Muir Heritage Land trust

p r i n g

2008

THE GIFT OF TIME

By Sherida Bush

ew of us ever have enough of it. Time, that is. Those bits of time not committed to job, family, and essential tasks are the rare moments we can spend as we choose. What prompts volunteers to give some of those rare moments to the Muir Heritage Land Trust is as individual as they are. The people who volunteer for the Land Trust have divergent views on many things, grew up in various parts of the country, and are in different stages in their lives. Some spend a day or two a year volunteering, others spend much more. Yet all of them come together on one point: they believe in what the Land Trust does. The Land Trusts work is made possible by the hands and hearts of those who give their time to help us protect the beautiful open spaces around us. Also invaluable are the businesses and nonprofit organizations that donate time or bring volunteers to us. A few of their stories are told here. When you read these few tales, understand they represent so many more. All of you who donate time have your own stories as intriguing as these, and if we could, we would include them all. Perhaps the profiles sketched herethe experiences, the sensibilities, the motivationsecho yours. We value your donations, whether they are of time or financial support, and our work rests on your efforts. By telling these stories, we hope to recognize all of you.

Note from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,
Greetings from the Muir Heritage Land Trust. Its Spring, which always brings feelings of energy and renewal. So it is fitting that this issue of Horizons highlights the various ways volunteers are compelled to get involved and help support the Land Trusts mission to preserve Contra Costas very special landscapes. Sherida Bushs article The Gift of Time considers how volunteers are called to action in response to the needs of our community. Their stories shine a light on the joys and challenges of special people whose work reminds us that each individual can make a difference. Spring is also a time that beckons us out-of-doors. I encourage you to come enjoy nature at our special Land Trust events and visit our website for information about self-guided hikes. Linus Eukel Executive Director

A W ANDER ER F INDS R OOTS.

Sitting in a hotel room in Elko, Nevadaone of her many temporary homesBeth Mallonee was reading about John Muir on the internet. It was when I first learned about this person who did so much for our country, she said. It was the early 90s. Beth had already roamed the globe, and her travels werent finished. That day in Elko, the life and writings of another wanderer opened a different world for her. Beth grew up in Midland, Michigan, married her husband Mike and began a 20-year odyssey as they both moved from town to town, country to country, for their jobs with Bechtel. Weve been to 44 of the 50 states, and lived in three other countries, she said. Around 1994, Beth and Mike lived in Alhambra Valley across the street from Ellen Visser, who did
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Education and Outreach - Stargazing with the Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society

M u i r H e r i tag e L a n d t ru s t
P.O. Box 2452 Martinez, CA 94553 925-228-5460 925-372-5460 fax info@muirheritagelandtrust.org www.muirheritagelandtrust.org

S taff
Linus Eukel Executive Director Suzanne Jones Land Program Manager Beth Pardieck Stewardship Manager Ellen Visser Outreach Coordinator Johna Winters Administrative Manager

of

B oard d irectorS

volunteer work for the Land Trust at the time (shes now on staff as our Outreach Coordinator). Ellen told them about the Land Trust, and the couple went to some events before moving again. Twice those business moves brought them to Martinez; twice they had to move on. But the place was under their skin. Its the only place we moved back to, Beth said. Moving back the third time required quitting their jobs, but they knew this is where they wanted to be. Having lived all over the United States, I have an appreciation every day for this area, said Beth. She and her husband live near Briones Regional Park and love getting outdoors. The John Muir that Beth discovered in Nevada is now woven into her life. She carries a Muir quote around with her, and often reads from two Muir-authored books kept by her bed: My First Summer in the Sierra and The Mountains of California. Its like poetry, she said. The balance of life and connection to nature that Muir wrote about in so many ways is the focus of her life right now, and living near the beauty of open space is important to her. About a year ago, she joined the Education and Outreach Committee for the Land Trust, where she helps plan and organize the Fresh Aire Affaire and other events. I know what Im doing directly affects the Land Trust funding, so they can go out and do the great work they do, she said. The organization is grateful for its volunteers and makes them feel appreciated. I love being a part of the preservation of open spaceand its just fun.

Ken Fischer Chair Donn Walklet Vice Chair Ann Cormack Secretary Louis E. Stoddard Treasurer Bob Aston Peter Colby Paul Craig Denis Huston Mark Wilson

N ATURE F O R A L L .
John Muirs legacy is a hard act to follow, but his great grandson, Michael Muir, brings added stature to the Muir name through his unique efforts to connect people with nature. Michael and the Land Trust joined forces in 2004, after the purchase of the 158-acre Dutra Ranch. Michaels father, Ross Hanna, remembers romping over the hills of the ranch as a boy, said Michael. When Michael learned of the Dutra Ranch dedication, he introduced the idea of bringing people to the event who require a little assistance. Michael worked with the Land Trust to make the Dutra dedication accessible to everyone by including wheelchair transportation and handicapped-accessible portable restrooms. Michael brought his wheelchair-accessible, horse-drawn carriages. The event got the attention of Sierra magazine, and that helped us take off, said Michael. He founded Access Adventure, a nonprofit organization that provides outdoor trips for people whose mobility is limited. Even though his organization didnt yet have a name, Michael considers the Dutra Ranch dedication the groups first event. Michael has limited mobility himself, due to the multiple sclerosis he has lived with for more than 40 years. But his disability didnt stop him from traveling and living all over the world. And it didnt stop him finding ways to explore the wilderness and open spaces he loves. Now that hes come back home to Sonoma County, where he grew up, he helps

e ditor
Linus Eukel

n ewSLetter c ontriButorS
Sherida Bush Linus Eukel Suzanne Jones Beth Pardieck Ellen Visser Johna Winters Photography: Paul Garber

Michael Muirs Access Adventure

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others experience the freedom of the outdoors. Nature is healing, he said. Michael brings his magnificent Percheron horses and wheelchair-accessible carriages to Land Trust events, providing free rides to people with every level of mobility. We never charge for what we do, he said. Its natural for me to support what the Land Trust does. Its part of honoring the legacy of John Muir to support the preservation of open space and the accessibility of open space for people, said Michael. The Land Trust is very sensitive to accessibility and its a pleasure working with them. Accessibility is an important component of the Fernandez Ranch restoration plans, and Michael appreciates the Land Trusts goal to make that beautiful place accessible for everyone.

F RESH A IRE A FFAIRE.

As a teenager, Darryl Wagner-Washbourne enjoyed some volunteer work with a program for elderly people, but it wasnt until he started working for Washington Mutual that volunteerism became a regular part of his life. Its almost inbred here at work that we should give back to our communities, he said. Now a Branch Manager in Corte Madera, he often works with a core group of volunteers on projects for the Land Trust and other organizations. Raised in Southern California, Darryl moved to the Bay Area five years ago to go to culinary school. Once here, he decided he could better serve his passion for food and cooking by getting a real job and cooking on his own time. He put his culinary skills to use on Sky Ranch last June for the Land Trusts Tina Batt Trail building project. Instead of picking up a McCloud (a rake-and-hoe-like tool used by the trail builders), he wielded a chef s knife, helping to prepare meals for the two-day event. Darryl learned about the Land Trust trail project from a customer, and called to help out. Hes not only worked on the Sky Ranch project, he and his WaMu volunteers have helped out at the Fresh Aire Affaire, including the set-up, program, auction and other tasks. He already has volunteers interested in this years Affaire. I posted some pictures of the protected land, so people can see what they are volunteering for, said Darryl. Darryl has worked for other organizations on other projects, but feels the Land Trust stands out. Its a well-run, well-purposed organization. I wouldnt say Im an environmentalist, but I see a need for preserving land, especially in this area, and the Land Trust does a very good job of it. Darryl credits his employer for spurring him to volunteer, to give back. He credits the Land Trust staff for making it so enjoyable. The staff has great compassion and involvement in what theyre doing, and it shows. He stays energized because the volunteer work gives you a certain sense of pride in what youve done, he said, an adrenaline rush that keeps you doing more.

