Au d u b o n Ca n y o n Ra n c h

Number 43 bulletin Fall 2008

Home to Endangered Species Ca l i f o r n i a Ve r n a l Po o l s by Sherry Adams

everal years ago when I challenging environment. Plants grow quickly accepted my first job working and produce seeds prolifically. Animals either in vernal pools, I leave the habitat in summer (as with amphib- wasS nervous: I had just committed to ians), or they have a drought resistant stage spending many weeks in the hot sun in their lifecycle. The tiny freshwater shrimp of a grassland studying plants. Soon, that inhabit vernal pools spend the summer as At 1½ inches I would discover that being surrounded by tiny, cysts — embryos in a sort of ‘arrested develop- tall, dwarf colorful, densely packed wildflowers in bloom ment’ phase, encased in tiny hard shells, waiting downingia would prove to be one of the most magnificent for the winter rains. Waterfowl are also an towers over experiences of my life. important part of the system. When they visit dwarf woolly Stunning flowers are just the beginning. vernal pools, they move around plant seeds and marbles. There are also solitary ground-nesting bees that shrimp, organisms which would not otherwise ACR PHOTO specialize in pollinating one type of flower, be able to move from pool to pool. shrimp the size of ladybugs with 11 pairs of legs > Please turn to Vernal Pools, page 4

that swim on their backs, and predatory beetle The endangered larvae that troll the waters. Welcome to the native flower surreal world of California vernal pools. Sonoma Vernal pools are spots in grasslands where sunshine growing rainwater collects because of bedrock or clay at the Bouverie soils, creating a seasonal wetland. California’s Preserve winter rains fill the small pools or interconnected ACR PHOTO swales, and with the onset of the dry season in spring, they become completely desiccated. While this environment may be tough for the human huddled under a wide-brimmed summer hat or slogging in rubber rain gear, vernal pool species are specially adapted to this Page 2

A Note from the President of the Board Audubon Canyon Ranch Co n s e r v a t i o n Sc i e n c e a t Au d u b o n Ca n y o n Ra n c h Board of Directors by Bryant Hichwa Officers Bryant Hichwa, President Audubon Canyon Ranch’s mission includes Dr. John Kelly, Director of Conservation Joan Lamphier, Vi c e Pr e s i d e n t the preservation of environmentally-sensitive Science and Habitat Protection, says that Andy Lafrenz, Se c r e t a r y lands in Sonoma and Marin counties. As part the strength of the Audubon Canyon Ranch Directors of ACR efforts at the and science team is that we are “a locally-invested, Leonard Blumin Tom Bradner Bouverie preserves, we have world-recognized agile organization. When we encounter an Mary Ann Cobb environmental education programs for children environmental issue, we can adjust our priori- Suzie Coleman Sam Dakin (through school field ties and work it out. We Roberta Downey Leslie Flint trips), young adults are stewards of the land Christina Green Diane Jacobson (through Bouverie’s over the long term.” ACR’s Joshua Levine Valerie Merrin Juniper Program), and locally-driven research, Dan Murphy Ivan Obolensky adults (through volun- the studies of various Alan Pabst Judy Prokupek teer training programs, ecosystems, can be and is Bill Richardson Paul Ruby which offer continuing applied globally. Rich Schiller April Starke Slakey lifelong learning op- Among the current Jean Starkweather portunities). Perhaps projects of the conserva- Sue Stoddard Lowell Sykes you support these tion science program Francis Toldi Patrick Woodworth education programs as is the Four Canyons Nancy Young a volunteer or through Restoration Project at the EMERITUS Directors Deborah Ablin financial donations, Bolinas Lagoon Preserve. Richard B. Baird Nancy Barbour such as with the A thorough study of the L. Martin Griffin, M.D., Founder Partners in Education native and non-native Jack Harper Flora Maclise donor circle. plant species allowed ACR George Peyton, Jr. The preservation scientists to create a restora- Helen Pratt and education pro- tion plan to return these ADVISORS A coast live oak acorn sprouts in the Bolinas Julie Allecta grams represent two seg- Lagoon Preserve native plant nursery. areas to native vegetation. Ruth Baillie Tom Baty ments of the Audubon Photo: Denise Della Santina We are in the midst of Gordon Bennett Patti Blumin Canyon Ranch mission. this project. Last fall and Noelle Bon Stephen Colwell Additionally, ACR staff biologists are known spring, seeds from native plants were collected, Hugh Cotter Phyllis Ellman nationwide for their excellence in conservation and a native plant propagation program and Binny Fischer James Gallagher, Ph.D. science research. They provide the stewardship plant nursery was built. Over the last six Tony Gilbert Carol Guerrero of the preserves through a scientific approach months, these plant species have been culti- Robert Hahn to conservation. Their expertise ranges from vated by a team of scientists and volunteers. Jim Horan Alan Margolis, M.D. wetlands ecology, wetland birds, various We are now poised to begin the revegetation Leslie R. Perry Marty Rosen grass habitats, and the general ecology of process at the beginning of the rainy season Gerry Snedaker Betsy Stafford Northern California. this fall. Brian Wittenkeller Robert Yanagida > Please turn to Conservation Science, page 5 Bulletin 43, Fall 2008 Page 3

A Note from the Executive Director STAFF Lo o k i n g Fo r w a r d a t Au d u b o n Ca n y o n Ra n c h Maurice A. “Skip” Schwartz, Executive Director by Skip Schwartz John Petersen, Associate Director

Ed u c a t i o n , Co n s e r v a t i o n Sc i e n c e In the early years (1960s), Audubon Canyon In addition to acquiring exquisite preserve a n d Ha b i t a t Pr o t e c t i o n Ranch focused primarily on buying and pre- lands to protect and to use as a natural John Kelly, Ph.D., Director of Conservation serving lands and strategic habitat to protect classroom, Audubon Canyon Ranch realized Science & Habitat Protection the nesting colony of Great Blue Herons and that in order to manage these 2,000 acres Sherry Adams, HPR Project Leader, BP Great Egrets at the Bolinas Lagoon Preserve, well and wisely for the benefit of native plants Emiko Condeso, Research Coordinator including important habitat in and around and animals, we would need to strengthen Denise Della Santina, HPR Project Leader, Bolinas Lagoon. our science program to Marin Dan Gluesenkamp, Ph.D., In the 1970s, ACR inform us and provide Director, Habitat Protection & Restoration began to acquire lands in us with good informa- Gwen Heistand, order to protect wetlands tion to develop best Resident Biologist, BLP/Co-Director of and important habitat in practices. Now, as we Education Claire Hutkins Seda, the area, move forward, Audubon Weekend Program Facilitator, BLP including the Cypress Canyon Ranch has Christine Rothenbach, Helen Pratt Research Grove Research Center. established a conservation Fellow Jeanne Wirka, In the 1980s, ACR science program that Resident Biologist, BP/Co-Director of worked to protect 500 is providing excellent Education acres of beautiful lands research in the field of Pr e s e r v e St e w a r d s h i p Bill Arthur, at the Bouverie Preserve resource ecology, as well Land Steward, BLP David Greene, in Sonoma’s Valley as a restoration program Land Steward, CGRC John Martin, of the Moon. for the areas of our Land Steward, BP Audubon Canyon preserve lands that have Matej Seda, Maintenance Ranch also felt a great been damaged by human Assistant, BLP Administration responsibility to the activities and/or invasive Yvonne Pierce, community to use these plant and animal species. Administrative Looking west from the protected hills of the Director/BLP Manager lands wisely – first as a sanc- As we look forward, Suzanna Naramore, Bolinas Lagoon Preserve Administrative tuary for native plants and Photo: Wyn Hoag we want to enrich each Assistant, BLP Leslie Sproul, animals and then, where of these programs with Receptionist/Office Assistant, BLP appropriate, ACR developed an award-winning the lessons learned from the others and from Nancy Trbovich, Administrative education program that is recognized interna- our community. For example, ACR’s education Coordinator, BP Barbara Wechsberg, tionally and continues with great enthusiasm as programs are dependent on a highly trained, Cashier/Receptionist of this writing. ACR follows a lifelong learning committed volunteer corps of docents, guides Fi n a n c e a n d De v e l o p m e n t Cassie Gruenstein, model of adult education and also provides an and junior naturalists to bring ACR educa- Director of Development & Communications excellent hands-on program at no charge for tion programs to the community. The ACR Jennifer Newman, Development Manager schoolchildren – a real experience in nature, Conservation Science program has a Heron and Stephen Pozsgai, within a science matrix. Egret Project that also relies on a network of Controller BLP Bolinas Lagoon Preserve BP Bouverie Preserve CGRC Cypress Grove Research Center > Please turn to Looking Forward, page 5 Page 4 Audubon Canyon Ranch

vernal pools from page 1

Dwarf downingia growing in a recently burned portion of the Bouverie Preserve

ACR Photo

These fascinating little plants and animals out many of our California native plant species. are only one part of the story; vernal pools are a Resulting is the opportunity for some unex- habitat in peril. You likely know of endangered pected but very productive partnerships between species and some of the factors that caused the ranchers and conservationists to simultaneously decline of grizzly bears or California condors, protect this habitat and sustain cattle ranching for example. Think now of what might make a in California. habitat threatened. California vernal pools are At ACR’s Bouverie Preserve in Sonoma found in valleys — fairly flat locations, easily Valley, we have promoted many collaborative accessed — just the sort of spot where we put efforts to protect vernal pools and the world our cities, towns, farms and vineyards. As a of tiny organisms that rely on them. As a part result, more than 80 percent of California vernal of our prescribed grazing program, our vernal pools are already gone, and more continue to pool grassland is lightly grazed for three months be destroyed. out of the year by a local rancher. With financial California vernal pools are also the site of support from ACR Partners in Conservation, some of the most inspiring stories of conserva- the Community Foundation Sonoma County, tion collaboration anywhere. One thing we and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we have have learned in the last 10 years is that cattle been working to provide one of the few refuges grazing, when done in a controlled fashion, is an to the endangered vernal pool plant Sonoma important part of keeping vernal pool grasslands sunshine, a tiny sunflower found only in a healthy, since cattle specialize in eating the fast handful of locations in Sonoma County. growing grasses introduced from Europe. These One thing we have learned at Audubon grasses were brought here accidentally or sewn Canyon Ranch is that conservation must for forage in decades past and now often choke > Please turn to Vernal Pools, page 6 Bulletin 43, Fall 2008 Page 5

Conservation Science from page 2 The lessons learned through these scientific Plant with the Bouverie Stewards, who you studies are shared openly in local forums, as well can learn more about in Sherry Adams’ article as national peer reviewed journals. We work on in this Bulletin. local small scale projects, done with the very Aside from these fantastic volunteer opportuni- best conservation science methodology. The ties, we hope you will support ACR’s restoration applicability of these scientific studies to the ecology and conservation science projects with “landscape” or regional scale has been shown a generous donation by joining the Partners in to be an effective and economical means to Conservation donor circle. predict what will happen in larger ecosystems. Your participation is important and makes We want to encourage you to get involved a difference. with ACR’s conservation science programs. Bryant Hichwa is ACR’s Board President. Opportunities abound. Become a citizen sci- entist with the Heron and Egret Project, which studies the nesting success of heron and egret colonies over the entire North Bay. Join the restoration team under Dr. Dan Gluesenkamp on the Four Canyons Restoration Project. Get involved in fire ecology studies with Bouverie Preserve’s Resident Biologist Jeanne Wirka.

Looking Forward from page 3 volunteers to census the status of nesting colo- monitor and restore damaged habitat. Many nies throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. ACR volunteers are shared between these pro- The ACR Habitat Protection and Restoration grams. Good conservation science shapes and program takes advantage of the many willing informs program content, goals and methods. hands of our restoration volunteers to help It gives me great pleasure as executive director to see the enthusiasm and mutual enrichment generated by the interplay of professional staff and volunteers working in Education, Con- servation Science and Habitat Restoration and Protection at Audubon Canyon Ranch. Please remain active in or consider joining an ACR volunteer group, and I hope to see you out at the Ranch.

