“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” - Martin Luther King Jr
It’s one of those gorgeous summer afternoons – the sky is clear with a soft breeze flowing through the green trees, and the sun is starting to dip behind the mountains. As I’ve worked from my home office today continuing ESLT’s mission to protect this amazing region, I’ve heard the cah-cah-cah of a Red Shouldered Hawk as it soars and circles high above, and the chirp of the hummers as they defend their penstemon and hollyhocks.
I know how lucky and privileged I am to be able to work each day to protect a region that “makes my heart sing”. I feel blessed to be a part of an amazing team of dedicated and visionary every-day-folks who came together over 21 years ago to find a balanced solution to protect migration corridors, biodiversity, and the incredible land of the Eastern Sierra.
Land conservation originated from the idea that the responsibility we feel to care for one another can and should be extended to taking care of the land. At the Eastern Sierra Land Trust, we build that land ethic into the management of our preserves and conservation easements so that recreation, ranching, tourism, and cultural values of our special region will continue to thrive into the future.
You know that when we come together, we accomplish amazing things. We welcome community members who care about land conservation and the environment, and have interest in, or expertise with, issues related to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to please get in touch with me at kay@eslt.org. We want you to be part of the conversations about how Eastern Sierra Land Trust’s work in land conservation, stewardship, and education can truly benefit everyone.
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With gratitude,
Kay Ogden
Executive Director/CEO, ESLT
P.S. I will be at the 4th of July Parade in Bridgeport on Monday. If you see me there, please come and say hello!
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Earth Day Youth Art Contest Showing
Wednesday, June 29th
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Want to see powerful and imaginative artwork created by local youth? A selection of outstanding pieces from ESLT's Earth Day Youth Art Contest will be displayed at C5 galleries in Bishop on Wednesday, June 29th, from 6-7 pm. The event is open to the public. More info here.
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© Dwayne Leonard, Ranch Memories Photography |
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Setting the Course: ESLT Community Chat
Wednesday, June 29th
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Join ESLT for a community chat as we celebrate 21 years of land conservation! Grab your lunch and jump online from wherever you are.
While we reflect back on where we've been, we’d also love to hear from you on where you’d like to see ESLT go in the next 20 years. What do you think is most important to protect in the Eastern Sierra? Brainstorm some ideas with us!
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Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup
Saturday, July 16th
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We are planning a highway cleanup on July 16 from 7:30-10:00 am to remove trash from ESLT’s sponsored section of Highway 395. Your help is greatly appreciated and will keep litter away from wildlife and out of sensitive ecosystems.
ESLT will provide trash bags, trash grabbers, leather gloves, bright vests, and hardhats. Please RSVP to Claire at claire@eslt.org to reserve a spot and get more information.
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Lands & Legacy Celebration
Thursday, August 25th
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Mark your calendars! This year's Lands & Legacy Celebration Paddle Raise is set for Thursday, August 25th.
There will be an array of events in the two weeks leading up to the Paddle Raise. We can't wait to celebrate all that we have accomplished together. More details to come soon.
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ESLT Office Closed July 4th-8th |
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Eastern Sierra Land Trust will be closed during the business week of July 4th-8th. Our staff is taking the week to rejuvenate, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the magic of our surroundings. We look forward to diving back into Eastern Sierra conservation on Monday the 11th. |
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© Dwayne Leonard, Ranch Memories Photography |
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Do you want to work to protect the magic of the Eastern Sierra and advance California's conservation initiatives? We are hiring for two positions, based out of Bishop CA, with hybrid (in-office and remote) work options.
Joining our Land and Stewardship Team means working to protect one of the most magnificent landscapes in the world. ESLT is at the forefront of Eastern Sierra conservation, with over 21,000 acres of land permanently protected, and more in the pipeline. Both open positions involve a significant amount of time on the land, forging relationships with visionary landowners, and ensuring that conservation values are upheld.
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In case you missed it, last week was Pollinator Week. Our AmeriCorps Member and Education Coordinator, Claire, wrote a series of blog posts filled with information about pollinators and how to promote their health.
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Remembering John Trees Louth |
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On June 12th, community members gathered to remember and celebrate the remarkable life of John Trees Louth. A dedicated parent, community member, and civil servant, John's devotion to improving the lives of others was unceasing and inspiring.
John supported ESLT, and was instrumental in helping our pollinator garden in its early stages. On one of his morning strolls, John noticed that an ESLT staffer was slowly hand-tilling the lawn in front of the office. Soon after, he returned with a rototiller, and spent the next three days tilling our plot until it was perfect. His kindness and dedication led to our garden flourishing.
For so many people, whether it was their garden or another aspect of their lives, John was there to help with a smile and the knowledge of what needed to be done.
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Paul Harris Fellow Recognition |
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We are happy to announce that our Executive Director/CEO, Kay, has been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation.
The presentation of a Paul Harris Fellow recognition to a non-Rotarian like Kay is an appreciation for outstanding work that betters the community in ways that align with The Rotary Foundation's goals.
ESLT Board Member and Rotarian Fran Hunt nominated Kay for the honor. Fran, a longtime advocate for the Eastern Sierra, was presented her second Paul Harris Fellow recognition at the ceremony.
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Thank you for being a part of the ESLT family. With our caring landowners, volunteers, members, and supporters, we're protecting a bright future for the Eastern Sierra.
Sincerely,
Kay, Amanda, Byron, Carissa, Claire, Heather, and our Board of Directors
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Together, Protecting our Wild and Working Lands
Eastern Sierra Land Trust is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, to which contributions may qualify as a charitable deduction for tax purposes.
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