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


How would you describe the value of the Eastern Sierra to legislators in Sacramento?
 
This past Monday, we had an opportunity to do just that. Alongside a delegation of other Sierra businesses, land trusts, and local water agency interests, I traveled to Sacramento with ESLT Board Member Randy Keller to meet with state policymakers. Our goal was to strengthen relationships, highlight the benefits of the Sierra to the rest of the state, and discuss how we can build synergies in the coming year to advance joint priorities.
 
But why should ESLT care? Because increased state investment in our region will help leverage federal funds to protect more of the wide-open lands you treasure.
 
And to truly motivate our elected officials, we need them to hear our stories about why conserving land and water in our region is so critically important.  For this, we need your help.
 
Do you have a story about why protecting the Eastern Sierra should be a top priority? If so, please share it with me - you can respond to this email, or email me directly at [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you. I'll be compiling all of your stories together so that we can deliver them at the right time and have a major impact on the future of our region.
 
If you come into town for Mule Days next week, please let me know - I'd love to say HI in person!

Best,
Kay Ogden,  Executive Director
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
 
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 our free Garden Tour, you can see these lovely gardens in bloom, participate in fun activities, win prizes, and more. RSVP to [email protected] for map and directions.

Bi-State Greater Sage-Grouse in the Mono Basin
Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua Field Trip and Stewardship Day at Conway Ranch
Friday, June 16 from 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Meet at the   Lee Vining Community Center
 
Join us as we explore Conway Ranch, learn about its history, and then lend a hand to improve important habitat for wildlife that can be found there. Attendees must pre-register with the Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua - to do so, Click Here >>

Lands & Legacy Celebration
August 11 - 13
Parallax Restaurant at Mammoth Mountain
 
Save the Date and join your friends, family, and fellow conservation supporters as we raise a glass in honor of the magical lands and waters you've helped protect forever. There's lots in store for that weekend, and final details are being planned now - keep on the lookout for more info soon!

Come See Pollinator Gardens In Bloom
During our Pollinator Garden Tour, visit beautiful pollinator gardens that locals have created
 
Join us for a free, self-guided tour of nine blooming pollinator gardens in Bishop and Chalfant!
 
Pollinator Garden Tour
Saturday, June 3 from 10am - 2pm
 
Each stop will feature a special activity, such as information on drip irrigation systems, a plein air painting demonstration, and fun craft projects for the whole family. You'll also have a chance to win participation prizes.
 
What's more, anyone taking part in the tour is encouraged to join us for a free community yoga class in our backyard before the tour begins.
 
To sign up and receive your Pollinator Garden Tour Map, email [email protected] or call (760) 873-4554.

Looking Back: Conservation Success
at Benton Hot Springs Ranch
Thanks to supporters like you, this special place is protected forever
 
With its wildlife, water resources, ranching legacy, and vibrant history, Benton Hot Springs Ranch is a diamond in the rough.
 
Back in 2008, third-generation landowner Bill Bramlette teamed up with ESLT to protect his ranch from the growing threat of development. What began then was an ongoing conservation partnership that has not only preserved this historic landscape for the future, but also enhanced it for the diverse wildlife that call it home.

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!
Keep up with the latest conservation news with our SierraScapes Newsletter

In our new, Spring 2017 issue of SierraScapes, you'll find:
  • News about how local ranchers are partnering with organizations and agencies to create better homes for wildlife on their working lands.
  • An update on Conway Ranch: decisions are being made about this iconic landscape, and your voice can make a difference.
  • A story about how one volunteer is taking action to make sure her three kids gain a deeper connection with the land.
...And much more!

A Perfect Day to Celebrate Spring
Locals gather in ESLT's backyard for a delightful afternoon at GardenFest

Thank you to all the friends, supporters, vendors, and garden enthusiasts who joined us on Saturday, May 6th at Gardenfest, and made the afternoon so special. It warms our hearts to see our community coming together to appreciate this wonderful time of year.
 
Photographer Amy Leist stopped by to capture the fun on camera - check out her pictures by clicking below!
Caution: Mule Deer Crossing Ahead
The deer are on the move - be careful on the roads

As the temperatures warm and the snow melts, local mule deer have begun their annual spring migration from the valley floor to the High Sierra. They aren't looking both ways before they cross our streets and highways - so please keep your eyes peeled and drive safely. By staying attentive and alert, you can avoid a potentially-fatal accident.

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  |  [email protected]