Greetings,

I want to start by thanking Rich Lawton, Mike Wisehart and David Berman for conducting two of the most important seminars of the year. Being able to educate school children and adults through the art of interpretation is a skill that these three individuals are very good at. I expect those who attended the seminars this past Saturday learned a great deal about how to engage the public while imparting knowledge about our natural and cultural resources, thereby instilling stewardship values in everyone they meet.

Next weekend we are excited to present Brendan O'Neil, our State Park Senior Environmental Scientist as he interprets redwood ecology to seminar participants. Let's hope the rain lets up for the outdoor portion of the seminar (See below for registration information).

Following the seminar there will be a training for volunteers interested in leading docent tours at Armstrong Redwoods with school and/or adults groups. During the busy season docents also act as roving naturalists along the grove trails to answer questions and provide information to park visitors. Mentoring with experienced docents is provided until new volunteers are ready to lead tours on their own. Don't miss this very rewarding experience. Imagine the delight of children and adults who are seeing redwoods for the very first time!

Petition Signature Gathering Training - Friday January 22, 2010
Armstrong Redwoods, Stewards office at 4:00 and 5:00pm
First, I want to thank those of you who were out collecting signatures this past weekend to get the California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund of 2010 on the November ballot. This coming Friday at 4:00 and 5:00 we will be training and scheduling more volunteers and handing out petitions. If you are willing to help us please email mluna@mcn.org to sign up. Mentoring opportunities are also available.

My best,

Michele Luna, Executive Director

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

Whale Watch Hike
Sunday, February 7, 2010 12:30 to 2:30pm, Bodega Head

Join Norma Jellison for a leisurely hike along the Bodega Headlands path looking for migrating Gray Whales and other marine mammals, birds, emerging wildflowers and whatever else presents itself and learn a little history of the nuclear power plant once planned for the Head. Rain cancels.

Register Online

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