Coming Events Trails Council

This Newsletter is Dedicated to the Memory of Al Bandel

FALL 2008

PRESIDENT’S VISION

Remembering Al By Pete Warden Appreciation of Volunteers

I’ve known Al Bandel for many years, and was Volunteers are the backbone of every organization, deeply saddened to hear he’d suddenly died Sat- and the Trails Council is living proof. When this or- urday, September 6, 2008. He was passionate ganization was started in 1972, seven people stepped up about trail work, and was an incredibly hard- to the plate and volunteered to save trails that were be- working volunteer on trails regularly putting in ing threatened. That was way before these mountains hundreds of hours a year maintaining and building were included in the Santa Monica Mountains National paths both in the Santa Monica Mountains and Recreation Area. Over the last 36 years hundreds of the Channel Islands. He not only went to most volunteers have invested themselves through their time, scheduled work days, but even organized his own their efforts, their muscles, their money, their passion expeditions out to the Islands, where he was also and their dedication to ensuring what we have today well known and well loved. will pass along to the future. Volunteers come in all I always looked forward to seeing him, such a forms – retired people with some extra time, youth live wire, always full of stories about his life both groups, individuals looking for the physical work on recent and as a young man. I particularly remem- trails, some who just want to be outdoors working lei- ber his tussles with big consumer firms where he surely, people wanting to work on trails in the company was unfailingly polite but determined to get what of others, some pushing their own envelope of physical he was promised. He never took himself seri- energy, some who want to work on a trail that they’ll ously, and loved to tell of the day he bought some later use and know that they helped maintain it, many cans of Guiness. He discovered there was some- sending donations of money to be used for tools and thing rattling at the bottom of the first can he other materials, some offering services that are suppor- drank. Worried there was a foreign object con- tive of our work, and a host of other reasons – all valid. taminating it, he phoned their customer service Volunteers give back to the community, as the say- ing goes, and they feel rewarded for doing so. We are line; and they explained that it was a widget that fortunate to have some very dedicated people volunteer- gave it an on-tap fizz. He was full of apologies ing for the Trails Council. It makes us feel good know- once he understood, but the gal on the other end ing that we are helping in some way. Our civic duty of insisted on sending him a free six-pack, no doubt protecting and assisting wherever we can, whether peo- as charmed by him as we all were! ple or resources, is important and commendable. We all Al specialized in the really heavy work, never must do our part to ensure a better place to enjoy – happier than when he was dragging a boulder into making a trail safer or longer or shorter or as a connec- place for a step, or dragging a post pounder up tion, fixing a trail with a great view or with nice water the side of a mountain to set a sign. He built trails crossings, opening up a neglected trail – and you can to last, always digging the deepest holes and find- add more reasons. ing the heaviest rocks. His specialty was creating Your involvement as a volunteer is most appreci- rock walls and steps from nearby materials. He ated and never taken for granted. It doesn’t matter (Continued on Page 2) whether you give an hour a year or hundreds of hours or whether you give money; all that you give benefits the Coming Events Trails Council. When the Trails Council benefits, so does the general public, since they use the trails that we 2008 build, repair and maintain. You are giving back so Public Lands Day — 27 September much to the community, and I thank you on behalf of SMMTC Annual Meeting — 23 October them for your generosity (Al Bandel — Continued from Page 1) BioBliz Finds Over 1,664 Species was a keen-eyed and good-natured companion, A 24-hour species inventory, BioBlitz, was always vocal, (―What did you go and do that for?‖) conducted in the Santa Monica Mountains Na- but ready to listen and compromise. tional Recreation Area on May 30 and 31, 2008, After a hard day’s work, Al loved to crack open as teams of scientists, naturalists and volunteers a bottle of wine and cook up something wonder- combed through 150,000 acres, observing and ful. He was an expert cook, and many of us had recording as many plant and animal species as the chance to enjoy the food he generously possible. At the end of the inventory, 1,664 spe- shared on trips. Liz and I learned to pack less cies had been identified. Over the coming food for ourselves on these expeditions because months, analyses will continue to identify even Al was sure to make enough for all of us. He more species from the data. would roll his eyes if he saw us heating up some- BioBlitz was organized for communities to thing pre-made. ―It only takes a minute to make learn about the biological diversity of local parks something from scratch,‖ he would tell us. and to better understand how to protect them. I’m going to miss him a lot - always friendly, Adults and children were able to join biologists in full of life, vivacious, passionate about his work in the field, participate in bona fide research expe- the wilderness – embodied with strong determina- ditions, and learn about biodiversity. tion, laughter, and a spirit of fun. Life was never This was the second of 10 annual BioBlitzes dull when Al was nearby, and everyone who knew to be held at urban national park units around him loved him. He leaves behind many friends he the country, leading up to the Park Service's cen- made through his love of the outdoors. We'll really tennial in 2016. The first was held last year at miss you, Al, but your work will live on for decades Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C. The next in the trails you saved. annual National Geographic / National Park Ser-

Goodbye, Al, we’ll miss you. vice BioBlitz partnership takes place in 2009 at Pete Warden the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. The Santa Monica Mountains BioBlitz was presented His family suggested that anyone who wants to and sponsored by National Geographic and the give something in remembrance may do so National Park Service in collaboration with Santa through SMMTC. You can donate in memory of Al Monica Mountains Conservancy and California online using your credit card on PayPal at http:// State Parks. www.smmtc.org/albandel.htm. Alternately, you may send a check to SMMTC, P.O. Box 345, Agoura Hills, CA 91376. Please note on the check TC Members Mugged by Humpback Whales that the donation is in memory of Al Bandel. SMMTC is a volunteer, tax deductible, nonprofit Enroute to Santa Cruz Island on June 10 for 501 (C) (3) charitable organization. their annual outing, Trails Council members and A memorial page is on the Trails Council website: friends were mugged by three humpback whales http://www.smmtc.org/albandel.htm. for 45 minutes. Not one person complained at the rare, closeup whale sighting. Crew members on the Island Packers’ ferry were equally enthralled by the adventure. Learn Trail Maintenance Techniques Federal laws prevent a boat from maneuvering Frank Padilla, Jr., will conduct a Basic Trail while an endangered species is close. The whales Maintenance Workshop at Malibu Creek State seemed to be as fascinated with the boat as all Park on 24 January 2009. Anyone willing to help passengers were of the experience. SMMTC’s trail maintenance effort is invited to at- After the whales allowed it to resume, the boat tend. The Trails Council will provide lunch during continued to the Prisoners Harbor landing on Santa the all-day session which includes classroom in Cruz Island where approximately 25 Trails Council the morning and trailside demonstration in the members enjoyed an interesting day of exploration, afternoon. For more information or to register, picnics, relaxing and camaraderie. please call Burt Elliott, 805-498-2475, or Jerry About 20 miles off the coast, the island is part Mitcham, 805-492-6522. of Channel Islands National Park.

2 21 Hikers Complete BBT Trek 2008 Let’s Fix Trail Problems A total of twenty-one hikers, one from Oregon A reporting system for all trail problems is be- and the rest Californians, participated in the 7th ing established. Members of the Trails Council Annual Backbone Trail Trek over a seven-day pe- and their friends and associates are requested to riod, May 3-10, 2008, in the Santa Monica Moun- report issues regarding signage, trails and other , tains National Recreation Area. About 20 volun- situations that need repair. teers coordinated the hiking portion and prepared Signs the evening meals. New sign request The Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council Repair/correction request and Coastwalk joined together for the BBT Trek Trails 2008. As in years past, this was an effective team, Brushing needed resulting in a highly successful event. Tread repair needed The hike began at the western terminus of the Erosion correction Backbone Trail in Point Mugu State Park and Removal of dangerous situation ended 65 miles later at the eastern terminus in Trailheads Will Rogers State Historic Park. Participants hiked Access improvement needed about ten miles each day and camped each night Problems may be reported to 818-222-4531 in a nearby campground. When necessary, a vehi- or via email, [email protected]. cle shuttle was provided to and from the camp- grounds. Personal camping equipment and a Over 2300 Trail Maintainance Hours ―chuck wagon‖ were transported between camp- Volunteered grounds by volunteers. As the trekkers hiked over ridges and into can- SMMTC’s 2008 February-July work season yons, some of the out-of-area hikers were sur- consisted of 47 work days — every Saturday dur- prised and delighted at the diversity of the Santa ing the period plus one Wednesday per month Monica Mountains. The group was treated with an and extra days as volunteered by several school abundance of wildflowers; and hike-leader Burt and business groups. The result of this effort is Elliott counted a total of 152 blooming species 18 trail miles in the Santa Monica Mountains re- during the week. A persistent marine layer re- stored to good condition. sulted in fog and low clouds, which restricted the Several segments of the Backbone Trail were usual spectacular views, but the hikers benefited maintained, including Musch, Ray Miller, Fossil from the resulting cool temperatures. Ridge, Old Boney, Chamberlain Rock and Saddle One of the highlights of the trek occurred on Creek. Also included in the totals were four trips Tuesday evening, an ―all you can eat‖ BBQ dinner to Santa Cruz Island, yielding a total of 16 work at the popular Calamigos Ranch. Another evening days. they were entertained by a National Park Ranger who gave an informative presentation on the local ANNUAL MEETING mountain lion tracking program. The trek con- The Trails Council Annual Dinner Meeting will be held cluded on Saturday, May 10th as the somewhat tired but proud hikers marched into Will Rogers Thursday, October 23, 2008 State Historic Park. at the home of Ruth and Grant Gerson, providing an This year's success is attributed to having opportunity to meet people who share an interest in twenty-one cheerful, conditioned and congenial trails. Members and trail enthusiasts are invited to bring hikers supported by several dedicated and enthu- their spouse and friends. Dinner is hosted by the Trails siastic volunteers. Many are looking forward to Council. BBT Trek 2009. The social hour will begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 and meeting at 7:45. Please RSVP by Monday, 20 October, to facilitate Trails Council on the Web meal planning. Call Ruth at 818-991-1236 and leave This paper won’t self-update, but our website will. your name, telephone number and how many are in www.smmtc.org your group. The Gerson’s home, Wolf Creek Ranch, is at 3450 Cornell Road, Agoura, CA 91301.

3 Business Sponsorships Welcomed PLEASE RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP FOR 2009 In the coming months we will roll-out a more for- Payments in October and later are credited to the mal approach to acquiring new business member- following year. Dues are on a calendar year basis. ships. An updated brochure will educate sponsors on Please make your check payable to SMMTC and our mission, goals, vision and the work efforts we mail it to P.O. Box 345, Agoura Hills, CA 91376. Thank you for your continued support. have made to preserve trails. We will have an array of contribution levels with accompanying recognition Name: ______certificates and plaques to honor their businesses Address: ______and to display their support for the Trails Council to City: ______ZIP ______their patrons and employees. E-mail: ______The Trails Council already has a broad member- Phone: ______ship of concerned individuals and businesses that □ Check to have newsletter sent by e-mail believe in our mission to preserve and maintain trails MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES in the Santa Monica Mountains. Although individual Individual Memberships membership has been the focus of the Trails Council, businesses have been valuable contributors as noted □ Annual Membership — $35 by the list of supporters on our web site, http:// □ Life Membership — $350* smmtc.org/supporters.htm. Contributions from these Business Memberships supporters are much appreciated, and the Trails □ Supporter — $100 Council has put their dollars to work by improving the □ Patron — $250 condition of trails, raising awareness, and acting on □ Benefactor — $500 issues with the potential to jeopardize trails. Donation $______If you have a business or know of one which has the orientation to partner with the Trails Council, * Life membership may be paid in three annual please have them contact us at [email protected], payments of $150, $100 and $100 and we will share with them the benefits of sponsor- SMMTC is a tax exempt, non-profit organization ship. under IRS code 501 (c) (3)

Trails Council and REI Host National Pub- lic Lands Day at Reagan Ranch Trails Council will join with REI for National Public Bikers, please don’t startle Lands Day at the Reagan Ranch in Malibu Creek State hikers or horses. Park on September 27. A flyer providing directions and other information can be found on the SMMTC website, www.smmtc.org/NPLD_2008_Flyer.htm. CONTACTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council Ruth Gerson Linda Palmer Mail: P.O. Box 345 President Vice President Agoura Hills, CA 91376 Georgia Farinella Michelle Kemmer Phone: 818-222-4531 Secretary Treasurer E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.smmtc.org

DIRECTORS Ruth Gerson, President Liz Baumann Lylene Sheets [email protected] — 818-991-1236

Howard Cohen George Sherman Ed Stauss, Newsletter Editor Mike Crowley Ed Stauss [email protected] — 818-883-7843