Greetings from Michele Luna

The Geology Seminar last weekend was attended by a hearty group who endured cold, windy condition. We'd like to thank Terry Wright for again providing us with a wonderful opportunity to learn about that fascinating story the rocks on Sonoma Coast tell us.

I just got home from a new volunteer orientation and was very pleased with the attendance. A great group of folks interested in giving time and energy to our parks signed up for various programs. When I left Armstrong, a large group on the Wildflower Walk were intent on identifying the beautiful flowers that are popping up everywhere. Have you seen the milkmaids, shooting stars, and calipso orchids at Armstrong Redwoods! Spring has sprung so be sure to take some time to enjoy this refreshing time of year!

Next Saturday, March 28th we are presenting the Archeology and History of Sonoma Coast with Tom Origer. We only have a few spaces available and we ask that you sign up no later than Thursday, March 26th. Check out our Docent and Community Education Seminar series online.

We're off to Sacramento tomorrow for State Park Adocacy Day on Monday, March 23rd. This will be an interesting year. We will be advocating for some upcoming bills that address protection of State Parks from development threats, the impacts of the bond freeze and the role of State Parks in economic stimulus. Special thanks to those who are coming with us.

We are finalizing plans for upcoming fund raising events and I will look forward to sharing with you the ways that you can help.

Happy Spring!

Michele

Upcoming Docent & Community Education Seminars and Orientations

Archeology and History of Sonoma Coast
Saturday, March 28
9:00am-2:00pm (with lunch break)
ONLY A FEW SPACES AVAILABLE - REGISTER BY 3/26
Instructor: Tom Origer (Consultant for Archeological Research & Historic Studies)
Travel back in time and learn about the changes that have taken place from an archeological and historic perspective on the Sonoma Coast. Learn about the different cultural groups that influenced the lands they lived and worked on: the Kashaya Pomo, Russian Fur Company, ranching families and the loggers.

Jenner Visitors Center Logistics
2:30-3:30
Facilitated by Staff and Docents

EARLY REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Register online or call Ruby Herrick at (707) 869-9177 x1#
or email rherrick@mcn.org

We are busy planning a number of events to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Actually, Sonoma Coast also became a state park as part of the same deal in 1934, but we are only able to focus on one park this year.

The first event will take place on April 18th and include a redwood ecology seminar, a ceremony with dignitaries, a cultural history walk through the grove and a birthday cake celebration. We will be running another online auction two weeks prior to this event and will close the auction at the birthday party. (If you have auction items you'd like to donate please contact us at stewards@mcn.org.)

Other events include the Human Race on May 9th, our Annual Golf Tournament on June 5th, a Gourmet Hike on July 25th and the Old Grove Festival weekend of September 25, 26 and 27th. On Saturday, September 26th we're also planning a Family Day in the Park.

Annual Earth Day Cleanup
April 25, 2009 - 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Meet at the Sonoma Coast Visitor Center in Jenner

Each year Stewards schedules an annual cleanup of North Jenner Beach and the Russian River estuary. Winter storms are responsible for depositing lots of debris on the beach and on Penny Island. Volunteers will sign up at the Visitor Center and then be shuttled to the beach access trail, which is a steep walk down to the sand. Garbage that is collected will be taken to the river side where it will be loaded and transported by boat to the Visitor Center. Then volunteers will be off-loading the garbage into a dumpster.

Those who want to participate in the paddle cleanup of the estuary need to register ahead of time with Suki Waters from Watertreks by calling (707) 865-2249 or emailing watertreks@yahoo.com Suki is also offering a couple paddling workshops to prepare people for the cleanup day.

River & Estuary Kayaking Workshop
Instructor: Suki Waters
Sunday, April 19 or Friday, April 24 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Registration required - call (707) 865-2249 or email watertreks@yahoo.com

9:00   -    One Hour Presentation
(The Presentation Portion is Free to all State Park volunteers)
10:00   -    1/2 hour break (dress for kayaking)
10:30   -    1 1/2 hour practice near shore
Noon    -   Break / Finish Morning Session
12:30   -   Optional Short Estuary Paddle to Scout for the Estuary Clean Up.

This workshop provides the very minimum that everyone should know! Warning! This workshop will NOT make you an expert. However... you will leave this workshop with more control of your kayak, skills to practice, and a better understanding of Class I rivers and estuaries, outdoor recreation etiquette and liability and the skills you need to master to enjoy kayaking safely and comfortably.   

Handouts: recreational responsibility /  safety / weather & water conditions / types of kayaks & canoes / gear / strokes / self rescue / how to choose a kayaking partner

Appropriate for any type of kayak.  No experience needed.  You may get wet. You may choose not to. Options available.

The Volunteer Blog is now ready for viewing and participation although our volunteers have been shy about sharing their experiences. For starters, volunteers should sign up to access the private "volunteers only" area of our website. Once you have access you will be given more information on how to make the most of this valuable resource for our dedicated volunteers.

Renew or Become a Member of Stewards Today
Help support preservation through education and stewardship in Russian River State Parks.

Michele Luna, Executive Director
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods