Audubon Canyon Ranch

Number 52 bulletin Spring 2013

Inside This Issue

The Next 50 Years Fall for Our New Preserves Creative Legacy Gifts What Inspires Ranch Guides Artsy Letters from Kids Photos, Events and More

50 Years and Still Gaining Ground Page 2 50 Years and Still Gaining Ground www.egret.org Bold Plans for ACR’s Success Envisioning the Next 50 Years by J. Scott Feierabend and Bryant Hichwa Imagine entering the Martin Griffin countless volunteers made Audubon • More opportunities for public Preserve and seeing the iconic West Canyon Ranch a gateway to the natural visitation and enhanced Marin farmhouse sporting a fresh coat world, hundreds of thousands of feet educational experiences of paint, with its doors open wide to have walked the trails on our Marin • Improved interpretative displays welcome visitors to the treasures of the and Sonoma County preserves. and interactive educational preserve. Once inside the farmhouse, During these 50 years, nature and materials you learn about Audubon Canyon seasonal rhythms have weathered and • Reduced carbon emissions Ranch’s rich legacy and conservation worn our buildings and their facilities. and increased energy and leadership, and linger in a new, well- This fall, as our anniversary gift to water conservation stocked and expanded bookstore. the community, ACR will launch an Creating a deeper experience From there, you stroll over to the organization-wide refurbishment Special projects are planned Display Hall to view newly and improvement initiative of for the Martin Griffin Preserve, refreshed exhibits and a unprecedented scope—called the Bouverie Preserve and Cypress “smart” classroom, serving over 50/Fifty Initiative—which Grove Research Center. Combined, 3,000 schoolchildren each year. will include restoration the projects will enhance visitor Then, you explore preserve trails to projects on each of understanding of the local ecology rejuvenate your soul and restore your its preserves. Each and provide a deeper appreciation of spirit by reconnecting with nature. thoughtfully the important work Audubon Canyon developed project will yield myriad Thousands of footprints Ranch conducts each and every day. benefits to the environment and the Since 1962, when Stan Picher, The 50/Fifty Initiative is a gateway communities we serve by providing: Aileen Pierson, Marty Griffin and to ACR’s next 50 years and a reminder please turn to Envisioning the Next 50 Years, page 10

Audubon Canyon Ranch founder Flora Maclise Julie Allecta David Kavanaugh acr ADvisors Leslie R. Perry George Peyton, Jr. 1st Vice President Andy Lafrenz Gerry Snedaker L. Martin Griffin, M.D. Tom Baty Helen Pratt André Brewster Amy LaGoy Betsy Stafford Emeritus Director Gordon Bennett Paul Ruby 2nd Vice President Helen McKenna Francis Toldi Len Blumin EMERITUS Jean Starkweather Diane Jacobson Valerie Merrin Barbara Winter Directors Patti Blumin Sue Stoddard Secretary Ivan Obolensky Patrick Woodworth Suzie Coleman Deborah Ablin Barbara Kosnar Judy Prokupek Nancy Young Board of Roberta Downey Richard B. Baird Treasurer Bill Richardson Directors Peter Ehrlich Nancy Barbour Directors Diana Sanson Tony Gilbert Binny Fischer Officers Amy Blackstone April Starke Slakey Jim Horan Leslie Flint Bryant Hichwa Anna-Marie Bratton Stephen Smith Alan Margolis, M.D. Robert Hahn President Sam Dakin Lowell Sykes Dan Murphy Jack Harper Jesse Grantham

STAFF Finance and Education, Julie Keating Administration Preserve Stewardship J. Scott Feierabend Development Conservation Science Weekend Program Yvonne Pierce David Greene Executive Director Didi Wilson and Habitat Protection Facilitator, MGP Executive Administrator/ Land Steward, CGRC John Petersen Director of Development John Kelly, Ph.D. Theo Michaels MGP Manager John Martin Chief Operating Officer & Communications Director of Conservation Resource Ecologist, BP Leslie Sproul Land Steward, BP Maurice A. ‘Skip’ Schwartz Trisha Fontan Science Sarah Millus Receptionist/ Tomas Ruiz Senior Advisor and Administrative Aide Sherry Adams Helen Pratt Field Biologist Office Assistant, MGP Land Steward, MIEP Executive Director Jennifer Newman Biologist & Preserve Jennifer Potts Nancy Trbovich Steve Trivelpiece Emeritus Annual Fund and Manager, MIEP & MMS Resource Ecologist, BP BP Manager Land Steward, MGP Communications Officer Emiko Condeso David Self Barbara Wechsberg, Stephen Pozsgai Ecologist/GIS Specialist Naturalist, MMS Cashier Controller Gwen Heistand Jeanne Wirka Receptionist, MGP Resident Biologist, MGP Resident Biologist, BP Raquel Ximenes Community Outreach Coordinator

Martin Griffin Preserve (MGP)• Bouverie Preserve (BP) • Cypress Grove Research Center (CGRC) Modini Ingalls Ecological Preserve (MIEP) • Mayacamas Mountains Sanctuary (MMS) Bulletin 52, Spring 2013 Page 3 50 Years and Still Gaining Ground Mayacamas Mountains Sanctuary and the Modini Ingalls Ecological Preserve Falling for ACR’s New Preserves by David Self In two short months (December or note about the preserve—and I am which drain to the Russian River near and January), my mind, eyes and heart humbled by all of these. I want to get Cloverdale, Jimtown and Healdsburg. have been captured by ACR’s newest to know the lions, bears and ranchers, Protecting Mayacamas lands preserves, the Mayacamas Mountains the robin, the eagle and birders, the These two preserves are also core to Sanctuary and the Modini Ingalls wildflowers, shrubs, trees and the 12,000 acres of contiguous habitat in Ecological Preserve. botanists. the Mayacamas Mountains protected I am mesmerized by the wild I want to the hike all of these hills through conservation easements with canyons and crags, the vistas and clouds, and canyons and hear the histories and the Sonoma County Agricultural and the mossy and lichen-crusted stories. Such a wealth from which to Preservation and Open Space District boulders that glow in the fog. learn . . . and share. (SCAPOSD), or as public land. I see barren sea-green Audubon Canyon Ranch serpentine outcrops and hear will continue collaborating with music from the riffles along Little SCAPOSD and other local Sulphur Creek. I am intrigued organizations and agencies on by the stark tree skeletons that the management, research and reach up from the site of the educational use of the preserves. 2004 Geysers Fire and are now surrounded by a riot of new trees Partnering for preservation and resprouts, some already 30 Ownership and management feet tall. of the 1,620-acre Mayacamas Mountains Sanctuary was shared Witnesses of history by National and I am dwarfed by the Audubon, with ACR providing occasional towering yellow pine Trees charred by the 2004 Geysers Fire management assistance. and Douglas fir that withstood the A sweeping vista In May 2012, title to the property Geysers Fire and date back to the 1800s, These preserves, which together was transferred to Audubon Canyon and even earlier. total over 3,000 acres, occupy steep Ranch. Everywhere I see evidence of human slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains The Madrone Audubon Society, a history, highlighting the peoples who above Highway 128 and Jimtown in Sonoma County chapter of the National were once here: proud Wappo Indians, the Alexander Valley. With spectacular Audubon Society, has provided a vital early ranchers and mercury boomtown views of the valley, Mt. Saint Helena and presence in the Mayacamas Mountains residents. A wagon road built and the Coast Ranges, this place is home to Sanctuary since 1994, and today maintained by Chinese laborers served Black Bears, Mountain Lions, Golden continues to partner with ACR to offer rugged miners of the boomtown and Eagles, several sensitive animal and plant a wonderful series of natural history carried European royalty and other species, and a host of spring wildflowers. programs each spring. wealthy patrons by stagecoach to health Habitats include a mix of grassland, spas at the Geysers. Now the road is one Reserved for science serpentine outcrops, chaparral, oak of our hiking trails. The adjoining woodland and mixed evergreen forests, Modini Ingalls Getting acquainted as well as streams, creeks and springs. Ecological Longtime neighbors, residents and The peaks, ridges, ravines and valleys Preserve is over friends, both wild and human, have here are part of three healthy watersheds, 1,500 acres of shared a bit of time or left a track, story undisturbed continues on page 4 Page 4 Audubon Canyon Ranch 50 Years and Still Gaining Ground www.egret.org

watershed, long protected by Jim and Come drive the road, but please Stay tuned! Together with the Shirley Modini, local ranchers and drive slowly and carefully—this is a Madrone Audubon Society and others, stalwart conservationists. This land is steep, rough, narrow, windy, one-lane ACR staff is organizing guided hikes dedicated to preservation and scientific country road with occasional blind and nature programs for this spring, research only, with no public access, at curves and is a very popular route for which will range from geology to the request of the Modinis. area bicyclists. wildflower photography, dragonflies, ACR has been assisting with Get oriented birding and history. We look forward management of the preserve since 2008 to exploring these dramatic wildlands For a permit to hike the sanctuary, and became the property owner in through the seasons with our new we require that you take part in an December 2012. friends in the community. access orientation session (see end of How to enjoy the preserves article for details). Offered monthly, Contact Preserve Naturalist David Self Hiking in the Mayacamas these 90-minute orientations give an at [email protected] and join the monthly Mountains Sanctuary is available overview of the preserve and Audubon email list. You’ll receive notices about upcoming through ACR’s guided programs or Canyon Ranch and how to partner with hikes, access orientation sessions, and other by permit only. But visitors can enjoy ACR. activities at the Mayacamas Mountains Sanctuary. birding and views anytime from several You’ll also learn—as visitors and pullouts along Pine Flat Road, which neighbors—to help protect the plants, David Self is ACR’s Mayacamas climbs a steep ridge through animals, history and views of this Mountains Sanctuary Naturalist the length of the Mayacamas wonderful place. Mountains Sanctuary.

Mayacamas Mountains Sanctuary Bulletin 52, Spring 2013 Page 5 50 Years and Still Gaining Ground Planned Giving at Audubon Canyon Ranch Creative Estate Planning by Yvonne Pierce Clerin “Zumie” Zumwalt, ACR’s Funds Donated to Study & first naturalist, was a Protect talented educator who ACR is honored to announce inspired hundreds of the creation of a new endowment children and adults to provide financial support for our through hands-on conservation work on Tomales Bay nature-based education and its watershed. at Audubon Canyon The endowment was used to Ranch. establish “The Fund for Scientific

Members of ACR’s Photo by Leslie Sophia Lindell Cypress Grove Research Center Research and Protection of the Clerin Zumwalt Legacy Natural Resources of Tomales Bay,” will. Her gift, which includes Circle, through creative and was created anonymously to annuities and real property, will estate planning, have given clever and honor the memory of a Marin provide ongoing financial support thoughtful gifts that honor Zumie’s County resident who had a strong for ACR’s mission work, including legacy and embrace his generous spirit. interest in natural resources, children’s education programs. These donors are helping to ensure that especially that of the California Ensuring that children have access ACR programs will continue for future herring fishery. to nature is a powerful way to inspire generations. To contribute to the Fund or them to protect our natural resources Just this past year, ACR staff was to learn about how to establish an in the future. informed of a number of inspiring honorary fund for a family member We are grateful to the members legacy gifts: or friend, contact ACR Director of the Zumwalt Legacy Circle—and • A forward-thinking couple of Development Didi Wilson at indeed all ACR supporters and included in their estate plans 415.868.9244 or [email protected]. a restricted gift for an Adult volunteers—for assisting ACR’s Education Lecture Series at the efforts to protect nature though land Martin Griffin Preserve. Their preservation, nature education and support will help us launch and conservation science. Thank you for fund this special nature education helping to inspire children and adults series for adults. to appreciate the natural world. • A generous donor honored Yvonne Pierce is ACR’s Audubon Canyon Ranch in her Executive Administrator and Martin Griffin Preserve Manager

CLERIN ZUMWALT LEGACY CIRCLE

ACR’s Clerin Zumwalt Legacy Circle honors supporters who have included Audubon Canyon Ranch in their estate plans. If you name ACR in your estate plan—at any amount—you become a member of the Clerin Zumwalt Legacy Circle. For more information, contact Didi Wilson, Director of Development and Communications, at 415.868.9244 or [email protected]. We welcome your questions.

ACR is in strict accord with the ethical guidelines of the National Planned Giving Committee. Page 6 Audubon Canyon Ranch 50 Years and Still Gaining Ground www.egret.org

Martin Griffin Preserve “I most enjoy the look on a visitor’s an adult’s discovery. Volunteering as a Ranch Guides face when they share an insight about a Ranch Guide allows me to do this . . . plant or animal that they gained while and it happens nearly every time I’m on Volunteer walking through the woods or perched the preserve.” Spotlight on an overlook with a spotting scope. ~ Amy LaGoy We asked some of our beloved A sense of wonder is a rare thing and “Ranch Guides sing the songs of Ranch Guides to muse a little it can happen as simply as seeing the the land at the Martin Griffin Preserve. about their experiences as volunteer pale blue color of an egret’s egg for the The effect on visitors feeling a part of naturalists at the Martin Griffin first time . . . or seeing creatures emerge the land here is palpable as they handle Preserve. As usually happens when from pond water under a hand lens.” a newt, discover an egret chick through someone talks about something they ~ Karen Goetz the scope, or witness the swallows love, they inspired us with their words. “Everyone, it seems, wants to get feeding their young. We are tasked with We are honored to highlight a few of kids ‘turned on’ to nature. But for me, extending the meaning of the earth we them here. the real thrill comes when I can inspire know and love. It is never a burden,

THANK YOU, ACR VOLUNTEERS! Audubon Canyon Ranch salutes the hundreds of individuals listed below for their dedication to ACR and for generously donating time and energy as Docents, Ranch Guides, Ranch Hosts, Field Biologists, Citizen Scientists, Stewards, Work Day Volunteers, Directors and Advisors. You are the backbone of this organization! For all you do, we thank you!

American Richard B. Baird Ellen Blustein Len Chapman Susan Dermody Kristine Fowler Sophia Grubb Marjorie Hollinger Conservation Ankie Bajema Virginie Boone May Chen Barbara Deutsch Inge Fraser Marjorie Jim Horan Experience Cathy Baker Janet Bosshard Dave Chenoweth Katie Dineen Stephanie Freed Guggenhime Roger Hothem Girl Scout Troop Justin Baker Georgia Bostedt Daphne Chimas Beverley Diplock Judy Freedman Phillip S. Gulley Ann Howard #10406 Ted Bakkila Donna Boyd Albert Chin Kevin Dixon Andrea Freeman Brian Gully Lisa Hug Project Sharon Bale Robin Bradford Donna Chinlund Nancy Dolphin Amy Friberg Chlele Gummer Ann Hughes ReGeneration Nancy Barbour Tom Bradner Albert Chiu Cia Donahue Alice Friedemann Brenda Gunn Don Hughes REI Jackson L. Barker Ellen Brantley Dulce Chocooj Fairfax Donovan Ruth Friedman Clare Hagen Brad Hunt Sonoma Valley Judy Barker Anna-Marie Bratton Linda Chute Leslie K. Doughty Miriam Frye Pamela Hagen Claire Hunter High School Carole Barlas André Brewster Judy Clark Wendy Doughty Dennis Fujita Julie Hahn Kenny Huo Dorothy Abbott Judy Barrie Eleanor Briccetti Kyla Clark Kayla Douglas Pamela Gach Robert E. Hahn Ryan Hurley Mary Abbott Katie Barron William Bridges Sara Clegg Roberta Downey Carol Gallivan Linn Hakala Laura Hutkins Deborah Ablin Paul Bartlome Jayne Brogan George Clyde Betty Drake Colette Gamble Alyssa Hall Sam Hutkins Sarah Abramson Patricia Barton Kayla Bronzo Mary Ann Cobb Richard Drechsler Thomas Gare Karlene Hall Lynda Hutton Nancy Abreu Molly Basset Mary Lee Bronzo Neil Cohen Judy Dugan Sharon Garell Leigh Hall Monique D. Ken Ackerman Katy Baty Bill Broughan Edris Cole Alice Dunning Laurie Gaynor Madelon Halpern Inciarte Robert Ahders Tom Baty Tish Brown Wendy Cole Susan Durham Daniel George Lauren Hammack Josy Ingersoll Joan Ann Albers Barbara Beck Janet Bruno Suzie Coleman Bob A. Dyer Sally George Don Hanahan Charlotte Irvine Bonnie Alexander Kassian Becnel Linda Buck Joan Collignon Betsy Eckstein Marjorie Gibbs Lillian Hanahan Hector Iturbe Julie Allecta Gordon Beebe Susan Bundschu Cameron Colson Bob Eggbert Ellen Gierson Sherri Hansell Jenifer G. Jackson Jane A. Allen Leslie Bellis Alan Burns Hugo Condeso Irene G. Ehret Juliet Gifford Deyea Harper Margit Jacob Jason Allen Douglas C. Bender Carol Burns Suzanne Conrad Peter Ehrlich Tony Gilbert Jack F. Harper Jennifer Jacobs Judy K. Allen Gordon Bennett Joe Burns Ben Cook David Elliott Gretchen Gillfillan Linda Harrington Joli Jacobs Kathy Allen Shelly Benson Phil Burton Glenda M. Cook Nancy Elsner Jan Gilman Roger Harshaw Diane Jacobson Linda Allen Ron Berchin Kathy Burwell Jim Cooke Bill English Mary Gleim Keiko Hase Fred Jaggi Sarah Allen Peter Bergen Kate Bystrowski Mickey Cooke Janeann Erickson Beryl Glitz Will Haymaker Joy Jamgochian Linda Alwitt Gail Berger Denise Cadman Patti Cooke Arlene Esaki Dohn Glitz Audrey Hazen Iain Jamieson Robert Alwitt Steve Berger Gayle Cahill Judith Corning Jean Espey Sally Gmelin David Heller Scott Jarvis June Ambrose Jim Berkland Nick Cain Sandy Coyle Jules Evens Karen Goetz Hugh Helm Norma Jellison Claire Ames Mary Bicknell Cathleen Cannon Patti Craves Marjorie Everidge Roberta Gold Andrea Hernandez Bobbie Jenkins Carolyn Anderson Louise Bielfelt Linda Cantel Sylvia Crawford Jeff Fairclough Warren Gold Earl Herr Charlotte Jenkins Constance Sherman Bielfelt Heather Carey Rigdon Currie Nancy Falk Thomas Goldman Logan Heyerly Michelle Jensen Anderson Marty Bigos Karen Carey Sharon Dado Mark Farmer Bill Gordon Bryant Hichwa Lorie Johns Janica Anderson Bobbi Bird Phillip Carlsen Miles Dafrato Janel Feierabend Sidney Grace Diane Hichwa Beverlee Johnson Melanie Anderson Gay Bishop Joyce Carlson Kit Daine Jane L. Ferguson Laurie Graham Adrienne Hickman Lorraine Johnson Nina Antze Laurie Bissell Rich Carlson Cheryl Dajczak Virginia Fifield Jesse Grantham John Hickman Rick Johnson Bill Arenander Bonnie Blackaller Susan Carney Sam Dakin Binny Fischer Daphne Graves Joanne Hickox Sue Johnson Janis Arendt Amy Blackstone Annie Caro Frank Dane Ruth Fisk Johann Grayson Dylan Highland Barbara Johnston Thelma L. Arlom Rose Marie Blake Jeannette Carr Justine Daniel Peggy Fledderjohn Christina Green Pat Hildreth Gloria Jones Paula Asterlind Annabel Blakey Kathy Carroll Marty Davis Mary Anne Flett Leslie Greenwood Vicky Hill Marlene Jordan Robert Aston Patty Blanton Posie Carroll Sarah Davis Leslie L. Flint Joyce Griffin Anne Hillsley Diana Jorgensen Francine Austin Dave Blomdal Ann Cassidy Peter de Jung Sam Flood L. Martin Griffin Diana B. Hindley Linda Josephs Grace Austin Diane Bloom Rudy Castillo Cheri L. Anthony Lori Griffin John Hirten Linda B. Judd John Aycock Mary Blume Linda Castrone Degenhardt Flugrad-Haley Jim Griffiths Maddie Hobart Gail Kabat Lauren Ayers Billie Blumenthal David Chalk Larry DeGrassi Christine Fontaine Paul Grindrod Joan Hoffman Cindy Kamm Sawyer Backman Leonard Blumin Leigh Anne Jody Deike Jobina Forder Ann Gronvold Philip Hoffman Chip Kaplove Norah Bain Patti Blumin Chandler Mary DeJesus Rowena Forest Daniel Grubb Walter Hoffman Judy Kaplove Bulletin 52, Spring 2013 Page 7 50 Years and Still Gaining Ground but always an honor to sing Congratulations, its song.” Graduates! ~ Connie Anderson ACR congratulates and Ranch Guides are trained welcomes the following volunteer naturalists who interpret graduates of the recent nature and answer visitors’ Martin Griffin Preserve questions at the Martin Griffin Docent Training program. Preserve. They are available Mary Blume Joan Collignon weekends and holidays from mid- Kevin Dixon March through mid-July, when Virginia Fifield Charlotte Jenkins the preserve is open to the public Karla Kelly Medea Leones to view the historic heronry, Murray Peterson explore nature and hike the trails. Ranch Guide Karen Goetz admires an Artist’s Conk fungus Jeanne Sutter Bill Wells What question will you ask when you visit?