DRAWINGs: Ane carla rovetta Skip Schwartz is ACR’s Executive Director. Page 6 Audubon Canyon Ranch

vernal pools from page 4 happen at multiple levels simultaneously to be successful. That means that though it is impor- tant to work on conserving Sonoma sunshine on the 500 acres of the Bouverie Preserve, it is not enough. We must partner with different organizations in Sonoma County working to preserve vernal pools if we hope to provide protection for this habitat. Accordingly, ACR volunteers, crucial collaborators in conservation, Bouverie Preserve science staff has been active got hundreds of propagated plants into the ground on in a regional vernal pool network and hosted a rainy day in January. Photo: Denise Della Santina an acclaimed vernal pool symposium in 2007. When the invasive medusahead grass threatened If you visit a California vernal pool this fall, our vernal pool grassland, through collaboration you will see a dry depression in a grassland. Look with the local CAL FIRE station we used one a little closer and you will see the little dried up of the most effective eradication tools know parts of wildflowers and the cysts of freshwater for this species: fire. shrimp. Once you get to know this habitat, you Audubon Canyon Ranch volunteers are crucial will realize there is much more going on here collaborators in conservation, providing critical than meets the eye. It is in these little depres- help to save these and other habitats. From the sions that a bevy of plants and animals found vernal pool project’s beginning, volunteers have nowhere else on earth live their entire lives and been involved in vernal pool conservation — important partnerships are forged, which make through the weekly Bouverie Stewards group, as conservation possible in California grasslands. well as with the stalwart help of work day vol- Sherry Adams is ACR’s Habitat Protection unteers, who got hundreds of propagated plants and Restoration Project Leader for into the ground on a rainy day last winter. the Bouverie Preserve.

Sonoma sunshine, dwarf woolly marbles, dwarf downingia, popcorn flower and hedge-hyssop at the Bouverie Preserve

ACR PHOTO Bulletin 43, Fall 2008 Page 7

Ca r o l y n Ti m m i n s c r e a t e s l a s t i n g l e g a c y a n d i s r e m e m b e r e d f o n d l y a t ACR by Phil Murphy Carolyn Timmins, a longtime Audubon Docent.” Carolyn recently also trained as an Canyon Ranch docent who died at her Green- ACR Ranch Guide. brae home February 13, 2008, at the age of 73, Carolyn’s brother Richard Colby, a retired has remembered ACR in her estate plan with a journalist living in Portland, Oregon, said that $300,000 bequest from her IRA. Carolyn, a native of Oregon, loved Marin Former ACR Board President and current County. “She stayed close to home and was Director and Ranch Guide Sue Stoddard active in the community,” he said. Besides ACR, recalled receiving a handwritten note from she supported the Marin Agricultural Land Carolyn after an article on the Stoddard IRA Trust, Hospice By The Bay, and the San Fran- commitment to ACR appeared cisco Symphony and Opera. in a past Bulletin. An IRA distribution at death “Who sends handwritten to charity is considered a tax-wise notes anymore?” Sue said. “That strategy, since such distributions was the sort of person Carolyn avoid both estate tax and income was. I was very touched.” tax. Those taxes can in some Sue and Carolyn first met as cases reduce an IRA’s value as Marin Environmental Forum much as 60%. XVII classmates studying “It’s also simple to do and easy Coast live oak environmental awareness and leaves and to distribute,” Sue said. “I think advocacy. The Forum numbers acorns. that appealed to Carolyn. I know ACR founder Marty Griffin, drawing: it appealed to me.” Ane Carla Rovetta Senator Barbara Boxer and Carolyn Timmins was a Marin Agricultural Land Trust member of ACR’s Clerin Zumwalt founder Phyllis Faber among its founders and Legacy Circle, which honors those who have early graduates. “I still remember the presenta- included ACR in their estate plans, and she tion Carolyn made on the great tradition of attended its annual luncheons over the years. women environmentalists in Marin as part Audubon Canyon Ranch is deeply grateful of her training,” Sue recalled. for Carolyn’s generous bequest. One training day they visited Audubon For information on the Clerin Zumwalt Canyon Ranch where they met Executive Legacy Circle, contact Cassie Gruenstein, ACR Director Skip Schwartz, ACR’s first naturalist Director of Development and Communications, Clerin Zumwalt, and former ACR naturalist/ at 415-868-9244 ext. 13 or at [email protected]. entomologist Ray Peterson. “As a result of that Phil Murphy is ACR’s planned giving specialist. visit,” Sue said, “I became a Ranch Guide and Carolyn became a Bolinas Lagoon Preserve Page 8 Audubon Canyon Ranch

Distinguished Benefactors ($100,000 +) The generosity of Audubon Canyon Ranch supporters makes it possible to Estate of Carolyn Timmins continue our mission of nature preservation, education, and research. We Major Benefactors thank all the individuals and organizations who contributed during this ($50,000 – 99,999) last fiscal year (July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008). A permanent list of donors Frank A. Campini Foundation whose cumulative gifts are $5,000 or more—ACR’s Grove of Honor—is Benefactors ($25,000 – 49,999) located in the display hall at Bolinas Lagoon Preserve. Estate of Georgiana De Ropp Ducas The Marin Community Foundation Laurie Lewis John & Carolyn Longstreth Nancy Kent Danielson Paul & Barbara Licht L. G. & Flora Maclise John Daugherty & Jeanie Ahn Patrons Alan Margolis Art & Lyn Magill Ann & Ken Davis ($15,000 – 24,999) Marin Audubon Society Linda Marshik Patricia Donchin Anonymous Dorothy C. Martin Virginia Martin Sheldon P. Donig & Steven R. Chris & Bob Hunter, Jr. Valerie Merrin & Bill Deyo Don & Mara Melandry Dehart Carolyn Moore on behalf of National Semiconductor on Dan Melvin Wendy & John Doughty The George L. Shields behalf of Bruce Roberts Mill Valley Market Empire Waste Management Foundation Edna O’Connor Jane Miller Sharon Enright The John A. Sellon Trust Alan & Virginia Pabst John Odell Katie & Serge Etienne Diane E. Parish & Paul Gelburd George S. Peyton, Jr. Bill & Gisela Evitt Leading Sponsors Lewis & Joanna Picher Tim & Pat Preston Carolyn M. Farren ($5,000 – 14,999) Estate of Jane M. Fehrensen Judy Prokupek Francoise Fleishhacker Arthur & Deborah Ablin Jeanne Price Patricia M. Ramey Mark Forney Bishop Pine Fund Margaret Saulsberry Bill & Betty Rhoades Ellen Gilkerson Sheila & Francois Brutsch The Upjohn California Fund Ron Rosano & Susan Morrow Marya Glass & Geof Syphers Community Foundation Westminster Presbyterian Church Neil Rudolph & Susan Cluff Jill & Rocky Hammond Sonoma County Ted & Lisa Williams Phyllis Schmitt Harvey & Judy Heikel Jan & Louis Lee Richard Shiffrin Diane Holycross Outrageous Foundation Sponsors Marion & Willis Slusser Mark Jackson & Esperanza Estate of William Stanton Picher ($500 – 999) Lisa Teot Uruena Kenneth & Marjorie Sauer Anonymous Petaluma Rotary Club Don & Louise Johnston The San Francisco Foundation Gayle A. Anderson Peter & Nancy Young Dr. Nancy Olmsted Kaehr Joel Toste The Barth Foundation Sue Zimmerman & Mr. Michael Kaehr Leonard & Patti Blumin Nathan Kaufman & Lynn Franco Major Sponsors Bolinas Community Friends Andy & Diane Lafrenz ($1,000 – 4,999) Roy Bouque ($250 – 499) Lam Research Corporate Anonymous Tom Bradner Christopher & Jane Adams Community Affairs Julie Allecta Brian Cluer Robert & Linda Alwitt Kit & George Lee Donald & Nancy Barbour Nancy & Dale Cox Richard Baird Eileen & Gordon Libby Barbara R. Barkovich Elizabeth Crispin Julie Barney Stephanie & William MacColl Jobst Brandt Barbara E. Dittmann Lorraine Bazan Donna Maier Estate of Mary Bresler John & Betty Edwards Kate Bordisso & Ken Schwartz G. Steven & Gail Martin Helen Cahill Emergency Management Jerry & Lynnette Bourne Alice T. May Johnna Coats & Safety Solutions La Dolce V Fine Chocolates Julian & Charlene McCaull Mary Ann Cobb & Peter Wilson Joan Finkle Patricia Brennan George & Marie McKinney Duncan Dwelle Robert Glauz Bunker & Company Purple Lady/Barbara J. Meislin Binny & Chuck Fischer Susan Gray Elizabeth Burridge Fund Kristina Flanagan Robert E. & Julie M. Hahn Peter & Eugenia Caldwell Anna H. Meyer Leslie L. Flint Gerald & Madelon Halpern Linda & Stephen Cederborg Ross & Jess Millikan James J. Gallagher Family Fund Jack F. & Deyea Harper Dave & Margaret Chenoweth Mission Avenue School Tony Gilbert & Laurel Wroten Jan Harrelson Earl & Sue Cohen David Morell Tony & Caroline Grant Jake & Kim Hobson Frank Colin Dan & Joan Murphy John Gruenstein & Carolyn Alan Humphrey & Eleanor Boba Anthony & Robyn Contini Mary Belle O’Brien Buffington James & Rosemary Jepson Hugh Cotter & Susan Coghlan Phillip & Naomi Holm Mike & Carol Katz Susan H. Hossfeld The Keon-Vitale Family Dwight L. Johnson Peter & Annette Kerner ACR keeps careful records of every contribution we receive. We regret that limited Kern Family Fund of the Harriet & Tom Kostic space makes it impossible to publish the name of every donor. In case of errors and San Francisco Foundation Everdina Lampe omissions, we apologize and ask that you contact us with corrections. Bulletin 43, Fall 2008 Page 9

