Midsummer2011

MadronaMarshPreserveandNatureCenter

WhataMagicalNightItWas-andWillBe! StarlightMagic,October1,2011 If you’re a regular reader of the Marsh Mailing, Ah, but if you were not able to attend last year, reflect back two issues to the Winter 2010/2011 news- fear not, for you will soon get a second chance. And, letter. . . . You remember––the from the planning I’ve seen one with pages of pictures of thus far by Suzan Hubert, happy faces? And we’re not chief sorcerer, and her band talking ‘emoticons’ here. of merry magicians, includ- These were giant grins on the ing Mary Garrity and faces of all the attendees of Bobbie Snyder, this year’s last autumn’s inaugural event will be even better–– fundraising event on the Pre- if that’s possible. serve, “Moonlight Magic, For starters, this 2010,” including Mayor Scotto year’s Magic evening prom- and the entire Torrance City ises to be even more ro- Council. Hopefully, you were mantic. With only a faint among the over 200 who at- sliver of moon on Saturday, tended last year, and the pic- October 1, the Magic this tures brought back pleasant year will be provided by memories of good music, good Beth Shibata’s Signature Starlight Magic artwork is one of the starlight. For the less ro- fantastic prizes offered at the event. food, good wine and lots of mantically inclined, Paul merriment for a very good cause: Securing the future Livio will have telescopes set up to view the heavens. of the Madrona Marsh Preserve. “Magical” continues on page 11

our wonderful SEASONAL Marsh evaporated on Au- SpecialMidsummerIssue gust 17, two weeks after the WNV report. Mosquitoes This special midsummer issue of the Marsh Mail- live only about two weeks. No water, no new mosqui- ing hopes to accomplish several goals. First, it is a toes, no problem. For additional security, consider that, final reminder that you still have time to get your tickets as executive director of LA County West Vector Con- to the premier event of the year: Starlight Magic on trol District, Bob Saviskas, stated, “mosquitoes in South- Saturday, October 1. Tickets may be purchased from ern California bite only from dusk to dawn, hours when Board members or via PayPal from our website, the nature preserve is closed.” friendsofmadronamarsh.com. Starlight Magic will take place in the evening, but Also, just before we went to press, there was a over six weeks after the Preserve completely dried up, report that, for the first time, a few mosquitoes from the so that night should be quite safe as well, even for the Marsh had tested positive for West Nile Virus. As you fewer than 1 percent (frail or elderly) who might be- know WNV is a serious disease, and there has been a come sick if bitten. There is presently not even any recent increase in the number of cases reported in water in the sump, as it has been completely drained . So, how dangerous is it to visit as we prepare to install a new, bus-sized filtration sys- the Preserve? In particular, is it safe to attend Starlight tem starting August 23, as part of the Santa Monica Magic in October? Bay Project! I am happy to report that, in spite of the recent The safety and health of visitors to the Preserve report, you are quite safe visiting the Marsh today, and is the foremost consideration of the Friends and the you should be even safer on October 1. The timing City Staff. We will continue to work with Vector Control was perfect, for mosquitoes require standing water to to assure that your next visit is safe as well as enjoy- breed, and the last small puddle of standing water on able. I’ll see you on Saturday, October 1st! ––B.A. -1- Dear Friends of Madrona Marsh, Here is your “Official Invitation” to * *Starlight* Magic* Saturday, October 1, 2011 5 pm to 10 pm

A Celebration on the Madrona Marsh Preserve * 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance • 310 782 3989

You are invited to join us for barbeque, wine, music and entertainment, stargazing with Paul Livio, gift baskets and auctions of unusual items. • Mark Comon, Master of Ceremonies • Paul Nowatka, Auctioneer $50 per person*

Tickets available at: The Madrona Marsh Nature Center, Wild Birds Unlimited www.friendsofmadronamarsh.com

Please join us for another year of laughter and magic on the Preserve.

*All proceeds help sustain the programs of the Madrona Marsh Nature Preserve

-2- * Starlight* Magic* Dinner Menu * Saturday, October 1, 2011 Catered by the Red Car Brewery & Restaurant

~BBQGRILLEDCHICKEN~ Fresh marinated chicken, 2 pieces grilled to perfection, basted with our smoky Red Car Ale BBQ sauce

~PULLEDPORKSANDWICH~ Juicy, tender pulled pork marinated in our smoky Red Car Ale BBQ sauce served on fresh artisan rolls

~SIDES~ ~Gran’sSouthernStyleColeSlaw~ Shredded cabbage, green & red peppers and onions in a sweet & tangy dressing

~BakedBeans~ Hearty baked beans slowly simmered in sweet, smoky, savory sauce

~ItalianPastaSalad~ Tri-color curly pasta, provolone cheese, artichoke hearts, olives, peppers, sweet onions and cherry tomatoes tossed with a tangy herb dressing

~ PotatoSalad~ An old-fashioned traditional creamy potato salad made with Idaho potatoes, celery, egg, onions, Dijon mustard and mayo.

~DESSERTS~ Platter of Red Car Brewery house baked cookies: Triple Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, White Chocolate Macadamia and Peanut Butter * *

-3- StarlightMagicPromisesPrizesGalore* * Howl at the moon with auctioneer Paul Nowatka. ♦ Gift certificate to the Redondo Beach Civic (If you have never done this you should try it; quite a re- Light Opera freshing experience.) Chuckle along with our Master of ♦ Tickets to a Torrance Cultural Art Center Ceremonies, Mark Comon and . . . star gaze with Paul event Livio. ♦ Red Car Brewery Tapping Party Enjoy dinner catered by The Red Car Brewery, RCB ♦ Overnight for two with breakfast at the Tor- Beer, magical wines, some unusual auction items and many original gift baskets. rance Marriott Hotel We have some priceless stuff, “available nowhere ♦ Beth Shibata’s Starlight Magic 2011 Signa- else” for auction such as ture art piece (pictured on front page) ♦ A Night Hike with our own Marsh Naturalist, Tracy ♦ Gift certificates to Lomeli’s Italian Restaurant, Drake. Schedule for the evening of your choice, for you Ikemoto Photography Studio, AAA Upholstery, 1321 and eleven of your best friends. Value? Priceless! Tap Room Bistro and more to come… ♦ Lunch with Max Presneill, Curator of the Torrance ♦ Stained Glass art piece by Steve Chudy Art Museum ♦ Many gift baskets ♦ Hike Mt. Pinos with Tracy Drake and Ron Melin; ♦ Dinner for four with wine included at the Roll- Ron will bring a homemade pie! ing Hills Country Club ♦ A two-hour native garden consultation with Tony ♦ A personal Chakra Reading Baker of Natural Landscapes, and a potted native plant ♦ Weekend cabin in Big Bear for eight people ♦ Overnight for two with brunch at the Torrance ♦ Dinner with the Torrance Fire Department DoubleTree Hotel ♦ ♦ Lunch at El Torito with Daily Breeze crime Four Hours actual work time from the profession- reporter, Larry Altman als at AW Construction ♦ ♦Τ Art Parties with Suzanne for children and our of the Torrance Police Department adults. ♦ Air Cruise for two over Catalina, from Western And that’s not all. One hundred percent of all Museum of Flight in Torrance profit raised at Starlight Magic supports the Madrona ♦ Tour of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Marsh Preserve and Nature Center. and Foundation in Simi Valley ♦ Handel’s ice cream gift certificate for 25 ice cream InMemoriam sandwiches! DorisForrest If you have stopped by the Nature Center ADocentReward on any Friday in the last several years, you were Almost all of the docents for the hundred or so school no doubt charmed by the warm smile and twin- tours on Madrona Marsh Preserve every year are volun- kling eyes of Doris Forrest, who welcomed visi- teers from the Friends. And what do they get out of it? tors from her station at the front desk, eager to Perhaps you’ll get a glimmer from this nice thank-you let- answer questions and share her knowledge of ter that Suzan Hubert, one of our newer docents, received the Preserve. from a student on a tour she led in June: We were saddened to hear from her hus- band, Bill, that Doris passed away a few weeks Dear Suzan, ago. Doris and Bill have been long-time support- Thank you for guiding me! I saw the true nature by ers of the Friends of Madrona Marsh as well as you. I especially liked the dune poppies, ducklings (they’re the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. Doris’s inter- so cute!) and hunting the frogs. I loved hunting the frogs est in the environment started back in the 1970’s because I could see the real marsh. It felt kind of weird as a member of the TRW Ecology Workshop, when the frog jumped out of my hands. My feet are still where several of us first learned about Madrona wet, but I loved it. I also thought the ducklings were so Marsh. Bill served as coordinator of the Friends’ cute! I was amazed when several fathers came to pro- docent program for many years, as well as lead- tect the mother and ducklings even though they weren’t ing tours himself. Bill and Doris moved to an related. Again thank you so much for helping us and in- assisted living facility in Santa Monica last year. viting us to the true nature! We extend our greatest sympathy to Bill and Love, the Forrest family for their loss. We have all been Anna Kim richer for the brief time we shared with Doris. -4- very agitated end, is the alarm call, generally louder and Shirley’sTurn sharper then the ordinary context call. It is used in ex- ––Shirley Turner treme alarm, such as when a human comes too close to a nest or fledgling. Birds giving an alarm call will circle My favorite magazine, Birder's World, has close around the intruder (you), flick their wings and tail changed its name to Bird Watching. One can visit and flit rapidly from branch to branch. That is your sig- them online at www.BirdWatchingDaily.com. The June nal to retreat and give the bird a little peace. 2011 issue story by David Allen Sibley is "The Lan- guage of Birds." To learn bird songs, listen carefully “Other Calls: Baby birds give an insistent beg- while watching the accompanying behavior. I found ging call that changes as they age and differs between this especially interesting. As I sit at the computer with species. Most birds give a flight call which you hear my back to a sliding glass door, the chatter of birds often from perched birds as they prepare to fly. And makes me turn to see and move outside. Here is the there are other variations as well. article. “You can learn a repertoire whereever you live, no “The ability to name a distant song is part of the matter whether you are listening to a House Sparrow, definition of an expert birder, and with good reason. It American Robin or a Curve-billed Thrasher. Just listen takes years to develop the knowledge and discerning carefully to all the sounds the birds produce, and you ear needed to identify bird calls. One important but will soon begin to understand their language." often overlooked aspect of learning is context. To rec- ognize patterns of variation, to know what the bird you Tracy Drake teaches a class on identifying birds just heard is likely doing or to anticipate what sounds by sound. She has an app for wildflowers and birds. you might hear on a given day, you must have a basic Now there is an app for identifying trees. knowledge of the repertoire and the context of bird sounds. Bird song is a language. You can't learn Eldon Greij, professor emeritus of at Hope French by memorizing rhythms and tones, and you College in Holland, Michigan, is founding editor of can't learn bird songs that way either. You need to lis- Birder's World. He tells about a hovering Ring-billed ten carefully, watch behavior, and think about the Gull. The scene of a motionless bird in the wind has meaning of the song. burned into his brain and been visited over and over again. See the picture and read how it can happen in “Summer is an excellent time to hear the full rep- the same issue. ertoire of a species. The simplest way to start learn- ing context is to watch birds and try to assign their Martin Byhower introduced me to this magazine vocalizations to broad categories. years ago. He is Director of Birding Southern Califor- nia, Private Guide Service. “Songs: Males sing from prominent perches to His website is www.birdingsocal.com. broadcast their presence to rival males and to poten- His e-mail is [email protected] tial mates. Many species use a different song for each of these audiences Symphony of birds: Over the last few years Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Chronicle Books have “Context Calls: A great variety of short, simple teamed up to produce several memorable books of bird calls can be heard. Context calls are basically con- songs that include attached audio players. Now the pub- versational. Mated pairs, neighbors, and flock mates lishers, along with Les Bleletsky and a team of top notch keep in touch with sound. As you get to know each illustrators, have outdone themselves with Bird Song species, you will hear subtle levels of excitement. Bible. It features 747 species from Canada and the United States, including dozens of native and non na- “Alarm Calls: At one end of the spectrum, the tive species from Hawaii. Beautiful paintings with de- scription of the birds and playing the video along with it is fun, as the advertisement says in the magazine. Marsh Mailing is a quarterly newsletter designed to provide information about activities and upcoming Magic Makers Needed events at or relating to the Madrona Marsh Preserve. If you could spare an hour or two we could use Contributions are welcome and may be e-mailed to your help with Starlight Magic. Specifically, we are look- Diane Gonsalves at [email protected] or Bill ing for two people to set up and host the sign-in table Arrowsmith, [email protected], or and several people to sell gift basket tickets. dropped off or mailed to the Nature Center. Contact Suzan Hubert at 310-415-4517 -5- MadronaMarshPreserveandNatureCenter Schedule of Events* August-November 2011 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 10 am- 4 5 8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor.6 8:30 am- 10 am-12 n-Habitat Tyke Hike (fee & Student Serv.Learning Tour d’ Torrance 10:30 am- 10-11:30-am- CLOSED Restoration Weeders Friday Fun*** 10 am-12 n- “Water-wise 10 am-12 n-Weeders 12:30 pm- Success”/ Dr.Vadheim Propagation 8:30-10:30 pm-Star Party Society)

7 8 9 am-Mornings 9 8 am- 10 11 12 13 on the Marsh Bird Walk/Bob Shanman 10:30 am- 8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor. 10-11:30-am- & Student Serv.Learning CLOSED 10 am-12 n-Weeders 10 am-12 n-Weeders 12:30 pm- Friday Fun*** 6:30-8:30 pm-“Water- 6:30-8:30 pm- Propagation 8-10 pm-Night Hike wise Success” /Dr. FOMM Board Meeting Society Vadheim

2-4 pm- 2nd Sun-14 15 8:30 am- 16 17 18 19 20 10 am-12 n-Habitat 10:30 am- 8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor. day Science- Tour d’ Torrance 10-11:30-am- Restoration Weeders 12:30 pm- Friday Fun*** & Student Serv.Learning “Dinosaurs-Where 10 am-12 n-Weeders Propagation 2-4 pm-Search for Life...”(fee) CLOSED did they come from?” 7 pm-Audubon meets Society (fee) 21 23 24 24 25 26 27 10 am-12n-Water- 10:30 am- 8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor. color for Kids (fee) 10 am-12 n-Habitat 10 am-12 n-Habitat 10-11:30-am- CLOSED 12:30 pm- Friday Fun*** & Student Serv. Learning Restoration-Weeders Restoration Weeders Propagation 6:30 pm-Linda 10 am- Nature Walk Society Bossler Recept.

28 29 30 31 8:30 am- 10 a.m- CLOSED Tour d’ Torrance 10 am-12 n-Habitat Nature Walk 10 am-12 n-Habitat Restoration Weeders Restoration Weeders

*All activities and classes meet at the Madrona Marsh Nature Center, located at 3201 Plaza del Amo AUGUST (between Maple and Madrona) on the north side of the street. **See Artists Corner, page 11. *** No fee charged for Friday Fun , but reservations are required. For the latest event information, consult website, www.friendsofmadronamarsh.com.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 10 am- 1 Ivett 2 8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor. 3 Tyke Hike (fee) Garay & Student Serv.Learning 10:30 am-12:30 pm-Exhibit (No “Native Gardening” Class) Propagation Ends** 8:30-10:30pm-Star Party Society 4 5 8:30 am-Tour 6 7 8 9 10 d’Torrance 10:30 am-12:30 8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor. CLOSED 10-11:30-am- & Student Serv.Learning 10 am-12 n-Weeders 10 am-12 n-Habitat-Weeders pm-Propagation Society Friday Fun*** 10 am- 1 pm-Turtle & Tortoise (No“Native Gardening”) Day Linda Bossler Exhibit Ends 2 - 4 pm-Second11 12 10 am-12 n-Weeders13 8 am- Bird Walk/ 14 15 16 17 10:30 am-12:30 10-11:30-am- 8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor. Sunday Science- 9-11 am-Mornings Bob Shanman on the Marsh 10-12 n-HabitatWeeders pm-Propagation Friday Fun*** & Student Serv. Learning “Spiders,Scorpions CLOSED 1-3 pm- “Sunsations...)(fee) 12-2 pm-History of Society Linda Bossler & Snakes” (fee) 6:30-8:30 pm-FOMM Exhibit Ends** the South Bay (fee) Board Meeting

