summer 2004 vistas newsletter, solano land trust

8/3/2019 Summer 2004 Vistas Newsletter, Solano Land Trust

1/8

Presidents Messa

Equestrian Ridesat Lynch Canyon

Center for Land-Based Learning

Plein Air Poetry:Purple Needleg

New Look onthe Web

Kids Corner:Barn Owls

Activities & Even

l. 11 #2

Summer2004

Continued on page 4

A Land Trust in TimePat Moran, Wendy Low, and Karen Swan

omeVistas readers have been involved with Solano Land Trust since the beginning. Many more are just starting

o learn about us. For newcomers and old-timers alike, we think it is a good time to summarize Solano Land

Trusts history of preserving and protecting land resources in Solano County.

1985: In the BeginningThe open lands that have traditionally given

olano County its sense of place were under

hreat of development. A local advocacy group

ued the City of Fairfield to stop the annexation

incorporation) and development of Rancho

olano, Dunnell-Burton, and Paradise Valley. One

ondition of the settlement agreement provided

or the creation of a foundation to purchase and

manage open space around Fairfield. Plaintiff

ttorney Marc Mihaly said the creation of the

oundation was one of the most imaginative

pproaches to government problem solving.

The foundations board of directors had tonclude representatives from local government and

he agriculture, development and conservation

ommunities. Bob Berman and Frank Andrews, Jr.

were named to the founding board, and continue

o serve on the board today. Solano County

armlands and Open Space Foundation officially

ame to life (henceforth referred to as Solano

and Trust or SLT).

1987: Surveying the LandOne of the original executive directors jobs was

to complete a survey of the countys open space

lands to determine priorities for acquisition.

The survey showed that PG&E holdings between

the cities of Benicia, Fairfield, and Vallejo were

of great importance

as open space. These

lands anchored what

was to become the Sky

ValleyCordelia Hills

Open Space project that

includes King Ranch,

the Swett Ranches, andLynch Canyon.

In addition, SLT

learned of the possible

sale of a 2,070-acre

property in the Suisun

M a r s h . C a l i f o r n i a

Coastal Conservancy

agreed to fund this

major acquisition and inBig sky at Jepson Prairie

Photo: Bud Turner, WildLight Photography


2/8

Presidents MessageSean Quinn, President

Photo: Bud Turner,WildLight Photography

Volunteer equestrians neededfor Lynch Canyon rides

Karen Swan, Education Spec

Plans are underway for an equestrian access program at Lynch Canyon O

Space. Similar to the hikes and mountain bike rides Solano Land Trust o

at Lynch Canyon, equestrian rides will be scheduled in advance and le

volunteer docents. This program will further the land-use recommendatof the Lynch Canyon Resource Management Plan developed by SLT s

community members, and local agriculture and resource experts. The

encourages multi-use access by hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. Fundin

SLT staff to coordinate this new program comes from the California Co

Conservancy, the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, and the Tri-City and Co

Cooperative Planning Group.

To help ensure rider and horse safety, equestrian rides will by off

by reservation only and the number of participants on each ride wil

limited. Also, there will be no rides during the wet season. The numbe

rides scheduled between now and the next rainy season will depend onavailability of volunteer equestrian docents.

The parking lot accommodates horse trailers, and a parking fee wi

required. The user-fees will go towards trail and parking lot maintena

helping to sustain the equestrian access program

We need volunteers to help turn our plans into reality. If you

comfortable leading a group of five to ten riders on a trail, please cons

becoming a volunteer equestrian docent. We also need volunteer reserva

coordinators. The coordinators will take reservations from equestr

wanting to attend rides, and communicate this information to the doce

The volunteers will not be required to pay fees when attending Ly

Canyon rides. If you are interested in participating in public rides

want to find out when they will become available, contact Karen Swa

(707) 432-0150 110. Once the rides are scheduled, we will post the d

and times on the SLT Web site and record them on the Lynch Canyon act

phone line: (707) 432-0150 120.

Horses at a local ranch

Photo: Steve Metcalf

Solano Land Trust has

produced its first strategic

plan, which developed

from a retreat held by

SLTs board of directors in

March. At the retreat, the

board discussed the

accomplishments and

lessons learned from 2003

and developed action

items for the coming

fiscal year. The key results of the workshop include a

revised mission statement, new goals and operating

principles, and a series of actions and milestones to

accomplish in the coming year. Tina Stott, who had

worked previously with SLT on both agricultural and

open space planning projects, facilitated the retreat

and led a second meeting in May to discuss the draft

workshop summary and planned actions.

The revised mission statement clarifies SLTs larger goals:

Solano Land Trust is a private, nonprofit

organization whose mission is the preservation

of agricultural lands, open space, and resources

through the acquisition of land and conservation

easements, education, and land management.

During the strategic planning process it became

clear that the number one priority of the board is

fundraising. Two of the key actions for the coming

year involve acquiring greater funding for both the

organization as a whole and for agricultural conserva-

tion easements in particular.

This summer, Solano Land Trust will take

another big step, a move to newly renovated offices

at 1001 Texas Street in downtown Fairfield, next to

the Fairfield Center for Creative Arts. Please watch for

information on our upcoming open house. We look

forward to seeing you there.


3/8

Community Highlight:Center for Land-Based Learning

Karen Swan, Education Specialist

This is the first in a periodic series highlighting other regional organizations and programs that relate to

olano Land Trusts work in areas such as youth education, restoration, and protection of agricultural resources.

Through these articles, we hope that Vistas readers will become familiar with other organizations that may

e helpful or of interest to you, and learn about the many creative ways that the important work of conservinggriculture, open space, and wetlands is happening in our community.

The Center for Land-Based Learning (CLBL) is a

onprofit organization dedicated to sustainable

griculture, habitat restoration, and environmental

ducation. Based on the grounds of Sierra

Orchards along Putah Creek in Winters, CLBL

s home to three different education programs.

The SLEWS (Student and Landowner Education

nd Watershed Stewardship) Program involves

igh school students in restoration projects on

rivate lands. The FARMS Leadership Program

rovides high school students with leadership

raining and hands-on education about the

arious aspects of sustainable agriculture. Finally,

he Farm and Nature Center, the physical site

f CLBL, includes working demonstrations of

estoration and sustainable agriculture practices.

The California Bay Delta Authority Ecosystem

Restoration Program and the National Fish and

Wildlife Foundation fund these projects locally.

Each CLBL program serves the community

hrough strong, beneficial partnerships. For

he three statewide SLEWS program areas,

CLBL partners with high schools, conservation

rganizations, and landowners to design and

omplete restoration projects. For Putah-Cache

ioregion SLEWS (serving Solano, Yolo, and

acramento Counties), CLBL partners with

rganizations such as Audubon California,

ocal Resource Conservation Districts, and

he Putah Creek Council. The organizations

dentify a landowner wishing to complete a

estoration project, and CLBL recruits, trains,

nd supervises a class of high school students

o complete the work.

Each of the ten statewide FARMS Leadership

rograms includes five high schools, multiple

armers and ranchers, a university, and a lead

rganization. UC Davis works closely with

FARMS in Winters, as does the president and

executive director of CLBL, Craig McNamara of

Sierra Orchards. Participating students visit farms

and ranches, college campuses, and community

agriculture events such as farmers markets.

Through these visits, the students gain experience

with and knowledge of environmentally friendly,

socially just, and economically viable farming

practices.

T h e p r o g r a m

p a r t n e r s a n d t h e

community at large

benefi t from these

programs. Many of the

partnering organizations

have youth outreach

mandates or goals, but

lack the staff time and

knowledge to attain

them. Landowners who

participate in the SLEWS

program get the i r

stream banks stabilized,

native plants protected,

weeds removed, and

other restoration work

completed. The high

school students gain

valuable experience

in agr i cu l ture and

conservation, as well

as exposure to careers

in these fields. The students then bring their

new leadership skills, interests, experience, and

knowledge to the community.

For more information about the Center

for Land-Based Learning, visit their Web

site at www.landbasedlearning.org or

call (530) 795-1520.