PG&E Corporation Campaign for the Community friends of bouverie Kevin & Nancy Padian Kirk Pessner & Russ Miller Friends of Bouverie make a special annual contribution of $500 Ryan & Stewart Phelan or more to support the programs of the Bouverie Preserve. Christine Pielenz & William Laven Bill & Yvonne Pierce Julia Pollock Trillium Woodland Star Marian Kirby Sausalito Woman’s Club ($5,000+) ($1,000 – 2,499) Gaye & John LeBaron Joyce Schnobrich John & Ruth Baillie Julie Allecta Al & Jane Milotich Maria & David Scott Estate of David Pleydell Dorcas Allison Karen & Ted Nagel Maggie & Contee Seely Bouverie Atwood Ranch Robert & Agnes Perry Lee Seidner Josephine Lawrence Phillip & Naomi Holm Frank & Anna Pope Elizabeth & Frank Smith Hopkins Foundation Ellie Insley Linda & Jeff Reichel Robert Smith & Janet Huseby Jane Sinclair Messing Family Charitable John & Dianne Samples Nicki & Tom Spillane Jan Gerrett Snedaker Foundation Marilyn & Don Sanders Craig & Jane Spriggs & Diane Krause Mid & Cissie O’Brien Diana Sanson April Starke Slakey Heidi Stewart & John Noellene & Michael Joan Steinberg Diogenes Lantern Weinstein Sommer Susan Stoddard ($2,500 – 4,999) Deborah & Joe Votek Natsu Ota Taylor Lenore & Howard Klein Sky Lupine Don & Annette Wild Ruth & Alan Tobey Foundation ($500 – 999) Courtenay R. Wood Francis & Leigh Toldi Lisa Salamone & Tony Robert & Michelle Friend & H. Noel Jackson, Jr. Peter John Watkins Pisacane Foundation Whole Foods Market Glenda & Harold Ross Jack F. & Deyea Harper Diana Woehle Bryant & Diane Hichwa Patrick Woodworth & Lee Brewster Diana Hindley Lyle & Timathea Workman

Partners in Conservation Partners in Education ACR’s Partners in Conservation directly support Audubon Canyon Ranch Partners in Education make exciting conservation science and habitat protection an annual commitment of $5,000 or more to directly work being conducted on ACR’s 2,000 acres of protected support ACR’s environmental education programs. wildlands in Marin and Sonoma counties. With gifts of $5,000 or more annually, Partners in Conservation $10,000 + Corporate Partners are helping ACR scientists provide solutions to regional Tommy F. Angell in Education problems in conservation biology that affect the Suzie Coleman Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & ecological landscapes in central coastal California. Fullerton Family Foundation Walker of the Marin Community Foundation $25,000 + $5,000 - 9,999 John Osterweis & Dennis & Carol Ann Rockey Julie Allecta Barbara Ravizza Osterweis Fund of the Marin John & Ruth Baillie Community Foundation Roberta & Paul Downey $5,000 - 9,999 The Dean Witter Foundation Robert J. & Helen H. Glaser Family Foundation Shirley & Peter Bogardus Charles Greshamengelberg Jane & Douglas Ferguson Corporate Partners Friends & Family of Robert & Michelle Friend

in conservation Barbara Hammond Foundation rov e tta L. Martin Griffin, Jr., M.D. Wilbur Ellis Company Matthews Family Trust Jean Starkweather & Family Quigley/Hiltner Fund of the San Francisco Foundation A n e carla Chris & Bob Hunter, Jr. Page 10 Audubon Canyon Ranch Ca l e n d a r o f Ev e n t s

Trail Day at the Fall & SPRING Work Days Guided Nature Walks Bouverie Preserve Bolinas Lagoon Preserve Bouverie Preserve Monday, September 15, 2008 Saturday, October 4, 2008 – Saturdays, Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and 8, 2008 8:30 a.m. to noon Volunteer Canyon March 14, April 4 and 18, May 2, 9 You are invited to join Bouverie Stewards Sunday, March 1, 2009 – and 16, 2009 and other restoration volunteers for Trail Picher Canyon 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Day at the Bouverie Preserve in Glen 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Here’s your chance to experience the Ellen. We will prepare the hiking trails 1:00 p.m. LUNCH beauty and rich natural history of of this 535-acre nature preserve for Help us with trail work, library work, this 500-acre Preserve. Our half-day the coming season of school field trips. pulling weeds, planting native flowers guided nature walks are on Saturdays Join us for a fun and active morning or cooking the lunch (we provide). throughout fall and spring. We will begin of clipping, lopping and other trail Bring your favorite tool and gloves accepting reservations a month before maintenance tasks. Long sleeves and for outdoor projects! each respective hike date. To make a long pants recommended due to poison Email [email protected] or call reservation, email [email protected] or oak in some locations. 415/868-9244 to register. call 707/938-4554. Space is limited to 25 volunteers Free, but please e-mail or call to register so No charge but donations appreciated. RSVP to [email protected] or 707/938-4554. we can plan on enough food! Docent Council of Bouverie Preserve ACR Staff ACR Staff Tomales Bay Open House at the Under the Heronry Waterbird Survey Bouverie Preserve Bolinas Lagoon Preserve Saturday, December 20, 2008 Saturday, September 27, 2008 Saturday, October 25 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m. social, 10:00 am start, Since 1989, teams of 12 to 15 volunteer Explorers of all ages welcome! ends at noon observers have conducted winter Take a short walk (approximately 45 Join former Bolinas Lagoon Preserve waterbird censuses from survey boats minutes) on the trails of this 535-acre Resident Biologist Ray Peterson, for an on Tomales Bay though ACR’s Cypress preserve with a trained volunteer. (Last exploration Under the Heronry at Bolinas Grove Research Center. The results hike of the day is at 1:15 pm) Wander Lagoon Preserve. You’ll be able to see the provide information on habitat values the display hall and learn about mammal amazing architecture of Great Egret and and conservation needs of 51 species, skulls, bird specimens and other native Great Blue Heron nests and you’ll learn totaling up to 25,000 birds. Join us! flora and fauna. Play a Native American about ACR’s history in this very special Space is limited. To participate, contact game. Stamp your own mammal track setting. Don’t forget to bring friends for Emiko Condeso at [email protected] or card. Make a nature journal for recording this short walk. 415/663-8203. the plants and animals you see. Don’t Free, but please email [email protected] ACR Staff miss this rare opportunity to explore or call 415/868-9244 to register. Space is limited to 20 participants. the Bouverie Preserve of Audubon Restoration Work days Canyon Ranch. ACR Staff ACR Staff Bouverie Preserve AND Bolinas Lagoon Preserve Support ACR’s Habitat Protection and Restoration Program by signing up for restoration work days. For Bouverie Preserve, email Sherry Adams at [email protected]. For Bolinas Lagoon Preserve, email Denise Della Santina at [email protected]. Bulletin 43, Fall 2008 Page 11

calendar of events from page 10

THE BOUVERIE BACKYARD NATURALIST SERIES Bouverie Preserve 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. u $25 per seminar u Saturdays October 11, 2008 – The Wonders of Bugs with Ray Peterson November 15, 2008 – Sudden Oak Death with Emiko Condeso January 17, 2009 – There’s Fun in Fungi with Jeanne Wirka

February 14, 2009 – All About Amphibians with Jeanne Wirka rov e tta March 28, 2009 – Bouverie Preserve Wildflowers with Jeanne Wirka The Bouverie Backyard Naturalist field seminars are geared toward the adult amateur naturalist. These Saturday seminars will include time in the classroom, as well as on the trail. The hike will range from one to three miles on mildly to moderately strenuous terrain.

Please bring lunch and water for the trail. A n e carla I NG: DRAW Class size is limited. Please email [email protected] or call 415/868-9244 to register. ACR Staff

Ranch guide training Bolinas Lagoon Preserve Saturdays, January 31 through ACR’s E-Newsletter march 14, 2009 (Orientation January 24, 2009) To keep up-to-date on latest Audubon Canyon Ranch This eight-day Saturday program prepares volunteer happenings, sign up for the ACR e-newsletter. trainees to become Ranch Guides at the Bolinas Lagoon Preserve, where they will share knowledge Published once every two months, the free email and appreciation of nature to the visiting public on newsletter highlights updates from the Preserves, weekends through spring and summer. Learn about the history of Audubon Canyon Ranch, the Bolinas including school group visits, latest findings from Lagoon Preserve, trail techniques, pond life and ACR science staff, volunteer opportunities, ways the preserve’s colony of nesting herons and egrets to come explore ACR nature sanctuaries and more. … and become part of an active and enthusiastic group of volunteers! Interested? Please email leslie@ Visit www.egret.org and click e-newsletter egret.org or call 415/868-9244 to sign up for the orientation class on January 24, 2009. to sign up or to view past issues. Gwen Heistand Bolinas Lagoon Preserve Resident Biologist

The Mission of Audubon Canyon Ranch Audubon Canyon Ranch protects the natural resources of its sanctuaries while fostering an understanding and appreciation of these environments. We educate children and adults, promote ecological literacy that is grounded in direct experience, and conduct research and restoration that advances conservation science. The headquarters of Audubon Canyon Ranch is located at the Bolinas Lagoon Preserve. BOUVERIE www.egret.org PRESERVE email: [email protected] rov e tta

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grove A n e carla when to visit Preserve Bolinas Lagoon Preserve Mid-March to mid-July: Saturday, Sunday The Audubon Canyon Ranch and holidays. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Bulletin is published twice Weekdays by appointment only; call yearly by Audubon Canyon Ranch as a free offering to 415/868-9244. Closed Mondays. ACR donors and supporters. Bolinas Lagoon Preserve is adjacent to Edited by Jennifer Newman Bolinas Lagoon on Shoreline Highway One, BOLINAS Designed by Sarah Bolles three miles north of Stinson Beach. LAGOON Photos by Wyn Hoag unless Preserve otherwise noted. © 2007 Cypress Grove Research Center Audubon Canyon Ranch. By appointment only. 415/663-8203. Bouverie Preserve Printed on recycled paper By appointment only. 707/938-4554. (30% post-consumer) using soy-based inks. See schedule of events, inside.

Audubon Canyon Ranch Non-profit 4900 Shoreline Highway One Organization Stinson Beach, CA 94970 U.S. Postage 415/868-9244 PAID www.egret.org Mailcom [email protected]

Audubon Canyon Ranch — wildlife sanctuaries and centers for nature education and research. Bolinas Lagoon Preserve • Cypress Grove Research Center • Bouverie Preserve