annual_report_O8.qxd 4/24/08 4:57 PM Page 3

Annual Report 2007 annual_report_O8.qxd 4/24/08 4:57 PM Page 4

“The world was not left to us by our parents. It was lent to us by our children.” - African Proverb

2 annual_report_O8.qxd 4/24/08 4:57 PM Page 5

Dear Friends, For two decades, dedicated citizens from our local community have committed their time, skills, energy and financial Annual Report resources to conserving the scenic beauty and quality of January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2007 life in our treasured foothill, river and valley floor lands. Sequoia Riverlands Trust Today, we celebrate how much this vision has grown just 427 South Garden Street over the past several years—from 1,389 conserved acres in the year 2000 to 7,980 acres today. Visalia, 93277 © 2004 SRT tel: 559.738.0211 fax: 559.622.9477 But numbers never tell the full story. Conserving this land has helped to ensure clean email: [email protected] drinking water, valuable farmland and rangeland, wildlife habitat, scenic beauty, and www.sequoiariverlands.org tax id: #77-0347417 places people can go to play and seek the comfort and wonders of nature. Through these conservation efforts, Sequoia Riverlands Trust has forged successful partnerships Board of Directors and approaches to achieving conservation goals. Farmers and ranchers, outdoor R. Scott Spear, President enthusiasts and scientists, developers and elected officials, conservation professionals Cliff Ronk, Vice President and volunteers, long-time donors and new friends—all of us are part of Sequoia Julie Allen, Secretary Riverlands Trust. Barbara Kidd, Treasurer Jill Cherneff Sequoia Riverlands Trust enjoyed a successful and exciting past year. With a growing Bill Christian John Colbert staff and board of directors, our capacity to tackle the unique challenges facing our Joe Cusenza region has increased. In addition to growing our staff, we have also expanded our Karol Aure Flynn land conservation efforts. In 2007 Sequoia Riverlands Trust began the first steps to Rob Hansen implementing a farmland conservation program, thanks to a planning grant from Terry Manning the California Farmland Conservancy. As a land trust based in the southern San Brian Newton Mike Olmos Joaquin Valley — home to some of the most productive agricultural land in the world — farmland conservation has always been part of our mission. Among other Advisors benefits, conserving this precious farmland ensures availability of the fresh, locally- Gordon Bergthold grown food we all love. We’re looking forward to partnering with farmers and all of Mike Chrisman the agricultural community to not just preserve the unique agricultural heritage of Charley Clouse the , but to see it continue to thrive and grow. Dan Dooley Russell F. Hurley Looking forward, Sequoia Riverlands Trust faces new challenges and the need to: Jim C. Johnson Dennis R. Keller • Collaborate with others in the community to plan appropriately for growth Philip B. Laird that provides the best community services while conserving the best farmland Jane T. Olson and natural land; Ronald L. Olson • Steward a growing portfolio of thousands of acres of natural resources; Amy Pack • Educate local youth about the significance of our local natural and agricultural William C. Tweed lands; and • Strengthen and diversify partnerships and public support for conservation work. Staff Sopac McCarthy Mulholland, Executive Director Addressing these challenges will take action from all of us. I would like to thank all Jane Allen, Education Director & Volunteer Coordinator of Sequoia Riverlands Trust’s supporters, both in 2007 and throughout the years. With Hilary Dustin,Lead Land Steward your generous support and engagement, Sequoia Riverlands Trust can continue to Nathan Higgins, Land Steward fulfill its mission of conserving the natural and agricultural legacy of the southern Shawn McDonald, Restoration Technician Sierra Nevada and San Joaquin Valley. Rita O’Brien, Information Technologist Amy Silveira, Development Director Sincerely, Erica Tootle, Communications Coordinator Frances Tweed, Executive Assistant Teri Van Huss, Director of Finance & Administration R. Scott Spear Cover photo: Hilary Dustin © 2007 President Inside cover photo: Ruth Dutton © 2008 3 annual_report_O8.qxd 4/24/08 4:57 PM Page 6 SRT © 2005 SRT

About Sequoia Riverlands Trust Sequoia Riverlands Trust (SRT), a community-based non-profit, is dedicated to conserving the natural and agricultural legacy of the southern Sierra Nevada and San Joaquin Valley. This region is blessed with unique and diverse habitats and species owing to dramatic elevation changes, rivers cascading from high in the Sierra and the seasonal extremes of our Mediterranean climate. The San Joaquin Valley and adjoining foothills also rank among the most productive agricultural regions in the world. We seek to encourage vibrant relationships among community, economy and nature so all of these systems may flourish. To this end we…

…engage willing landowners in land protection, stewardship and conservation. …draw on the best available science to care for lands owned & managed by SRT. …foster awareness and understanding of our unique natural and agricultural heritage. …educate local youth and the community about the value of conservation. …showcase the results of effective conservation efforts.

Conserved Lands Sequoia Riverlands Trust owns and manages seven nature preserves, protecting 4,566 acres:

Blue Oak Ranch - 1,147 acres Features rolling blue oak woodland, chaparral and portions of Sycamore Creek and Dennison Creek, linking wildlife corridors to Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Park

Dry Creek Preserve - 152 acres Restoration of this former gravel mine provides the first example of an ecologically-based aggregate mine reclamation in Tulare County and is home to Sequoia Riverlands Trust’s native plant nursery Jane Allen © 2007 4 annual_report_O8.qxd 4/24/08 4:57 PM Page 7

Homer Ranch - 1,819 acres Features portions of Dry Creek, one of the largest remaining sycamore alluvial woodland communities in the world, and expansive blue oak woodlands

James K. Herbert Wetland Prairie Preserve - 725 acres Conserves the greatest concentration of northern claypan vernal pool habitat in the southern San Joaquin Valley

Kaweah Oaks Preserve - 324 acres Displays the largest protected example of valley oak riparian forest on the Delta Jane Allen © 2007 Lewis Hill Preserve - 110 acres Safeguards the rare and beautiful striped adobe lily (Fritillaria striata) and San Joaquin adobe sunburst (Pseudobahia peirsonii)

Westside Preserve - 300 acres Protects alkali vernal pools in the proximity of Tulare Lake’s ancient shoreline, amid the convergence of several creeks, rivers and sloughs

Through partnerships with dedicated landowners, voluntary conservation agreements protect 2,654 acres on 14 properties: • Five properties in Springville protect 1,799 acres of rolling blue oak woodland and sensitive riparian habitat along the North Fork of the Tule River • In partnership with the City of Porterville, a 7.3-acre property contains examples of the riparian forests and adjacent grasslands that were once typical of the Central Valley • Five properties in Three Rivers protect 411 acres of Kaweah River streamside habitat, wildlife corridors, the rare Kaweah brodiaea (Brodiaea insignis), and sweeping, scenic vistas • One property on Dry Creek safeguards 17 acres in the rare and unique sycamore alluvial woodland community Hilary Dustin © 2006 Hilary

• A property near California Hot Springs protects 360 acres of blue oak woodland and streamside habitat along Tyler Creek, a significant tributary of Deer Creek • A property in Fresno County protects 60 acres of oak woodlands, natural stream courses, and native plant and wildlife habitat, including the threatened shrub tree anemone (Carpeteria californica) 5 annual_report_O8.qxd 4/24/08 4:57 PM Page 8

Focus Area for Sequoia Riverlands Trust Conservation Efforts

6 annual_report_O8.qxd 4/24/08 4:57 PM Page 9

Financial Statement for 2007

Assets Liabilities & Equity Cash & Operating Reserves $595,701 Current Liabilities $537,873 Accounts Receivable $72,910 Note Payable $905,443 Other Current Assets $20,114 Equity $11,607,326 Endowments $424,141 Total Liabilities & Equity $13,050,643 Fixed Assets $11,937,777 Total Assets $13,050,643

Support & Revenue Expenses

Total Revenue $1,127,840 Total Expenses $1,073,871

Sequoia Riverlands Trust is a local, community-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to conserving the natural and agricultural legacy of the southern Sierra Nevada and San Joaquin Valley. A copy of the latest financial statement and registration filed with the Registry of Charitable Trusts may be obtained by contacting the Sequoia Riverlands Trust office. Contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Grant Support • Alcoa Foundation • The Nature Conservancy • California Resources Agency, California River Parkways • US Fish & Wildlife Service Grant Program • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service • Resources Legacy Fund Foundation, Preserving • USDI Bureau of Reclamation, Central Valley Project Wild California Improvement Act • Sierra Nevada-Cascade Conservation Grant Program