Master of Ceremonies Doug McConnell

Fresh Aire Affaire revelers

R OOM T O I MAGINE .
Life is hectic when you have a job, a commute, a wife and three young children. Will Kuehne still manages to fit in volunteer work for the Land Trust on the Stewardship Committee. The reasons run deep. Will grew up in a small Vermont town, where he had room to roam the countryside,
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Planting at Sky Ranch

play in the dirt, explore the woods, learn and imagine. Nature gives you an opportunity to open your mind, he said. He feels a connection to the outdoors that he wants to pass on to his children. We take them on hikes to expose them to nature, and I volunteer for the Land Trust for my children, as well as for the greater good. Wills brother, Tim, also loved the outdoors. He was very involved in nature organizations before his life was cut short in a car accident a few years ago. He was 23. In his honor, Wills parents worked with the Nature Conservancy in Vermont, raising funds and recruiting volunteers to build a trail on Conservancy-owned open space. Tims Trail was named after Wills brother. Wills volunteer efforts with the Land Trust extends what his brother and parents have done. I wanted to do that kind of work where I live as well, he said. Wills path to fulfilling that desire began some three years ago, when he met Land Trust Executive Director Linus Eukel at an event. That conversation planted a seed, said Will, and about a year ago he called the Land Trust and got involved. He chose the Land Trust because the organizations success in preserving land is incredibly important. My dad grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It used to be all farmsnow its covered in subdivisions. Ultimately, any land thats not protected from being developed will be. Will also appreciates the Land Trust efforts to get the community involved, letting as many people as possible know how great these places are and how important it is to protect them. Getting young people aware of that is important, too, as the Land Trust does working with the Environmental Studies Academy. Will finds the volunteer work is a great way to get involved with the local community, to connect with other people who want to preserve the natural beauty we have in the area. The people at the Land Trust are great, really interesting people with all kinds of different backgrounds. I enjoy meeting and working with them. Because he shoe-horns his volunteer work for the Land Trust into a very busy schedule, he is humble about his contribution. I hope to be able to do more, he said. Will, his wife Stephanie, two sons (ages three months, and six years) and a daughter (four years old), live in Martinez. Will works in marketing at Title Nine (a womens athletic clothing retailer), and Stephanie goes to school evenings and weekends. When he volunteers for the Land Trust, Half the time I have one of my helpers with me, he said, speaking of his children. The nearby open space was a factor in his family settling in the area a few years ago: Even though the Bay Area is a big metro area, it has a lot of natural beauty, too. Will and his family take time to enjoy that natural beauty as time allows. When they hike up to Sky Ranch, the children are exhausted when we get to the top. By time they head down, they are re-energized. They get so excited, they run down the trail as fast as they can, Will said. Theres something about getting outside to run

W ORKING F O R T H E G R E AT, G R E E N O U T D O O R S.
Hikers on Fernandez Ranch
Mary and Pello Walker have always been big advocates of preserving the land, said Mary. From their home in Benicia, they appreciate the panoramic view of protected open spaces from across the Carquinez Strait. For many years, they lived in Martinez and explored local landsMt. Wanda, Briones, and Land Trust propertieswith their dog, Max. I love the outdoors, said Mary. Mary and Pello started volunteering for the Land Trust some years ago, and last year were presented with the 2007 Volunteer of the Year Award. I was really surprised and moved, said Mary, that they gave us the recognition. Pello believes that volunteering for the Land Trust is gratifying because the organization is so successful. The volunteers get to see the results of what they are a part of every day around them, and thats very cool. Mary and Pello own a busy printing business in Pleasant Hill, Daily Digital Imaging,

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which they are proud to say is a green business certified by the Bay Area Green Business Program. In addition, they donate paper left over from print projects to the schools. The Walkers usually work six days a week. Time to volunteer is limited, but Mary grew up in a family of eight children, so shes used to finding free time where she can. She often helps out setting up and running events, such as the dedication ceremonies, the Fresh Aire Affaire, and wherever shes needed. She enjoys the work. The Land Trust has a great group of people, said Mary, who absolutely believe in what theyre doing. I have a great time and never feel like its work at all.

