January/February 2022 • ESLT News |
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Is it too late to say “Happy New Year!”? Or shall I say “Happy Valentine’s Day!”
Did you hear that it finally snowed in December? And it kept snowing. I had almost two feet here at my house in Round Valley, and our neighbors just up “the hill” in Mammoth got considerably more. I was so inspired by the stories of folks helping one another - bringing food to their neighbors, or shoveling out deeply buried cars and driveways.
And then, it stopped snowing. And now it’s warming up and melting, with hardly any precipitation in the forecasts. I know it’s wrong that I’m wanting to start my vegetable garden already. It’s way too early, and we need more snow so badly. Are your green thumbs getting ready, too?
As we step into 2022, we are celebrating ESLT’s 21st Anniversary… or since we weren't able to gather in person last year, is it really our 20th Anniversary - plus 1? We are hoping that our world will be in a place where all of us can safely gather outside on May 21st to celebrate all that we have accomplished together. Stay tuned and keep your fingers crossed for an in-person 2022 Lands and Legacy Celebration in the beautiful Bridgeport Valley.
So, until we can meet together in person, let’s keep finding ways to connect and find joy. You are the heart and soul of ESLT–we need you. Stay tuned for more good news on land protection, upcoming ESLT events, and how we can help support one another until we can be together.
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All my best,
Kay Ogden
Executive Director/CEO, ESLT
P.S. ESLT has a lot of things on the calendar for spring... Read on!
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ESLT's Happy Place Book Club:
The Home Place, Memoirs of a Colored Man's Love Affair with Nature
by J. Drew Lanham
Part One: Monday, February 28th, 2022 from 6-7 pm
Part Two: Monday, March 14th, 2022 from 6-7 pm
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In his memoir, Dr. Lanham reflects on his family history and upbringing in rural South Carolina, explores how he came to love the natural world, and contemplates race and identity in the outdoors.
Support our local businesses and pick up a copy from the book club shelf at Spellbinder Books! If you mention you are a part of ESLT’s Book Club, you will receive 10% off.
We will hold these events virtually on Zoom.
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Mule Deer Migration Corridor Field Trip
Saturday, March 5th, from 2-4 pm
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Mule deer, or muleys, are an iconic species in the Western US. Perhaps you have seen them take bounding, stiff-legged hops through the sagebrush, or noticed their large, mule-like ears.
Come learn more about our local mule deer and their seasonal migration at the Mule Deer Migration Corridor Field Trip! CDFW Human-Wildlife Conflict Scientist Daniel Taylor will lead us on an educational tour of the Round Valley mule deer herd’s winter range. This free, family-friendly event will be held in person from 2-4 pm on March 5th.
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Eastside Pollinator Garden Workshop
Saturday, April 9th, 2022 from 10am-12:30 pm
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Whether you’re just starting out or looking to revitalize your pollinator-friendly garden, we invite you to join us and learn from a few local experts who’ll help your garden bloom.
Mark your calendar for 10am-12:30pm on April 9th for ESLT’s free Pollinator Garden Workshop! Local gardeners will present on topics that will help you design a beautiful, thriving garden with native plants that attract wildlife while decreasing fire risk in your yard.
The location of this event is TBD. We hope to hold the event in person. We will update you as we get closer to the event date.
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World Migratory Bird Day 2022
May 14-15, 2022
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Black Lake Preserve, © ESLT Staff |
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On May 14th and 15th, we will head to Black Lake Preserve to spot visiting birds and get some fresh air. There will also be options to bird on your own at Black Lake Preserve or at the Bishop COSA.
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Lands & Legacy Celebration
Saturday, May 21st, 2022
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Celebrate ESLT's 21st anniversary with us! Mark your calendars for a fun afternoon in Bridgeport Valley at Bridgeport Barns & Terraces. We look forward to gathering safely in person outdoors overlooking the beautiful landscapes you've protected.
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Additions to our ESLT Family |
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Welcome Kelly, ESLT's new Land Stewardship Manager |
Join us in welcoming Kelly to our ESLT team as our new Land Stewardship Manager. Kelly hails from Colorado and graduated from Prescott College in Arizona. After graduating, Kelly dove into land restoration work. Among other roles with the NPS, Kelly has worked as a biological science technician and a backcountry ranger in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. During winters seasons, Kelly has worked for the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife in Bishop, and for the Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permit Office. Kelly is thrilled to continue her ongoing Sierra stewardship with the Eastern Sierra Land Trust.
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Welcome Byron, ESLT's New Communications Manager |
Join us in welcoming Byron to our ESLT team as our new Communications Manager. Byron grew up in Berkeley and graduated from UC Santa Barbara. After graduating, Byron worked as a wilderness guide for several years. During his off-seasons, he enjoyed international expeditions, such as a trans-African bicycle tour in 2018-2019 and a month-long exploratory pack-rafting trip in Peru in early 2020. Byron grew up frequently visiting the Eastern Sierra with his family and was thrilled to move to Mammoth in 2020. He is excited to support conservation efforts in the Eastern Sierra through his work with ESLT.
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Wilderness Land Trust Secures 880-Acre Land Purchase in Bodie Hills |
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Bodie Hills, © Bob Wick, BLM |
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ESLT assisted the Wilderness Land Trust in their recent 880-acre land acquisition in the Bodie Hills. Because of your support, this exquisite and ecologically vital land will be protected forever.
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Monarch Motivation: Population Increase in 2021 |
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We are happy to share some good news—the western monarch butterfly population has increased! In the fall of 2021, the Xerces Society recorded a nearly 100-fold increase of overwintering monarchs in coastal California from the previous year.
Our Education Coordinator and Americorps Member, Claire, wrote a blog post covering this remarkable population rebound which you can read, here.
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Job Opening at the Sierra Cascade Land Trust Council |
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The Sierra Cascade Land Trust Council has an exciting job opening. ESLT is a member organization of the SCLTC council, and our Executive Director, Kay, serves as a Vice-President of SCLTC. This job opening will provide an opportunity to be involved in the long-term preservation of the Sierra region of California.
"Sierra Cascade Land Trust Council (SCLTC) is seeking an independent contractor to serve as its Coordinator with a focus on outreach and administration."
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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, Kelly, Sus, 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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