Greetings,

I want to start by catching up on thanking our wonderful seminar leaders. On March 20th, Joyce Bacci, Keith Nelson and Norman Hill led a wonderful wildflower hike at Armstrong Redwoods on a lovely day in the park. Then on March 27th, we were honored to have Breck Parkman, State Park Archeologist lead our Archeology and History of Sonoma Coast seminar. Diane Barth commented, "I sure enjoyed the talk and hike with Breck Parkman on Saturday.  It was an exquisite day at the coast and Breck's stories about his work are so thought provoking.  The walk to Sunset Rocks was great.  We even got to see a blind-folded rock climber.  That hike is a treasure, and so is Breck."

Signature Gathering Update
Our forty wonderful signature gatherers have been doing a fantastic job! Our top signature gatherers are Jack Norick and Amy Racina with 2,154 and 1,170 respectively. Stewards' volunteers have collected over 7,300 signatures and the campaign statewide has almost reached their goal of 710,000. Thank you everyone! We need to keep up the pace for the last week and a half. All petitions are due in my office by April 13th so we can mail them out on the 14th for the deadline of April 15th.

Besides our efforts to Save our State Parks, Stewards is gearing up to raise much needed funding to keep our programs strong and available to all park visitors. We are also keeping some park facilities open until funding levels are restored and they can be kept open with State funds.

Read below about a few of our upcoming events and ways that you can support us. You are always welcome to click the Donate Now button on the left hand side of this e-news anytime!

We also want to thank all of you who have already renewed your membership this year. We are already up to 477 paid members and of those we have 147 new members for 2010. Memberships expire on February 1st of each year and we depend on your dues to cover ongoing expenses. Stewards is very proud that 80% of our funds go directly to supporting our programs.

Happy Spring,

Michele Luna, Executive Director

Wildlife of Western Sonoma County
Saturday, April 10
9:30-12:30pm
Instructor: Mike Wisehart (State Park Interpreter)
Learn about the fauna, from banana slugs to mountain lions inhabiting the wild lands of our forests, woodlands and grasslands.

For Seminar Only:
$15 donation for Community Members and $5 donation for members/volunteers
No one will be turned away for inability to donate.

Armstrong Visitor Center Volunteer Orientation
Saturday, April 10
1:00 to 3:00 pm
Staffing the Armstrong Visitor Center is a rewarding experience. Share information about Armstrong Redwoods and Austin Creek with park visitors from all over the world. Subsequent training will also take place on the job.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED ON OUR WEBSITE OR
EMAIL rherrick@mcn.org

EARTH DAY CLEANUP
April 24, 2010, 9 am to 1 pm
Meet at the Jenner Visitor Center

Every year Stewards partners with State Parks, Watertreks and many volunteers to clean up the Russian River estuary and North Jenner Beach. With the heavy winter and spring storms there is a lot of debris washing up on the shores of Penny Island and the beach. This debris is very dangerous to birdlife and other wildlife, as well as unsightly.

There will be two activities going on - once is a beach cleanup where volunteers will be shuttled to the overlook past River's End. They will walk down to the beach once and haul the garbage to the river's edge where it will be loaded on a canoe barge for transport to the boat launch area. The other activity will be a paddle cleanup around Penny Island. Volunteer who want to paddle must sign up with Suki Waters ahead of time. Please email her at watertreks@yahoo.com.

Dress for all weather conditions, including wind. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle to fill up with provided water. We will also have organic fruit available.

Groups are welcome. For more information email stewards@mcn.org.

This event is sponsored by North Bay Corporation, Food for Humans and Whole Foods.

Spring Online Auction
April 16 to April 29th

We are looking for new or gently used items for our Spring Online Auction. Click on the graphic above, which will take you to our auction website. Choose the DONATE ITEMS button and enter your item yourself. If you need help we are very happy to assist you. Email stewards@mcn.org.

Save the Date - May Day in the Redwoods
Saturday, May 1, 2010
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Picnic Area
Free Event, usual parking fees apply

Help Stewards celebrate our 25th Anniversary, a day that we are honoring our success through partnerships with other public and private agencies and nonprofit organizations. There will be a ceremony with special dignitaries, volunteer awards, and guest speakers.

Don't miss this family day in the park with horse and carriage rides (donations accepted), free activities for children, partner booths, food for sale, a silent auction (final day following the online auction), and complimentary cake, champagne and sparkling beverages.

Michele Luna, Executive Director
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods