Eastern Sierra Land Trust   ◊   March 2017 E-Newsletter
Eastern Sierra Land Trust


Just outside my window, a woman and her young daughter were bent together in the ESLT garden. The woman was gently encouraging the little girl to explore; and as I watched, they discovered a ladybug on a stick. The daughter squealed, and both faces lit up with joy.

I couldn't help but be inspired. Watching this interaction unfold before me reminded me of my own adventures in nature with my father. At his side, I learned about the beauty and magic of the natural world - one of the greatest gifts he ever gave.

But not all children have these types of opportunities, even in a rural area like ours. Some of our local youth have never been to the mountains that surround their homes; some never share in quiet moments, watching bugs and digging in the dirt.

Together, we can change this.

In just a few short weeks, local third-graders will walk from their school to our garden. They will get to explore and learn about insects, plants, and why they are so important to our daily lives.  I hope that, by giving young girls and boys these special moments, these future leaders will remember them when the time comes to pass these lessons on.

I hope that, like that little girl I saw last week - and like the little girl that I once was - these youngsters will find joy and magic in nature.

And I hope that, this spring, you find joy and magic there too.

Best,
Kay Ogden,  Executive Director
kay@eslt.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
 

Round Fire Volunteer Restoration Workday
Friday, April 7 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Meet at the dirt parking area on the west side of Paradise ( click for map)
 
We're teaming up with the BLM Bishop Field Office, volunteers, and other community partners to plant native bitterbrush seedlings in the area that burned during 2015's Round Fire.
 
Native Plant and Pollinator Garden Workshop
Saturday, April 8 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Inyo Council for the Arts  (2300 W. Line St. in Bishop)
 
Butterflies, bees, and other pollinators are the key to a blooming backyard. At the free Pollinator Garden Workshop, learn everything you'll need to know to create your own pollinator haven. RSVP to indigo@eslt.org.
 
Volunteer Workday at the Swall Wildlife Preserve
Tuesday, April 18 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
RSVP to indigo@eslt.org for directions
 
We'll continue work we started on April 7 to plant and protect bitterbrush seedlings in the Round Fire burn area. Join our volunteer team and help restore this important habitat for wildlife.
 
GardenFest
Saturday, May 6 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
ESLT Office Backyard  (250 N. Fowler St. in Bishop)
 
Join us as we welcome spring at GardenFest! At this fun, family-friendly community event, you can purchase plants, learn gardening tips and tricks, listen to music, sample local beers, enjoy a brick oven pizza cooked on-site, and more.
 
Pollinator Garden Tour
Saturday, June 3 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Meet at the  ESLT Office  (250 N. Fowler St. in Bishop)
 
Locals across the Eastern Sierra have been hard at work creating beautiful native plant and pollinator gardens. During the Garden Tour, you'll have the chance to see these lovely gardens in bloom, win participation prizes, and more. RSVP to indigo@eslt.org for garden map and directions.
 
Lands & Legacy Celebration
Saturday, August 12
Parallax Restaurant at Mammoth Mountain
 
Save the Date and join us at our Party of the Year: Lands & Legacy! At this annual fundraising weekend, come together with other ESLT supporters and raise a glass in honor of the Eastern Sierra  lands you've helped conserve forever.

Volunteers Needed: Lend a Hand
We need your help to restore important habitat for wildlife in the Round Fire burn area

Want to do your part to restore homes for local wildlife? Wondering how the landscape near Swall Meadows is recovering after the 2015 Round Fire?
 
Join us next Friday, 4/7, and help plant native bitterbrush seedlings that mule deer and other wildlife need to thrive.
 
We're teaming up with the BLM Bishop Field Office, partners, and volunteers for this community workday. Join our team, and you can make a lasting difference for wildlife in our area.

Get Your Garden Growing
On April 8, learn how you can transform your yard into a pollinator paradise

Ready for a little flutter, humm, and buzz in your backyard?
 
We're here to help you bring your garden to life by creating a beautiful, blooming haven for pollinators. Join us next Saturday, April 8th, at our third annual free Pollinator Garden Workshop!
 
You'll have the chance to network with other gardeners, learn how to get started on your pollinator garden, find out how you can receive a free voucher for $125 worth of native plants, and more. RSVP today by contacting Indigo at indigo@eslt.org or calling (760) 873-4554.
Planting the Seeds of Conservation
Spring is headed for our garden... And the Bishop Elementary 3rd Grade kids are too
 
Eastern Sierra Land Trust is looking forward to welcoming young girls and boys to our outdoor classroom this spring.
 
As participants in our annual Sunflower Garden Project, local 3rd graders will be joining us in the Native Plant and Pollinator Demonstration Garden at our office in Bishop. Each class will visit the garden several times this spring to learn more about plants, pollinators, and the magic of nature.

The Humm Around Town
Hummingbirds are on their way - time to welcome them to your backyard

Are you curious about local hummingbirds? Want to learn more about the different species that can be seen in the Eastern Sierra, and what you can do to attract them to your yard? Wondering how soon is too soon to put out your hummingbird feeder?
 
Eastern Sierra Land Trust members and birding experts, Tom and Jo Heindel, have the answers to your questions.

EASTERN SIERRA LAND TRUST
 
ESLT works with willing landowners to protect vital lands in the Eastern Sierra region for their scenic, agricultural, natural, recreational, historic, and watershed values.

250 N. Fowler Street, Bishop CA 93514

www.eslt.org  |  (760) 873-4554  |  info@eslt.org