7 annual_report_O8.qxd 4/24/08 4:57 PM Page 10 SRT © 2006 SRT

Above & Beyond Recognition Sequoia Riverlands Trust sincerely expresses appreciation and gratitude for the extraordinary contributions and assistance from the following individuals: • Jim and Gay Ver Steeg, for their persistence, courage and steadfast commitment to land conservation resulting in the Buckeye Ranch conservation easement

• The Staebler Family, for donating a conservation easement on 60 acres of important foothill habitat in Fresno County

• David Adalian, Tony Caprio, Billie Chandler, Marvin Demmers, Greg Eckes, Rob Hansen, Bobby Kamansky, Fletcher Linton, Burleigh Lockwood, Linda

Mutch and Robert Urtecho for leading guided walks of Sequoia Riverlands SRT © 2007 Trust’s nature preserves

• Kaweah Oaks Preserve Naturalists Daniel Huecker, George Mahon, Bill Meeker, Brian Newton, Ken Olsen, Shirley Vierra and Jason Wilkinson for leading exceptional standards-based programs for youth © 2007 Reprinted with permission from the Visalia© 2007 Reprinted with permission Times-Delta • Jody Fuller and Garth Maze, for their tremendous investment in ranch facilities and livestock management at Homer Ranch, resulting in greatly improved cattle distribution and range conditions over the last two years

• Ed Carroll, for his keen observations of how livestock grazing interacts with the area’s ecology, and for being an outstanding partner in management of the James K. Herbert and Kaweah Oaks Preserves

• The private landowners, many of whom prefer to remain anonymous, who have chosen to establish conservation easements on 14 properties in Tulare and Fresno Counties, resulting in permanent protection of wildlife habitat, scenic, and agricultural values on more than 2,650 acres to date

8 annual_report_O8.qxd 4/24/08 4:57 PM Page 11

Special Thanks Sequoia Riverlands Trust appreciates the support, guidance, talents and contributions from the following special volunteers, business supporters and friends who selflessly give to furthering conservation in the southern Sierra Nevada and San Joaquin Valley:

Gary Adest Shelton Douthit Don Kaplan Larry Otter David Allen Scott Frazer Kent Kaulfuss Elizabeth Palmer Lane Anderson Donna Gary Russ Kehn Merswind Reyer Nancy and Wayne Badovinus Nathan Garza Dennis Keller Denise Robertson Scott Barker Sarah Graber Allyson Lavender Robin Ryburn Colleen Bathe Jody Graves John Lockhart Linda Shideler Gordon Bergthold John Greening Judy Loflin Eduard Shivo Caroline Berry Ross Grunwald Jean Loscotoff Tim Sinnott Maggie Bloetscher Chris Hamm Greg Loverin Dan Skinner Savannah Boiano Ed Hastey Bob Ludekens Marc Smiley Christine and Walter Bowles Dayna Higgins Carol Manning Joan Stewart Nancy Bruce Vicki Hildreth Michael Mantell Jeff Thompson Barbara Brydols Gary Hohnstein Jenny Matsumoto Julie Turini Aaron Callaghan Andrew Hoover Alex Mas William Tweed Sydney Carrillo Wiley Hughes Kathryn McGinnis Anne M. Ward Mike Cavale Harlan Hutson Valerie McKay Jim Wells Leslie Caviglia Jonathan Janzen Kristen LaVine Merrill Will Wood Carolyn Chamberlin Robin Jepsen Rick Mitchell Jiyong Xue Wendy Chenkovitch Faye Johnson Carol Montag Barbara Zimmermann Mary Cole Tod Johnson Elli Norris Tom Daly William Kaneversky Tim O'Connor 2007 Business Members & Donors Business Land Lovers Circle Business Blue Oak Circle $10,000+ $1,000+ Centex Homes B.J. Perch Construction Mangano Homes Greenleaf Farms, Inc. Pine, Pedroncelli & Aguilar, Inc. Lagomarsino Group Schuil & Associates Business Sycamore Circle The Springville Inn $5,000+ Tule River Tribal Council Business Land Conservators $500+ Business Valley Oak Circle Donaghy Sales, LLC $2,500+ Franey's Floor Covering, Inc. Citizens Business Bank Korsgarden Insurance Services KMPH Fox 26 Loverin Pump & Drilling Quad Knopf Wood Industries The Visalia Rotary Foundation Business Land Guardians $250+ Live Oak Associates SRT © 2005 M. H. Wolfe & Assoc. Enviro Consulting, Inc.