18 19 8:30 am- 20 21 22 23 24 8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor. Tour d’Torrance 10:30 am-12:30 10-11:30-am- & Student Serv. Learning 10 am-12n-Water- CLOSED 10 am-12 n-Weeders Friday Fun*** color for Kids (fee) 10-12 n-HabitatWeeders pm-Propagation 10 am-Nature Walk 7 pm- Audubon Mtg. Society 8:30 pm- 10-12 n-Photographing Wildlife(fee) Stephen West exhibit 2-2:30 pm-Storytime for Kids begins** 6:30-8:30 pm-Stories in the Night Sky for Kids (fee)

25 26 27 28 29 30 10 am-Nature 10:30 am-12:30 Walk CLOSED 10 am-12 n-Weeders 10-12 n-Weeders pm-Propagation Society SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER -6- Nature Center (310) 782-3989 Brought to you by Gift Shop (310) 320-8255 Friends of Madrona Marsh Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 8:45 am-12 n-Hab.Restor. 8:45am-Student Serv.Learning (No “Native Gardening” Class) Starlight Magic (see p. 1)

8:30 am- 10 am- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor.8 Tour d’ Torrance Tyke Hike (fee) 10 am-12 n-Habitat 10:30 am-12:30 10-11:30-am- & Student Serv.Learning CLOSED 10 am-12 n-Weeders Friday Fun*** 10 am-12 n- “Common Weeds (No “Native Restoration-Weeders pm-Propagation in Your Garden” Gardening” Class) Society 7-9 pm-Star Party

2-4 pm- 9 10 11 8 am-Bird Walk 12 13 14 15 9 am-Mornings /Bob Shanman 2nd Sunday 8:45am-12 n-Habitat Restor. on the Marsh 10 am-12 n-Habitat 10:30 am-12:30 10-11:30-am- Science- “Birds and CLOSED 10 am-12 n-Habitat pm-Propagation & Student Serv.Learning Restoration-Weeders Friday Fun*** Reptiles,” with Tomi Restoration-Weeders Society 1-4 pm- “Planning Your New 6:30-8:30 pm- California Garden” (fee) (fee) . FOMM Board Meeting

16 17 8:30 am- 18 19 20 21 8:45 am-12 n-Hab.Restor...22 Tour d’ Torrance 10:30 am-12:30 9 am-12n-MADD pm-Propagation 10-11:30-am- 1-3 pm Stephen West CLOSED 10 am-12 n-Habitat 10 am-12 n-Weeders Society Friday Fun*** Reception** Restoration-Weeders 10 am-Nature Walk 7 pm- Audubon Mtg 10 am-12n-Water-23 24 25 26 27 28 29 color for Kids (fee) CLOSED 10:30 am-12:30 10-11:30-am- 8:45 am-12 n-Hab. Restor. 10 am-Nature Walk 10 am-12 n-Weeders 10 am-12 n-Weeders pm-Propagation Friday Fun*** & Student Serv.Learning Society 1-4 pm- “Planning Your New 30 31 California Garden” (fee) CLOSED OCTOBER *All activities and classes meet at the Madrona Marsh Nature Center, located at 3201 Plaza del Amo OCTOBER (between Maple and Madrona) on the north side of the street. **See Artists Corner, page 11. *** No fee charged for Friday Fun, but reservations are required. For the latest event information, consult website, www.friendsofmadronamarsh.com.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 10 am- 3 4 5 8:30 am- 10 am-12 n-Habitat Tyke Hike (fee 8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor. Tour d’ Torrance 10-11:30-am- CLOSED Restoration Weeders 10:30 am- & Student Serv.Learning 10 am-12 n-Weeders Friday Fun*** 12:30 pm- Stephen West 10 am-12 n- Native Gardening- Propagation TBA/ Dr.Vadheim Society Exhibit Ends 6 7 9 am-Mornings 8 8 am- 9 10 11 12 on the Marsh Bird Walk/Bob Shanman 10:30 am- 10-11:30-am- 8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor. 10 am-12 n-Weeders 10 am-12 n-Weeders 12:30 pm- CLOSED Friday Fun*** & Student Serv.Learning 6:30-8:30 pm-Native 6:30-8:30 pm- Propagation Gardening-TBA Society /Dr. Vadheim FOMM Board Meeting 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 8:30 am- 2-4 pm- 2nd Sun- 10 am-12 n-Habitat 10:30 am- 10-11:30-am- 8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor. Tour d’ Torrance 12:30 pm- day Science- TBA Restoration Weeders Friday Fun*** & Student Serv.Learning 10 am-12 n-Weeders Propagation (fee) CLOSED 7 pm-Audubon meets Society

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 10:30 am- 10 am-12 n-Habitat 10 am-12 n-Habitat 8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor. CLOSED 12:30 pm- 10-11:30-am- Restoration-Weeders Restoration Weeders & Student Serv. Learning Propagation Friday Fun*** 10 am-Nature Walk Society

27 28 29 30 27 8:30 am- 10 a.m- 10 am-12 n-Habitat CLOSED Tour d’ Torrance Nature Walk 10 am-12 n-Habitat Restoration Weeders Restoration Weeders

NOVEMBER -7- AnotherGreatYearforSchoolTours ––Sarah Noddings precious memories for students, chaperones and do- This was another amazing year for school tours cents alike. Approximately 100 tours of groups––ide- and our docent program. Some 1640 students and 323 ally no larger than 20 and often less when possible–– adults (mostly chaperones) toured the Madrona Marsh were given from September through June. Students and Nature Center learning every step of the way about came from as far away as Santa Monica and other parts animal and plant life, the importance of our Marsh for of Los Angeles, although an equal number of students migrating birds and local habitation. They experienced (49 percent) were from the Torrance Schools. Third first hand the excitement and wonder that comes from graders made up the largest class of students (43 per- each tour. They learned about Scooby, the gopher cent). snake, which many actually touched (see page 10 for Scooby’s story). They felt the pelts of the raccoon, opos- Fortunately this year we had quite a few docents sum and skunk and saw all the local wildlife as dis- who, as always, enthusiastically led the tours. Docents played in the Nature Center Museum. They saw the from Friends of Madrona Marsh were Bill Arrowsmith, tiniest of creatures through microscopes in water labs. Cindy Reid, Joann Bailey, Suzan Hubert, Mary Out on the Marsh, they caught little tree frogs, held Har- Garrity, and Bobbie Snyder. Docents from the staff lequin bugs, watched lizards scurry for cover and ants (who led 17 of the tours) included Bob Carr (who con- building homes in the sandy soil. They smiled as the ducted the marvelous water labs), Daniel Marion, Ron ducks went by with their little ducklings and stood in Melin, and Beth Scott. Thank you all for so freely giv- awe looking at the larger, majestic birds such as the ing of your time for a most worthy program. We more Great Blue Heron. They watched the butterflies, hum- than welcome others to become a part of our exciting mingbirds and other birds fly overhead and played in docent program. the "snow" (actually lots of white willow seeds blowing in the wind). Should you be interested, please contact Tracy Drake, Manager of the Madrona Marsh, who conducts Each tour brought a different experience and some valuable training sessions throughout the year.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the following corporations that sponsored our 2010 Moonlight Magic Fund Raiser at the $2500 Red-Tailed Hawk level:

Toyota

Your support allowed us to assemble and execute the most successful fund-raising event in the 39-year history of the Friends of Madrona Marsh.

-8- TwoOfOurBestGraceNatureCenterWall ––Bill Arrowsmith But Marianne, who served on the Board of Direc- If you have visited the Nature Center recently, you tors herself and was very active with the Friends as may have noticed a new addition. On the north wall, well as serving for many years on the Torrance Cultural over the information table, we now have splendid por- Arts Commission, was not done. She wanted also to traits of two women who made remarkable contribu- honor another icon in the history of the Preserve, and a tions in the effort to preserve Madrona Marsh. few months ago she came down from her You may remember new home in Oregon to that in the spring of 2009 present us with a por- we presented a Lifetime trait of Betty Shaw, left, Achievement Award to which now shares the Shirley Turner, considered wall with Shirley’s por- by many to be the “Mother trait. of the Marsh” for her efforts in every facet of the saving As many of you of the Preserve and later in know Betty Shaw, an educating local residents, artist and retired young and old, about the teacher, served on the importance of Madrona Board in the 1970’s and Marsh and training them in 1980’s in the years its restoration. Her involve- A place of honor. Portraits of Betty Shaw, left, and Shirley Turner, welcome leading up to the final ment in the Friends ranged visitors to the Nature Center. development agree- from organizing bake sales, ment for the property to serving on the Board of Directors, to single-handedly which included Madrona Marsh. And she took over as publishing the newsletter for years. She worked with president of the Friends just as that agreement became scout troops and YM/YWCA groups and schools, started contentious, when the City realized that certain sec- our Tyke Hike program and was instrumental in getting tions of the Deed were written in a way that might allow our first native plant nursery established. And she con- the developers to reclaim the Preserve. tinues to be a regular contributor to the Marsh Mailing. Betty worked for two years with then Mayor Jim At her award presentation, artist and long-time Armstrong, the Council and the developers––some- Marsh supporter Marianne Strehler presented Shirley times facing threats of personal lawsuits––until a final with a beautiful color portrait as her personal gift of Grant Deed was issued in 1986, giving the City of Tor- admiration and gratitude. Shirley has allowed us to rance full possession of the Preserve. Like Grace Lear display that portrait in the Nature Center, shown above, before her, Betty had the courage and fire to face the on the right. most serious challenges to the Preserve’s existence.

-9- CSUDHEarnsHighest Scooby--AGentleSerpent FederalRecognition– ––Treeman* As the gates to the Marsh were being opened one MarshStudentVolunteersCited morning, I noticed that there were two Ravens playing The following is extracted from an article in the with something on the sidewalk. Closer inspection re- June 6, 2011, Daily Breeze, pointed out by Shirley vealed that they were trying to eat two very small Go- Turner: pher Snakes. As they were successful with one (only a short piece of tail remained) they were about to finish “For the second year in a row, California State the other. University, Dominguez Hills in Carson has received the highest federal recognition a college or university I frightened away the birds and took the small can receive for its commitment to community service. snake to the Nature Center. He was checked over and Of the CSU system’s 22 campuses, just seemed healthy, just small––the diameter of a pencil Dominguez Hills and two others were named to the and about three inches long. A small white spot on his 2010 President’s Higher Education Community Ser- head showed where he had been pecked by the ravens, vice Honor Roll with Distinction. his “distinguishing characteristic.” He was found in the The Corporation for National and Community spring of 2004. Service, the federal organization which administers the honor roll, evaluated the applications of more than 600 At the Nature Center today you can still visit colleges and universities as to their impact on issues “Scooby,” so-named because he came so close to be- such as literacy, neighborhood revitalization, and at- coming a snack. He is very docile and has never at- risk youth. tempted to bite anybody. His specialty is allowing him- CSU Dominguez Hills was one of 115 universi- self to be handled by small children; he is patient and ties nationwide and one of 15 in California to receive gentle. Of course, he is bigger––much bigger––than the “with distinction” designation. when he was found, but still a gentle serpent. He will In 2010, approximately 5,500 students at CSU probably never be released, as he would not know how Dominguez Hills engaged in more than 120,000 hours to live in the wild. of service to the community. This included environmental science and bi- *[Editor’s note: Treeman is also known as Bill ology students who helped with native species res- Rubner, former groundskeeper at Madrona Marsh Na- toration at Madrona Marsh and Gardena Willows; ture Preserve. A further note: we found out recently nursing students who volunteered at a Remote Area that Scooby is a “she.” Maybe that’s why she’s so Free Clinic in the LA Sports Arena, and hundreds of gentle?] students who volunteer their time to work with local elementary, middle, and high school students.” headed the involvement of CSUDH students at both Thanks to Shirley for noticing this item, and a Madrona Marsh and Gardena Willows. Congratulations giant thank you to Dr. Connie Vadheim who has spear- on getting national recognition for your fine work.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Wells Fargo for its sponsorship of our 2010 Moonlight Magic Fund Raiser at the $1500 Western Meadowlark level. Your support allowed us to assemble and execute the most successful fund-raising event in the 39-year history of the Friends of Madrona Marsh.