H OLDING O N T O T HE D REAM .
Laura Matta got her first pony when she was nine, and she pestered local ranchers to teach her how to ride, California style. Now she and her husband Joe pass on their knowledge of ranch life to others. Joe and Laura grew up on ranches in the Martinez area and both went to Alhambra High School. Yet their lives didnt join until 1995, when they married and had two, now-teenage daughters. The family lives on the property where Joe grew up, near Fernandez Ranch. Joes dad, Joe Matta, Sr., has owned the land since 1950. The Mattas are part of a ranching tradition that permeates local history, dating from the mid-1800s. When the Land Trust bought the Gustin property in 2000, Joe and Laura were already grazing their cattle there. And so began a key business partnership. The couple helped the Land Trust with good range management, and the Land Trust continues their grazing lease for the property. We couldnt be more thrilled with all the Land Trust has done, said Laura, in preserving the open space, the ranchland, the history of the area. The business partnership has grown into a valued friendship, said Laura. The Mattas volunteer for Land Trust events, such as the Martinez Horsemans Association benefit rides. Laura and her daughter led the ride one year. At last years Ranching Heritage Day, the Mattas provided a small roping dummy and demonstrated how to rope, and they brought a goat for children to pet. People dont understand cattle grazing, said Laura. The Land Trust gives us an opportunity to educate them. Ranching is a seven-day-a-week job, said Joe, we usually dont get a full day off. In addition to ranching, Joe is a general engineering and general building contractor, and Laura is studying for her real estate license. Ranching and ranching heritage is dying in this county, and the Land Trust is helping keep our dream alive, said Joe. If the Land Trust hadnt stepped in, there would be houses on Gustin, and we wouldnt have a place to run our cattle. The Land Trust is also social for us, said Laura. Its been a nice way for us to meet so many caring, concerned people. We really look forward to the events. Weve only missed the Fresh Aire Affaire once.

Ranching Heritage Day Environmental Studies Academy (ESA) Students

I F Y OU B UILD I T .
Jerry Overaas construction company is in its 100th year. Jerrys grandfather, a carpenter, founded C. Overaa & Company to help the Bay Area rebuild after the 1906 earthquake. Today, Jerry donates company time to build at cost for worthy organizations, such as the Boys Clubs, YMCA, and an education program called Making Waves. For the Land Trust, he has offered to forgo profit to build the improvements in the Fernandez Ranch restoration plan, including handicapped-accessible trails and a bridge across the creek. The
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bridge itself, spanning a deep, ever-changing crevasse, is a formidable project. But Jerry is unconcerned: Its all constructible, he said. Jerry first heard of the Land Trust through a fellow runner, Land Trust Board Chair Ken Fischer. Their running club meets four-to-five times a week. Kens work with the Land Trust struck a chord, said Jerry. When wed do trail runs, just getting out of the car felt different. It was more fun getting off the road. I ended up cherishing the views and trails. Ken and I felt a mutual interest in leaving some things in their natural state. When Jerry grew up in the Richmond-El Cerrito area, open spaces and fields were everywhere. He now the lives in Orinda, near his four grown children and thirteen grandchildren. What strikes Jerry about the Land Trust is how so much has been achieved by so few. When he went to an event at Fernandez Ranch and learned how the project all came together, he was surprised to find how much well-meaning, tenacious, smart people can accomplish, he said. He cites the complexities even one acquisition project can entail: the vision, finding a willing seller, the foundation and government grants, the legal aspects, and yet the Land Trust has been able to make it happen. I think thats pretty neat, he said.

A County Regional Occupational Program (ROP) student prepares willow plantings

T APPING A W E L L S P R I N G.
In just six short years, the Taproot Foundation has given new life to nonprofit organizations by enlisting the power of volunteers in the business community. We bridge the cultural divide between for-profit and nonprofit, said Matt OGrady, Vice President, National Expansion. Taproot recognizes that nonprofit organizations have an important role in meeting the countrys social and environmental needs, yet understands that many nonprofits lack the resources to fulfill their potential. Instead of cash grants, Taproot provides professional consulting services from qualified volunteers, which they call service grants. The consulting services encompass marketing, human resource and information technology needs. When Taproot awards a service grant, it selects a team of volunteers and manages the project until the targeted goals are reached. Taproot has a rigorous three-stage screening process for both nonprofits and volunteers who apply. The Taproot Foundation was the unique idea of Founder and President Aaron Hurst, who spent years tinkering with the concept, according to Matt, before coming up with this service model. Aaron comes from a background of volunteerismhis grandfather wrote the blueprint for the Peace Corps. The Land Trust is one of the fortunate recipients of a service grant for assistance with database management, a grant sponsored by the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation. Hiring professionals for the project would cost an estimated $35,000. With the Taproot Foundation service grant, the Land Trust pays nothing. Finding busy professionals to give their free time to help a nonprofit sounds difficult. Not so. We have engaged 734 volunteers in the Bay Area in six years, said Matt, and the organization uses only one-third of those who apply. Taproot asks them to volunteer at least five hours a week. Even with that level of time commitment, almost all of our volunteers want to do another project, and up to 50% immediately sign up for another project as soon as they finish one, said Matt. Last January saw a record 600 volunteer applicants nationwide. We call it the New Years resolution effect, said Matt. Resolutions that expand beyond reckoning.

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I T S TARTED W ITH A H ORSESHO E .

Bob Chapman bought his first cow from rancher Jim Strain, Gordons dad. Gordon owned Mt. Wanda when the National Park Service bought it in 1992. One thing led to another, Bob said. That was 1970. You could say one cow led to another, because at some point, Bob became a full-time rancher. Bob grew up around the Bay Area (my dad liked to move a lot) and went to high school in Pleasant Hill. During the year he went to college at Cal Poly, he took a class in shoeing horses. After that, he shoed horses locally and started boarding them. When Bob wanted more room for the horses, he bought an 80-acre ranch and farmhouse in Franklin Canyon, then later acquired two adjacent properties. Bob had no ranching backgroundhis father was a Berkeley police officer. Grazing cattle was something he learned by doing. Bob works with the cattle every day. Cows dont know when its Thanksgiving or Christmas, he said. He sleeps with a cell phone under his pillow, because he can get a call in the middle of the night about stray cattle. Ranch life, with its financial strains and hard work, is not for everyone. Bob said, If you dont love it, forget it. Asked why he does it, Bob cites the story of John and Frances Zuppan, who closed their dairy in Franklin Canyon soon after Bob moved there. At the time, John told Bob he never wanted a farm again. Yet within a few years, the Zupans were back in business with a new dairy. When Bob asked why, John said he missed the cows. Bobs reason for his choice of work is similar: I just enjoy working with the cows, he said. In 1995, Bob was an early volunteer for the Land Trusts Board of Directors, then later joined the Stewardship Committee. Bob helped with last years Ranching Heritage Day by contacting local, old-time ranchers and moderating their memories and anecdotes at a ranchers town hall reunion. I enjoy ranching history, he said. When the Land Trust purchased Sky Ranch, Bob had already grazed his cattle there under two previous owners. He continues to graze the property, Dutra Ranch and other locations. His own ranchland, where he lives with his wife Cathy and ten-year-old son Roy, is contiguous to the Land Trusts Sky Ranch, Dutra Ranch and Gustin Ranch. Were good neighbors, he said. I respect what the Land Trust does.

Local ranching families

F OR A MAZING R ESULTS, J UST A D D Y O U.

Its terrific that the Land Trust recognized me, but it wasnt just me, it was the whole VOCAL organization and all the volunteers, said Cathy Moyer. The Land Trust presented Cathy with the 2007 Volunteer of the Year award for her work in organizing the construction of the Tina Batt Trail on Sky Ranch last June. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Volunteers for Outdoor California, or VOCAL. When she moved from Colorado to California nearly four years ago, Cathy wanted to continue her 17-year history of volunteerism. She had worked with a group that organized volunteers to work on outdoor projects, and looked for a similar group here. She couldnt find one. so she founded VOCAL in 2006. Organizing is what Im good at, said Cathy. Previously, she used those organizing
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Trail building volunteers celebrate

skills at her software company, which built custom database systems. Shes found that outdoor projects are just much more fun organizing than bits and bytes. Its not a bad thing to go for a hike and be able to call it work. The Tina Batt Trail project was only the fourth for the organization, and its first in the East Bay. Cathy had confidence in the model of organizing these events and how these projects appeal to volunteers. We just tell them to show up. We provide the tools and guidance. We tell them: You get to hang out in a beautiful place, you get to see what you can accomplish, and well feed you well. Many volunteers who participate on one VOCAL project come back to work on others. People love the experience, said Cathy. Though most of the 318 volunteers for the Tina Batt Trail had never worked on that type of project before, the camaraderie, the energy was tremendous, said Cathy. The volunteers were astonished at what we got done. Two miles of trail in a weekendthats something that sticks with people.

