Greetings,

We had a very successful Earth Day Cleanup on Saturday. Special thanks to Rich Lawton, Fred Luna, Bill Bambrick, Brit Horn, George Zastrow, Suki Waters, Keary and Sally Sorenson and Jennifer Hickman for all their help. They, along with about 35 volunteers, collected, bagged and transported garbage from North Jenner Beach and along the shores of Penny Island. We are fortunate to have such an expert and professional crew that can handle anything unexpected, including when the barge carrying garbage started to sink in the river and one of the crew ended up in the fast moving current. The crew was
well-trained and everyone knew exactly what to do to handle the situation. Thank you all very much. We ended up with a full 20-yard dumpster with huge pieces of styrofoam, many tires, a small refrigerator, a large spa cover and many, many bags of garbage and recyclables. Great job everyone! I wish I could say that we got every bit of the garbage that has washed ashore this winter but there is still more there, especially down by Fish Head Beach. Let us know if you want to help with another clean-up effort.

I was honored to be invited to attend the Jenner Headlands Dedication on Saturday as well. It was a wonderful gathering of supporters, donors and the community of Jenner, including those who dreamed of and worked for this huge accomplishment for many years. The festivities took place atop the ridge with an incredible backdrop of our beautiful Sonoma Coastline. The highlight for me was when Bill Kortum recapped the history of saving our beloved coastline, from Salt Point to the north and Point Reyes to the south. I am honored to follow in the footsteps of such wonderful visionaries.

We hope to see you all at our May Day in the Redwoods Celebration. Stewards is turning 25-years-old this year and we are taking this opportunity to acknowledge our wonderful partnerships and some very special volunteers. A ceremony will begin at 10:00 am in the group picnic area at Armstrong Redwoods. Following the ceremony there will be lots to do. Visit our partner's booths, engage in activities centered around the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights, take a horse and carriage ride around the park (donations accepted), support our silent auction, and partake of the food for sale and complimentary cake and champagne. Enjoy this FREE event for the entire family! Park parking fees do apply.

Finally, read below for more information about Saving our Whales! The international whaling rules are being reconsidered at a meeting in June. Be informed and consider taking action.

Michele Luna, Executive Director

Spring Online Auction - Final online bidding on Thursday - Final silent auction on May 1.
May 1st is the live event at May Day in the Redwoods

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We have over 60 wonderful auction items on our auction website. Bid Wild and Bid Often to help us celebrate our 25th Anniversary and raise much needed funds for our education and stewardship programs and to help us Save our State Parks.

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

Volunteers needed - Please email stewards@mcn.org to help.

CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS

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, including Efren Carrillo, volunteer awards, and other 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.

Save the Whales Day - May 23rd
Doran Beach, Whale Totem Sculpture at 10:00 am

In 1986, when Stewards' Whale Watch program began, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) enacted a ban on commercial whaling. This important moratorium helped to restore the declining numbers of whales, including the California gray whale, which is our state's official state marine mammal. At their June meeting, the IWC is expected to vote on suspending this moratorium in exchange for loosely enforced quotas. Organizations throughout the nation are working together to protest this action and gathering in many locations around the nation on May 23rd to make their voices heard in protest. In Sonoma County, Coastwalk is organizing a gathering at the whale totem sculpture at Doran Beach at 10:00 am.

For more information:
http://www.wanconservancy.org/whales/index.html

http://www.californiagraywhalecoalition.org/

Save the Date - Annual Golf Tournament - June 4th
Northwood Golf Course

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Gourmet Lunch is at 11:30 and Start Time is at 1:00.

Don't miss this fun event. Great tee prizes, raffle, and an opportunity to golf in a relaxed tournament.

Michele Luna, Executive Director
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods