Volume 50, Number 1, 2011 www.ventana.sierraclub.org FEB, MAR, APR OUTINGS Courtship display of Great Blue Herons at Point Lobos. More photos on page 8. Michael Mitchell Michael Explore, enjoy, and protect the planet hile it is the intent of The Ventana to print articles that reflect the position of o o k e v i e w the Ventana Chapter, ideas expressed B r Win The Ventana are those of the authors and do the more than 350 species found in this re- ferent from their former homes in England not necessarily reflect the position of the Sierra markably floriferous parkland. and Louisiana, respectively. Their mastery Club. Articles, graphics, and photographs are copyrighted by the authors and artists and may Now Michael Mitchell and Rod Yeager of color photography enabled them to be reprinted only with their permission. MD have come up with a book of elegant capture not only the brilliant hues of the DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSIONS color photographs and succinct descrip- flowers but also, their distinctive diagnos- tions plus a graceful and informative text tic characteristics. The authors note that an All materials for publication must be received by the deadlines listed below. No exceptions. that includes a brief introduction to the additional purpose of the book is to serve park, a clear explanation of the structure of users “as a reminder of the beauty that they SUBMISSIONS FORMAT the plants, a logical rationale for their ar- experienced when visiting the park.” Please limit articles to 800 words; letters to 300. rangement in the book, an illustrative glos- As this issue of The Ventana goes to press, All submissions may be edited for clarity and sary, notes on use of plants by the indig- the books are expected to be available at length. Email to [email protected]. Mail hard Wildflowers of Garland Ranch copy to editor, address below. A Field Guide enous people, and a helpful index. the park and elsewhere by early March. Surprisingly, the authors are a retired For further information, please email mi- PHOTOS by Michael Mitchell and Rod Yeager MD, lawyer and a retired physician who became [email protected] or visit Dr. Yeager’s Photos submitted to The Ventana must meet the 8.5” x 5.5” spiral bound captivated by the flowers of this area, so dif- wildflower website, www.rodyeager.com. following requirements: No laser copies or inkjet outputs. Electronic photos should be no smaller reviewed by Corky Matthews than 1200 x 1100 pixels or 300 dpi. Cover photos must be 3000 x 2000 pixels. Film photos, slides, t long last a colorful handbook is Library searching for old Ventanas or negatives are fine. Please call the editor if you available that does justice to the he California State Library in Sacra- important old issues of The Ventana. have any questions. myriad wildflowers found at Gar- mento has a collection of old Venta- The Ventana Chapter of the Sierra Club WHERE TO SEND SUBMISSIONS Aland Ranch Park, the flagship of the Mon- nas. However the Library is missing was born in Ansel Adams’ living room in Send submissions to Debbie Bulger, Editor, terey Peninsula Regional Park District. Tsome old issues. Recently your editor was March, 1963. The newsletter began in 1603 King Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, Drawing hikers, horseback riders, bicy- able to fill in some of the gaps with issues April of that year. The second issue of the [email protected]. clists, and natural history buffs from a wide generously donated by long time member newsletter was called The Ventana Cone. CHANGE OF ADDRESS area, this Carmel Valley park has never had and former Ventana editor, Corky Mat- The first issue may not have had a formal Do not call editor! Send address changes to: a compact plant reference work usable by thews. The Library is still missing issues name. By its third issue, the newsletter was [email protected] or use the mail-in both beginners and more advanced plant prior to September 1968. called by its present name, The Ventana. coupon in each issue. enthusiasts—until now. Are these issues hiding in one of your file If you have any of the first issues of The POSTAL NOTICE Over the years dozens of field trips by cabinets or in your closet? Ventana from 1968 or older, send them The Ventana (015057) is published 6 times a members of the Monterey Bay Chapter of Please take a moment to check your files to the editor, Debbie Bulger, 1603 King year, (Feb., Apr., Jun., Aug., Oct., Dec.) paid by the California Native Plant Society and the or your parents’ files for these historically Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. subscription included in membership fee, by The Sierra Club have resulted in a lengthy Gar- Ventana Chapter of the Sierra Club, 511 River land Park plant list primarily authored by Street, Santa Cruz, 95060. Periodical postage the late Dr. Jim Griffin, director of UC’s paid Santa Cruz, CA and at additional mailing Hastings Reservation in upper Carmel Val- offices. r o m t h e d i t o r Postmaster: Send address changes to Sierra Club, ley, and Lee Dittman, an early Park District F e The Ventana, P.O. Box 604, Santa Cruz, CA employee and CNPS volunteer. But there 95061-0604. has never been a book devoted to helping Let’s work together Editor: the typical flower-loving visitor identify t is certainly welcome news that Coun- grades. A long discussed bike and pedes- Debbie Bulger, [email protected], ty ownership of the Santa Cruz Branch trian trail alongside the tracks can create an Production: Wilderness First Aid offered Rail Line has finally chugged its way easy, safe route to 14 schools nearby. Other Debbie Bulger, Vivian Larkins, Dale Nutley Iinto the heart of Santa Cruz. And to think communities have these trails, why not us? Writers: two-day Wilderness First Aid class Debbie Bulger, Sarah Rabkin, it took only 20 years. Back in 1990 when Parts of such a trail could become sec- Kevin Collins, Corky Matthews will be held March 5-6 sponsored State and County voters approved the Prop tions of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Sce- Photographers: by the Monterey Peninsula Regional 116 funds needed for the rail right of way nic Trail, a long-planned coastal bike and Michael Mitchell, Vivienne Orgel, APark District. The Sierra Club has offered purchase, who would have predicted the pedestrian way ringing the Bay and provid- Myrna Hampton, Joan Jones Holtz, to pay the course fee for Club hike leaders. process would take so long and end with ing access to unparalleled bird watching, Debbie Bulger, Steve Shimek, Ventana staff Wilderness medicine, sound judgment, Proofreaders: hold-your-breath theatrics at the last pos- inspiring views, as well as a travel connec- Jeff Alford, Robin Drury decision making and leadership skills will sible minute for the deal to be approved? tion to Monterey. Charles Koester, be taught in a series of interactive lessons But it’s done. The Santa Cruz Regional Many people of various political persua- Distribution: and scenarios. Topics include patient as- Transportation Commission is completing sions came together to achieve this victory. Keith Wood, Esperanza Hernandez, sessment, trauma, medical and environ- the purchase of the most important trans- Supporters of the acquisition included Beth Lilienthal, Debbie Bulger mental emergencies. Participants will earn Advertising Sales: portation and recreation corridor in the Representative Sam Farr, State Senator Joe Debbie Bulger Heartsaver CPR and Wilderness First-Aid County remaining in private hands. The Simitian, Assemblymember Bill Monning, Carpentry & Software: certificates. Instructor: Backcountry Medi- possibilities are mindboggling. the Chamber of Commerce and the Sierra Anonymous cal Guides. The rail line runs for 32 miles from Dav- Club, the Community Traffic Safety Coali- Chapter website: Classes are on March 5 and 6 from 8:00 http://ventana.sierraclub.org enport to the county line south of Watson- tion and City Councils, Friends of the Rail a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day at the Garland ville. While recreational uses such as the Trail and cycling organizations, and many Ranch Regional Park Museum, Carmel planned dinner train will attract tourists other groups and individuals. Valley. Costs are $125 for district residents and locals in the short run, the longer term Each saw something they wanted. Bet- 2011 and $138 for non residents. Participants possibilities are nothing short of revolu- ter transportation choices, safe routes to Ventana Publication Schedule must be 16 years old or older. To register tionary. school, improved public health, business Issue Deadline Mailing Date visit www.mprpd.org or call 372-3196 x 3. In the future we could see a light rail opportunities, and tourist revenues. And #2 Apr 4 Apr 20 shuttle between Santa Cruz and Watson- they successfully worked together to get it. #3 Jun 6 Jun 22 ville, a train link to the Pajaro Station in With the purchase of the rail right of #4 Jul 25 Aug 10 To change address by email: #5 Sept 26 Oct 12 Monterey County with connections to Gil- way, we now have the opportunity to work #6 Nov 28 Dec 14 [email protected] roy, San Jose, and San Francisco. Or pos- together to get a bikeway built on a route Membership inquiries: sibly PRT (Personal Rapid Transit) above we can all agree on. Articles received after deadline [email protected] and a bike/pedestrian trail below. Let’s do it. may not be published. Best of all, the rail corridor is basically —Debbie Bulger level with trestles that eliminate steep 2 The ierraS Club 1 Ventana Chapter, Volume 50, Number 1, 2011 Printed on recycled paper l e t t e r s Proposed Carmel development to ax 104 large trees Th eVentana welcomes letters Send to: uppose that one day you woke up LETTERS TO THE EDITOR to fi nd a sleepy little business on the Th e Ventana, 1603 King Street, edge of your quiet residential neigh- Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Sborhood could be turned into 46 towering email: [email protected] condominiums! Please include a phone number An upstate New York developer called with your letter.