I N T H E B E G I N N I N G.
Live redwood trees graced the tables at the Land Trusts first fundraising dinner, creating a forest dcor. Mary Ann and Jim Gaebe worked hard on that event, back in 1991. She, in fact, coordinated it: It was fun, but a lot of work, she said. The couple took one of the little trees home and planted it. The redwood, now a majestic 50 feet or so, looms over their home. As the tree has grown, so has the Land Trust, and Mary Ann and Jim have been a part of it since the beginning. The Land Trust was founded by a small group of volunteers, including Mary Ann, Tina Batt, Hal Olson, Nancy Schaefer, Tim Platt and others. Then they worked for years to build the newly launched nonprofit. The Gaebes continue to volunteer for the Land Trust, and were presented the 2007 Volunteer of the Year Award. Its nice to get recognition, said Mary Ann, but its the Land Trusts mission that keeps them involved. I firmly believe life would be miserable without open space, said Mary Ann. She feels we are fortunate that we dont have to go far, far away to enjoy the beauty and peace of nature. She cites a favorite John Muir quote: There is in some minds a tendency toward a wrong love of the marvelous and mysterious, which leads to the belief that whatever is remote must be better than what is near. The couple has been a fixture at each Fresh Aire Affaire, whether its behind the scenes helping set up or behind the bar serving beverages. Mary Ann also coordinated that event in previous years. She was on the Board of Directors for 15 years, leaving only when term limits required it. She is currently on the Education and Outreach Committee and the Land Acquisition Committee. Jim helps out at various events, assists with hikes and contributes whenever hes needed. For him, its about the land and the animals who live there: I think we need to keep acquiring as much land as we can to protect the wildlife corridors and habitat, he said. Jim is a retired Berkeley police officer and Mary Ann works as the Business Manager at the Hope Center. Its amazing that she can have a job and do all the volunteer work she does, said Jim. Mary Anns explanation for all the time she puts into volunteerism is basic: If you want to live in a community thats livable, you have to participate in making it livable, she said. True to that idea, both Jim and Mary Ann have done a staggering amount of volunteer work for other organizations as wellthe Lindsay Museum, the John Muir Association, the Nautilus Foundation, the Red Cross, the East Bay Regional Park District and others. Jim grew up in Merced, then a land of open fields, pastures, vacant lots and

Hard at work on the Tina Batt Trail

Supporting open space

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a nearby creek. Despite his childhood, Jim didnt get into outdoor stuff until after he married Mary Ann, in 1970. Mary Ann grew up in East Oakland. Raised in an inner city, said Mary Ann, I never got to know nature as a child. With their two, now-grown sons, the couple got involved with the Boy Scouts and started hiking and back packing. Being outdoors was like a breath of fresh air to mea great stress reliever, said Mary Ann. The couple still hikes and backpacks, and enjoys living near open space in Alhambra Valley. You have to have a place to get away from it all, to enjoy the outdoors, said Mary Ann. The Land Trust is the single most important organization going, because of what it does. She alludes to Muir again: The best way to preserve the John Muir legacy is to do what he wanted to dokeep the wild places wild.

C ONNECTIONS.
A neighborly chat set Ken Fischer on a new path, one leading straight to the Muir Heritage Land Trust. His neighbor at the time was Nancy Schaefer, who was in the midst of her 15-year stint on the Land Trusts Board of Directors. She encouraged him to volunteer, and it was the nudge he needed. Ken had always been supportive of nonprofits, he said, but had not gotten much involved as a volunteer. Because of his business acumen as an insurance agent, Ken started with the Finance Committee. I found it stimulating, and I got to know the organization, he said. He became a member of the Board of Directors in 2002, and after he retired last year from his 31 years at State Farm, he decided it was my turn to be the Chair. Ken and his wife, Martha, have three grown children and now live in Moraga. He grew up in Santa Clara, which is much different today than the place he knew as a child. Sky Ranch Fun Run The Santa Clara Valley from the west side of Highway 17 to Cupertino was nothing but truck farms and orchards when I was a kid, said Ken. I have seen how quickly open space can disappear. There has to be a balance, and its to everyones advantage if open space is preserved. I think more people recognize this now. As society urbanizes more and more, its important for people to have areas to go that are calming, places that arent covered over with houses and shopping malls. These lands that are so close to us may not be as noteworthy as, say, Yosemite, but may be as important. Ken is inspired by the landowners who sell to the Land Trust. Its very satisfying to see people like the Fernandez family forgo additional financial benefit to preserve their land so the public can enjoy it, he said. These property owners could get more money selling to developers. Their strong attachment to the land speaks volumes to me. To be able to further that is very gratifying. After the Land Trusts Fun Run last fall, Ken and another Board Member found themselves alone at the top of Sky Ranch. It was a spectacular dayyou could see forever. Ken said to his friend, This is why we do this.

