Greetings,

I want to start off by thanking Tom McElwee for being an absolutely fabulous Administrative Assistant for Stewards in the past year. Tom's last day was on Friday and we are all sad to see him go. We wish him well on his move to Portland, Oregon.

I'd like to introduce and welcome Amanda Wymer as our new Administrative Assistant. We are excited to have Amanda join our team. She has an impressive background and I know we are all going to enjoy working with her.

I can't believe it's already August 1st and the summer is in full swing with the many events that Stewards coordinates in order to raise the funds we need to keep our valuable programs going. We couldn't put on these events without our dedicated volunteers!

The next event is the Bodega, Seafood, Art and Wine Festival including our Annual Rubber Duck Race on August 28 & 29. We still need volunteers so please email us if you can donate a half day of your time. Let us know which day and whether you prefer morning or afternoon.

It takes about 100 volunteers to put on the Old Grove Festival (September 24 & 25). Volunteers have a unique opportunity to camp in the Grove at Armstrong Redwoods and of course enjoy the great music that this year's festival offers. Volunteers are needed on Thursday (set-up), Friday and Saturday (parking, trail guides, concessions, ticket sales, shuttle drivers and more) and on Sunday for cleanup. Again, email us with your job preference and the time frame that you are available.

Get your tickets early for the Old Grove Festival. It's going to be a wonderful event this year!

As always, thanks for your support and hope you are getting out to enjoy our parks this summer.

Michele Luna, Executive Director

Bodega Seafood, Art and Wine Festival
Annual Rubber Duck Race

August 28 & 29, 2010, 10-6 Sat., 10-5 Sun.

The Annual Bodega, Seafood, Art and Wine Festival is always a great time with great entertainment, wine/beer tasting, fabulous arts and craft vendors. The first place prize for the Rubber Duck race is a $3,000 hot tub! If you don't get our mailing in the next couple weeks you can get your duck race tickets on our webite.

Also check out the festival website where you can purchase tickets online this year.

Volunteers are still needed - email us with your available day and indicate morning or afternoon.

NEW - Full Moon Hikes - Austin Creek and Sonoma Coast

Stewards in association with CA State Parks are proud to offer Full Moon Hikes!  Bring your favorite local legend or ghost story, and a sense of adventure!  We will be doing a moderate/strenuous 3-4 mile hike, lasting approximately 3 hours depending on stops.  Constellation spotting, wildlife sightings with black lights, storytelling, and the beauty of our State Parks by the light of the moon will be the focus of our hikes.  Come enjoy this unique opportunity to explore the trails after dark!  Dress in layers, wear good hiking shoes and bring a small flashlight just in case.  No dogs and no drugs/alcohol!  Please leave valuables at home or carry them with you.  All hikes will start ½ hour after official sunset. These hikes are not for inexperienced hikers-you must be in good physical condition!

Hikes will be led by Stewards' new Naturalist, Gina Bradley. Feel free to email Gina if you have any questions.

Hikes at Austin Creek SRA will meet and park at the Gilliam Creek Trailhead - See map
Tuesday, August 24, 2010, Meet 8:30pm

Register online.

Hikes at Sonoma Coast SP will meet and park at the Shell Beach Parking Lot - See map
Saturday, September 18, 2010, Meet 7:45pm
Saturday, October 23, 2010, Meet 7:00pm
Saturday, November 20, 2010, Meet 5:30pm    

Jenner Headlands Hike
August 17, 2010, 10:00 to 3:30
Visit our website for all the details and to register online.

Old Grove Festival
Friday and Saturday, September 24 & 25, 2010

Friday Evening - "Hoedown in the Redwoods"
Gates open - 5:00 pm
Opener: Edge of Town
Headliner: Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands - "Superb Bluegrass"

Saturday Daytime - Gates open at 11:30 am
The Mighty Chiplings, Jim Ocean, The Fargo Brothers and The Thugz
Admission: $10 per person

Saturday Evening - "Aloha in the Grove"
Gates open at 5:00 pm
Opener: Taimalietane Islands of Polynesia Dance Troupe
Headliner: Ledward Kaapana
"Incomparable Slack Key"

Plus The Great Hawaiian Feast

For Evening Performances:
General admission: $25
Redwood Circle (first 4 rows): $40
Children (5-12): $10
(Muliple shows and group purchases made at one time under one name receive reserved seats.)

For more information visit our website.
Ticket Sales online.

Michele Luna, Executive Director
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods