Conservation Chronicle
Summer 2010
Index:
Volunteers of the Year
Restoration Day at Los Jilgueros
Mike Peter's Report
FLC Press Coverage
5K Fun Run/Walk
Save Our Forest Report
Tails and Trails Report
Bequests - Gifts for the Future
An Appreciation - Gus Albers
FLC Meetings and Work Parties
Memorials and DedicationsGary and Jan Beeler Honored as FLC's Volunteers of the Year
Major contributors and the FLC’s 2009 “Volunteers of the Year” were honored April 7 at the Emerald Grove Recognition Dinner at the Grand Tradition. This year’s Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Gary and Jan Beeler.
Don McKinney, District Representative for Congressman Darrell Issa, presented the Beelers with a proclamation from Congressman Issa recognizing them for their outstanding work in enhancing the natural beauty of our community through their restoration work with the FLC’s Native Plant & Wildflower team and Save Our Forest groups.
“The Beelers’ volunteer work has involved every phase of the restoration, from tending the trees in the SOF nursery to writing grants, organizing and carrying out community planting events in which hundreds of volunteers have planted thousands of plants on Conservancy preserves,” noted FLC chairman Wallace Tucker.
Also attending was Supervisor Bill Horn, who applauded the FLC for their work in protecting the rural character of the Fallbrook area and discussed his goal of preserving as much of the historic North County Rancho Guejito property as possible.
Conservancy executive director Mike Peters outlined the many restoration projects underway on FLC’s preserves, and Vince Ross and Kent Borsch reviewed the FLC’s partnership with The San Diego Foundation to establish permanent endowments for the FLC using estate planning techniques.
Members of the Emerald Grove have given land or donated more than $1,000 in a year to the Conservancy. In 2009 there were 42 organizations, businesses, couples and individuals who contributed at that level. Among the Emerald Grove honorees present at the dinner were Dawne Goodwin McCullough, Diane and Donald McNutt, Peggy and Don Durling, Jan and Bill Schultz, Patti and Gary Johnson, Linda and Otis Heald, Jan Quigley, Renee Ingold, Karen and Jim Hall, Janis and Jim Swan. Connie Freese and Bret Modrell, Mary Perhacs, and Scott Rowland.
Over the course of 22 years of operation, the FLC has acquired and permanently protected 1,848 acres of land and 100 acres of conservation easements valued at $8 million at the time of acquisition, and has spent $2 million to manage and enhance the land. More than 80% of our funding has come from contributions by individuals, businesses and community organizations.
Thank you to all of our donors!
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Restoration Day at Los Jilgueros Preserve
Jan Beeler of the Native Plant & Wildflower Team (NP&WFT) wrote this story about the March 20th planting at Los Jilgueros Preserve. This team also participated in FLC’s Open House events in April and May, but Jan states: “The native plant restoration day was our biggest event.”
Mother Nature gave us incredible sunshine for the “First Day Of Spring Planting” at Los Jilgueros. We had a wonderful turnout of over 104 volunteers who faced the daunting task of planting 2,213 native California plants: they did it in only two hours!
Our team along with FLC’s Save Our Forest Group coordinated this very successful day. We started off the morning with five dozen donuts, and had to make an emergency run for three dozen more!
The plants were supplied by the FLC/Save Our Forest nursery, and sponsored through generous grants by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Along with individual volunteers who came in on their own, there were many who came in groups such as Fallbrook Rotary Club, Fallbrook Girl Scouts, St. Peters Catholic Church Confirmation Class, Fallbrook High School, and “Miss Fallbrook” contestants.
By planting natives normally found in the area throughout Los
Jilgueros Preserve, we hope to create habitat for native birds
and wildlife. Some of the natives we planted, such as Coastal
Sage, White Sage, and Black Sage are especially fragrant and
attract butterflies as well.
Other varieties of native plants include encelia, elderberry and toyon. Every year the cedar waxwings migrate through Fallbrook devouring the toyon berries, also known as “Christmas Berries” along their way.”
One interesting fact that Jan relates is that the toyon is also known as Holly Berry. The hillsides of Los Angeles’ Mount Lee were covered with this native plant. A real estate developer came up with the name Hollywoodland and that sign stood on Mt. Lee until 1945 when the last four letters were removed. Now it’s simply “Hollywood” of movie fame!
Executive Director's Report
From the Black Swivel Chair to the Field
I have a family of house wrens outside my office window, living in a man-made birdhouse that looks like a big red apple which hangs from the tree that shades my office. These adult birds spend all their time gathering insects to feed the next generation which waits in the nest and only sees the world through a small round hole while sitting in the security of the big red apple shelter.
Every day, every hour, these small birds cautiously bring the insects to the general area and look to see if my dogs or cats are in the area and then proceed to enter the big red apple and feed their offspring. I’m always amazed at how focused they are on the routine task they have been assigned by nature.
As we pass through the seasons each year, do we take the time to explore the trails in our surroundings or do we continue to stay focused on our daily routines? Do we make the time to walk one of our many trails in one of our protected open space preserves, find a bench or big granite boulder and sit and listen and let nature, come to us? Close your eyes and feel the cool summer breeze hitting your face and listen to the wind in the trees and wildlife around you.
Do you take the time to pick your head up and look into the branches of a big sycamore to see what’s there and to find a red-shouldered hawk sitting there casually watching you with dark black eyes?
As you walk a newly discovered trail, take the time to focus your eyes toward the soft light-green coastal sage shrub and extend your fingers into the feathers of the plant and retract your fingers to your nose and discover the aroma that will stay with you throughout your adventure.
Have you ever focused your eyes past the sage and to the surrounding earthen crust at your feet to find a totally paralyzed lizard sitting in the sun and after he decides you are no threat he does his push-ups to cool off his scaly body? That lizard knows we’re no threat because we are all on the same journey to the same destination and we all want the same result. We might have differences on how we want to experience nature and make those simple discoveries along the dusty trail, but we are all working towards the undertaking we have been assigned.
All of us who walk the trail have to realize that we need to get the next generation out of the big red apple and we all need to meet at the trail junction and work together to accomplish the same goals and save the special places where we all can escape the everyday routine before heading back to the nest.
See you on one of our dusty trails!
Mike Peters
San Diego Press Coverage
The San Diego Union Tribune Sunday supplement of June 6 featured the Santa Margarita County Preserve under the heading “Take a Hike: Hidden beach welcome surprise at preserve.” Priscilla Lister wrote “the 220-acre preserve is part of the county’s Multiple Species Conservation Program. In partnership with the Fallbrook Land Conservancy, the trail is open to equestrians, mountain bikers, hikers and dogs on leashes.”
Earlier, on Sunday, May 30, Union Tribune writer Wendy Fry featured Monserate Mountain in the “Take a Hike” column under the heading “Short, steep trail offers flowers and a workout.”
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Hundreds "Re-Connected with Nature" during 5K Run/Walk on April 24
More than 100 walkers and runners showed
up on Saturday, April 24, to enjoy a beautiful spring day at
the Fallbrook Land Conservancy’s Open House and 5K Fun Run/Walk.
People from as far as San Diego, Riverside, and even England
came to Fallbrook to enjoy our perfect weather and connect with
nature.
The goal of the event, “to foster fellowship and share an appreciation of the natural world around us,” was realized as participants walked the grounds of the Palomares House and jogged or strolled through the gently rolling hills of Los Jilgueros Preserve.
“It wasn’t about money or fund-raising,” said organizer Megan Gamble. “It was about friendship, education, and community spirit.”
Community spirit included the involvement of the North San Diego County Association of Realtors (NSDCAR). Fifteen local agents, affiliates and family members helped at the event, providing route control along the side streets and within the Preserve. “We loved supporting the Fallbrook Land Conservancy because of their value to our village” said Craig Griffin from NSDCAR. “We are constantly looking for ways to give back to Fallbrook and the Land Conservancy made this opportunity available – it was fun. And we got a chance to learn more about the substantial role they have played in preserving open spaces.”
Before the run, Kat Folger helped the crowd warm up with stretches and laughter. The mood was joyful as the crowd ambled to the start of the run. Runners left first, with walkers starting a few minutes later, winding through the neighborhood behind the Palomares House.
Thanks to Duane & Susie Urquhart, the route cut through the Peppertree property accessing Los Jilgueros Preserve from the north.
The recent rains had kept the ponds full, and coots, ducks and egrets could be seen. Wildflowers were in bloom throughout the preserve to the delight of the walkers. Jan & Gary Beeler, volunteer docents and members of the Native Plant & Wildflower team, answered questions about the restoration of native flora and the importance of native habitat within the preserve.
A highlight of the 5K was having the sculptor on hand in the Preserve to talk about the soaring bronze statue located on the hill overlooking the ponds and garden area. Stuart Tucker created the sculpture in memory of Pamela van der Linden in 1990.
“It was a gorgeous day,” said Karen Jenkins, 5K run/walk coordinator. "The smiles on the faces of runners and walkers returning to Palomares House gave evidence of the benefits of spending the morning with nature. It was especially gratifying to see so many families participating."
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"Saving Our Forest" - A Work in Progress
By Jackie Heyneman
Local residents flocked to the Palomares House on May 15 for FLC's first "Celebration
of Trees" event. Throughout the day, over 300 trees and shrubs were given away.
Here (from left) are Wallace Tucker, Mike Peters, Gary Beeler, Jackie Heyneman
and Howard Sansom welcoming all comers to an Open House.
The first half of 2010 has been productive for Save Our Forest (SOF) volunteers. “How?” you ask. We have completed the 2009-2010 California Releaf grant planting which ultimately brought 79 new trees to the community. This was more than we applied for, but a windfall (literally) made a large amount of mulch available. We traded the cost of mulch for more trees. All were planted within the community core and most are visible on our streets and byways.
On May 15, the “Greening of Fallbrook” was encouraged by a Celebration of Trees event at the Palomares House. SOF had upgraded donated trees that could be planted on private property. Residents came to select from 310 trees and native plants. All trees found new homes with many going to folks still recovering from the 2007 fire. It was another successful event with lots of happy homeowners getting trees to provide energy-saving shade and the aesthetic value that makes a house and grounds a home.
More and more, the prominent issue is to instill concern for the community environment into the minds and hearts of our youth who might carry on the goals of SOF and FLC. The charm of Fallbrook is the rural ambiance that attracts wonderful people. Preserving and enhancing that ambiance provides many visual benefits plus numerous environmental effects, all good.
Working with the Leadership class at Fallbrook High is a step toward that goal. The planting day at the high school in December ’09 was very successful with many students working side-by-side with seasoned SOF volunteers. Also the ongoing Environmental Education program that SOF began many years ago at Live Oak School aims to instill that basic foundation of concern and responsibility in fourth and fifth grade students. This program emphasized the following three concepts :
· Planting for a more healthful environment (plant life to oxygen),
· Planting native or drought-tolerant home gardens to conserve water,
· And community service as a way of giving back to the community.
We continue to work with the Fallbrook Elementary School District toward these goals and are working on plans now for the 2010-2011 school year.
Volunteer Hours Mount Up
The amazing volunteers who work in the various programs of SOF racked up an astonishing number of hours in 2009. The total was 2,844 hours at the 2009 Federal volunteer value of $20.25/hour: a total of $57,591.
Tracking these hours is vital to the matching fund element of grant applications. Using this careful accounting is an extremely important part of the program, but, actual in-the-trenches work is the most important.
The fact that Fallbrook is an unincorporated community and has no base for the work that is done by volunteers would mean all the effort of planting would be in vain. Tasks of watering, minor pruning, weeding, replacing dead or damaged plant material, picking up trash, growing plants for our Preserves, and working with the schools all fall into SOF volunteer categories. Major pruning of downtown trees and maintaining the 1.1 mile of planted slopes along South Mission Road is made possible though community donations.
We are always in need of volunteers and donations. Whichever you can give is greatly appreciated. A little given by a lot makes plenty. Call the FLC office, (760) 728-0889, to volunteer or donate to SOF. Or, call Jackie Heyneman at 728-5395.
Volunteers are always welcomed with a smile by the Save
Our Forest group. Here, at their recent Open House booth
are long-time volunteers Don and Diane McNutt, Ellie
Ross, and Jackie Heyneman. Back to Index
Tails Wagged on Los Jilgueros Trails in March
“Dogs are gateway critters,” declared Connie Freese, chairman of Friends of Los Jilgueros Preserve and organizer of the March 6 dog walk event. “They make us more aware of other critters and environmental needs.” They certainly had a great time with their human friends — nearly 100 of each species — on a brisk Saturday morning at Fallbrook’s favorite preserve.
The FLC netted over $3,300 from the event which featured the fun dog walk, raffle drawings, dog contests, a puppy training demonstration by Jennifer Lyle, and a talk by Connie Freese on the importance of Los Jilgueros in the community. Special thanks go to this year’s sponsors: Coldwell Banker Landmark Group; John Crawford, Attorney; Berry Bell & Hall Mortuary; and Lovin’ Friends Dog Groomers.
“We also treasure our volunteers,” Freese added, “especially the Lyle family, Maddie and Jake Klingsberg and family, Nancy Rouse, Kathy Ford, Mary Sullivan and ‘the colonel’ Joan Zimmerman.”
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Bequests - Gifts for the Future
"They wanted to leave behind something of a permanent nature.
Something that would contribute to the welfare of the planet."
Deena Travis, friend of Nancy and Howard Dinwiddie
By remembering FLC in their wills and trusts, a number of
generous people have left a legacy of preserved open space for
future generations to enjoy. Howard and Nancy Dinwiddie, who
resided in Fallbrook from the early 1970's until their deaths in
1989 and 1991, left an exceptionally generous bequest that
enabled the FLC to preserve 14 acres across from the Palomares
House and 50 acres on Rock Mountain in the Santa Margarita River
Valley.
Bequests have also been received from the Estate of Inez Sorgenfrei, the Estate of Merritt and Dorothy Dunlap, the Estate of Donna Kaeding, and the Estate of Russ and Doris Elam; and FLC is the beneficiary of a charitable remainder trust as part of the Estate of Dr. Rodger Engel.
The following benefactors have notified FLC that we have been included in their estate planning programs: Marjorie Tess, Stephen Lopardo and Dawne Goodwin McCullough.
These generous estate planning gifts will help us to build an endowment and acquisition fund that will support our efforts to preserve the wonderful quality of life we share. We will continue to recognize all these gifts in our publications and in a special display at the Palomares House.
For more information and customized estate planning guidance through our partnership with The San Diego Foundation, contact the FLC via email, phone or letter.
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Estate Planning Gifts
Bequests
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An Appreciation - Gus Albers
The FLC lost a valuable friend with the
passing of Gus Albers this Spring. Gus was well-known for his
ability to persuade people to support a cause he believed in.
Fortunately for us, one of those causes was the FLC,
and each year he would collect hundreds of dollars worth of
donations from local business organizations in support of our
Stage Coach Sunday event.
Less known is the critical role he played in getting a substantial donation that helped us to expand Hellers Bend Preserve. As part of a settlement with a developer over a California Water Quality Control violation, Gus convinced the developer and the Water Quality Control Board to donate $50,000 of the fine to the Fallbrook Land Conservancy.
These funds were used to help purchase 24 acres of pristine coastal sage scrub habitat adjacent to Hellers Bend Preserve. This land is now protected for future generations to enjoy. Gus will be sorely missed, but his legacy of good work protecting the rural character and natural beauty of our community will live on.
FLC Meetings and Work Parties
Trails Council
Second Monday of the month at 7:00 P.M. at the Palomares House.
New members encouraged.
Trails
Maintenance
Third Saturday at 8:00 A.M. Meet at the Sandia Creek Trail Head.
Save Our Forest
Meetings: 4th Monday of the month, 7:00 P.M. at the
Palomares House.
Work Parties: Third Wednesday of the month at 8:30
A.M. and last Sunday of the month at 7:30 A.M. at the Village
Square.
Adopt-A-Highway: 2nd Saturday of the month at 8:00 A.M.,
at the Pala Mesa Resort entrance.
Technical
Advisory Board
2010 Meetings: July 7 and October 6 at 7:00 P.M. at
the Palomares House.
FLC Board
Meeting
The next meeting of the FLC Board is Wednesday, July 28,
at the Palomares House.
Memorials and Dedications
The FLC thanks the following donors for recent memorial contributions
In Memory of Gus Albers
Deutsch Corporate, Inc.
In Memory of
Robert F. Ingold
From Renee Ingold
In Honor of Pam Van Der Linden
From Jean F. Schulz