Chris Kasman Michele Liapes Patrick Michaels Haylie O’Neal Alison Mary Seymour Michelle Stone Richard Wasson Mara Kauffman Eileen Libby Bob Milbourn Ivan Obolensky Rayner-Hooson Robin Sharp Sally Stone Karen Watkins Turk Kauffman Nancy Lilly Bill Millard Rebecca Olsen Greg Raynor Cade Sheets Kandice Strako Marilyn Watkins David Kavanaugh Erin Lingren Macell Millard Joanne Olsson Joan Regan Jody Sherrard Emilie Strauss Kathleen Watson Carole Kelleher Marcus Lipton Audrey Miller Carol Orme Jeanne Reggio Mary Lynn Shimek Morgan Streeter Penny Watson Anne Kelley Patricia List Jean Miller Jessica Orr Jeff Reichel Richard B. Shipps Tina Styles Eric Watterud Karla Kelly Dot Little Jeff Miller Donna Ortega Linda Reichel Julie Lisa Summers Lynn Webster Cole Kenkel-Danly Wayne Little Austin Missner Alec Ost Paula Reid Shoffner-McGee Jeanne Sutter Paul Webster Pamela Kerr Pattie Litton Jan Moffet Earle W. Owen Don Reinberg Robert Sholtz Lowell Sykes Kenneth Weidner Audry King Ruth Lombard Jim Moir Laura Owens Margot Reisner Alice Shultz Farhad Taleghani Judy Weiner Diana King Bert Lombino Corinne Monahan Harald Oyen Diana Rhoten Judd Simmons Nahal Taleghani Arlene Weis Douglas King Carolyn Longstreth Steve Monroe Janet Oyen Bill Richardson Meg Simonds Susan Teel Grace Wellington Emma King John Longstreth Anne Montgomery Cari Paganini Alysha Risch Jean Simpson Eric Thistle Jane Wellington Hailey King Susan Luber Kelly Moore Robert J. Parker Vicki Robinson Dolly Simunovich Ellen Thomas Bill Wells Charlie Klein Anthony Lucchesi Sienna Moreno Robert W. Parks Ann Romer Jane Sinclair Les Thompson Martha Wessitsh Anni Klose Alex Lutzow Angela Morgan Lois E. Patton Stan Roodman Paul Skaj Sue Thompson Malory Wheatley Bhavani Kludt Ramon Lutzow Susan Moritz Tony Paz Jordan Rosado Una Skelly Billie Thrower Mildie Whedon Karen Knudtsen John Lynch Ian Morrison Katherine Pearson Laura Rosas Jean Skornicka Mona Tieche Jim White Gary Kohlhaas Maureen Lynch Paul Moschetti Emily Pellish John Rosenbaum Christina Sloop Francis Toldi Tom P. White Lexi Koontz Janet Lynn Gerald Mugele Brittany Penoli John Rosenberger Elliott Smeds Gwen Toney Dave Whitridge Paul Koski Nancy MacDonald Kathy Mugele Genevieve Perdue Chris Ross Liza Smirnov Katy Tracy Dayna Wiebalk Barbara Kosnar Flora E. Maclise Dan Murphy Jay Peretz Glenda Ross Austin Smith Mike Tracy Adele Wikner Harriet L. Kostic Barbara Madick Joan Murphy Beverly Perrin Andrew Roth Daphne Smith Sara Tracy Julia Wilkinson Davis Krauter Michael Magatelli Kathleen Murphy Leslie R. Perry Ella Roth Joseph Smith Amy Trainer Don Williams Ellen Falconer Art Magill Margaret Murray Murray Peterson Barbara Rothkrug Patricia Smith Kayla Trbovich Matthew Williams Krebs Lyn Magill Lynne Myers Ray Peterson Paul J. Ruby Stephen Smith Quan Trinh Cathy Willis Jo Kreider Charlie Malicay Karen J. Nagel Margaret Petrie Marge Rudell Jan Gerrett Millie Tripp Peter Willmott Carol Kuelper Aidan Manousos Suzanna Naramore Catherine Petru Ruth Rudesill Snedaker Louise Trudeau Kate Wilson Pat LaBerge Alan J. Margolis