9 annual_report_O8.qxd 4/24/08 4:58 PM Page 12

2007 Individual Members & Donors Visionary Circle $20,000+ Loreen Flaherty Jody & Steve Fuller Don Gallian Chris Harris Land Lovers Circle $10,000+ Vickie Hildreth Anonymous Marilyn Hodge Marie & Donald Adamson Daniel Jensen and Carolyn Donlin Danette & Mike Knopf Valley Oak Circle $2,500+ Allison Lott Bill Christian Tracy & Harvey May John Colbert and Nan Mensinga Knox & Jody Nicholson James K. & Carol Sellers Herbert Michael Olecki and Karen Bodner Annette & Scott Spear David Phelps and Patricia Drilling-Phelps Blue Oak Circle $1,000+ Stan & Wendy Simpson Anonymous Carol & Paul Sonier Jane & David Allen Christy & George Tomi

Julie & Jim Allen Claudine & Robert Urtecho Courtesy of Mike Chrisman Marcia & Matthew Allen Nancy & Wayne Badovinus Land Stewards $100+ Karen & Jim Johnson Monica Adams Coleman W. Kennedy Jan & Lee Akins Barbara & Donnie Kidd Margaret & William Allen Roger Laverty and Jill Cherneff Betty M. Anthony Carol & Terry Manning Douglas & Patty Baker Gregory McCollum and Jeff Patti & Rod Bankson Van Hoosear Jean & George Banning Debby & Lary Mielke Stanley M. Barnes and Sopac McCarthy Mulholland Marilyn Hadley “Sequoia Riverlands Trust has been Judy & Brian Newton Barb & Jeff Basham Gail & Mike Olmos Dan Bell integral in preserving, restoring and Jane & Ronald Olson Billy Blackmon Cathy & Cliff Ronk Lisa Bohannan enhancing California's natural Craig Scilagyi Susan & Michael Bonesteel Steven Botkin resources, providing access and Land Conservators $500+ Necia & Robert Bower Lee & Shelley Ayres Christine Bowles recreation opportunities and Greg Collins Lois Brannan Mignon & Gerald Gregg Bill Bream protecting working farmland Pat & Jim Holly Pam & Howard Broadman Patrick Inkster Marguerite & Robert Brown Allen Ishida Linda Cameron and wildlife habitat for future Carol & Phil Laird Doug & Lianne Card Leslie & James Lessenger Barbara & Mike Chrisman generations. SRT's innovative Dale Lincoln and Sandy Greenamyer Terry D. Cook Thomas Mulholland Jim Craig solutions and partnerships have Kay Mulholland Richard Crain Ken Olsen Pete Crandall resulted in major conservation William & Marylin Silveira Judy & Larry Crouch Gay & Jim Ver Steeg Athena Demetry and Steve strides in the southern Sierra Bumgardner Land Guardians $250+ Jessica Dirkes Nevada and San Joaquin Valley.” Jeanette & James Barton Joan & Dennis Dismuke Caroline & Fred Berry John Dutton Brody Blain Peggy & Jim Entz - Mike Chrisman Stephanie & Michael Cavale Gregg Fauth and Jenny Secretary, California Resources Agency Daryn & John Davis Matsumoto Hilary Dustin and Kay Woods Carol Frate and Larry Schwankl

10 annual_report_O8.qxd 4/24/08 4:58 PM Page 13

Beverly & Richard Garcia Susan & Richard Mangini Carmella & Stephen Renton Mariel Geelf Joy & Robert Marshall Neal Roberts James F. Gessner Sherry Martin Jim Rothman Joan Givan Kevin McIntire George D. Sandoval Rachel Goldeen Kent J. McNatt Nancy K. Shein Jody & Susan Graves James Mello Amy Silveira Mary & Thomas Gray Mary Merriman Jo & John Slaven Carole & John Greening Marjorie & Warren Minner Miriam Smith Hol Greenley Rick Mitchell Springville Community Club of Mary Gullo Charlene & Richard Moss Tulare Co. Inc. Luci Gunlund William Moynihan Kindra Stephens John Guthrie Linda Mutch and Tony Caprio Nathan Stephenson and Patricia L. Moore L.H. Hall Nielsen & Associates George Sward Carolyn Hodge Eleanor Norris Frances & Bill Tweed Tusnelda & G. Wayne Hodgin Karen Ormsby Deborah Unholz Joanne & Russell Hurley Peggy & Robert Perry Gina Velasco and Carlos Molina Louise Jackson Donald Peter Rosario Villalpando Jason Jacobus Linda & Galen Pfeiffer Roger Wagner Janie Kangas Mary Pat & Patrick Pinkham Ray Ward Sharon & Donald Kaplan Robert Quinn Glenn & Jennie Williams Rachel & Steven Katz R.L. Schafer & Associates JoAnn & Dale Williamson Kaweah Flyfishers Randall Ranger Sarah Young Claribel Lagomarsino Clark & Murleen Ray Margaret Land Chris & Gary Reed Jane Allen © 2007

11 annual_report_O8.qxd 4/24/08 4:58 PM Page 14 SRT © 2007 Jane Allen © 2007

Members & Supporters Vernon Henrich Mary & Jason Otter Mark & Jenifer Ahlstrand April Hill Elizabeth Palmer Jeanne & Tom Anderson Marilyn Holle Melvin J. Palmer Anonymous Nancy Hoyt Kimberly Paul Megan Assaf Olin Hughes Joanne & Bill Peacock Pat Bardone Patricia & Richard Jacobsen Rita & Ben Pena Rita & Richard Barron Bill Kaage and Susan Lamberson Carolyn & Wilson Pendery Paula Bayard Johanna & Bobby Kamansky George Pilling and Carol Tuttle Pilling Cheryl Belcher Bryan & Robin Kasdorf Pat & Roger Pitts Cindy & Ken Bettencourt Russ Kehn Quaker Oaks Farm Nancy Biggs Kevin Keith Linda Riddle Bryan M. & English Bird Harry Kennedy Edwin B. Royce Jane Bodine KFCF 88.1 FM Joy & Richard Sakai Savannah & Danny Boiano Sheridan King and Cary Peyton Mary Savala Gloria & Edward Buckles Lodema Kitchen Trudy & Gary Schlaich Mary Lou Burbery Rosemary & Stephen Koemmpel Anna & Carl Schorsch Catherine Capone Roberta Krackov Arthur Shahzade Cristine Carpenter Pam & Robert Krase Sue Shannon and Steve Encell Evelyn & John Catano Peggy & John Kroeger Sarah Shena and Ken Elias Billie Chandler Bart Lang Susan Silva-Treadwell and Carol & Thomas Chess Sandra Langiano Ernest Lee Treadwell Jack Christensen Lorraine Lindgren Dean Simpson, Jr. Deana & Bobby Coburn George Mahon Joe Slapnik Luke Cole and Nancy Shelby Barbara Mansfield Daniel L. Slaugh Wayne K. Collins Joan & Henry Marschall John Spivey and Barbara Federman Carole Combs Barbara & Ian Marty Silvia & Charles Stager Joann B. Conrad Robert McKellar Vicki Stasch Theresa Doffing Susan Merrill Fleur & Shelley Stone Ruth & Ethan Dutton Roger Meuller Theresa Stump Isabelle N. Elmer-Collins Teriz & Don Mosley Chris & John Sundstrom Carol Enns and Don Nikkel Mary Moy William and Louise Tidwell Olaf & Rosalee Feely Scott & Mary Murray Stephen & Erica Tootle Patti Fiormonti Charlene & Salvatore Natoli Teri Van Huss Nicole Gaston-Fowler Joan & Steve Natoli Shirley Vierra Marian Goldeen and Arthur Ogawa Marian Navarro Helena Wagenberg and Tom Greenwell Robert Griswold Bob & Sallie Neubauer Nancy White Michael Gunning Ellen Nichols Marjorie Whitendale Hammer Ranches Helen & Boyd Nies Susan Winters Joanna & Wayne Hartigan Phyllis & David Ogden Ken Woodruff and Bette Bardeen Constance Haseltine Susan Oldfield Jennifer & Martin Zeeb Richard & Jean Haskell Beatrice A. & Kevin D. Olsen

12 annual_report_O8.qxd 4/24/08 4:58 PM Page 15

In-Kind Donations David Allen Johanna and Bobby Kamansky Annette and Scott Spear Borders Barbara and Donnie Kidd Tazzaria Centex Homes M&M Painting Erica and Stephen Tootle Choices Entertainment Guide The Marriott Hotel, Visalia Page and Megan Tompkins Donnie Ludekens-Clark and Dennis Clark Sopac McCarthy Mulholland United Signs Crawdaddy's Pacific Stihl Visalia Chamber of Commerce Gorillatix Shirley Pack Visalia Times-Delta/Tulare Janeen's Furniture Gallery Sequoia Beverage Advance Register K-TIP Radio Soft Rock 98.9 Gifts in Memory In Memory of Paul Bohannan In Memory of Julie Kuhs In Memory of Patricia Schelling Davidson Seizen & Elanor Inamine Judy & Brian Newton Mark & Linda Davidson Marn Reich Peggy Schoettler In Memory of Mary Lombard William & Louise Tidwell Trish & Robert Maxwell Gifts in Honor In Honor of Jane and David Allen Molly & Richard Cohen Shelley Selig Bruce Allen Dennis & Joyce Dougherty Ralph & Estelle Shabetai Peter Allen Alec & Judy Florence In Honor of Johanna and Bobby Kamansky Marcia & Matthew Allen Ken Greenspan David & Jane Allen Jocelyn & Jerome Blum Ferdo & Vojka Ivanek Joanie & John Bolt Richard Caputo & Carol Jacklin Beth & Carl Nagy-Koechlin Lisa Okazaki Fiona & Rob Cash Sondra & Milton Schlesinger Sylvia Robertson Volunteers The life blood of the organization, Sequoia Riverlands Trust's volunteers dedicated their efforts to leading nature walks for students and families; restoring conserved land; completing mailings, data entry and other office work; and generally pitching in whenever and wherever we asked them. Special thanks to the following individuals for their time and talent: David Adalian Richard Frost Linda Mutch Lee Akins Rob Hansen Brian Newton Savannah Boiano Daniel Huecker Ken Olsen Nancy Bruce Jonathan Janzen Eric Olsen Tony Caprio Bobby Kamansky Nancy Shein Dr. Pansy Ceballos Johanna Kamansky Eduard Shivo Billie Chandler William Kaneversky Charlie Talley Ryan Clark Russ Kehn Katie Tucker Andrew Collier Fletcher Linton Robert Urtecho Christian Cossey Burleigh Lockwood Shirley Vierra Marvin Demmers George Mahon Jason Wilkinson Greg Eckes Bill Meeker Jiyong Xue Nick Feltch Rick Mitchell

“By providing places like Kaweah Oaks Preserve and community services like educational tours, Sequoia Riverlands Trust helps children understand and appreciate the out of doors and helps ensure that future generations will have natural places to explore. In my experience, I've seen so many children benefit from spending time out of doors- it sparks the imagination and inspires learning. There's really nothing else quite like it.”

SRT © 2007 SRT - Jim Vidak, Tulare County Superintendent of Schools

13 annual_report_O8.qxd 4/24/08 4:58 PM Page 16

Sowing Seeds of Innovation Sequoia Riverlands Trust Sequoia Riverlands Trust has taken on some by the Numbers ambitious land restoration projects, such as restoring land that was once a gravel quarry 12,000: Number of plants at Sequoia at Dry Creek Preserve and re-creating a Riverlands Trust's Dry Creek Native seasonal wetland at James K. Herbert Plant Nursery as of September 2007 Wetland Prairie Preserve. But restoration can be costly, especially when each new 10,000: Estimated number of visitors to native plant must be purchased through Kaweah Oaks Preserve each year an outside dealer. 7,979: Total number of acres under Sequoia Riverlands Trust land steward protection by Sequoia Riverlands Trust Nathan Higgins believed that gathering and propagating local plant materials to 6,800: Feet of fence re-constructed in use in restoration work would not only 2007 at Sequoia Riverlands Trust nature make economic sense, but would also preserves to improve wildlife habitat and ensure high-quality native plants. So in sustainable grazing management spring 2006, beginning with donated materials from local nurseries, Nathan 1,885: Number of native grass plugs began building Sequoia Riverlands Trust's planted as part of the restoration efforts own native plant nursery, located on site at Dry Creek Preserve, James K. Herbert at Dry Creek Preserve. Wetland Prairie Preserve and Kaweah With help from volunteers and staff, Nathan Oaks Preserve in 2007 collects seeds from Sequoia Riverlands Trust preserves throughout the year and 739: Estimated number of hours volunteers plants them at the nursery. Once seedlings spent working with Sequoia Riverlands SRT © 2008 are big enough, they are used in restoration Trust in 2007 efforts at Dry Creek or any of the properties Sequoia Riverlands Trust manages. 500: Number of local school children who “Instead of paying thousands of dollars toured Kaweah Oaks Preserve in spring 2007 for native plants and trees, we are picking up acorns at our preserves and bringing 420: Number of additional acres protected them to the nursery to propagate them,” in 2007 through voluntary conservation Nathan said. “It's a much more holistic easements approach, and it allows us to do restoration work that would otherwise have been 140: Number of bird species observed at the cost-prohibitive.” James K. Herbert Wetland Prairie Preserve

As a temporary home to more 60: Number of wetland-dependent bird than12,000 plants at a time, the native species that rely on the Herbert Preserve plant nursery has grown beyond Nathan's as a critical habitat area original vision. Not only is the nursery producing enough plants for most of 26: Partnerships at the statewide or Sequoia Riverlands Trust's restoration national level needs, but word of mouth of Nathan's successes has led to a series of native plant TWO: The number of new board mem- sales to local landowners, as well as con- bers who joined Sequoia Riverlands Trust tract services for plant propagation. in 2007. Joe Cusenza and Karol Flynn Future plans for the nursery include host- make welcome additions to the board of ing workshops to educate community directors. members about the concepts of commu- nity, ecology, land stewardship and con- ONE: The number of people it takes to servation using the Sequoia Riverlands Jane Allen © 2007 make a difference. Get involved today! Trust native plant nursery as a hands-on, outdoor classroom. 14 annual_report_O8.qxd 4/24/08 4:58 PM Page 17 © 2007 Reprinted with permission from the Visalia© 2007 Reprinted with permission Times-Delta

Agency, Community & Non-Profit Partners Officials at the federal, state and local level help Sequoia Riverlands Trust achieve important conservation goals with their contributions of skills, expertise and time. Hats off to our talented partners:

California Council of Land Trusts State of California Wildlife Conservation Board California Department of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy Office of Mine Reclamation The Sierra Fund California Department of Conservation, Tulare Basin Wildlife Partners Farmland Conservation Program Tulare County Audubon Society California Department of Fish & Game Tulare County Board of Supervisors Cal Fire Tulare County Fire Safe Council California Highway Patrol Tulare County Office of Education California Resources Agency, River Parkways Grant Program Tulare County Resource Conservation District California Resources Agency, Sierra Nevada-Cascade Tulare County Resource Management Agency Conservation Grant Program Tulare County Sheriff’s Office California State Assembly Tulare Lake Basin Working Group California State Senate Tulare Union High School: Central Valley Joint Venture University of California, Merced City of Visalia U.S. Army Corps of Engineers College of the Sequoias U.S. Bureau of Land Management Great Valley Center U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District U.S. Congress, Devin Nunes, 21st Congressional District San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Sequoia Natural History Association U.S. Forest Service Sierra Business Council U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sierra Cascade Land Trust Council Visalia Downtown Rotary Foundation Sierra Foothills Conservancy Sierra Nevada Alliance

15 annual_report_O8.qxd 4/24/08 4:57 PM Page 2 Bill Bream © 2008

NON-PROFIT ORGN US POSTAGE 427 South Garden Street PAID SAN FRANCISCO, CA Visalia, California 93277 PERMIT 4118

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Sequoia Riverlands Trust's future is built on a solid history of conservation and innovation - your gift will help ensure that we make a positive impact year after year! Printed on recycled paper. You can help us! Share this publication with a friend, recycle it when you’re through, or let us know if you would rather receive it electronically. Thank you for your commitment to conservation.