Greetings,

Well, this week the Governor included funding for State Parks in his May revise however he is proposing drastic cuts in social service programs. This means that legislators will have a huge challenge before them as they work to pass a budget this summer. The funding for State Parks is at 2008-2009 levels, which are a fraction of what State Parks used to receive. The California State Parks Foundation has posted an action alert campaign online at http://www.calparks.org/ , asking park supporters to send a message to legislators in support of state park funding. This also means that our work to pass the ballot measure in November is critical for achieving our goal of sustainable funding for our parks into the future and a way to address the huge backlog of deferred maintenance projects, restored staffing levels and the ability to manage new parklands. Thanks for your continued help and support.

Special thanks to Sherrie Althouse for conducting a wonderful Wildflower and Plant ID hike on Saturday on Sonoma Coast. Despite the overcast skies the weather was comfortable and the hike enjoyed by over 20 engaged participants. I loved the fact that everyone shared what they knew with one another to enhance the experience.

On Saturday, May 22nd we are excited to present a seminar with Breck Parkman and Laurie Parent at Pond Farm where they will tell the story of Marguerite Wildenhain's Legacy. Marguerite was an internationally known potter. Be sure to sign up early this week so you don't miss out.

It looks like we're going to get some more rainy weather this week. Enjoy!

Michele Luna, Executive Director

Pond Farm & the Legacy of Marguerite Wildenhain
Saturday, May 22, 2010, 10:00am-12:30pm

Instructors: Breck Parkman (State Park Archeologist) & Laura Parent (State Parks Staff)
Marguerite is an internationally known potter who passed away in 1985. She inspired many students who attended her school in the Austin Creek SRA from the 1950s to 1980.

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

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://savethegraywhales2010.blogspot.com/

http://www.wanconservancy.org/whales/index.html

http://www.californiagraywhalecoalition.org/

Annual Golf Tournament - June 4th
Northwood Golf Course

DOWNLOAD FLYER WITH APPLICATION FORM

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