Fall 2014 Honoring the Landowner Legacy by Michael Hubbartt

The New Face of the Middle Mountain Foundation Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust

From Thompson & West History of Sutter County 1879 Fall 2014 Honoring The Landowner Legacy by Michael Hubbartt

s I write this, it is mid-August, 2014. It is a typical summer day for grazing, it is this farming enterprise that has protected the Buttes from in the heart of the Sacramento Valley: Blazing sun overhead, development and preserved the rural scenery around the mountain. mid-nineties, with clear hazy skies. The Sutter Buttes loom The Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust respects and honors these families. silently over the countryside, just as they have for over a million In the past decade we have lost a generation of many of the family patriarchs. years. I gaze upon They were friends who attended our the peaks through my window and Middle Mountain receptions where reflect upon their serenity contrasted we shared our goals to protect their against the flurry of activity around me. right to farm. For the past twenty five On the remote north side of the years, our mission has been to protect Buttes there are almond orchards in the land and natural resources of the all directions, and my neighbors are Sutter Buttes and surrounding region harvesting their crops. The movement for present and future generations. of their farm equipment stirs up We know that that’s what they worked columns of tan dust and generates for. We have expanded that goal to distinctive sounds that create a encompass Yuba and Colusa counties reassuring ambience of country life. as well as Sutter County. The shaker looks like a monstrous In the comfort of our homes or yellow crab that seems angry. It prowls caught up in the hub-bub of school the rows of trees and makes a growling and work commitments, most of us sound, a sort of vroom, vroom, vroom. don’t think about the Buttes. But if It has one claw that grabs on to each you experience them with us, that diminutive tree and SHAKES IT! My will change. house shudders. Our newsletter brings to you our The sweeper has thousand rubber finger tips that beat the dry ground and fall hike schedule in the Buttes. We invite you to join us for a walk to discover the push the nuts into an elongated pile that runs the length of the tree rows. Then a serenity of the Buttes. Our modest hike fee is an investment that will change harvester scoops it all up; blasts the hulls, twigs, and leaves aside; and conveys your life. the nuts into a small trailer it tows. The whir of this machine can be heard a You’ll learn a little of the family histories for the range land where we hike. mile away! Then we’ll take you up one of the ridges or the peaks to view the patch-work These are the families who own the farms and ranches around and within quilt of farmlands that stretch out in all directions. You’ll learn a little about the the Sutter Buttes. The majority of these families have worked this land for four, conservation tools that enable us to work with our neighboring landowners to five, or even six generations. Whether its almonds, walnuts, rice, hay, or pasture protect their farming and ranching heritage. We invite you to be a part this legacy.

Executive Director’s Message by Coleen Morehead

Things are changing at the Sutter 350 acre agricultural easement in history, the SBRLT Board of Directors River watershed’s quality of life. Our Buttes Regional Land Trust. We are west Sutter County. We expanded our realized that there were increasing role as a partner in this project will be excited to announce the move to our staff to include our new Outreach and opportunities for land trusts, hence to leverage the interest and support of new office at 750 Bridge Street right Fund Development Coordinator, Henry the rationale behind the name change both public and private parties to the in the heart of Yuba City (west of Blackthorne. and our expanded mission, to represent greatest benefit. Plumas, corner of Park). Feel free to It has been almost a year since our Sutter, Yuba, and Colusa counties as a As always your support makes come by for a visit anytime between name change from the Middle Mountain land trust. it possible for us to do what we 9am and 1pm M-F. This past summer Foundation to the Sutter Buttes On a national level, Congress made do. Either through our education we successfully closed a significant Regional Land Trust. After 25 years of land conservation a priority this year program or guided hikes directly into with the signing of the 2014 Farm the Sutter Buttes, or through your Bill. The U.S. is now poised to make a continued membership support, we $1 billion investment in conservation. have expanded resources to steward What does that mean for our region? preserved properties and build capacity There will now be greater resources within the organization through both available to help keep working farms staff and volunteers. and ranches in family hands, helping We are always looking for to restore and maintain our way of volunteers who both share our life. SBRLT is working directly with mission and have expertise that can regional land conservation partners to assist us in various roles: financial, develop a Sacramento River Watershed environmental, farming, business, or Rangeland Conservation Project that land use. Feel free to contact Coleen will conserve, enhance, and restore Morehead at executivedirector@ the broad-spectrum of rangeland sutterbutteslandtrust.org. resources that benefit the Sacramento Middle Mountain Education Program