The Honorable Gayle B. Uilkema, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors District 2 addressed Land Trust supporters at our Annual Autumn Celebration on Nov. 8th, 2007. Gayle spoke of the history of the Land Trusts work and the importance of protecting natural areas in Contra Costa County. She also saluted the value of community outreach and volunteerism as the Land Trust recognized the extraordinary commitment of our 2007 award winners: Mary Ann & Jim Gaebe Mary & Pello Walker & Cathy Moyer of Volunteers for Outdoor California Thanks again for your ongoing support, Gayle!

G REATER P URPOSE .
Researchers in a field known as positive psychology have identified what they call greater purpose, and they say it can bring more satisfaction in life. They describe greater purpose as applying your key strengths to something outside yourself to create meaning in life. Perhaps that is one reason so many people find that volunteering for others adds so much to their owns lives. When Land Trust volunteers lend their time and talents, their work also adds to a healthier place to livefor themselves, the community, and the wild creatures who share this land.
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Feature Creature:

MEET THE WESTERN FENCE LIZARD

By Suzanne Jones The next time you spend a warm day hiking on MHLTs protected lands, youre likely to encounter the western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), one of our most delightful and abundant reptiles.
Welcome New Board Member

The Muir Heritage Land Trust welcomes Denis Huston to our Board of Directors. Denis has served on the MHLT Land Acquisition Committee for the last 3 years. He is a licensed attorney in three states and belongs to the California Bar Estates and Probate, Real Property, and Taxation sections. Denis had a solo legal practice in Colorado for two years prior to moving to California in 1997. He served as legal counsel for a construction accounting software company in San Ramon for 5 years. Denis also has 24 years experience as a computer software and systems analyst specializing in construction accounting software. He has a BA degree from Wartburg College in political science/philosophy. He received a BS degree from University College, University of Maryland in information systems management. He enjoys running with Orinda Roadrunners, hiking in the bay area hills and watching his kids play sports. He lives in Orinda with his wife, Cathy, his son Daniel and daughter, Emily.

Western fence lizards stay hidden under rocks and logs in cold weather, but are active on warm days in early spring or late fall, and throughout the warm season. So-named for their attraction to fence posts, fence lizards love to bask in the sun on elevated perches such as rocky outcroppings, logs, trees trunks, and shrubs. They watch vigilantly for predators, and depend on their quick reflexes to evade capture. Nevertheless, they are a favorite prey of birds and snakes such as the rare Alameda whipsnake, a threatened species that also lives on some of MHLTs properties. The western fence lizards diet includes flies, beetles, caterpillars, ants, spiders and other insects. Mating occurs in May or June and females lay roughly 5-15 eggs in pits they dig in loose soil. Tiny lizards emerge from the eggs in August. One of the most fascinating discoveries made of the fence lizard in recent decades is its relationship to Lyme disease. Lyme disease is spread to people, pets, and wildlife by a bacterium carried by the black-legged tick (or deer tick). This species of tick also feeds frequently on the blood of the fence lizard. Researchers at U.C. Berkeley have identified a protein in the blood of the fence lizard that kills the Lyme disease bacterium so effectively that ticks carrying the bacterium before biting a fence lizard are free of it afterward! The western fence lizards ability to control this bacterium in our tick populations is thought to be part of the explanation for the much lower incidence of Lyme disease on the west coast compared to the east coast where this effect does not occur. Fortunately, western fence lizard populations remain robust in our area. By protecting large contiguous open spaces, such as those MHLT is working to save, we preserve habitats for the fence lizard and many other animals and plants that would disappear without them. By supporting MHLT, you are directly helping conserve these species. This spring and summer, please visit one of MHLTs properties and keep an eye out for a western fence lizard sunning itself on a warm rock or darting into the brush! Let us know if you want to get on our email list. . . We will send you periodic email updates about our hikes, events and activities. Call the office at 925-228-5460 or email info@muirheritagelandtrust.org to get your email address on our list. Hope to see you soon!

