Spring 2009 Sonoma Land Trust Newsletter

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Spring 2009 Sonoma Land Trust Newsletter

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Volume 34, No. 1

Spring 2009 Newsletter

Mothers and daughters Saving Sonoma Mountain Ranch gets personal
by Sheri Cardo

San Francisco Foundation awards $100,000 to boost early renewals Deadline is April 30!

Mickey Cooke (left) and Pat Eliot get a chance to revisit Sonoma Mountain Ranch for the first time since they were teens. Photo by Kirsten Lindquist.

In the mid-1940s, during the war, then-teenagers Pat Peters Eliot and

Mickey Smith Cooke worked for Charmian London at the ranch she and her late husband, Jack, had built at the foot of Sonoma Mountain. In their free time, Pat and Mickey rode their horses all over the ranch and up to the 2,463-foot summit on the neighboring Stevenson property to enjoy the panoramic views encompassing Sonoma Valley, the Santa Rosa plain, Mount Diablo, Mount St. Helena, Mount Tamalpais and, on very clear days, the Pacific Ocean and the Sierras. Pat and Mickey ended up residing on Sonoma Mountain as adults, but were unable to relive the expansive feeling of standing on that mountaintop and savoring the spectacular views because the property was in private hands (and their trespassing days were far behind them!). But they had both raised their daughters to love the land as they did — and to aim high.
(Continued on page 3)

State funds frozen for land conservation programs are affecting many projects, including our plans to purchase the 5,630-acre Jenner Headlands. The date to close escrow on this coastal landscape has been pushed back and the delays are running up the costs. The economic crisis has also put some of our other acquisition and stewardship projects on hold. To help bridge the funding gap and keep our work moving forward, The Evelyn Tilden Mohrhardt Trust of the San Francisco Foundation has awarded us a $100,000 grant — but it must be matched, dollar for dollar, by April 30. Every dollar we raise between now and April 30 will be matched.
We realize these are difficult times, but if you have the capacity to renew your membership early, now is the time! Your gift will en-

able us to continue the work and not let critical lands slip away. Thank you for understanding the urgency of our request. Please use the enclosed envelope to send your special gift by April 30 to double your impact.

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Who we are
Board of Directors
Mark Jacobsen, chair, Robert Brent, Hall Cushman, Mary Hafner, Pete Mattson, Johanna Patri, Harry Richardson, Peter Rogers, Maggie Salenger, Allison Sanford, Tom Simone, David Smith, Kathy Tierney, Denny Van Ness, Carol Williams

A note from the Executive Director

The financial crisis and the Sonoma Land trust
Zigging, zagging, trying to stay nimble and, as always, depending upon the goodwill and generosity of our members

Staff
Executive Director: Ralph Benson
AcquiSitionS teAM

Conservation Director: Wendy Eliot Acquisitions Director: Amy Chesnut Baylands Program Manager: John Brosnan Jenner Headlands Project Manager: Brook Edwards Project Assistant: Tenley Wurglitz
SteWARDSHiP teAM

We’re okay — thanks for asking — but our commitment is “to protect the

Stewardship Director: Bob Neale Easement Program & GIS Manager: Georgiana Hale Stewardship Project Manager: Tony Nelson Stewardship Project Manager: Shanti Wright
DeVeLoPMent & MARKetinG teAM

Development Director: Beverly Scottland Donor Relations Director: Reta Lockert Public Relations & Marketing Officer: Sheri Cardo Membership & Development Manager: Stacey Kaufman
FinAnce & ADMiniStRAtion teAM

Finance & Administration Director: Lois Downy Office Manager: Dale Carroll

SLt Mission

The Sonoma Land Trust protects the scenic, natural, cultural, agricultural and open landscapes of Sonoma County for the benefit of the community and future generations by:

