Penny Island Paddle Cleanups

Every year North Jenner Beach becomes the depository for all the garbage that oats down the

Russian River during our big storm events. As is tradition, Stewards will be mobilizing volunteers to

help cleanup the beach and also Penny Island, another place where garbage collects.

Past Earth Day volunteers will be pleased to know they wont have to haul garbage up the hill at north

Jenner beach this year. All the garbage will be loaded on canoe barges and hauled to the boat launch

area and then transported into a waiting dumpster.

Volunteers Rich Lawton and Keary & Sally Sorenson will head up the effort to handle the beachgarbage, while Suki Waters handles the coordination of the Penny Island paddle cleanup. It is essential

that paddlers register with Suki ahead of time so that she can provide important safety information.

Her email is [email protected].

Earth Day is a great opportunity for corporate or youth groups to come on out for a worthwhile

service project. Please share this information with your co-workers, friends, and families.

Stewards will be providing water and light refreshments for volunteers. Earth Day sponsors include

North Bay Corporation, Food for Humans, and Whole Foods.

A yer is available on our website.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT THE STEWARDS OFFICE

Our ofce volunteers provide such a huge service to our organization. We are so grateful for

their time and the assistance they provide us throughout the year. If you want to meet and spend

time with a FUN group of people then just volunteer to work a few hours every month at the

Stewards ofce. The ofce is located in the Volunteer Center at Armstrong Redwoods.

Contact Michele Sokol at (707) 579-1354 or email [email protected] to join a wonderful group of

dedicated volunteers. SNACKS INCLUDED.


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itS FEStivaL tiME agaiNCarol Farnes, Event Coordinator

We started the season early this year by taking a table to the brand new Steelhead Festival held in downtown Healdsburg. Thesun shone warmly and droves of people came out to celebrate. A big canopy covered the central area of the square wherethere was wine tasting and a four piece band playing quietly. Nearby there were gourmet food booths specializing in sh dishes. I

sampled a very good sh gumbo. For children, there was a pool set up for them to try their hand at shing or they could stretch

their art skills by making colorful prints using real sh. For adults, there were many informative environmental tables to peruse. We

gave out lots of information about Stewards and sold many small items to help cover costs.The Fishermans Festival in Bodega Bay is coming up very soon on April 12 and 13. This festival is a local favorite with its live music,

crafts and seafood. The Coast Guard gives

demonstrations of rescue techniques; there

are wonderful old cars to look at and kites to

y. On Sunday morning there is the bless-

ing of the eet with opportunities to watch

the decorated boats go by on their way to

Bodega Head. We will have a booth there and

will need volunteers to help staff it. I would

especially like to nd someone who is willing

to come a little early on Saturday morning to

help me set up the canopies, tables and other

display equipment. Volunteers receive a food

voucher and free admission to the event.

If you would like more information about fes-

tivals this summer or would like to volunteer

at the Fishermans Festival please contact me

at [email protected]. You could also

telephone the ofce and they will pass along

your number to me.

oLd grovE FEStivaL 2008 at tHE arMStroNg ForESt tHEatrE

Stewards table at the Steelhead Festival in Healdsburg

Stewards is very pleased to have received the go ahead from State Parks to plan for our biggest fundraiser of the year, regardless of

whether or not Armstrong Redwoods is open. The Old Grove Festival will be expanded to four shows in 2008.

This year we are excited to present the following performances that include classical, big band, and a Beatles cover group. We will

also continue the tradition of having Shakespeare on Saturday afternoon with Taming of the Shrew.

Pre-sale tickets will go on sale on May 1st for Stewards members.

A 10% discount is available for multiple shows and season ticket holders will get reserved seating.

Contact the Stewards ofce at 869-9177 x00 for tickets and watch our website for more information

La Catrina Quartet

July 19th

Junious Courtney Big Band

August 16th

Sun Kings - Acoustic

September 12th


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Page 7

In Appreciation of our Donors

Supporting $100

Mary Acton

Case Ranch Inn

Diana Van Ry & Allan Tilton

Jim Ocean & Kathy Dupler

Thomas Parisian

Bart Sefton

Contributing $50

S. Brown & T. Hodeneld

Mark & Mary Hoyt

Kathleen Kearney

Kim Kopp

Alan Plutchek

Linda Price

Donna Smith

Family

Tom Johnson & Julie Cross

Karen & Gary Holm

Suzanne & Chuck Howell

James & Dori Johnson

John & Gaye Le Baron

Mark, Kathleen & Joshua

LaGrave

Adriana Schuler

Steve Tubbs

Tim Warren & Sabrina

Braham

Individual

Patti AverbuckClaudia Berman

Gordon BradleySusan Briggs

Eleanor Chrestionson

James StettlenClaire Waltrip

Senior/Student

Marsh Vas Dupre, Ph.D.

Frank & Susan FieldCharlie Fisher

Elizabeth Keithley

Dennis & Rebecca ORorke

John Trimboli

Thelma Tenenberg

WELCOME

NEW MEMBERSFoundations/AgenciesBig Sur Natural History Foundation

Bodega Bay Fishermans Festival

California Community Forest Foundation

California State Coastal Conservancy

California State Parks Foundation

Community Foundation Sonoma County

Environmental Grant

Community Foundation Sonoma County

Russian River Community Trust

The Dean Witter Foundation

EcoRing - Russian River Redevelopment

The Medtronics Foundation

Michael Lee Environmental Foundation

REI

Save-the-Redwoods League

So. County Fish & Wildlife Commission

Corporations

ChevronMendocino Redwood Company

Valmet / Komatsu Forest Equipment Co.

Westamerica Bank

Winecountry Festivals

Event Sponsors 08 - to dateRedwood Canopy - $5,000

Russian River Getaways

Golf Sponsors - to dateEmpire Eye Doctors/Dan Lightfoot

Carlenzoli & Associates

Jere and Sara Lee Jacobs

Save our State ParksCampaign SponsorsCalifornia State Parks Foundation

So. County Conservation Action

Coastwalk

EcoRing

Fern Grove Cottages, M. Kennett

Ken Fischang

Lanny Keyston

Tom Lynch

Andrea Mackenzie

Supervisor Mike Reilly

Jim Maresca

Maddy Hirsheld

Amy Racina

MEDIA COVERAGEKGGV FM

KSRO

KRCBKFTY - TV50

Russian River Monthly

Press Democrat

Russian River Times

West Sonoma Times & News

West County Gazette

Rafe & Silent AuctionWild About Mushrooms

Rivers Edge Kayak & Canoe Trips

In-Kind

Sophies Cellars

Osprey CircleDonors$10,000 plus

Anonymous

Betty Riess

$1,000 plus

Leslie A. CobbPeggy and Churchill Colburn

Lee A. Hieronymus

Claudia Lapin

Dennis Martino

Shirley McDonald

Laura Morgan

Josephine Nattkemper

Charlotte and Arthur Zitrin

Foundation

$500 plus

Lisa Bacon

Lisa BromSarah Burkdoll

Art Carter

Terry and Joanne Dale

Silva Diaz

Terry Grant

Ron Hemmerick

Lanny and Joann Keyston

Carolyn & Jim Losee

Kathie Lowrey

Fred & Michele Luna

Leah Mahan

Warren & Janis Watkins

WatcH For daNgErouS Wood-NyMpHSNote: This was forwarded to us via our Programs Manager, Ruby Herrick from Doreen Smith who attended a talk

by Dr. Lane from UC Berkeley.

One of the most dangerous things to do in spring is sitting on a log in oak woodland where the tiny

(possibly Lyme disease infective) nymphs of the western black-legged tick are lurking looking for a host.

In winter the deer are spreading the western black-legged ticks into suburban neighborhoods. Then

their load of adult parasitic anthropods drops off wherever the deer bed-down for the night. These

ticks can bite warm-blooded animals at this time to get a blood-meal, a pre-requisite for females pro-

ducing eggs. In spring (March-April) the female ticks will lay many eggs into leaf-litter and these hatchinto larvae which acquire Lyme disease bacteria (and other nasty disease-causing bacteria) from feeding

on the bacterial reservoir which is usually asymptomatic squirrels or wood-rats. The larvae become tiny

8-legged nymphs which can bite humans and cause disease. Since these tick-nymphs are so very small

they are often not detected by the victim who doesnt know he or she is infected until other symptoms

develop.

Therefore, if gardening or hiking (especially in, but not limited-to) oak-woodland-type habitats to which

deer have access, apply tick-repellant and check for the nymphs rather than adult female ticks. Wearing

light-colored clothing helps one to notice any crawling critters in time. The sitting on leaf-litter, grass or

logs while picnicking can be a risk-factor especially in the best wildower months of Mar-Aug. Gather-

ing campre wood in spring can also be risky.


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YES, Id like to become a member.

Senior/Student $20.00

Individual $25.00

Family $35.00

Contributing $50.00

Supporting $100.00

Business $100.00Patron $200.00 plus

Osprey Circle $500.00 plus

Payment type: Check Charge Card Visa MC Total tax deductible donation $____

Make check payable to Stewards. Account #_________________________ Exp. Date____________

Annual Renewal Date: February 1 Signature: _________________________

Page 8

rENEWaL NoticE

NONPROFITORGANIZATION

US PostagePAID

Permit No. 6

Return Service Request

Stewards members

receive this quarterly

newsletter with infor-

mation about District

parks, special events

for members and op-

portunities for volun-

teering. Members are

also entitled to 20%discount on purchases

at Stewards run visitor

centers and at our

special events.

Stewards of the Coast and RedwoodsMembership Form

Name(s) ______________________________

Address __________________________

______________________________

Phone ______________________________

Email ______________________________

Id like to help with an additional donation of $_____

Your Gift to the Future of State Park Volunteerism

With your help future generations will enjoy quality interpretation through Volunteers in Parks pro -grams for many years to come. A gift to Stewards is the simplest form of giving from your estate. There a

several types of charitable bequests by will (or beneciary designation).

Sample:

I hereby give and bequest to Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, a nonprot organization incorpo-

rated under the laws of the State of California, with a principal address at P.O. Box 2, Duncans Mills,

CA 95430, _______percent of my estate, (or) the sum of _____dollars, (or) the following assets

_____________________.

Bequests

Renewal

For Information on contributing to Stewards Endowment in support of Armstrong Redwoods

please contact Michele Luna at the Stewards ofce (707) 869-9177 X04.

Stewards of the Coast and RedwoodsPO Box 2, Duncans Mills, CA 95430(707) 869.9177, FAX (707) [email protected], stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org

CALL 800-320-0476 TO MAKE A VEHICLE DONATION IN THE NAME OF

STEWARDS OF THE COAST AND REDWOODS

VIP docents earn

annual day-use passes.

COMMUNITYSMART CARDS

are available from

Stewards. Businesses

who participate donate

a percentage to our

organization.

To sign up go to

www.communitysmart.com

or contact the ofce.

Documents

Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods Newsletter, Spring 2008