10 M u i r H e r i t a g e L a n d t ru S t H o r i zo n s

2003 Christopher L. Christie

2001 Arie van der Meijden

Denis Huston

This adaptable lizard, nicknamed the blue-belly for the bright blue markings on its underside, is found throughout most of the state in a variety of habitats including chaparral, grassland, forest and woodland. It grows to about 6 from head to tail, and ranges in color from light brown or grey to black.

2008 Hike

and

event scHeduLe
with music and exhibits relating to earth-friendly technologies and programs that sustain the environment. Learn about solar power, green building, wildlife conservation, hybrid vehicles, organic gardening, recycling, and more. Admission to the park is free; food and beverages will be available for purchase. See www.johnmuirearthday.com for community-wide events including recreational opportunities and an environmental living fair. Heavy rain cancels some events. 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 years event sold out quickly. Please watch for your invitation in Julys mail.

Hike: In John Muirs Footprints Exploring Mt. Wanda

Saturday, April 19th 8:30am 10:00am Start Earth Day walking in John Muirs footsteps. Named for his daughter, the beautiful 325-acre Mt. Wanda preserve was added to the John Muir National Historic Site in 1993 with the help of the Muir Heritage Land Trust. Join members of the Land Trust, John Muir Association, National Park Service and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Societys Hike For Discovery program as we explore this beautiful mountain. 1.5 mile roundtrip hike with hills. Refreshments provided, please bring water. Meet at the Mt. Wanda parking lot, Franklin Canyon Rd. & Alhambra Ave. in Martinez. If the lot is full, shuttles are available from the Martinez Adult School, 600 F Street & Alhambra Ave. Please arrive by 8:15 to take a shuttle.

Autumn Celebration
Thursday, November 13th 7:00pm 9:00pm We close the years events with our festive annual get together at the historic McMahon-Telfer building in downtown Martinez. Everyone is invited to share in our review of 2008 and a look ahead to 2009. Special guests, awards, and refreshments add to the evenings pleasures.

Evening Walk & Star Gazing at Fernandez

Saturday, May 17th 6:30pm 7:30pm Walk 7:30pm 9:30pm Stargazing Enjoy a docent-led walk of Fernandez Ranch in its springtime glory. Learn about restoration plans in progress for the ranch. After the walk, (at 7:30) enjoy refreshments and a tour of the stars as members of the Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society share their knowledge of the night sky. Everyone welcome, school groups encouraged. Bring a blanket and/or chair and flashlight.

Interested in Gardening?
There are a few plots available at our community garden at the end of Glacier Rd. in Martinez. Call the office at 925-228-5460 or email info@muirheritagelandtrust.org for more information.

Earth Day Celebration at John Muir National Historic Site

Saturday, April 19th 10:00am 4:00pm Celebrate John Muirs Birthday and Earth Day at the John Muir National Historic Site, 4202 Alhambra Ave., Martinez. The house and grounds will be alive

Fresh Aire Affaire

Saturday, August 16th 5:00pm 9:00pm We invite you to join Master of Ceremonies, Doug McConnell, and Land Trust supporters for a very

For more information and directions please visit www.muirheritagelandtrust.org or call the Land Trust at 925-228-5460.

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

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Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID Martinez, CA Permit No. 189

P.O. Box 2452, Martinez CA 94553

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, May 17
th

The mission of the Muir Heritage Land Trust is to ensure a lasting quality of life for future generations by preserving and stewarding open space
P R I N T E D O N R E C Y C L E D PA P E R

Evening Walk & Star Gazing at Fernandez

6:30pm 7:30pm Walk | 7:30pm 9:30pm Stargazing
Enjoy a docent-led walk of Fernandez Ranch in its springtime glory. Learn about restoration plans in progress for the ranch. After the walk, (at 7:30) enjoy refreshments and a tour of the stars as members of the Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society share their knowledge of the night sky. Everyone welcome, school groups encouraged. Bring a blanket and/or chair and flashlight.

Fresh Aire Affaire

5:00pm 9:00pm
We invite you to join Master of Ceremonies, Doug McConnell and Land Trust supporters for a 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. Please watch for your invitation in Julys mail. For more information and directions please visit www.muirheritagelandtrust.org or call the Land Trust at 925-228-5460.

Saturday, August 16th

and fostering environmental awareness.