• Developing long-term land protection strategies; • Promoting private and public funding for land and conservation; •• Acquiring land and conservation easements; Practicing stewardship, including the restoration of conservation properties; and of place • Promoting a senseeducationand a land ethic through activities, and outreach.
contact
Sheri Cardo, Managing Editor Sonoma Land Trust 966 Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 (707) 526-6930 Fax (707) 526-3001 [email protected] www.sonomalandtrust.org

land forever …,” so we will need you to hang in there with us through this very puzzling year and stay connected. Land conservation is a slow and cumulative kind of enterprise, and not inexpensive, even in down economies. Opportunities to acquire lands vital to the kind of future we envision for Sonoma County may pop onto the market at any time (e.g., Sonoma Mountain Ranch last fall), but our capacity to effectively respond to those opportunities is years in the making — and getting to closing can take years of effort (e.g., the Jenner Headlands). When you own and restore land, there are many things that can be deferred and some things that just have to be done so that the rationale for conserving the land in the first place is not lost (e.g., hydrological work at Pitkin Marsh). Needless to say, we are tightening our belts like everyone else. But we are counting on our supporters to maintain, if not increase, their level of annual contributions in 2009. The Sonoma Land Trust requires two kinds of money — capital for land acquisition, and operating funds to support the organization and the stewardship of the lands we hold. A large part of what we do (at the Baylands and on Sonoma Mountain and the North Coast, in particular) is to assemble capital from multiple sources to acquire and protect large landscapes. Generally, the Open Space District will have some funds available, which we will supplement with state funds by working with the California Coastal Conservancy and California Wildlife Conservation Board. Where possible, we seek federal and private philanthropic funds. Our 5,630-acre Jenner Headlands deal is in escrow. State agencies have been planning to contribute $16 million to the acquisition from Proposition 84. Those funds are currently frozen. Our purchase contract runs through the summer and we are hopeful that California’s funding situation will thaw well before then.
(Continued on page 5)

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Spring 2009 • Volume 34, No. 1

Printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks.

Saving Sonoma Mountain Ranch (Continued from page 1)

Looking toward Mt. Tamalpais from Sonoma Mountain Ranch. Photo by Wendy Eliot.

In September, Mickey’s daughter, Kirsten Lindquist, a real estate broker with Sotheby’s, learned by sheer luck that the Stevenson property was being listed for sale. She immediately alerted Pat, who notified her daughter, Wendy Eliot, SLT’s conservation director. Well aware of the importance of this 283-acre property at the top of Sonoma Mountain, Wendy and Andrea Mackenzie, general manager of the Open Space District, explored what it would take to protect this land. They learned that the seller wanted $9.95 million and insisted on closing escrow by the end of the year, which is a startlingly short timeframe for a conservation purchase.

But that didn’t deter them and, after many long days at the office, all the pieces came together. The Sonoma Land Trust secured the contract with a $125,000 deposit from its Land Protection Fund, and the Open Space District and California Coastal Conservancy committed to funding the fast-tracked acquisition with $8.45 and $1.5 million respectively. On December 30, 2008, the purchase became final, but only after, with cliffhanging drama, the Coastal Conservancy’s check was issued — one of the last before the state funding freeze! Jack London is known to have rambled from his Beauty Ranch over to Sonoma Mountain Ranch to find

inspiration for some of his writings at Graham Creek, then known as Wild Water Creek. Following in his footsteps has not been possible for many years, but that will change as a result of this acquisition. The Open Space District now owns Sonoma Mountain Ranch and plans to connect the top of Sonoma Mountain to the trail system in Jack London State Historic Park and to the proposed North Slope Trail. “Mountaintops are special and they belong in the public domain,” said Wendy. “People can hike to the tops of Mt. Tam, Mt. St. Helena, Mt. Diablo and San Bruno Mountain, and, in the future, they’ll be able to hike to the top of Sonoma Mountain, too.” Very special thanks to Kirsten, who donated $50,000 of her commission to the Land Trust so that we can move just as quickly on the next prime opportunity that comes our way. And to Pat and Mickey, for creating a legacy through their daughters that will benefit everyone’s children and grandchildren. Sheri Cardo is the SLT public relations and marketing officer.

Pat (left) and Mickey take in the view of the Sonoma Valley from the top of the ranch. Photo by Kirsten Lindquist.

TO PROTECT THE LAND FOREVER

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Welcoming orchard Farms to Laufenburg Ranch
by Bob Neale

Farmer Ken Orchard will sell some of the vegetables he raises at Laufenburg Ranch at farmers markets throughout the North Bay. Photo by Scott Hess.

