2009 all over again - We're ready

Greetings,

The Governor's 2010/2011 budget proposal was again disappointing but we're getting used to it and will be ready for a re-run of 2009 as far as advocating to legislative officials in Sacramento goes.

This year the Governor is proposing to pay for State Parks with funds from oil drilling off the Santa Barbara coast! He is pitting two environmental causes against each other and considering the oil-drilling proposal has been voted down twice in the last year, it doesn't give us much hope that he is serious about funding State Parks.

Under the direction of the California State Parks Foundation we are ready to advocate for alternative funding for our parks through letter writing, in-person at Park Advocacy Day on March 8th, and at any legislative meetings we need to attend. We'll do all this in addition to gathering signatures and campaigning for the November 3rd ballot initiative to sustain our State Parks into the future.

Petition Signature Gathering
Volunteers throughout the State have started gathering the 700,000 signatures that are needed to get the California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 on the November ballot. There will be at least two more training workshops in Sonoma County in the next month (Sonoma and Guerneville) so if you are willing to help us please email stewards@mcn.org to sign up.

I want to thank Doris Dickenson, Carmen Finley and John Schubert for conducting a wonderful Cultural History of Armstrong and Austin Creek seminar on Saturday. It's great to see the passion our local historians and authors have for the history of the Russian River area and the lengths they go to in order to research accurate information.

While we have our work cut out for us this year we will keep our spirits high as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Stewards. Our special event calendar is filled with some great opportunities to visit Russian River State Parks and have a wonderful time at Stewards-sponsored events at the same time.

Read on for information about our upcoming Educational Seminars and ways to get outside and experience the beauty of Sonoma County with us!

My best,

Michele Luna, Executive Director

Seminars to Teach Interpretation

Learning to be a good interpreter takes skill and good mentoring. We encourage all docents who have not attended these two seminars in the past to do so. You will not regret it!

Principles of Interpretation
Saturday, January 16
10:00am-12:30pm
Instructors: Rich Lawton (retired State Park Ranger)
Mike Wisehart (State Park Interpreter)
(Lunch Break)
Interpretation with Children
Saturday, January 16
1:00-3:30pm
Instructor: David Berman (Environmental Educator)

Have you ever participated in a guided hike or park program that got you excited about looking up more information about the topic being discussed? In the morning the art of effective and engaging interpretation will be discussed and demonstrated for new docents. The afternoon session will focus on interpretive techniques to use with children. David Berman will bring out the child in each of you. Be prepared for an exciting day both in the classroom and outdoors.

Community members - $15 donation, members/volunteers $5 donation
No one is turned away for inability to donate

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED ON OUR WEBSITE OR
EMAILrherrick@mcn.org

Redwood Ecology Seminar

Redwood Ecology
Saturday, January 23 9:30am-12:00pm
Instructor: Brendan O’Neil (State Parks Environmental Scientist)
Community members - $15 donation, members/volunteers $5 donation
No one is turned away for inability to donate

Redwood ecology is a fascinating science; from the soil to the canopy the Coast Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) have a wonderful story to tell.

(Lunch Break)

Armstrong Tour Guides & Visitor Center Orientation
1:00-3:00pm - No donation required
Facilitated by Staff and Docents

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED ON OUR WEBSITE OR
EMAILrherrick@mcn.org

Jenner Headlands - Volunteers Needed

A date is currently being set for later in January for volunteers who are willing to learn to be a docent guide for the Jenner Headlands. Stewards will be scheduling docents anywhere from monthly to quarterly depending on the interest. Please contact mluna@mcn.org if interested in this exciting volunteer opportunity. The Sonoma Land Trust and their non-profit partners will schedule all outings on the Jenner Headlands with a guide.

Park Advocacy Day - March 8

The 8th Annual Park Advocacy Day (PAD) will take place on March 8th in Sacramento from 8:30am to 5:30pm.

Visit the California State Parks Foundation website to sign up for PAD 2010.

Also email stewards@mcn.org to let us know that you plan to attend and we will work out carpooling for this interesting and empowering event. Training is provided and you will mentor with other experienced advocates. Don't miss this great opportunity to meet with legislators in person!

Michele Luna, Executive Director
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods