Read MCL September/October Newsletter
MCL’s September/October newsletter is hot off the presses, but you can read it here first. Includes:
  • The ecological role of fire as examined in the National Park Service Woodward Fire case study
  • A guest editorial by educator and ecologist, Paul da Silva, on the loss of biodiversity and a Marin Biodiversity Corridor Initiative
  • Profiles of two new MCL Directors
  • Vegetation management recommendations by the Marin Wildfire Prevention Agency’s Ecologically Sound Practices Partnership
  • A portrait of the elusive Point Reyes Mountain Beaver
  • Save the date: MCL’s Walks into Conservation History returns at China Camp State Park on September 25
Join Environmental Forum of Marin's program on biodiversity and climate
Marin Conservation League believes that for natural systems and human communities to survive and thrive, protecting biodiversity must be an overarching goal – every decision, no matter how complex, must be viewed through that lens.

Marin Conservation League is proud to be a sponsor for EFM's Forum 2021. The time for environmental advocacy is NOW!
Scientists are now realizing the climate crisis and biodiversity crisis are interwoven and that any effective solutions must address both in order to succeed. Learn more about both through the Forum 2021 series of classes the first of which begins on Sept. 9:


Speakers

David Ackerly, UC Berkeley's Rausser College of Natural Resources, focuses on climate change impacts on biodiversity.
Justin Robinson, an ethnobotanist who specializes in the interdependence of people and plants.
Mark Hertsgaard, environment correspondent for the Nation and author of multiple books on climate.
Parks and Open Space Committee
MCL Parks and Open Space Committee
NOTE CHANGED MEETING TIME (one-time change for this date only)
Thursday September 9, 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm I Register
Chair: Nona Dennis and Terri Thomas
Speaker: Max Korten, Director/General Manager Marin County Parks
Measure A - "Preserving Marin's Parks, Open Space, and Farmlands" is up for renewal in 2022.   The 1/4 cent tax measure passed in 2012 by large majority is set to expire next year after nine years of accomplishments. What should a renewed Measure A look like? How should tax revenues be allocated? Max Korten, General Manager of Marin County Parks, will lead a discussion on a proposed new Measure A for the 2020 June ballot. Bring your questions and ideas!
 Also on the agenda: Updates from Marin County Parks on a draft trail plan that protects sensitive plant species on Ring Mt. Open Space Preserve; One Tam's work plans for the year; big changes in Gate National Parks Conservancy; continued recreational planning for Marin Water's watershed; and more! 
Measure A - Renewal
Your voice can make a difference!
Take the Community Survey

Measure A has supported thousands of acres of Marin’s parks, open space, and agricultural land and will expire at the end of March. An extension of the Measure is anticipated on the June 2022 ballot.

A new community survey has been released to “ensure priorities and budget allocations remain relevant and aligned with community wants and needs.” Please weigh in on future priorities for Measure A funding. The survey will close September 13.
September is Coastal Cleanup Month!
It’s the time of year, as together we prepare (and hope!) for winter storms, that we pick up trash to prevent it from flowing through our watersheds -- into storm drains, creeks, marshes, along shorelines and ultimately out to the magnificent San Francisco Bay, Pacific Ocean and beyond.
September 18 is Coastal Cleanup Day!
MCL will host its two annual cleanup locations:

Novato Creek-Warner Creek-Scottsdale Pond
Time: 9 am – noon
Instructions: Meet at 9 am at the Scottsdale Pond Gazebo on Redwood Blvd at Rowland in Novato. Bring other volunteers!
Site captain: Susan Stompe
For more info or to register: Contact Susan at ssstompe@aol.com

Sausalito Waterfront-Bay Model Visitor Center
Time: 9 am – noon
Instructions: Meet at 9 am at the Bay Model, 2100 Bridgeway Blvd, Sausalito.
Site captain: Vicki Nichols
For more info or to register: Contact Vicki at subvw1@gmail.com

Please bring a bucket or reusable bag and reusable gloves, if you have them, and a refillable water bottle. Site captains will also have supplies on hand. For more information and to fill out a Waiver Form before you reach your site, visit the Bay Model’s Coastal Cleanup webpage.

Join us and others in California and around the world on September 18!
“And help throughout the month to clean up your neighborhood or anywhere else that makes up your happy place.”
Drawdown Marin Launches
Drawdown: Marin needs your help implementing local climate and equity solutions and reducing greenhouse gas emissions below zero by 2045.

Join a public workshop to learn how you can support efforts to address climate change as Drawdown: Marin becomes a nonprofit organization.

  • You'll learn how our new nonprofit will partner with the County to effectively implement the Drawdown: Marin Strategic Plan
  • We'll share information on our efforts to recruit diverse individuals to serve on our new nonprofit Board, and how you can help
  • You'll learn how you can get involved right now and how you can apply to serve on the Board of Directors that will decide how to address climate change countywide
  • Find out more at www.drawdownmarin.org 
 
Drawdown: Marin Virtual Public Workshop

Tuesday, September 14, 2021, 5:30-6:30pm
All community members are invited. Please spread the word!
Questions? Email Alex Porteshawver
Issue Committee Meetings
Attend MCL Committee Meetings and be part of MCL's important advocacy work! Your participation brings fresh energy and viewpoints.

Interested in the issue but can't attend? Request to be added to the committee distribution list and receive agendas and minutes delivered to your inbox. Please specify which committee(s) you are interested in.

Contact the MCL office for additional details at 415-485-6257 or email us.
Meetings are open to the public and all are welcome to attend.

MCL Land Use and Transportation Committee Meeting
Wednesday, October 6, 10:00 am -12: 00 pm | Register
Co-chairs: Susan Stompe, Kate Powers

MCL Fire and the Environment Working Group Meeting - SEPTEMBER MEETING CANCELLED
Monday, October 11, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Register
Co-chairs: Larry Minikes, Mike Swezy

MCL Parks and Open Space Committee Meeting
NOTE CHANGED TIME
Thursday, September 9, 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm | Register
Co-chairs: Nona Dennis, Terri Thomas

MCL Climate Action Working Group Meeting
Friday, September 17, 9:00 am - 11:00 am | Register
Chair: Doug Wilson

MCL Agricultural Land Use Committee Meeting
Friday, October 23 , 9:30 am - 11:30 am. | Save the date
Co-chairs: Bob Berner, David Lewis, Jeff Stump
Membership
Photo: Larry Scheibel
MCL is Marin County’s environmental guardian: a fierce advocate, informed educator, and collaborative partner. Your membership gives you a voice in advocating for such urgent issues as:

  • Mitigating and adapting to climate change
  • Protecting wildlife
  • Stewarding Marin parks and open spaces
  • Reducing wildfire and flood risks while protecting native habitat
  • Improving watershed and baylands health...and more!
Marin Conservation League
175 N. Redwood Drive, Suite 135
San Rafael, CA 94903
415-485-6257
The Marin Conservation League was founded in 1934 to preserve, protect and enhance the natural assets of Marin County. Marin Conservation League is a membership-driven 501C3 non-profit organization. Membership dues and contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.