Budget Update and Volunteering

First, I'll give a brief update on State Park closures. At this time our District staff are working very hard to crunch the numbers so they can determine the best way to handle the State Park budget cuts. There WILL be reduced services and we are hopeful that it doesn't mean complete park closures. Day use fees did go up $1 this week so it now costs $8 per vehicle to drive into Russian River area parks. Camping fees are also going up. This will help. We should know the full affects of the budget cuts in the next couple weeks and then Stewards will fully implement the fund raising strategies that we have been working on. We greatly appreciate your support during these difficult times and will continue to keep you updated as we know anything new.

EcoAdventures

I want to thank Hollis & Jerry Bewley, Suki Waters and Harvey Mendelson for leading some wonderful EcoAdventures this summer. Hollis and Jerry's Birding adventure received rave reviews. Suki led two paddles in the estuary for us. We really appreciate how dedicated she is to habitat protection and the safety of participants at the same time. Harvey led a wonderful photography hike up to Red Hill. I heard the group dealt with the fog but had a good time and were fortunate to get some clear skies towards the end. Thanks to you all. We will work on scheduling some additional adventures for your enjoyment in the fall.

I ♥ State Parks Weekend of Action - August 29 & 30, 2009

The California State Parks Foundation is hosting an I ♥ State Parks Weekend of Action every weekend through Labor Day. Our event will take place at the Bodega Seafood, Art and Wine Festival. Please come and support our State Parks and the actions we offer at this event.

Volunteers Needed - September 25-27, 2009

It's now time to sign up to volunteer for staffing our three-day Old Grove Festival if you haven't already done so. We need people for all three days, including the Family Day in the Park on Saturday. We are also offering one day of camping in the Grove for every day you volunteer. Please let us know ahead of time if you would like to camp as space is limited.

Jobs include set-up, parking, concessions, trail guides, security and cleanup. We also need people to cook for the Great Mexican Feast on Sunday.

On Friday we need people who can arrive between Noon and 3:30 pm.

On Saturday shifts for the Family Day will begin between 9 and 10 am. Old Grove shifts begin between Noon and 3:30 pm.

On Sunday shifts begin between 9:30 and 10:30 am.

Email stewards@mcn.org with the day, the time you can arrive, and any limitations or preferences you have. Cleanup volunteers can arrive later then listed above.

If you can't volunteer we hope that you will attend one or more of the shows. There are great multi-show, group and family discounts. Whatever you can do to promote the shows will also be very much appreciated. Forward the link at the bottom of the page to your family and friends!

Enjoy the wonderful summer weather and your State Parks!

Michele Luna

Bodega Seafood, Art and Wine Festival

This is an I ♥ State Parks Weekend of Action Event!

Saturday, August 29th 10:00 to 6:00 and
Sunday, August 30th 10:00 to 5:00.
Click the banner below to view the Festival home page.

Don't miss this great annual event. Stewards and the Bodega Volunteer Fire Department benefit from the weekend. This year we are excited to bring the ever popular Rubber Duck Races to this festival. It's great fun for the entire family.

Don't miss:

• Great Seafood, Wine and Micro-Brews

• Fabulous Entertainment: TOM RIGNEY & FLAMBEAU, ZAKIYA HOOKER, STEVE LUCKY & THE RHUMBA BUMS, and PRIDE & JOY!

• Rubber Duck Race - Win a $3,000 Softub and other great prizes!

• Kids entertainment!

Old Grove Festival
September 25 - 27, 2009

Old Grove Festival Info - Tickets now on Sale

A fabulous musical experience amidst the old growth redwoods at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve.

Food and Beverages including a Wine Bar will be available at each event.

September 25, 2009 - Chanticleer YouTube Video

Chanticleer is based in San Francisco and they are known around the world as "an orchestra of voices."

Gates Open: 5:00 pm
Opener: The River Choir - 5:45

September 26, 2009 - Family Day in the Park - 11:00 to 3:00

Horse and Carriage Rides, Kid Games and Storytelling, Entertainment, Food, Ice Cream, Classic Car, Historic information and Display.

September 26, 2009 -
Maria Muldaur's Garden of Joy Jug Band
YouTube Video

Forty plus years since Maria's last performances with the Jim Kweskin Jug Band, she is bringing back the jug band music that first made her famous.

Gates Open: 5:00 pm
Opener: The Thugz - 5:45

September 27, 2009 -
Don Neely's Royal Society Jazz Band YouTube Video

Gates Open: Noon
Opener: A New Wrinkle- 12:30

The Great Mexican Feast - September 27, 2009 - following the Don Neely RSJO show at about 4:00.

Tickets now on Sale - Tickets are limited so get them early! There are great multi-show, group and family discounts. Whatever you can do to promote the shows will also be very much appreciated.

Thanks for helping to keep our State Parks Open!

Donate,
Become a Member
Purchase a Ticket to our
Old Grove Festival
Your support is needed now more then ever as we fight to keep our State Parks accessible to all of us who
love them so dearly.

Michele Luna, Executive Director
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods