Vol. 27 No. 2Spring 2011

EVENTSHappy Bearthday!Celebrate Earth Day by participating in our volunteer efforts to restore the Lower SLO Creek Floodplain preserve. Fri., April 22 @ 10AM-1PM Contact volunteer@LCSLO.org for more info.

Going the Distance for the Octagon BarnThe Octagon Barn Center received a record-setting sponsorship this April. UtilityTelephone has pledged a record $150,000 towards the Octagon Barn Center. Utility Telephone is a local business telephone and Internet provider. It is the largest corporate donation made to the project in the organizations history and provides resources necessary to renovate the site for community use as the future Octagon Barn Center.

For a list of additional volunteer restoration dates, visit our events calendar on our website. Learning Among the Oaks Trail Guided HikesJoin us for a special guided hike at Santa Margarita Ranch led by 5th-6th grade students from the Santa Margarita School Oak Ambassadors. To sign up, e-mail bgingg@smcf.org. 9:30AM-11:30AM

We are proud to support the Octagon Barn Center renovation project. Our company has long served the farming and ranching communities throughout this state. We are lucky to have preserved this structure which gives present-day San Luis residents and visitors a window into the Central Coasts rich agricultural heritage. This is a perfect example of connecting the areas roots with a modern facility everyone will enjoy.- Jason Mills, Utility Telephone President and CEO.Utility Telephone is sponsoring the project with a combination of cash funds and in-kind services. The donation subsidizes the various site amenities required to open the Octagon Barn Center for community use in the coming years. The Land Conservancy reached another milestone on the Barn project with its recent submittal of a Conditional Use Permit application to the County, which will allow for site improvements and eventual operations at the Octagon Barn Center.Photo by Wende David

Fri., April 29

Santa Margarita Ranch Festival of the Arts: Colors of Water Bring your friends and family for a day of fun to celebrate art and the environment. Check out our booth, too! Youll learn about art, take in art demonstrations, enjoy live performances and relax and enjoy downtown Paso Robles. Go to www.prcity.com/fota/ for info. Sat., May 28 @ 10AMDowntown City Park, Paso Robles

VOLUNTEER DAYS!Cape ivy removal at Lower SLO Creek. All ages welcome. Please e-mail volunteer@LCSLO.org to get info or to reserve your spot! Sat, May 7 @ 9AM-12PM Sat, June 18 @ 9AM-12PM

Our tremendous volunteers and Board Trustees have positioned the Octagon Barn Center for completion. The permit process will take time, but we are confident that the project will proceed with support from our many community partners. The investments weve enjoyed from individuals, businesses, and foundations are truly helping to raise the community through this project. Bob Hill, Executive Director

Executive Director Bob Hill along with Jason Mills (UTs President and CEO), Mark Jordan (UTs VP of Sales), and LCSLO Board of Trustees, Penny Rappa and Pete Jenny, during a recent visit to the Octagon Barn.

Dont miss out! For more updated info on member hikes, volunteer opportunities, or other events, please visit www.LCSLO.org and click on the Events Calendar link.

The Land Conservancy continues to seek donors and partners to support additional critical site infrastructure. As a community amenity, the site will provide public access for biking, short trail walking, and meetings. If you would like to contribute to the Octagon Barn Center project by donating, sponsoring or making a special memorial gift should contact Wende David, Director of Development at (805) 544-9096.

Restorationists for Salmonid RecoveryThis past March,the 29th Annual Salmonid Restoration Federation Conference was held here in San Luis Obispo. Fisheries biologists, ecologists, and restoration professionals from throughout California and beyond gathered at the SLO Veterans Hall with a common goal: to network, learn from each others experiences, and exchange ideas on how to protect salmonid species and their habitats. Salmonids include species such as Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and our own local steelhead. During the first two days of the conference, participants visited many of our own riparian restoration and fish passage projects were visited during these tours. The last two days were comprised of technical sessions that discussed everything from the importance of lagoon habitats for rearing young salmonids, to a case study where project managers encouraged beavers to build small dams in strategic locations to help build pool habitat. The Land Conservancys own Deputy Director, Kaila Dettman and former Executive Director, Brian Stark, presented a talk regarding our newly released Restoration Field Guide A User Friendly Guide for Restoration Techniques in Riparian Habitats which details lessons learned from restoration projects that were implemented locally. For an electronic copy of the manual, please visit our website at http://www.lcslo.org/land_restoration.html. The following was excerpted from a speech given during the opening plenary session at the conference by Neil Havlik, Natural Resources Manager with the City of San Luis Obispo. The City is one of our major partners in conserving steelhead habitat and open space in San Luis Obispo, and his speech was particularly inspiring: We, at the City of San Luis Obispo have played our own small part in these efforts. We are proud of our 6,000 acres of permanently protected lands. We are proud of our 7 miles of highquality aquatic habitat that we have returned to steelhead access by barrier removal. We are proud of our 1 miles of decommissioned roads. We are proud of the thousands of native trees and shrubs successfully planted along local waterways. And, we are proud to be hosting our second SRF conference. Those of you in this room have helped make it happen. You are still in the vanguard of a movement. There are still plenty of challenges ahead, and we have to always be aware of the context of our demands or recommendations. But sound science and sound resource management are the new normal, and I dont think we will ever go back. Our citizens want a clean, safe, attractive, and enjoyable natural environment as part of their own lives and legacies. You have helped to ensure that, and this conference and others like it will help ensure it even more into the future. You have a lot to be proud of, too. So, be proud, and keep up the good work. If you would like to be a part of a restoration project for the benefit of steelhead habitat, come volunteer! Those interested in working on stream enhancement, both cape ivy removal and native plant revegetation, at the Lower San Luis Obispo Creek site, can sign up as a volunteer. Any and all agencies, organizations, and individuals (kids welcome, too) can participate! Contact us at (805) 544-9096 or e-mail volunteer@LCSLO.org to get more information.Page 2

Photo by Robb Tibstra

Steelhead in San Luis Obispo Creek.

CCC Contribution is PricelessThe California Conservation Corps (CCC), the oldest and largest state conservation corps program in the nation,is comprised of young men and women who work to protect and restore Californias environment, responding to disasters, and partnering with state, federal, and local agencies, as well as non-profit organizations and private industry. Modeled after the original federal Civilian Conservation Corps created in 1933 by President Franklin Roosevelt, today's California program was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown on July 7, 1976. Much of the project work that the CCC look for when partnering with different agencies is work involving conservation or enhancement of the states natural resources, including work that provides public benefit and teaches the Corps members the skills they can take with them for future employment. A typical CCC crew consists of men and women between the age 18 and 25 years old. The Land Conservancy is pleased to be involved with the Los Padres Center (San Luis Obispo) and their Santa Maria satellite. So far this year, The crew from the Los Padres Chapter of the California Conservation the CCCs have contributed approximately 4,320 Corps hard at work along the Nipomo Creek contributing to the hours of labor to LCSLO restoration projects. Dana Adobe Restoration Project in early spring this year. Some of the projects that they have worked on with The Land Conservancy include: Giant reed, (Arundo donax) removal along lower San Luis Obispo Creek, helping to improve steelhead habitat in the San Luis Obispo Creek Watershed. Weed removal, mulching, and native revegetation near the DANA Adobe in Nipomo. Veldt grass removal, eucalyptus maintenance, and ice plant removal at the Black Lake Ecological Area. The Land Conservancy greatly appreciates the support from the CCC. Even more so, we love the enthusiasm the demonstrate when they come prepared to get their hands dirtywith a smile!

All photos by Judith Hildinger

The CCC members tackle massive amounts of invasive Arundo donax along San Luis Obispo Creek last fall.

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Walk for Land Conservation: Challenge Yourself to a Green Feat!Spring is here and The Land Conservancy has taken one step forward in partnering with Green Boot Media - an organization that offers a FREE installation of an iPhone pedometer application, to monitor and submit your steps in favor of conservation through The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County. If you are walking to work, taking a hike, or even shopping at the grocery store, you can make a difference. Anytime you are out and about performing your daily activities, you can accumulate steps through Green Boots iPhone pedometer and submit them towards The Land Conservancy. With this Green Boot pedometer, you can walk to promote nature and conservation in a fun and healthy way! Through the Green Boot Media efforts, approximately 15% of their advertising profits are donated to partnered charities and agencies, just like The Land Conservancy. There is a lot of great places for walking in San Luis Obispo County, and the more steps we submit, we increase our chances to receive a donation from Green Boot this fall. In the fall, Green Boot Media will calculate the percentage of the total steps submitted in favor of The Land Conservancy and will use that number in determining our percentage for a donation. Visit www.greenbootmedia.com for more details.

Each month hundreds of people participate in our Walk for Nature Conservation event via our iPhone pedometer application. Our vision for large scale participation is why we chose a pedometer as our platform, since walking is something most of us do every day. -John Kelly, President of Green Boot MediaThe companys goal is to expand its database of registered organizations to help build awareness, provide support and increase participation. Participant registration is free and support includes free publicity, awareness and potential donations for active organizations. Start making your move towards conservation today and download the Free application: Step One: Download Green Boot Media Version 1.3 from: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/greenbootpedometer/id382417952?mt=8 Step Two: Find cell phone coverage before walking (If you see ads on your phone, youre covered) Step Three: Remember to press the Lock button Step Four: Dont forget to submit your unique code before your done Step Five: Walk as much as possible! Plus, there are even more incentives to participate. Green Boot Media stages dozens of promotions annually to individual participants to keep people motivated and interested. Have fun, stay fit, and conserve land!

Ways you can help The Land Conservancy earn more steps towards conservation:Tell one friend a day about Green Boot and ask them to give it a try Contact local walking groups to support The Land Conservancy when out exercising Remember to use your application on the same day of every month for 2 hours Post once a month on your blog about Green Boot and encourage participation Promote Green Boot at your events in support of The Land Conservancy Gyms have treadmills! Ask gym friends to track their steps while on the treadmill Spice up your email signature and include a link to the Green Boot URL Encourage Green Boot participation in your brochures, website, and flyersPage 4

Get Outside & Connect to Land!As the rainy months dry out and the smell of spring fills the air, many local residents and visitors look forward to this time of year. With this seasonal transition, personal interest and activities tend to parallel this transition from those of indoor to outdoor nature. With colorful wildflowers and abundant wildlife, many folks tend to look to the trails for both entertainment and exercise. Because The Land Conservancy works with many different partners and landowners, there is a wide range of trails that are open to public use. This list provides a brief description of the trails that are open to the public. Remember, visit often and tread lightly!DirectionsHighway 1 north to Cambria. Left on

Maino Open Space

Trail Name

Length (one way)0.75 mile

DescriptionThis short trail leads through the Fern Canyon Preserve with majestic Monterey pines, oaks, ferns, and a seasonal creek. This wide trail begins near the Windsor bridge and winds along and above the west side of Santa Rosa Creek for a round-trip hike. Enjoy this round-trip dirt trail to the scenic marine terrace. Ride, jog, or walk this popular paved pathway to Avila Beach. Parking available opposite the trailhead on Ontario Rd. This strenuous hike begins in a grove and passes a perennial spring fed creek before the steep, uphill work begins. There's a parking area near the trailhead. The trail offers splendid views of SLO. About 1 mile to mountain bike trail "Shooters" and 2.5 miles to "Botanical/Morning Glory." The preserve is a lovely sanctuary in the midst of an urban environment. Find out about the life cycle of steelhead trout.

Henry Kluck Memorial Trail Burton Dr. First right on Fern Dr. Trailhead on left. North on Highway 1, exit Windsor Blvd. Trailhead on left near water treatment plant. Highway 1 north to Cayucos. Trailhead at intersection of San Geronimo Rd and Highway 1. Take South Higuera St until it wraps under the highway. Right turn on Ontario Rd.

Santa Rosa Creek Trail

1.5 miles

Estero Bluffs Trail Bob Jones City-to-Sea Bike Trail

2 miles

4.1 miles

Bowden Ranch Open Space St.

Trailhead is located at the end of Lizzie

0.9 mile

Cerro San Luis, Lemon Grove For access, head towards Marsh St, 101 South on ramp. (Maino Open Space) Stenner Springs, West Cuesta west on TV Tower Rd. Olde Towne Creekside This site is accessible behind the Adobe Plaza in Olde Towne Nipomo. Preserve SLO Creek Watershed Parks Rosa Park and Avila Beach CommunityVisit Cuesta Park, SLO Mission, Santa From SLO on the top of Cuesta Grade, go

1 mile 2.5 miles short stroll varies

Happy Trails to YouWe wish a fond farewell toMargo Heekin Clark, Conservation Project Manager, who moved north to Woodland this past February to be closer to her family. Fortunately, Margo will remain in the land conservation business as she has taken on a new position as Stewardship Coordinator with the Yolo Land Trust. During her tenure with The Land Conservancy, Margo added her tremendous experience in rangeland management to our conservation team and followed her passion for local agriculture and working with landowners. She also undertook an enormous effort to safely and permanently archive our land records and update organizational policies and procedures related to our land conservation activities. Best of luck in all your future endeavors, Margo!

Margo Heekin Clark atAlamo Creek Ranch.Page 5

Survey SaysLast fall we finalized and tabulated our Membership/DonorSurvey that we sent out to our supporters. We wanted to hear from you in order to receive valuable feedback in prioritizing membership and outreach activities in an effort to: foster relationships with our current members and donors, attract new members, and increase overall community understanding and participation in our mission. The following is a summary of the key results from the Membership/Donor Survey for staff recommendations: Membership & Outreach activities should continue to prioritize periodic hikes, volunteer activities at LCSLO project sites, general community events (especially those staffed by volunteers), and consistent media releases. Fundraising events and/or galas are not a priority for raising money. Greater efforts will be made to promote planned giving (29% said it was possible and 11% said it was very likely they would make LCSLO the beneficiary of will/estate plans/retirement plans) Outreach promotion will include targeted strategies to sell gift memberships (over 60% respondents were positive to this idea) and to connect volunteers to meaningful roles (57% were willing to volunteer on a regular basis) Existing supporters understand our mission and value conservation projects for a variety of reasons, not just because of public access

The Land Conservancy relies on members to support our work, so we want to make sure that our members get a chance to explore the special places they help to protect and to experience the benefits of conservation lands in our community. The annual donations, volunteer time, and critical feedback that our members provide are essential to successful local land conservation. We are grateful for the many households and businesses that give to The Land Conservancy each year and look forward to expanding our membership family. Wende David, Director of DevelopmentPhoto by Rob DeGraff

The membership survey was successful in identifying member opinions regarding existing membership and outreach activities, as well as strategic issues that members consider important for The Land Conservancys future success. This information will be a valuable resource to the LCSLOs leadership and development teams as they make short-term operational improvements and develop long-range plans. Thank you to all those who submitted their surveys. As always, if you have any recommendations, comments, or concerns, please let us know.

Members can enjoy an interpretive hike such as the one here at the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve last fall.Page 6

Trail and Forest Full of LifeSanta Margarita Community Forestrys first LearningPhoto courtesy of SMCF

Among

the Oaks (LATO) school hike of spring took place on Wed., April 6, with Mrs. Teresa Goossen's 3rd grade class. This spring, hikers will notice something new: 5th and 6th grade student Oak Ambassadors, sporting green oak leaf covered vests made by Jena Tepe, will be leading hikes for younger students. Ten Oak Ambassadors and Jr. Oak Ambassadors participated in a special weekly training program, January through the end of March. Guest teachers included Dennis Sheridan (Invertebrates, fungi and lichens), Glenn Sparks (Wildlife and first aid), John McCabe (Geology), and George Work (Oak rangeland conservation Rancher George Work (with hat, center) teaching young people and ranch stewardship). about rangeland conservation. Hikes for Santa Margarita School's K-3rd grades and Special Education classes will continue through mid-May. Recently, the first opportunity came for new Oak Ambassadors to help lead a hike for younger students. They did a great job - this was a proud day for Santa Margarita School and all involved. The Oak Ambassadors looked sharp in their vests. This was only the second hike for new LATO Cal Poly intern Jillian Cal Poly forestry student and LATO intern, Kreth. Jillian is a sophomore forestry student with an interest in teaching. The Jillian Kreth leading a 3rd grade hike. LATO program is very lucky to have her on board this spring to fill in for Valerie Grant.

Photo by Bev Gingg

OConnor Ranch Added to Conservation PortfolioWePhoto by Daniel Bohlman

are excited to announce the successful completion in April of

our conservation project to permanently protect the OConnor Ranch. This scenic, 189 acre property, is located just below the summit of Cerro Romauldo among the Morros stretching between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay. The project is a result of a collaborative partnership between The Land Conservancy and Joseph and Mary Lindsey. We were, once again, very fortunate to receive funds from the National Guard Bureau for the benefit of Camp San Luis Obispo, while The City of San Luis Obispo contributed Measure Y funds in support of the Greenbelt Protection Program. The voluntary conserA picturesque view of OConnor Ranch. vation agreement will protect the scenic landscape of the historic OConnor Ranch, clearly visible from Los Osos Valley Road, Foothill Blvd, and OConnor Way, as well as oak woodland and coastal scrub chaparral habitats, while remaining available for private agricultural production such as cattle ranching and fruit orchards. Wed especially like to thank attorneys John Melissinos and David Seror for their outstanding help in seeing this conservation project to the finish line.Page 7

Leaves of Three, Let Them BeOne, two, three. Dont touch me. Berries white, poisonous site. Thereare valid reasons why these catchy jingles stick in our minds. If youve ever had a poison oak rash, you are very careful to avoid this potentially toxic plant. You can get a poison oak rash by touching any part of the poison oak plant (Toxicodendron diversilobum). The rash is cause by a chemical called urushiol. This is present in poison oak leaves, branches, and roots. When you touch it, the oil is absorbed into the skin. This is a poisonous substance, and the rash is the result of your body's immune system fighting against this invader. As the days become longer, we often find ourselves enjoying the outdoors more. Just be careful that you know how to identify poison oak, avoid contact, know what to do if you make contact, and know how to treat a rash. While poison oak is a nuisance to most, it is a native plant that is beneficial to wildlife. Our restoration crew often comes into contact with poison oak, but they take extreme caution to avoid its bedeviling wrath! Identifying poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum): Three-leaf pattern Jagged edges, lobed, or undulating leaf margins Shiny leaves Spring leaves are light, bright green with whitish green flowers clustered on the stems Summer leaves can be yellow-green, pink, or reddish color, with small white or tan berries after the flowers of spring Fall leaves turn bright red or russet brown and berries becomes darker Winter leaves and seeds fall, leaving stick or whip-like stems or climbing vines. Stems should be avoided as well. Treating poison oak/relieving the itch: Thoroughly wash with soap and water the infected area (to remove the urushiol from the skin) Use calamine lotion Use an antihistamine, orally or topically Try a cold compress Paste of vinegar and baking soda (equal parts and consistency of peanut butter), scrub over the infected area in the shower and wash away Dont forgot to thoroughly wash your clothes, shoes, your pets, tools, or anything else that may have come in contact with poison oak! For the most part, poison oak can be avoided. Poison oak is very diverse, so when it doubt, avoid the plant in question. You do not want to bring home a souvenir of poison oak rash. Just follow the practical advice leaves of three, let them be and youll be sure to have a memorable outdoor experience!Photos by Judith Hildinger

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Volunteer Profile: Santa Lucia Fly FishersThe SantaLucia Fly Fishers (SLFF) club was established in 1975 for the purpose of providing local area fly fishermen of all skill levels a means of learning, sharing, and experiencing the challenges and adventures of our sport. We promote the development of fly fishing skills through our casting clinics and fly tying and rod building workshops. We offer a variety of fly-fishing outings both fresh water and ocean, in local as well as remote locations. SLFF promotes the use of barbless hooks, and catch-and-release of the fish, so as to promote healthy fish populations. The club supports conservation and sportsmanship. Not only are the Fly Fishers an organization about learning and sharing the enjoyment of the sport, they are also dedicated volunteers. Through the clubs association with The Land Conservancy, its members have contributed more than three years worth of voluntary efforts to restore and enhance San Luis Obispo Creek. Their volunteer work includes The satisfaction of catching a large trout is tree planting, watering, and clearing invasive Cape ivy. enhanced by releasing it unharmed. Peter Van Hest, SLFF Conservation Chair, led in the origination of the clubs tree planting work.

All photos courtesy of Santa Lucia Fly Fishers

We found common ground in our love for clean watersheds, clean rivers and creeks, and the art of catch and release trout and steelhead fishing in said clean waters. Peter Van Hest, SLFF memberThe ties between LCSLO and SLFF originated with our long time member, Ray Belknap. Ray is a former LCSLO Executive Director, a long time dedicated fly fisher, and SLFF club member. He served many years as SLFF Conservation Committee chair. That chairmanship was passed to others in 2007, and the work with LCSLO has grown, particularly in the last three years. Besides the professional partnership, some of the Fly Fishers have a A typical SLFF outing, with fly fishermen in pontoon personal connection. Peter is also an LCSLO member and is inspired boats, in a high Sierra lake. SLFF always have fun, by our low-key, but effective manner, of preserving San Luis Obispo even when few fish are caught! County's natural beauty. The SLFF currently has 90 members and is affiliated with the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF), an international organization dedicated to education, conservation and restoration to advance the sport of fly-fishing. We appreciate all the volunteer service and support from the Santa Lucia Fly Fishers. We look forward to many more years of a win-win partnership!

Gateway Off to a Great StartThe Carrizo Plain National Monument ~ Santa Margarita Gateway Committee recently launched its own websitepage at http://www.smcf.org/gateway_to_the_carrizo.html This is part of the Santa Margarita Community Forestry website at smcf.org and is maintained with help from longtime webmaster, Andrew Von Dollen. Although the Gateway page is a work in progress, with some sections still under construction, it was helpful in providing information for the April 16th Gateway tour of the CPNM. The tour quickly sold out and we hope to provide more tour options next spring. Look for a tour report in the next issue of Landlines.Page 9

Local People, Local LandPhoto by Melissa Sparks

Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes! Our 4-legged goat friends nibble their way through the invasive Cape ivy.

Photos by Judith Hildinger Photos by Judith Hildinger Photo by Suzanne Parker

Photo by Judith Hildinger

The gals and guys of the Grizzly Youth Academy are forces to be reckoned with! Thanks for your volunteer time removing Cape ivy along lower SLO Creek!Photos by Judith Hildinger

LCSLOs Mark Skinner (top & far left) leads the Butterfly Hike with co-presenter and butterfly expert, Richard Welch (top & r.) at Black Lake Ecological Area. Hikers enjoy Richards presentation about the monarch butterfly.Photo by Judith Hildinger

Sarah McCutcheon (l.) getting ready for the volunteers. LCSLOs

Melissa Sparks (r.) getting her hands dirty!

Project Manager, Carlos Torres (l.), overseeing some restoration work at Nipomo Creek.Photo by Teresa Tibstra

The Special Events & Fun Committee members (Valerie Endres, LCSLO restoration staff Melodie Grubbs, Carlos Torres, Daniel Bohlman, Mark Skinner, and Kaila Dettman (not pictured) along with other members of the Restoration Task Force at their retreat seen here on Chevron property.Page 10

Melissa Sparks, Kathy Cohon, Peggy Whitson, Carol Courcy, Claire Hodgkins, Bob Lindquist, and not pictured Mary Sampson and Teresa Tibstra) enjoying a much-deservedlunch celebrating the success of the past years outreach events.

Special AcknowledgmentsThank YouSal and Lynda Orlando for their in-kind donation of a shade canopy and a 6foot table. Ann and Evan Wride for their in-kind donation of a shade canopy. Thanks to you allour restoration staff and volunteers will be shaded from direct sun and heat! Thank you Apple Farm for your donation of merchandise. We are looking forward to our new partnership with Utility Telephone. Thank you for your generous contribution to the Octagon Barn Center project! Much appreciation to the El Camino Art Association for painting and selling the Octagon Barn shingles. With some of the proceeds from the sales, they will award over $3,000 towards scholarships! Thank you Valerie & Leland Endres and Kathy & Harvey Cohon for hosting during the Art After Dark reception for the California Art Club Exhibition! A hearty thank you to all our volunteers who have been working so hard on the Cape ivy removal project. Were making great progress! Claire Hodgkins, Sarah McCutcheon, and Valerie Endresthanks for braving the cold during our volunteer tabling event at Farmers Market.547 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Board Of TrusteesLisa Wise, President Herb Kandel, Vice President Valerie Endres, Treasurer Gary Felsman Beverly Gingg Pete Jenny Jeff Jorgensen Brooke Langle Sue Luft Penny Rappa BK Richard Ed Carson, Emeritus

StaffExecutive Director: Bob Hill Deputy Director: Kaila Dettman Director of Development: Wende David Director of Conservation Science: Daniel Bohlman Business Manager: Crystal Elwood Restoration Ecologist: Mark Skinner Project Manager: Carlos Torres Project Associate: Melissa Sparks Membership & Outreach Coordinator: Teresa Tibstra Field Crew Leader: Melodie Grubbs Restoration Specialists: Amy Brown, Tim Cole, Dan Kobylenski, Max Mehlman & Sandra Quintana Landlines Editor: Teresa Tibstra

CongratulationsWedding bells are ringing! Cheers to a long and happy marriage to LCSLOs Carlos Torres and Lauren Danner!

WelcomeWelcome to the crew! Sandra Quintana joins us a Restoration Specialist this season.

Wish ListSaw horses (4 total) to continue work at the Octagon Barn Large, plastic trash cans for regular trash and recyclables Metal dairy stanchion and milking equipment (For historic display) Large outdoor shed (to store tools, supplies, equipment) Exterior paint (5 gallons) for our field house deck

Donations are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated! Call 544-9096 to discussion your donation. Thank you.LANDLINES is printed on recycled paper. Sign up for our eco-friendly online newsletter and preview all the same great photos & stories in full color!

Contact Beverly Gingg at bgingg@smcf.orgPage 11

Santa Margarita Community Forestry

Are You a Member?The Land Conservancys Annual Members are critical to our conservation mission and make it possible to be successful protecting and restoring local lands for the benefit of people and wildlife. In addition to funding, our annual donors provide a very direct connection with the community we serve. Annual membership categories: Student $10 Sustaining $30 Steward $50 Patron $100 Benefactor $250 Guardian $500 Visionary - $1,000 Membership benefits: Free guided interpretive hikes led by professionals to unique private lands Invitations to exclusive members-only events Social networking with conservation professionals and community members Monthly updates about special events, community projects and volunteer opportunities Personalized thank-you letters for each and every donation Satisfaction for contributing to active and permanent local land protection

If youre not a member, join today! You can make a recurring monthly donation or sign up for automatic renewals online at www.LCSLO.org. Click the Donate button. Or contact Teresa or Wende at 544-9096 to discuss your membership by phone. You can also help by signing up a friend, neighbor or co-worker as a new member. The more community support we have for our mission the more successful well be.

Thank You for prioritizing local land conservation in San Luis Obispo County!