Angela George S. Peyton DeAnn Rushall John Somers Joan Turner Kathy Wilson Norah J. Laffan Gloria Markowitz Nardo-Morgan Dominique Ellen Sabine Karen Sommer Kate Twain Ken Wilson Andrew Lafrenz Virgina Marshall James Nead Peytraud Jesse Salcedo Noellene Sommer Jim Ueda Linda Wilson Diane Lafrenz Sandra Martensen Kim Neal Marcia Phipps Maryla Salt Jackie Sones Richard Vacha Martin Wilson Amy LaGoy Charlotte Martin Susan Nelsen Bill Pierce Dianne Samples Amy Southwick Julie Vader Peter Wilson Maureen Lahiff Blanca Martinez Leonard Nelson Alison Pimentel Stacey Samuels Barbara Spangler Jan Valente Will Wilson Joan Lamphier Brayan Martinez Riva Nelson Marcy Pinetti Jeff Sanchez Sachi Spaulding Joshua Valentino David Brett Lane Citaly Martinez Susan Nestor Ann Piper Marilyn Sanders Bob Speckels Henning Van Wimpfheimer Dennis Lang Peter Mason Mary Neuer Lee Ashley Poggio Diana Sanson Linda Spence Deusen-Jensen Marilyn Winkley Freida Larson Vicki Masterson Tina Nevers Susan Poirier-Klein Tyler Sarter Robert Spofford Gerrit Van Sickle Barbara Winter Bill Laurie Dana Jean Matin Wally Neville Sarah Pola Susan B. Sue Spofford Barbara Jean Mike Witkowski Dakota Lawhorn Alicia Mayorga Birkin Newell Julia Pollock Schermerhorn Jean An Sprague Veronda Colin Wolford Robyn Lawyer Pat McCaffrey Ben Nguyen Erica Posner Richard Schiller Craig Spriggs Natalia Vicino Carol L. Wood Scott Lawyer Grace McCaull My-Lynn Nguyen Leah Post Robert Schneider Jane Spriggs Sylvia Victor Patrick Woodworth Edgar G. Lehmann Laurel McCaull Kenneth E. Niehoff Grace Pratt Craig Schorr Betsy Stafford Norma Vite Sherry Wright Lamar Leland Mark McCaustland Terry Nordbye Helen M. Pratt Theresa Schulz Jude Stalker Sasha Vitomski Cindy Young Dick Lemon Rita McClain Brenden Norris Katherine Prescott Thea Schurer Shelby Stansfield Diane Voorhoeve Karen Young Stephanie Lennox David McConnell Bill Northcoast Jason Price Karen Schwartz April Starke Slakey Gregory Vose Nancy Young Colleen Leof Alexandra Grace Noyes Susan Pridmore Decker Jean Starkweather Zac Wagner Peter Young Medea Leones McDonald Susan Nuernberg Judy Prokupek John Schwonke Cornelia Steinberg Chelsie Walker Sarah Zainfeld Robin Leong Chris McHale Tilly Nylin Lauri Puchall Maria Scott Rebecca Susan Walker Ingrid Zimmerman Anisa Lester Jeanne McHenry Jackie Maris Purvins Claire H. Seda Sterlin-Trivelpiece Varia Walle Suzanne Keith Lester Helen McKenna Nystrom-Parker Peter Pyle Matej Seda Liz Sterns Ann Walsh Zimmerman Bev Leve Ridley Patricia O’Brien Barbara Ramsey Lindsey Segbers Laurel Stevenson Tom Walsh Jill Zumwalt Jackie Lewis Ricardo Mendez Allison O’Connor Betsy Randolph Victoria Seher Susan Stoddard Christine Walwyn Loretta Zweig Karlyn Lewis Sarahi Mendez Edna O’Connor Richard Randolph Lee Seidner Serena Stoepler Chris Ward Seela Lewis Lydia Mendoza Sheila O’Donnell Raymond Rapp Charlotte Seymour Julie Stokstad Patricia Warren Elizabeth Leyvas Valerie Merrin Devon O’Meara Kevin Seymour Robert Stokstad Cara Wasden Page 8 Audubon Canyon Ranch 50 Years and Still Gaining Ground www.egret.org

Inspiration goes both ways After a nature hike at ACR’s Martin Griffin Preserve or Bouverie Preserve, as part of ACR’s Education Programs, third, fourth and fifth graders (and their teachers) often write to the docents who educated and galvanized them. Their letters and artwork are insightful, smart, humorous . . . and inspire us to do what we do. Take a peek. Bulletin 52, Spring 2013 Page 9 50 Years and Still Gaining Ground Page 10 Audubon Canyon Ranch 50 Years and Still Gaining Ground www.egret.org

continued from Envisioning the Next 50 Years, page 2 that we must conserve our properties and facilities, which are critical to FOOD, WINES AND BREWS delivering the programs that meet ourFROM SAN FRANCISCO’S FOODSHED mission. The initiative will inspire our volunteers and staff, engage our the Art of Eating donors and greatly enhance learning opportunities for children and adults alike. We invite you to participate in this bold and creative plan to help ACR chart a course for success for its nextMFK Bryant Hichwa is the President J. Scott Feierabend is 50 years. Fisheof ACR’s BoardR of Directors ACR’s Executive Director FOOD,FOOD, WINES WINES AND AND BREWS BREWS June 2, 2013 - Sunday FROMFROM SAN FRANCISCO’SSAN FRANCISCO’S FOODSHED FOODSHED embership with 12:30pm – 4:30pm M thethe Art Art of ofEating Eating The Bouverie Preserve Audubon Canyon

• Cutting edge chefs, vintners and brewers Ranch • Priceless auction items Audubon Canyon Ranch members MFKMFK and corporate sponsors think Visit www.egret.org for information globally and act locally through FFisheisheRR and tickets or call 415.868.9244 x 23 ACR’s land preservation, nature-based education and conservation science JuneJune 2, 20 2,13 20- Sunday13 - Sunday 12:30pm12:30pm – 4:30pm – 4:30pm Benefitting Education Programs of Audubon Canyon Ranch programs. Please join today, and The BouverieThe Bouverie Preserve Preserve SAVE THE DATE together we will protect wildlands in • Cutting• Cutting edge chefs,edge chefs,vintners vintners and brewers and brewers Marin and Sonoma counties. • Priceless• Priceless auction auction items itemsAudubon Canyon Ranch Call 415.868.9244 or visit Visit wwwVisit .egret.orgwww.egret.org for information for informationAppreciation Picnic www.egret.org to join. and ticketsand tickets or call or 415.868.9244 call 415.868.9244 x 23 x 23 Saturday, September 7, 2013 BenefittingBenefitting Education Education Programs Programs of Audubon of Audubon Canyon Canyon Ranch Ranch 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. We are especially grateful to ACR Corporate Sponsors ACR supporters at the Sponsor ($250) level or above and all of our volunteers should save the date for a picnic at the Cypress Grove Research Center on Tomales Bay

Stay in the Loop Get Connected Published every two months, our online newsletter brings you updates from the preserves, school group visits, latest findings from science staff, volunteer opportunities and ways to explore ACR’s nature sanctuaries. Visit www.egret.org/eNewsletter to opt in. Like us on Facebook Green Your Mailbox Join us in our continuing commitment to green practices and choose to receive the ACR Bulletin online. Let us know if you’d like to opt out of the snail mail version by calling Leslie Follow us on Twitter Sproul at ACR Headquarters at 415.868.9244. Open to the Public March 16 - July 14, 2013 Weekends and Holidays ~ 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Martin Griffin Weekdays (except Monday) ~ open by reservation – call 415.868.9244 Preserve Hike the more than eight miles of trails at ACR’s Martin Griffin Preserve. Visit the newt ponds, view the nesting Great Egrets, and enjoy the wildflowers. Knowledgeable Ranch Guides will answer your questions. Donations appreciated

Guided Nature Saturdays ~ March 9, March 23, April 20, April 27, May 4, May 11, 2013 September 21, October 12, October 26, November 9, 2013 Walks 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Bouverie Preserve Experience the beauty and rich natural history of this 535-acre preserve. Reservations required and accepted one month before each respective hike date. [email protected] or 415.868.9244 Donations appreciated

Work Day Sunday ~ March 3, 2013 – Picher Canyon 9:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., followed by lunch Martin Griffin Help with trail and library work, pulling weeds, planting native flowers or cooking lunch (ACR Preserve provides). Bring your favorite tool and gloves for outdoor projects! Registration required: [email protected] or 415.868.9244

Backyard Naturalist Saturday ~ April 6, 2013 – Wildflowers with Jeanne Wirka Series 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Geared to the adult amateur naturalist, these Saturday seminars include time in the classroom and Bouverie Preserve on the trail. One- to three-mile hike. Mildly to moderately strenuous. Bring lunch and water. Class size is limited. $25 per seminar. Discount for ACR members at Sponsor-level or above. Registration required: [email protected] or 415.868.9244

Mother’s Day Sunday ~ May 12, 2013 Barbeque Bring families and friends for a day of food and fun in Volunteer Canyon. Proceeds benefit Audubon Canyon Ranch and Marin Audubon Society education and conservation science Volunteer Canyon, programs. Call Mary Anne Cowperthwaite at 415.453.2216 for information. Space is limited. Martin Griffin RSVP by May 6. Carpooling strongly encouraged! Preserve $25, $12 children under 12. Mail your check payable to: Marin Audubon Society, 141 Oak Avenue, San Anselmo, CA 94960 or visit www.marinaudubon.org to make your reservation online.

Docent Training Training starts Wednesday, September 4, 2013 Bouverie Preserve Share your sense of wonder – become a Docent of the Bouverie Preserve. Call 707.938.4554 for more information or to sign up for an orientation.

ACR Calendar of Events Spring 2013 Spring Calendar of Events ACR Habitat Protection Stewards work intimately with the land and help with ecological & Restoration restoration projects. Bouverie Preserve: Mondays ~ 8:30 a.m. – noon Stewards Call 707.935.8417 or e-mail Jen Potts at [email protected] Martin Griffin Preserve: Thursdays ~ 9:00 a.m. – noon Call 415.868.9244 or e-mail Gwen Heistand at [email protected]

Nature Hikes Explore the rugged terrain of ACR’s newly acquired preserve, the Mayacamas Mountains Sanctuary, just east of Healdsburg. Visit www.egret.org/calendar for guided hike dates and Mayacamas permit orientation sessions. Mountains Questions? Contact David Self at 707.431.8184 or [email protected]. Sanctuary No RSVP or cost, but donations appreciated

More detail on all these nature exploration opportunities is available at www.egret.org. Audubon Canyon Ranch NONPROFIT 4900 Shoreline Highway One U.S. POSTAGE Stinson Beach, CA 94970 PAID 415.868.9244 SAN RAFAEL, CA PERMIT NO. 2 www.egret.org [email protected]

Our Mission Audubon Canyon Ranch protects nature through land preservation, nature education and conservation science.

when to visit

Cypress Grove Research Center By appointment only 415.663.8203 Bouverie Preserve See Calendar of Events inside Martin Griffin Preserve (formerly the Preserve) Mid-March to mid-July Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Weekdays by appointment only 415.868.9244 Closed Mondays Central Mayacamas Preserves Mayacamas Mountains Sanctuary See Calendar of Events inside Modini Ingalls Ecological Preserve No public access

The Audubon Canyon Ranch Bulletin is published twice yearly as a benefit to our 50 Years and Still Gaining Ground members, supporters and volunteers.

Managing Editor Jennifer Newman Edited by Bonnie Ayers Namkung Designed by Renaissance Graphic Design Cover photo: St. Helena fawn lily at Mayacamas Mountains Sanctuary Artwork throughout by student participants of ACR’s Education Programs Unless otherwise indicated, photos are property of ACR. © 2013 Audubon Canyon Ranch

Printed locally with vegetable oil-based inks, using recycled paper and fiber from a sustainable and responsibly managed forest. Inspiration from student artists, pgs. 8–9