Students from Dixon High School plant a valley oak onPutah Creek

Photo: Dan Leroy

Youth inAction

Wed like to offer aspecial thank-you to

Brian Ingram, who

is installing a large

cooking grill in the

Rush Ranch picnic

area. Brian is workin

towards Eagle Scout.


4/8

Solano LandTrust namechange isofficial

In September 2001, the

Solano Land Trust board

of directors voted to

change the name of the

organization from Solano

County Farmlands and

Open Space Foundation

to Solano Land Trust. The

new name would increase

public recognition of the

organizations mission

and goals. Early this

year, SLT received thelong-awaited paperwork

from the government

approving the name

change, which now

allows us to use the

new name in all of our

documents.

1988 SLT purchased Rush Ranch. Discussions also

began with the University of California regarding

purchase of the Suisun Ranch. By the close of 1987,

SLT had laid the groundwork for some of its most

important acquisitions.

Board members pointedout that Suisun Ranch,

Rush Ranch, and King

Ranch represented the

three main attributes

of Solano County open

space: agr icultural

lands, wetlands, and

scenic hills.

1991: Working with PartnersSolano Land Trust quickly learned the value ofworking closely with other groups and agencies.

In partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service, SLT acquired 1,493 acres south of Napa

known as Cullinan Ranch. California Coastal

Conservancy again played a key role in the

acquisition. Thenboard president Bob Berman

said: Proposals to develop the Cullinan Ranch

for residential and commercial uses have been

the bane of the environmental community for

ten years. The foundation is pleased to be part of

the effort to effect the propertys preservation.

The land was transferred to the Fish and Wildlife

Service and became part of the San Pablo Bay

National Wildlife Refuge.

Acquiring land is only part of the story.

Providing community access at Rush Ranch gave

SLT its first opportunity to offer educational

programs. The nonprofit Rush Ranch Educational

Council (RREC) was formed to provide public

education programs, and they are still thriving.

Following RRECs example, SLT now hosts public

hikes and youth field trips at Lynch Canyon and

on the King and Swett Ranches.

1994: Local PlanningDevelopment of policies and planning forms

a vital part of SLTs efforts. A prime example

is our participation on the Citizens Advisory

Committee of the Tri-City and County Cooperative

Planning Group. The Cooperative Planning Group

includes Solano County and the Cities of Ben

Vallejo, and Fairfield. The efforts of this g

produced policies for open space and agricul

resource protection, as well as regional parks

recreation.

1996: It Takes Time

Land transactions are often complex and reqyears of behind-the-scenes activity. Although

process began in 1993, the acquisition of Ly

Canyon wasnt complete until 1996. Initially, L

Canyon was slated to be a landfill, but commu

advocates brought the issue to the ballot,

voters decided against having a landfill at the

SLT then worked to purchase the site for an o

space and agricultural preserve.

1997: Acquisition of Vernal PoThe Nature Conservancy (TNC) donated Jep

Prairie Preserve to Solano Land Trust. To

with land management, TNC offered a $70

endowment to SLT if it could raise matc

funds, which it did with the help of SLT do

and Jepson Prairie docents. Docents began lea

tours at Jepson Prairie in 1985 and are still ac

today. They collect donations for the sp

wildflower tours and educational programs.

hundred percent of these donations go into

endowment. Jepson Prairie is designated

national natural landmark and is well known

hotspot of biodiversity.

1998: Success of Easements Acquisition and stewardship of easem

are an ongoing effort at Solano Land Trus

conservation easement is an agreement in w

a landowner sells the propertys developm

rights to a conservation organization

continues to keep the land in farmingranching. The Bennedsen family donated S

first agricultural easement on a 52-acre orc

in Gordon Valley. To date, SLT has prote

more than 4,500 acres of irreplaceable farml

through conservation easements.

2001: Conservation PlanningSolano County Farmlands and Open Sp

Foundation became Solano Land Trust

sidebar). Thenboard president John Isaac

Land Trust in TimeContinued from page 1

Rush Ranch

Photo: Bud Turner,

WildLight Photography


5/8

I hate it when they call me bunch grass.

I like my real name

purple needlegrass.

Its a lot better than plain

bunch grass.

Purple needlegrass

sounds beautiful and dangerous.

Purple.

Like the sky

when the sun is setting,

or just after a storm.

The grasses they call exotic

have small purple flowers

that I like,

and the water in the marshglows purple in the moonlight

when the moon is full.

The children who come to visit

are sometimes dressed in purple.

It is like the little flowers at my feet

have sprung up

to dance and play

on my hillsides.

They chase the blackbirds

whose iridescent feathers

flash purple in the sunlight.

Im glad to be purple needlegrass

but theres more to me than purple,

theres needle.

Needle sharp

sharp as the claws on the barncat

with the broken tail.

He stalks about the ranch

marking his territory

with sharp, pungent odors

like needles.

Im a California native,

but when the children trample

across me and the young steers

nibble at my fresh shoots

I wonder at my survival.

I was here

when those called native Californians

arrived Patwin, Wintun,Miwok, Maidu.

I welcomed them.

I remember them.

I also remember the grizzlies

that rolled across me in the spring time.

Thousands of grizzlies

with needle sharp claws

that make that old Toms

look pretty pitiful.

Come to think of it

Im pretty pitiful.

The grizzlies are gone.

The Patwin are gone

or absorbed into the larger

number of non-native Cal ifornians.

Im almost gone.

Struggling to hang on.

Mostly Ive been choked out by the exotics

plowed under by the cultivators

burned off

yanked out

replaced.

I hope I will survive

a little while longer.

Id like to continue

to feel this breeze

to see the storms turn the sky purple

to feel the thunder of hooves

to hear the laughter of childrenromping and running

across my meadows

and the buzz of bees

in the buttercups.

I want to feel the rain

and the warmth of the sun

after the rain,

and the tickle of the lady bugs feet

as they climb my slender fronds.

I want to live.

Linda McCartyRush Ranch Poetry Worksho

March 27, 200

aid that the new name was chosen to increase

public recognition of the organizations goals

nd to have our purpose more clearly stated

n our name.

Solano Land Trust released the Conservation

trategy for the Vernal Pools of the Greater

epson Prairie Ecosystem. Funded by the U.S.

nvironmental Protection Agency and the Trust

or Public Land, this strategy provides an in-depth

nalysis of where SLT should focus its efforts for

ernal pool protection and how to accomplish it.

2002: Moving ForwardWith funding from the Bay Area Ridge Trail

Council and California Coastal Conservancy, the

ay Area Ridge Trail segment in Lynch Canyon was

ompleted and dedicated, and youth education

rograms began.

In July 2002, Solano Land Trust purchasedhe 1,575-acre King Ranch from PG&E. This was

he second of several properties SLT had been

working to acquire in the planning area called

ky ValleyCordelia Hills Open Space.

With funding from the Packard Foundation,

LT formalized its vision, goals, and strategies

n the Agricultural Conservation Easement Plan.

This plan was developed through the efforts

of staff, project consultants and a countywide

agricultural advisory group.

2003: National AttentionDes igna ted i n A ugus t b y the

National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration, Rush Ranch became

part of the San Francisco Bay National

Estuarine Research Reserve. The 1,050

acres of brackish wetlands at Rush

Ranch make up the largest remaining

intact tidal marsh system in the San

Francisco Estuary. The reserve will serve

as a reference point for the evaluation

of restored or created wetlands.

Tomorrow

Solano Land Trust has a history of carefulstewardship, making creative acquisitions,

and attracting dedicated staff and committed

volunteers. We plan to carry this proud legacy into

the future. Expect to see more of Solano Countys

most important habitat, agricultural lands, and

scenic landscapes preserved.

California Native

Magnus Bennedsen

and friendPhoto: Solano Land Trust


6/8

A New Look on the Web!Steve Metcalf, Fundra

Solano Land Trust has a new and improved Web site. Check it out at www.solanolandtrust.org.

entire SLT staff helped with site design, layout, content, and structure. While we worked, the wal

our conference room looked more like an expanded

version of the periodic table of elements. Copies of

Web pages in various stages hung everywhere, each

with large doses of red-ink notes and arrows pointing

in all directions. Messages flew from one computer

to another adding more fuel to the ever-growing

list of items to be added to pages, and pages added

to sections. By the time the drafting process was

complete, we had expanded the site from our target

of fifteen pages to its present content of forty plus,

not including all the technical and linked pages.

By developing the site in-house, we saved money

and established a system to make changes and add

new information quickly. Click the buttons on thehome page to access our featured sections. For a

complete listing of everything on the site press

the Site Map button. To quickly read about our

activities and schedule of events look for the big

blue button on the right.

We hope that you enjoy the site. If you have

any comments or suggestions please contact

Steve Metcalf at [email protected] or

(707) 432-0150.

Help support the development of our online gift shop featuring tee shirts, caps, windbreakers, t

bags, greeting cards, mugs, and photography. The online store will greatly enhance our ability

raise funds, and your donations will help make this possible. Please specify that your donation

for the online store project.

Wish List

Student watercolor

sets with brushes

Plant press

Canoes and/or kayaks

Life jackets

Youth-sized ponchosand raincoats

Ride-on mower

Solano County

history books

Arts & crafts materials

Park bench

Special needs

picnic table

Special needs tableand chairs

If you would like to

donate any of the above

items in good working

order, please contact

Jim Ball:

(707) 432-0150 102

[email protected]

Thanks to thefollowing fortheir donations:Holly Greenwood

Frank Morris

Hope & Chuck Wingert

Alice Plutchok

Thanks to Our Newest FriendsThe list of Friends of Solano Land Trust is growing. Please join us by sending in your contribution in theenclosed return envelope.

Marjory & William Craig

Nancy Gronert

Peter Keat

Clyde Low

Robert & Pat Moran

Robin C. Plutchok

William Robbins, III

David B. Warner

In Memory of Rob Schonholtz

Elna June Schonholtz

We make every effort to list all of our supporters. Please let us know if your name or organization has

been inadvertently omitted.


7/8

Kids CornerVolunteersNeeded Trail building &

property maintenanchelpers

Senior volunteers

Docents at LynchCanyon, Jepson Prai& Rush Ranch

Hike leaders

Equestrian trail rideleaders

Administrative supp

Graphic designers

Public outreach even

helpers

Outdoor educationalevent helpers

If you are interested

in joining the team

of volunteers contact

Jim Ball:

(707) 432-0150 102

[email protected]

Barn OwlsKaren Swan, Education Specialist

There are many different kinds of owls. One kind that

ves in California is the barn owl. Barn owls have white,

eart-shaped faces. Can you see the heart shape on the

wl in the drawing?

Barn owls nest in trees, burrows, sheltered corners

n barns, and owl boxes that people make for them.

eople build owl boxes on their property to encourage

wls to live there. Farmers want owls to live on their

arms because owls eat rodents. Some rodents can dig

p fields, cause crop damage, or eat farm animal food

hat is stored in a barn.

Barn owls live in the barn at Rush Ranch and eat

he rodents. This is very helpful, but it is also important

ot to encourage too many barn owls to live at Rush

Ranch. If too many owls live there they may eat the salt

marsh harvest mouse, an endangered animal that lives

n the marsh. Without human interference in nature,

here is a balance of predators (animals that eat each

ther animals) and prey (animals that get eaten). It is

mportant that humans dont disturb natures balance.

If you want to see the barn owls at Rush Ranch, visit

uring a public event (like a hike or blacksmith day),

when the barn is open. If you visit early in the morning

r near sunset you might see them flying around outside

he barn.

Memorial Giftsand Bequests

We hope you will cons

Solano Land Trust in y

estate planning. Memo

gifts and bequests areplaced in our endowm

fund so that these gift

can permanently suppo

conservation in Solano

County. We welcome

inquiries at

(707) 432-0150 101

Graphic:Joe Ferreira

Barn Owl

1 Barn owls are predators.

What do barn owls like

to eat?

2 Can you name a place in

Solano County where you

can see barn owls?

Hint: answers are found in the article.

Make a sturdy bookmark

in three easy steps:

1 Cut the bookmark along the dotted lines.

2 Cut a piece of empty cereal box that is the same

shape as your bookmark.

3 Glue the bookmark to the cardboard.

(Make sure the glue is dry before putting it

in your favorite book!)

Were MovingSolano Land Trust is moving to 1001 Texas Street, Suite C, Fairfield, in

late June. Look for an open house announcement in our next

newsletter. We invite everyone to visit us in our new space.


8/8

PRESERVING FARMLANDSAND OPEN SPACETHROUGHOUTSOLANO COUNTY

Solano Land Trust

1001 Texas Street, Suite CFairfield, CA 94533

(707) 432-0150

NonPro

Organiza

US Posta

PaidFairfiel

CA 945

Permit # 0

Jepson Prairie Preserve

Self-guided TourTake a self-guided tour in the Docent Triangle any day of

the week during daylight hours. Docent-led wildflower tourswill resume next spring.

Rush Ranch Open SpaceRush Ranch is open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For information about events contact Don Taynton at

(707) 425-3706 or [email protected], or visit

www.rushranch.org.

Volunteer WorkdaysFirst Saturday of the month:

Jun. 5th, Jul. 3rd, Aug. 7th, Sep. 4th

9 a.m. until finished - Free

Get some fresh air while helping with ranch and trailmaintenance. No experience or tools necessary. Lunch is

provided for participants.

Blacksmith Shop DemonstrationsThird Saturday of the month (no July):

Jun. 19th, Aug. 21st, Sep. 18th

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Free

Watch or participate in the art of blacksmithing with local

blacksmiths.

Lynch Canyon Open Space

Volunteer Trail Care DaysSecond Saturday of the month:

Jun. 12th, Jul. 10th, Aug. 14th, Sep. 11th

9 a.m. until finished - Free

Volunteers assist Land Steward Ken Poerner with trail

care and habitat restoration efforts. Snacks are provide

For more information call Ken at (707) 580-6277.

Mountain Bike Rides

Tuesday evenings,6:30 p.m. - Free

Ride the steep ranch roads with the Rockville RATS. Hav

thorn-proof tubes. Rides are subject to cancellation an

time change. To confirm e-mail [email protected]

call Karen Swan at (707) 432-0150 x110.

Scenic HikesFourth Saturday of the month:

Jun. 19th (3rd Sat.), Jul. 24th, Aug. 28th.9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Free

Join Dave Warner for one of his popular Lynch Canyon

hikes. For more information contact Karen Swan at

(707) 432-0150 x110 or [email protected].

King and Swett Ranches

Scenic HikesJun. 12th, Sep. 11th

9 a.m. Free

Explore these recently optioned (but not yet open to th

public) lands with Kathy Blume. Meet at the Park-and-R

lot at the Hiddenbrooke Parkway/American Canyon Roa

exit at I-80. Co-sponsored with the Bay Area Ridge Trai

Council. Call Kathy for info and to RSVP at (707) 864-2

BOARD MEMBERS

Sean Quinn,

President

Frank Morris,

Vice President

Jane Hicks,

Secretary

Marilyn Farley,

Treasurer

Ian Anderson

Frank Andrews, Jr.Bob Berman

Jeff Dittmer

John Isaacson

Russell Lester

Al Medvitz

STAFF

Jim Ball,

Executive Director

Pat Moran,

Administrative Assistant

Liz Martin,

Bookkeeper

Julian Meisler,

Conservation PlannerKen Poerner,Land Steward

Terry Chappell,

Field Steward

Wendy Low,

Land TransactionSpecialist

Karen Swan,

Education Specialist

Steve Metcalf,

Fundraising

Aleta George,

Editor, SLT Vistas

SLT in the Community Visit our booth at the Fairfield Tomato Festival on August 14th.

Mark your calendars for the 2004 Coastal Cleanup Day on September 18th

at 9 a.m. Meet at the Hill Slough Bridge on Grizzly Island Road.

For more information call Ken Poerner at (707) 580-6277.

NEW ADDRESS!

summer 2004 vistas newsletter, solano land trust

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