When you hike with 1600 of them and we hear “ringtail” or students over the course of a hiking “coyote” or “fox” or whatever animal season, many of whom are 3rd we had been discussing earlier. or 4th graders, they are going to (Twenty students, walking through tell you some interesting things. the woods in the middle of the The guides try to teach them the day, discourages the appearance curriculum about plants, animals, of most animals.) One particular geology, and the Maidu. We do get windy day we had three students good answers to our questions, but say “a deer” or “two deer.” “Hmm… sometimes we have to do our best wow – you were lucky!” We thought, to keep a straight face. One day one “There’s that imagination again.” of our guides was explaining the But about 5 minutes later we all saw geology of the Sutter Buttes and the same black tailed doe walk out asked the students, “Do you know on a trail above us on the hillside. how old they are?” After explaining Due to the wind she didn’t hear or they are about 1.5 million years old, sense our presence. All of us got to a student asked, “Were you alive see her tentatively venture out into then?” the open. Then later while we were Another part of the trail that eating lunch, she returned with her really gets the students’ attention two yearling fawns, and we were is when we walk silently, spaced able to watch them scamper across away from each other so that we can individually experience the sights and sounds the hillside above us while we munched on lunch. That is one of the “enchanting of nature in the Buttes. Following the silent walk, students wait quietly in a circle moments” we chance to experience when we take busloads of students on hikes seated on the ground and we’ll ask them, “What did you hear or see?” Often it during the fall and spring in our wonderful Sutter Buttes! is “birds” or “a lizard.” But sometimes the students’ imaginations get the best Contact: [email protected]

Land Trust Corner Interpretive Last edition we local land trust Program discussed what representing The Middle Mountain Interpretive Program provides access to the privately a land trust is. the three county owned Sutter Buttes’ interior. Guides share its unique origins and history and SBRLT is a not- region, our focus explore with you the diversity of plant and animal life that helps to make this for-profit 501c(3) is on facilitating range so appealing to us in modern California. that actively works a process by A typical day in the Buttes begins by 8:00 am and ends around 3:30 pm with landowners which landowners, (unless otherwise noted). Events are scheduled and will proceed in all but the and the community farmers, and most severe weather conditions. Participants of all events should be prepared to help conserve ranchers can for uneven footing, stepping over rocks and boulders, crossing streams, walking and preserve land. leverage support to through thistles and brush, climbing hills, and poison oak. Mosquitoes are Under the national association, land preserve their land, their heritage, and frequently present. trusts seek to be accredited. Next year we their family legacy. California’s north Some events are acceptable for smaller children, but many are not. All of will officially begin this process. We are central valley (Sutter, Yuba, and Colusa our outings are educational experiences. We find that no outings or events excited to climb this new mountain. counties) encompasses close to 1.4 are appropriate for toddlers. We suggest that hikes rated 3 or 4 Boots MAY be Why Accreditation? Why Now? million acres of prime agriculture lands suitable for children 12 or older, but it depends on the child and the hike. Please Accreditation is a mark of with farming as the largest industry for inform the hike coordinator when making your reservations if you are considering distinction in land conservation. The the region. Total value of agriculture in bringing children to an event or hike. accreditation seal provides the public the three county region is approximately Open Events: Reserve a date for an open hike or event at mmhikes@ with an assurance that the accredited $1.5 billion. Leading commodities are sutterbutteslandtrust.org or call Karen at 530-671-6116. Cost for open events organization meets national quality rice, walnuts, plums, peaches, seeds, is $35 per person unless otherwise stated. Pre-payment is expected. The fee is standards and has the systems in place and milk. used to pay the guides; reimburse the landowners for the wear and tear on their to protect important natural places and Lands once placed in a land roads, gates, and fences; and pay for liability insurance. Any remainder is used working lands forever. protection agreement or conservation for our conservation and education work. Accreditation recognizes the hard easement are protected lands that will Charter Events: Organizations, groups, or individuals may schedule a work that goes into consistently be cared for over time by a land trust. charter by contacting Margit at [email protected] or implementing Land Trust Standards When land conservation is made a 530-846-5142. The cost for charter hikes is $300 minimum, which covers up and Practices. Reaching the point of community priority, in the end, we all to ten people. Each additional person costs $30. being ready to apply for accreditation is benefit by handing our children an intact Note: Guides do not carry change. If you have made arrangements to pay a milestone for any land trust. (Source: and healthy landscape that can nourish the day of the outing, do so with a check or money order made out to the Sutter Land Trust Alliance) and sustain all future generations Buttes Regional Land Trust (or SBRLT). What is the benefit to you for having a to come. Feel free to contact us at local LTA accredited land trust? 530-755-3568 or executivedirector@ Nationally there are only 254 sutterbutteslandtrust.org to inquire accredited land trusts; of that total about conservation easement 26 are from California. As the only opportunities.

Sutter Buttes 2015 Calendars These beautiful full-color calendars are available at our new office location (750 Bridge Street), the Community Memorial Museum of Sutter County, Sunsweet Gift Shop, and Corner 1333 Butte House Rd, Yuba City, CA 95993 • Phone: (530) 822-7141 Bike Shop in Yuba City; The Brick and J&J Custom Framing September 12 New exhibit Our Good Earth: Ag and Art in the Valley opening in Marysville; Cordi Winery in the Buttes; Davison Drugs reception 6 – 8 pm (exhibit thru Nov 16) in Colusa; and Bidwell Bar Association in September 28 English Cream Tea Fundraiser, 1:30 pm in Ettl Hall Oroville. And they are available on our website October 11 Sutter County Historical Society meeting, 11:30 at Ruthy’s (www.sutterbutteslandtrust.org). (speaker Cheryl Stapp, author of new book “The Stagecoach in Northern California”) Check the website for locations in Chico, December 6 Trees & Traditions fundraiser, 5-8 pm Fair Oaks, Oroville, and Sacramento to be December 14 Children’s Program & Open House 1:00 – 3:00 pm added throughout the fall. January – February (dates TBD) new exhibit Postcards: Old-Time Tweets HIKE THE SUTTER BUTTES INTERPRETIVE PROGRAM OPEN HIKE & EVENT INFORMATION Meet time is by 8:00 am, cost is $35 per person, and limit is 20 participants unless otherwise noted. Workshop Events These outings will concentrate on a specific topic or aspect as described. There may be an opportunity to stroll or hike during the outing, but that will not be the focus of the event. Detailed “meet and greet” information will be sent upon registration. [email protected] or call (530) 671-6116

HIKE AND WORKSHOP RATINGS Bring your A rare Witness Geology Trek—Bragg Canyon: These ratings are a guideline to help you to Art in the Buttes: Bat Research Outing: Birds in the Buttes: choose an outing that matches your fitness and journal, pencils, paints, sketch opportunity for a limited number the winter migratory birds in Discover the violent origins of ability. All outings take place on uneven ground. book, and musical instrument of participants to witness and around the Sutter Buttes this tiny mountain range with = Easy: One to three miles and less than and enjoy a day of creativity mammal biologist David Wyatt with the Christmas Bird Count Volcanologist Brian Hausback. 300 feet elevation gain/loss. = Moderate: Two to five miles and in the Sutter Buttes. All levels conducting bat research in the organizer, Pete Sands. Bring Brian reveals clues to 1.5 million generally less than 600 feet elevation gain/loss. welcome; beginners encouraged Sutter Buttes. Meet at 2:30 pm. food and water. Meet at 7:00 years of geologic history, uniquely = Challenging: Four to six miles with the possibility of multiple elevation gains/losses (sketching lessons available Bring food and water. am. Limit is 12; not suited for accessible here in the center of of 600-900 feet. on request). Be prepared to sit younger children. the Buttes. Bring food and water = Difficult: Four to seven miles for extended periods; bring an and wear sturdy hiking boots. and/or elevation gains/losses likely in excess of 1000 feet. easily-carried chair/cushion. Cost is $45 = Strenuous: Six to 14 miles We will be exploring a myriad of Saturday, October 18 and/or multiple and significant elevation subjects, both natural and man- gains/losses. made. Bring food and water. Be prepared to carry everything you Saturday, December 6 Saturday, November 8 Acorn Preparation: For need throughout the day. Rain thousands of years, Native will cancel. You may purchase a Photographer’s Outing: Wild Nature in the Buttes: peoples thrived in and around basic sketch kit for $7 from the guide with prior request. This event is designed for Learn about the exciting diversity the Middle Mountain (Sutter photographers of all levels. We of animals and plants in the Buttes). Grinding rocks and will caravan to a ranch on the Buttes, and the fascinating an occasional arrowhead Sunday, November 16 north side of the Buttes. There adaptations that allow them to are all that remain--a silent will be several guides so that you survive here. Your leader will be vestige of a culture rich in may scout and choose different Gene Trapp, Professor Emeritus tradition, spirituality, and locations for your photos, from of Biological Science at CSU, In a Sacred Manner: A walk Nature Study—Shaeffer Ranch: a connectedness to nature. the level valley to the gently Sacramento. Bring food and with Stan Padilla focuses Explore this ranch that has been Three generations of a Maidu sloped ramparts. Bring food water. on the reverence for life and in the same family since 1860. family will show you how they and water. Rain will cancel; balances the mythology, botany, Your guide will help you to see prepare acorn meal. Stroll with occasional showers won’t. Meet geology, mineralogy of the the details and learn about the us through a landscape where at 1:00 pm. almost every plant or animal Buttes with active hiking and natural elements that exist here. contributed to their culture. contemplative free time. Bring food and water. Bring food and water.

Saturday, October 18 Sunday, November 16 Saturday, November 29 Sunday, October 26 Sunday, November 2 Hike Events These outings will each cover a broad outline of information about the Sutter Buttes in general and a property in particular. Detailed “meet and greet” information will be sent upon registration. [email protected] or call (530) 671-6116

