December 2020 • ESLT News
Dear Friend,

Last December, I told you that I believe in Santa and that I wouldn’t apologize for it. I said that I believe in Magic, the special kind that seems to happen this time of the year.

I still believe. And I’ve got to be honest, it’s harder to see this year. But if you look closely, you can still see the hope of Santa's upcoming visit in the faces of young children. You can see parents and grandparents searching for ways to nurture that hope by keeping as many traditions as possible during this challenging time.

A few days ago, I made my Mother’s fruitcake for the very first time. I know many of you may be cringing with the concept, but honestly, it’s really good!

I called her multiple times to make sure that I was doing it right – how much do I stir the batter? do I mix everything in at once? We laughed and shared a special time, even though she was miles and several states away. I think we just may have started a new tradition.
I know it’s tough, and I know that many of us are struggling. And while we are dealing with personal and professional challenges, things are getting done. The recent completion of the Hunewill Ranch conservation easement, after five-plus years of work, is a testament to the passionate and dedicated belief in protecting this magical region.
I ask each of us – let’s look a bit deeper to find and share that Magic. It’s there.

I wish you all Hope, Love, and Peace... and may the Magic of Santa surround you and your loved ones!
Happy Holidays,

Kay Ogden
Executive Director/CEO, ESLT
760-873-4554, kay@eslt.org
P.S. - It's not too late to make an end of year donation in support of Eastern Sierra land conservation. Thank you for believing in our work!
Online Chat: Our Amazing Eastern Sierra Wildlife
Wednesday, December 16th, 12-12:45PM

Learn about our iconic Eastern Sierra wildlife, how to respectfully spot them, and how your support cares for them. ESLT staff will share fun facts and stories of seeing wildlife on our protected land. RSVP to Amanda.
Online Chat: ESLT's Happy Place Book Club
Wednesday, January 13th, 6-7PM

Turn a new page with us in a thought-provoking online discussion about Peter Wohlleben’s, The Hidden Life of Trees. We'll explore trees from their life to their death and bring light to their relatable tendencies of community.
Giving Tuesday:
Every $$ Makes Conservation Happen!

Thanks to you, our caring community of conservation supporters raised over $50,000 this #GivingTuesday, going directly to protecting our amazing Eastern Sierra land. Your generosity got us one-third of the way to our yearend campaign goal of $150,000, an important part of our annual fundraising to keep writing those land conservation success stories you look forward to hearing. And a special thanks to our longtime, generous donor who matched what you raised. What a boost for saving the land and wildlife you love!

Recommended Nature Books for Children

We believe it is important to share these literary explorations with young ones, too! We have put together a list of children’s books for you and the kids in your life to enjoy together either warming by a fire or under the sunshine. This list has some of my favorite nature-related books that I enjoy even as an adult! Water, trees, diverse ecosystems, seasonal changes, animal perspectives, and ways to observe are all great topics included in these books.

Download the list below! And if you have any great nature books for children or adults that you’d love to share with us, please do. Contact Gabrielle at gabrielle@eslt.org.
Top 10 Ways to Save Land in the Eastern Sierra

  1. Become a member or renew your membership.
  2. Make a monthly donation in our Bristlecone Grove Giving Club.
  3. Ask your employer to match your gift.
  4. Set ESLT as your AmazonSmile recipient organization.
  5. Give through your donor advised fund (DAF).
  6. Plan a legacy gift.
  7. Volunteer with us, when it's safe!
  8. Donate photography or artwork.
  9. Give tools or office supplies.
  10. Donate your land.

Thank you for being a part of the ESLT family. With the help of landowners, volunteers, members, and supporters like you, we're ensuring a bright future for the Eastern Sierra.

Sincerely,
Kay, Amanda, Cami, Carissa, Gabrielle, Heather, Sara, Sus, and our Board of Directors