In 1887, Charles Laufenburg rode up

to a fine piece of land outside of Calistoga and liked what he saw: a brand new barn, a new house, clean water

and good soil. He bought the property and moved his family there. Eventually, his son, Charlie, took over the farm, spending his entire life there and passriparian plants to thrive. This was the fifth consecutive year of broom pulling and the results were apparent: The students had only about half as much broom to pull this year as last. After a refreshing lunch, the crews hit the trails and moved several downed trees, cut brush and removed debris that was blocking the loop trail in the conifer forest. The students worked hard and fast, the sounds of laughter and tools echoing through the forest. They found California newts and California slender salamanders on the trail by the creek, and a pair of red-tailed hawks called out to the crew as they headed back to the barn feeling tired and happy. Bob Neale, the Land Trust’s stewardship director, said that working

ing the care of Laufenburg Ranch on to the Sonoma Land Trust at his death in 1988. Charlie left behind ledgers filled with handwritten entries detailing his farm dealings over the decades — crops sold, supplies purchased — his old-time life. Last year, Ken Orchard, a successful organic farmer from Sebastopol, visited Laufenburg Ranch and liked what he saw: a historic barn, cozy ranch house, and good water, soil and weather. So in January, Ken’s Orchard Farms took over farming at the Ranch and his farm manager, Scott Pinkert, moved into the farm house. Ken’s new plans have the feel of Charlie’s old records — crops to plant, soil to build, a new farming life at Laufenburg Ranch. Some of you may have bumped into Ken or Scott at a local farmers’ market, with these enthusiastic young people refreshed his spirit and filled him with hope. The Land Trust wishes to extend its appreciation to the entire SCA Conservation Leadership Corps crew for all their hard work at Laufenburg Ranch. You can learn more about SCA at www.thesca.org.

ScA students lend their muscle In early February, the Land Trust
and the Student Conservation Association (SCA) Leadership Corps joined together for a stewardship weekend at Laufenburg Ranch. Twenty-seven students and staff showed up bright and early on Saturday morning, ready to put on their hard hats and get to work. For the third year in a row, SCA students combed both banks of Bidwell Creek, quickly pulling out all the French broom — a persistent, invasive weed — from the damp soil. Removing the weeds provides the room and light necessary for native

Having fun pulling broom. Photo courtesy of Student Conservation Association.

4 Spring 2009 • Volume 34, No. 1

The prune plum orchard at Laufenburg Ranch. Photo by Stephen Joseph.

or perhaps you even subscribe to Orchard Farm’s CSA (community-supported agriculture). Ken’s been farming organically since 1994, soon after graduating from UC-Santa Cruz with a BA in agroecology and environmental studies. His operation is certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers. Ken is enthusiastic in his belief that “responsible farming involves an intimate stewardship with the land. I work hard to improve my soil’s viability while caring for my crops.” Ken also believes that he can farm in harmony with the wild lands that surround the fields. This is very important to the Land Trust because Laufenburg Ranch in Knights Valley is a snapshot of both bygone Sonoma

County family agriculture and a natural landscape now vanishing in Sonoma County. A mountain lion silently creeps out of the fir forest and past the old farm tractor in the early morning. Steelhead trout migrate beneath the bridge on Bidwell Creek, unseen in the winter storms. Obsidian spear points are brought to light in gopher mounds, bearing witness to a long history of Native American life in the midst of this bounty. The Land Trust will be working closely with Orchard Farms to protect both the natural and the agricultural at Laufenburg Ranch. We will work together to replace fencing to keep the deer out of the crops, while giving them easy access to the creek and

wildlands. We’ll take out invasive weeds like yellow star thistle, enhancing both the native plant habitat and the agricultural lands. Ken will plant his crops away from stream banks and sensitive cultural areas to protect these important resources for the future. Ken plans to use Laufenburg Ranch’s warm and sunny climate to produce crops that don’t do well on his cooler West County farm. Ken and Scott will spend the next few months turning compost into the front field and preparing to plant squash and other vegetables in early May. To learn more about Orchard Farms and where you can find Ken and his produce, visit www.orchard-farms.com. The Land Trust will offer opportunities to visit Laufenburg Ranch as part of our members’ hike series in the coming year. We’ll also be continuing our educational partnerships with student groups, like the Student Conservation Association and Sonoma State University (see sidebar). Visit our Web site for future volunteer opportunities to help us restore the natural resources at Laufenburg Ranch. Charlie would appreciate your efforts! Bob Neale is the SLT stewardship director.

A note from the executive Director (Continued from page 2)

At the Baylands, we have put a stop on the Sears Point restoration project because much of the engineering work and analysis was being paid for under a grant from the California Coastal Conservancy. The Conservancy had to issue a stop work order because their funds are frozen. You get the picture. The upside of a downside is that challenges and difficulties can unlock

new sources of creativity and enterprise. The Jenner Headlands acquisition is the kind of opportunity that comes along once in a generation and we don’t intend to let it slip away. I believe our public agency partners feel the same way. With the stimulus provided by the steady support of renewing members, the Sonoma Land Trust will go on do-

ing what needs to be done to protect the scenic, natural, agricultural and open landscapes of Sonoma County.

Ralph Benson, Executive Director

TO PROTECT THE LAND FOREVER

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The Legacy League and planned giving
ensuring the future of Sonoma county’s beautiful landscapes
by Beverly Scottland

Those of us who love the land can

make a much more meaningful contribution than we ever imagined by designating a planned gift to the Sonoma Land Trust. Planned gifts guarantee that funds will always be available to purchase and care for open space and preserve the character and beauty of our signature landscapes. Donors who make planned gifts are welcomed into the Legacy League, which celebrates generous future gifts to the Sonoma Land Trust.

Planned gifts may be made through a variety of tax-saving vehicles and can either be designated for a specific purpose or be unrestricted for the organization to use where the need is greatest. Here are the most common ways to make a planned gift: Bequests A designated gift in your will or living trust is perhaps the simplest form of planned giving and the vehicle most commonly used.

Retirement Accounts Designating the Sonoma Land Trust as the beneficiary is an excellent way for you to make a gift, using an asset that otherwise might be heavily taxed. Charitable Remainder Trust A gift of assets establishes a trust and names the Sonoma Land Trust as ultimate beneficiary. You receive valuable tax benefits during your lifetime and retain for life the income generated from the assets given to the trust.

thinking ahead to protect the land they love
by Reta lockert

only in their 50s, but they are thinking ahead to craft a legacy that helps future generations enjoy the land they love. Jan is a licensed psychotherapist with a private practice in Santa Rosa, and Dean is a computer architect for Blue Shield of California. Dean is a third-generation Californian and Jan grew up in France. They enjoy cross-country skiing, hiking, and being politically and environmentally active. Two years ago, they stopped procrastinating and had a lawyer set up a revocable living trust that will be managed by Exchange Bank “so we won’t be burdening friends or family with the administration of it,” said Jan.

Jan Ögren and Dean Watson are

They have been SLT members for 13 years, so it was natural that the Land Trust was among the nonprofits they listed in their trust. SLT is the beneficiary of one of their IRAs because, as a nonprofit, SLT can receive the retirement fund with no tax liability. Tax-deferred retirement plans are among the most tax-smart planned gifts because of the higher income tax on distribution to individuals. Jan, a formidable birder, added, “Not only do we continue to enjoy the benefits of SLT by seeing locally protected land during great hikes, but we have been included in special gatherings for Legacy League members. It was very easy setting

up the trust, and we can change it if we need to, but the Land Trust will always be a part of it so we will know that the Sonoma County we treasure will continue.” Reta Lockert is the SLT donor relations director.

6 Spring 2009 • Volume 34, No. 1

Life Estate Gift You may irrevocably transfer the ownership of a home or farm to the Sonoma Land Trust and retain the right to occupy the premises for the rest of your life, and receive an immediate tax deduction. Charitable Lead Trust The income for the trust is donated to the Sonoma Land Trust during your lifetime. After your lifetime, the trust assets pass without further tax to your heirs.

Life Insurance Donating a fully paid, existing life insurance policy or a policy that is not fully paid provides you with current charitable income tax deduction. For information about planned gifts or the Legacy League, contact Reta Lockert at 526-6930, ext. 105 or [email protected]. Beverly Scottland is the SLT development director.

Get out and enjoy the land!
Spring calendar of volunteer workdays

All of the workdays combine fun

in celebration
From November 2008 through January 2009, Land Trust friends made gifts to honor these happy events and exceptional people. Celebrating cathie and Pitch Johnson: Henry and Emily Evers Celebrating ernie Smith: Betty Burridge Celebrating her family: Ralph and Marcia Johnson Celebrating J. Hall cushman Jr: J. Hall and Marion Cushman Celebrating Jan and ed Davis: Leigh and Maxine Hall Celebrating John and nancy Giambastiani: Leia Giambastiani Celebrating Linda Fisher and Leah norwood: James Fisher Celebrating Lizanne Pastore and Will Bucklin: Ellen Pastore Celebrating Mary Hafner: Julianne Farrell Celebrating Mr. and Mrs. William Draper iii: Henry and Emily Evers Celebrating nora cregan and Al Pfeiffer: Kathleen Cregan and Donnie Phelps Celebrating Noveed Safipour: Peter Poullada and Nancy Sheppard Celebrating Pat and ted eliot, Jr: Elaine Weihman Celebrating Patricia Hassett: Diana Denisoff and Robert Byrne Celebrating Pete and Patty Mattson: Berenice and Lawrence Brackett Celebrating Peter Mattson: Andy Mattson Celebrating Philip Lingman: Carol Lingman Celebrating Phyllis and Arnie Rosenfield: Dr. and Mrs. Herbert Brosbe Celebrating Rae Hudspeth: Dianne Brinson and Mark Radcliffe

Celebrating Ralph Benson: Iryne C. Black Celebrating Rosana Safipour: Peter Poullada and Nancy Sheppard Celebrating tim temple and Davide Maronati: Lynn and Dick Carlile Celebrating Will York: Peter Poullada and Nancy Sheppard Celebrating William Sheppard Sage: Peter Poullada and Nancy Sheppard

with hard work and most include a picnic and hike. For more information about each activity, please see “On the Land Opportunities” at www.sonomalandtrust.org. To sign up, please call 544-5614, ext. 2 or email volunteer@sonomalandtrust. org. We can’t do it without you!

in memoriam
The singer lasts a season long while the song remains forever. In memory of capt. Donald c. campbell Ret uSn: Thomas Yarish and Laure Campbell In memory of Cary Vincent Griffin: Rebecca Christiansen In memory of David Weed: The Driscoll School Staff, Nancy and George Wright In memory of elaine Bundesen: Sandra Walton In memory of irwin Leff: Enid Leff In memory of Joel Woodhull: Joan Woodhull In memory of Kathleen Boyle and June carlsen: William Carlsen and Kathleen O’Shea In memory of Ken Stocking: Chuck and Kati Quibell In memory of nils olov Langenborg: N. Michael Langenborg In memory of Robert M. Robinson: Karen Leet In memory of Steven James Lee: Vicki Hill In memory of thelma Ashley: Donald and Joyce Parsons

Glen oaks Ranch Workday Friday, April 24, 10 am–2 pm estero Americano Preserve Workday Saturday, April 25, 10 am–2 pm Laufenburg Ranch Workday Saturday, May 2, 10 am–3 pm Little Black Mountain Preserve Workday Friday, May 15, 10 am–3 pm Laufenburg Ranch trail Workday Friday, May 29, 10 am–3 pm Little Black Mountain Stewardship outing Friday, June 5, 10 am–3 pm Glen oaks Ranch trail Maintenance Hike Friday, June 12, 10 am–2 pm

TO PROTECT THE LAND FOREVER

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966 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95404 www.sonomalandtrust.org

Nonprofit organization PRSRT STD u.S. Postage PAID Permit #751 Santa Rosa

The Jenner Headlands Learning from the land and local communities

The Jenner Headlands is host to sweeping vistas and a diversity of wildlife habitats that, together, make this area a high priority for conservation. On par with the diversity of habitats is the diversity of individuals and communities that call this region of the coast home. In land management, getting to know our neighbors and the community around us is just as important as getting to know the plants and animals on the land. To that end, the SLT staff — headed up by acquisitions

director Amy Chesnut, stewardship director Bob Neale and Jenner Headlands project manager Brook Edwards — has been meeting with people from the communities of Jenner, Cazadero, Duncans Mills and Muniz Ranches to gain input that will help guide the development of our management plans. But a look at Jenner today is just a snapshot in the long thread of history — a history that is intimately tied to the individuals who have lived on the land in the past. From the indigenous

people who first lived on these lands, to the early settlers who established the Rule Ranch, to the ranchers and other outdoor enthusiasts that followed, the tapestry of this landscape is intricate and rich. To understand it, Brook is also meeting with people who possess a wealth of local historical knowledge. Your help is still needed The California budget delay created reverberations throughout the state and has stalled the purchase of the Jenner Headlands. Plus, we have raised only 25 percent of the final $2 million needed to manage the property and open it for public access. At this point, we are hoping to close escrow this summer. To be kept apprised of news and presentations about the Jenner Headlands project, please email jennerheadlands@ sonomalandtrust.org. To donate, please use the enclosed envelope.

The Jenner Headlands. Photo by Stephen Joseph.

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