Buttes Transect Hike—Higher: Buttes Transect Hike—Lower: Canyon Trek—Bragg Nature Stroll: Join us for Ranch Exploration: Explore some Traverse the craggy central Traverse the craggy central Canyon: Travel to the center a leisurely stroll especially new areas of this ranch that has volcanic core of the Sutter volcanic core of the Sutter of the Buttes with steady suited for casual walkers and been in the same family since Buttes. This is a very strenuous, Buttes—mostly on old wagon/ climbing on uneven ground. nature lovers. Prepare for some 1860. Your guide will help you to “aggressive,” and physically maintenance roads. This is not There will be frequent stops to moderate climbing and mostly see the details and learn about demanding hike that requires as strenuous and physically examine the natural elements uneven ground. The fall colors the natural elements that exist strength, stamina, and good, solid demanding as is the higher providing an excellent view of will likely be starting. Bring food here. Long stretches of the rock boots. Our hiking route climbs transect hike, but will involve the Sutter Buttes. Bring food and water. walls will be explored. Bring food steeply to a natural ridge that will significant climbing and will be and water. Cost is $45. and water. provide expansive panoramas of a long day. You will need good, the Buttes and beyond. Total will solid boots; a walking stick will Saturday, October 25 be 7-8 miles with about 1900 feet be helpful. Total will be 6-7 of elevation gain and 1200 feet miles. Only register if you are in of elevation loss. Only register very good physical shape. Cost Saturday, December 13 Summit Ascent: One of our most Saturday, January 10 if you are in top physical shape. is $60—we are accessing two challenging treks, this route is a Cost is $60—we are accessing properties. Bring food and water. steep, 1,000-foot push straight two properties. Bring food and Meet at 7:30 am. Ridge Hike—West Shaeffer up North Butte, off trail with Ridge Trek—Dean Ranch: Steady water. Meet at 7:30 am. Limit is Ranch: The Shaeffer Family will no easy switchbacks. Excellent climbing on uneven ground and 15 hikers. host hikers on their ranch on the tread on your boots is a must; frequent stops to examine the north side of the Buttes. Hikers one or two hiking sticks strongly natural elements provide an will explore this ranch that has recommended. Only register for excellent view of the Sutter Sunday, December 7 Sunday, December 7 been in the same family since this hike if you are in very good Buttes. Bring food and water. Saturday, February 7 Saturday, February 7 the 1860’s. Hike will include physical shape and don’t suffer possible views of North Butte, from vertigo. Bring food and Peace Valley, and the old Titan water. Limit is 15 hikers. Ridge Ascent—Bragg Canyon: Ridge Hike—East Shaeffer Missile site. Bring food and The Steidlmayer family hosts Ranch: The Shaeffer Family will water. walks deep into the Sutter Buttes. host hikers on their ranch on the Sunday, October 19 This ascent will take you up the north side of the Buttes. Explore Saturday, November 1 Saturday, November 1 walls of the upper canyon; the this ranch that has been in the Sunday, December 14 route will vary. Only register for same family since the 1860’s. Sunday January 11 this hike if you are in top physical Hike will include possible views Tres Picos: This hike is for those shape. Bring food and water. of North Butte and Peace Valley who want a rugged, challenging Limit is 15 hikers. Cost is $45. (weather dependent). Lassen can outing. It will include summiting often be seen in the distance. North Butte, Old Man, and Pigeon Bring food and water. Peak. Only register if you are in top physical shape. Bring food and water. A hiking stick can be helpful. Limit is 15 hikers. Meet by 7:00 am. Sunday, November 22 Saturday, January 17 Saturday, November 15 Sunday, November 17 Non Profit Organization Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust U. S. Postage PAID P.O. Box 3359 Permit No. 01 Marysville, CA Yuba City, CA 95992-3359 95901 [email protected] www.sutterbutteslandtrust.org

Board of Directors

President Administrative Services Advisors Rick Geddes Coordinator Brian Hausback, Kim Mansfield Leigh Keicher, Pete Sands, Vice President Gene Trapp, Stan Wright, Laura Lush Land Steward David Wyatt Vincent Rogers Treasurer Area Liaison Advisors Spencer Morrison Outreach/Fund Dorothy Davis, Chico Development Coordinator Directors Henry Blackthorne Babs Cotter Newsletter: Mike Hubbartt Financial Advisor Writer Alyssa Lindman Joe Bouchard Michael Hubbartt Margit Sands Open Hikes Coordinator Editor Julie Stark Karen Morrison Karen Morrison Director Emeritus Printing Walt Anderson Printworx Executive Director Coleen Morehead

Interpretive Program Fall Open Dates What’s Inside 1 Honoring the Landowner Legacy Sat Oct 18 Acorn Preparation — Dean Ranch Sun Dec 14 Ridge Hike West — Shaeffer Ranch Executive Director’s Message Bat Research — Dean Ranch Sat Jan 10 Ranch Exploration — Shaeffer Ranch Sun Oct 19 Summit Ascent — North Butte Sun Jan 11 Summit Ascent — North Butte 2 Land Trust Corner Sat Oct 25 Nature Stroll — Dean Ranch Sat Jan 17 Ridge Ascent — Bragg Canyon* Education Program News 2015 Sutter Buttes Calendar Sun Oct 26 Photographers Outing — Shaeffer Ranch Sat Feb 7 Buttes Transect — High** Interpretive Program Information Buttes Transect — Low** Sat Nov 1 Ridge Trek — Dean Ranch Community Museum Events Summit Ascent — North Butte Interpretive Program Events Sun Nov 2 Wild Nature in Buttes — Dean Ranch * The cost of this hike is $45 per person. 3 and Hikes Sat Nov 8 Geology Trek–Bragg Canyon* ** The cost of this hike is $60 per person; we are Sat Nov 15 Ridge Hike East — Shaeffer Ranch accessing two properties. 4 In Memory and In Honor Sun Nov 16 Art in the Buttes — Dean Ranch Special Thanks In A Sacred Manner — Dean Ranch Tres Picos — Dean Ranch Sutter Buttes Sat Nov 22 Ridge Ascent — Bragg Canyon* Regional Land Trust Sat Nov 29 Nature Study — Shaeffer Ranch PO Box 3359, Yuba City, CA 95992-3359 Sat Dec 6 Birds in the Buttes — Dean Ranch Phone: (530) 755-3568 Sun Dec 7 Buttes Transect — High** Email: [email protected] Buttes Transect — Low** Office Location: 750 Bridge Street, Sat Dec 13 Canyon Trek–Bragg Canyon* Yuba City, CA 95991 Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm

The Mission of the Join & Support Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust “Together we can protect the land that defines our heritage.” Working to protect the land and natural resources of the Sutter Buttes and the surrounding region for Through education and conservation programs we build partnerships to present and future generations. balance conservation, economic growth, and natural resources. Goals · Promote voluntary and public land conservation and a land appreciation ethic in the Sutter Buttes Membership Levels With Benefits and the surrounding regions. · Obtain, manage, and monitor easements and enforce restrictions. $25 Donor Newsletters/Mailings · Maintain an efficient, effective, and sustainable organization. $50 Friend 10% off a Hike Special Thank You $100 Associate Complimentary Hike for 1 ($35 value) SBRLT acknowledges the following contributors and individuals: Shirley Sutton and Peter Moore, $250 Sponsor Complimentary Hike for 2 ($70 value) Cordi Winery, Eleanor Knox, Pete Sands, BlueRay Concepts, Gold Country Bank, Harkey House Bed & $500 Conservator Complimentary Hike for 4 ($140 value) Breakfast, Community Memorial Museum of Sutter County, Wilke, Fleury Law Firm, Ultimate Building $1,000 Patron Picnic in the Buttes ($300 value) Maintenance, our members, our volunteers, and our hikers!

[email protected] or call Web Store: The SBRLT web store is located at sutterbutteslandtrust.org. The Sutter Buttes calendars, books, (530) 755-3568 postcards, and hike certificates are available. Purchasing these items is another way to support our efforts.

Scan to visit our online membership page Remembering Jill Couts Jill Couts was a very dedicated Yuba City School District bus driver who tragically died in a vehicle accident in April 2014. Over the past five years, Jill drove many groups of Yuba City In Memory students to the Sutter Buttes for field trips with the Ed Program. She was a friend to many Anne Adams, Alma Lorenzetti Allison, Susan Huntley Burke, Elaine Carter, Jill of us and her cheerful smile and love of all of her children will be greatly missed. In Jill’s Couts, Helen Knox Dixon, Norene Heryford, Charles & Peggy Jackson, Robert Jenkins, Bob Matchett, Larry Matchett, David Meikle, Gayle Morrison, honor, the “Jill Couts Memorial Scholarship” was established to allow children from one of Don Schmoldt, Wayne Sue, Dave Teja our local schools to spend a day hiking in the Sutter Buttes. The first school honored with this scholarship is Lincoln School 3rd graders. In Honor If you would like to make a donation to this scholarship, please indicate that it is for “Jill Mike Hubbartt, David Landeck, Siobhan O’Neil & Dan Barth, Joe & Julie Reusser Couts Scholarship” and send it to: SBRLT Office, PO Box 3359, Yuba City, CA 95992.