-10- “Magical” continued from page 1 GuardianAngels But there will definitely still be enough moon for howling, led and directed by our jovial Master of Cer- CometotheRescue emonies, Mark Comon. Again, you will be dining on delicious preparations by the Red Car Brewery, but this ––Bill Arrowsmith year they are providing a complete dinner. And once It’s amazing how often people step forward to help again you may sip fine wine provided by Pernod-Ricard at just the time you need it. That has happened twice as you peruse a spectacular array of prizes for the live to the Friends recently. Last August, just as Tracy real- auction, silent auction and gift basket drawings which ized she would have to cancel a popular Watercolor will follow dinner. Directing that activity once again, Workshops for Kids program because of City budget and howling, will be Auctioneer and former Torrance restraints, the Friends received an invitation from Las City Councilman, Paul Nowatka. Candalistas of the to apply for a grant, preferably one which would benefit children Among the prizes are Beth Shibata’s “Starlight and the environment in the South Bay––the two pri- Magic” signature piece, pictured on page 1. Suzan, mary goals of their organization. Bobbie and Mary are still putting together the prizes; see page 4 for a list of prizes offered so far. Each year they have fundraising events, includ- ing “Walk on the Wild Side,” and distribute the proceeds Once again, all profits will be used to support the among worthy projects and organizations in the South educational and restoration programs of the Madrona Bay. They gave us $960, the cost of instructors and Marsh Preserve, through the continuing partnership materials for the quarterly workshops. between the Friends of Madrona Marsh and the City of Torrance. Thank you, Las Candalistas! What a wonderful Did you ever ask yourself, “What could I do for organization! the Marsh?” This is the easy answer, and it’s guaran- teed to be fun, as well. Please reserve October 1 on And Walser’s continues to give us 25 percent of your calendar, and if you really want to help the Marsh all sales of Refurbished Computers and Electronics–– (and have even more fun) bring a couple of friends! over $2000 last year alone. See the ad on page 9, and visit their website. Better yet, take your old printer and That’s Starlight Magic on Saturday, October 1, computer to the store and check out Walser’s inven- 2011. See you there! tory clearance items. ––Bill Arrowsmith Thanks to Jack Walser and Henry Trejo for this generous arrangement, which also helps keep landfills Donationsof$100orMore clear of toxic waste.

DATE WHO DONATION 3-8-11 Sharon Angelos $200 4-8-11 Georgean Griswold $100 ArtistsCorner 4-12-11 Mr. & Mrs. Ted Kotzin $100 Works of local artists and photographers inspired 4-12-11 Marjorie Hill $100 by the beauty of the Madrona Marsh are regularly on 4-13-11 Ms. Joan Roach $200 display at the Nature Center. Everyone is invited to 4-12-11 Karoline Snakenborg $100 attend each artist’s reception where the artist talks 4-15-11 Joanne Thomson $100 about his/her work or gives a demonstration. Snacks 4-25-11 David Moody $150 and beverages are served. 5-2-11 Anne O’Brien $135 5-4-11 Rex Yanase $100 Through September 6 - Linda Bossler, “Limbs, 5-5-11 Joannie Spring $500 Leaves and Trees of Madrona Marsh,” A Painting 5-15-11 Juno & Ethel Uyematsu $100 Exhibit. Artist Reception, Friday, August 26, 6:30-8:30 5-15-11 Sharon Angelos $200* p.m. 5-20-11 Riviera Garden Club $100 September 20-November 4 - Stephen West, 7-5-11 Maxine Trevethen $100 “The Many Eyes of the Marsh,” a Painting Exhibit. 7-8-11 Iris McKinley $100 Artist Reception, Saturday, October 22, 1-3 p.m.

*Employer ITG Matching Funds If you would like to display your art at the Nature Center, please call for more information: 310-782- ––Ellen Peterson, Treasurer 3989. -11- NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE a non-profit organization est. 1972 PAID PERMIT NO.214 P. O. Box 5078 (310) 32MARSH Torrance, California Torrance, CA 90510

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