Cancelled: In Harmony Music and Art Series
2020-05-10 14:00 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Eastern Sierra Land Trust, 250 N. Fowler Street, Bishop, CA, 93514, United States
Our top priority is the health and safety of our staff, board of directors, and community. So in compliance with current #StayHome guidelines, we have cancelled this gathering. The Bill Schuck Quartet is working on fun new ways to host concerts for you online.
We look forward to bringing this event to you again on August 2nd and November 8th. We hope that the Bill Schuck Quartet and other local artists and guest musicians can return then for more festive celebrations of Eastside art, culture, and natural beauty!
Until then, you can use the link below to be inspired by the beautiful melodies of the Bill Schuck Quartet. Stay tuned, and stay healthy. With care, from the ESLT team.

Virtual "Victory Garden" Workshop: What's the Buzz About Bees?
2020-05-14 14:00 - 15:00 | California
Are you ready to relish that one-of-a-kind, hands-on connection with the bright spring season? We can help you create a blooming backyard and even grow your own food, with virtual versions of our popular pollinator garden workshops!
We’ve teamed up with our local chapters of California Native Plant Society, Audubon Society, and Master Gardeners, along with University of Nevada, Reno, to bring you this exciting virtual event series.

Workshop 1: What’s the Buzz About Bees?
Guest speaker Dr. Sarah Richman, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Nevada, Reno will share takeaways from her research about the challenges pollinators face, and how you can help by creating your own blooming backyard habitat. She’ll share science-based tips and tricks for the best ways to bring your garden to life.

For more information and to register for any of these workshops, contact Education Coordinator and AmeriCorps Member Marie at .
~~
Then join us again for the next workshops in this series!

Saturday, May 23rd , 10 – 11AM:
Inyo-Mono Master Gardener Roberta Lagomarsini will demonstrate how to set up a drip irrigation system that will not only make watering your garden easier but will also help with water conservation.

Thursday, May 28th , 2 – 3PM:
Your backyard can help our birds! Join Pete Pumphrey, past President of Eastern Sierra Audubon Society, to learn how to create a garden that local birds will love.
~~
Stay tuned for future additions to our Virtual Victory Garden Workshop Series. For more information, contact ESLT Education Coordinator and AmeriCorps Member Marie at .

Postponed: Garden Inspiration Tour
2020-05-16 09:00 - 13:00 | Eastern Sierra Land Trust, 250 N. Fowler Street, Bishop, CA, 93514, United States
Our top priority is the health and safety of our staff, board of directors, and community. So in compliance with current #StayHome guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19, we’re working on fun new ways to move this event online. Stay tuned, and stay healthy! With care, from the ESLT team.
~~
Did you know? In your very own Bishop-area neighborhoods and streets, some beautiful pollinator gardens are buzzing and thriving. And on the morning of May 16th they’ll be opening their gates for visitors of all ages.
If you like gardening or native plants, you won’t want to miss this inspiring self-guided tour. Locals across the Eastern Sierra will host you in their gardens, so you can explore how they’ve created wonderful havens for pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
You’re sure to gain buckets of inspiration for your own space!
The tour will kick off from the ESLT office at 250 N Fowler Street In Bishop. For more information and for a map of the featured gardens, you can contact ESLT Education Coordinator and AmeriCorps Member Marie at marie@eslt.org or (760) 873-4554.

Virtual "Victory Garden" Workshop: Go with the (Slow) Flow!
2020-05-23 10:00 - 11:00 | California
Are you ready to relish that one-of-a-kind, hands-on connection with the bright spring season? We can help you create a blooming backyard and even grow your own food, with virtual versions of our popular pollinator garden workshops!
We’ve teamed up with our local chapters of California Native Plant Society, Audubon Society, and Master Gardeners, along with University of Nevada, Reno, to bring you this exciting virtual event series.

Workshop 2: Go with the (Slow) Flow!
Join our special guest Inyo-Mono Master Gardener Roberta Lagomarsini. She’ll demonstrate how to set up a drip irrigation system that will not only make watering your garden easier but will also help with water conservation.
For more information and to register for any of these workshops, contact Education Coordinator and AmeriCorps Member Marie at .
~~
Then join us again for the next workshop in this series!

Thursday, May 28th , 2 – 3PM:
Your backyard can help our birds! Join Pete Pumphrey, past President of Eastern Sierra Audubon Society, to learn how to create a garden that local birds will love.
Stay tuned for future additions to our Virtual Victory Garden Workshop Series. For more information, contact ESLT Education Coordinator and AmeriCorps Member Marie at .

Virtual "Victory Garden" Workshop: Backyard Bird Bonanza
2020-05-28 14:00 - 15:00 | California
It’s not to late to register! Just email marie@eslt.org to receive the workshop’s Zoom link.
Are you ready to relish that one-of-a-kind, hands-on connection with the bright spring season? We can help you create a blooming backyard and even grow your own food, with virtual versions of our popular pollinator garden workshops!
We’ve teamed up with our local chapters of California Native Plant Society, Audubon Society, and Master Gardeners, along with University of Nevada, Reno, to bring you this exciting virtual event series.

Workshop 3: Backyard Bird Bonanza
Your backyard can help our birds! Join Pete Pumphrey, past President of Eastern Sierra Audubon Society, to learn how to create a garden that local birds will love.
For more information and to register for any of these workshops, contact Education Coordinator and AmeriCorps Member Marie at .
Stay tuned for future additions to our Virtual Victory Garden Workshop Series.

The Happy Place ESLT Book Club
2020-06-02 17:30 - 18:30 | California
As we practice physical distancing, we can still collect in a powerful place – the magical landscapes of literature. Do you like to read about the natural wonders of the world around you? Help us kick off The Happy Place ESLT Book Club on June 2nd from 5:30-6:30 p.m. with fun, thought-provoking conversations about the first half of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass.
We recommend supporting our local businesses and ordering from Spellbinder Books – if you mention that you’re a part of ESLT’s book club, you’ll even receive 10% off.
Contact Marie at marie@eslt.org for more information and to sign up.

Virtual "Victory Garden" Workshop: Plants and Pollinators
2020-06-04 14:00 - 15:00 | California
Are you ready to relish that one-of-a-kind, hands-on connection with the bright spring season? We can help you create a blooming backyard and even grow your own food, with virtual versions of our popular pollinator garden workshops!
We’ve teamed up with our local chapters of California Native Plant Society, Audubon Society, and Master Gardeners, along with University of Nevada, Reno, to bring you this exciting virtual event series.

Workshop 4: Plants and Pollinators
Join Elijah Hall, researcher with the University of California, Riverside, to learn about the important relationships between native plants and pollinators. His insight will help make your garden the best habitat in town!

For more information and to register for any of these workshops, contact Education Coordinator and AmeriCorps Member Marie at .
Stay tuned for future additions to our Virtual Victory Garden Workshop Series.

Virtual "Victory Garden" Workshop: Soil Secrets
2020-06-20 10:00 - 11:00 | California
Are you ready to relish that one-of-a-kind, hands-on connection with the bright spring season? We can help you create a blooming backyard and even grow your own food, with virtual versions of our popular pollinator garden workshops!
We’ve teamed up with our local chapters of California Native Plant Society, Audubon Society, and Master Gardeners, along with University of Nevada, Reno, to bring you this exciting virtual event series.

Workshop 5: Soil Secrets: Compost and Other Vital Soil Elements for Establishing Your Pollinator Garden
Join Julie Fontaine, habitat restoration ecologist and composting master to learn about soil science and composting tips and tricks to help your garden flourish! Her tips will help you set a strong foundation for a garden that attracts and supports pollinators like butterflies, bees, bats, and birds. These essential creatures are the secret to a blooming backyard.

ESLT Education Coordinator and AmeriCorps Member Marie will also share how ESLT and our local partners can support you through our Eastside Pollinator Garden Project.
For more information and to register for any of these workshops, contact Education Coordinator and AmeriCorps Member Marie at .
Stay tuned for future additions to our Virtual Victory Garden Workshop Series.

The Happy Place ESLT Book Club
2020-06-30 18:00 - 19:00 | California
As we practice physical distancing, we can still collect in a powerful place – the magical landscapes of literature. Do you like to read about the natural wonders of the world around you? Join The Happy Place ESLT Book Club on June 30th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. for fun, thought-provoking conversations about the second half of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass.
We recommend supporting our local businesses and ordering from Spellbinder Books – if you mention that you’re a part of ESLT’s book club, you’ll even receive 10% off.
Contact Marie at marie@eslt.org for more information and to sign up.

Virtual "Victory Garden" Workshop: Marvelous Monarchs
2020-07-02 14:00 - 15:00 | California
Are you ready to relish that one-of-a-kind, hands-on connection with the bright spring season? We can help you create a blooming backyard and even grow your own food, with virtual versions of our popular pollinator garden workshops!
We’ve teamed up with our local chapters of California Native Plant Society, Audubon Society, and Master Gardeners, along with University of Nevada, Reno, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to bring you this exciting virtual event series.

Workshop 6: Marvelous Monarchs
Join special guest Michelle Hunt, Biologist at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Reno, for our next virtual Victory Garden workshop. She’ll discuss some of the challenges monarch butterfly populations have faced recently and demonstrate how you can support these beautiful pollinators by creating important habitat in your own backyard.
ESLT Education Coordinator and AmeriCorps Member Marie will also share how ESLT and our local partners can support you through our Eastside Pollinator Garden Project.
For more information and to register for any of these workshops, contact Education Coordinator and AmeriCorps Member Marie at .
Stay tuned for future additions to our Virtual Victory Garden Workshop Series.

The Happy Place ESLT Book Club
2020-07-28 18:00 - 19:00 | California
As we practice physical distancing, we can still collect in a powerful place—the magical landscapes of literature. Do you like to read about the natural wonders of the world around you? Join The Happy Place ESLT Book Club on July 28th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. for fun, thought-provoking conversations about Richard Powers’s The Overstory.
We recommend supporting our local businesses and ordering from Spellbinder Books – if you mention that you’re a part of ESLT’s book club, you’ll even receive 10% off.
Contact Marie at for more information and to sign up.

12th Annual Lands & Legacy Celebration
2020-08-27 - 2020-09-03 | California
Lands & Legacy 12th Annual Celebration
August 27th – September 3rd, 2020
Nature • Health • Peace
If you’ve been waiting to step back into Eastern Sierra peace, then we have great news. Our 12th annual Lands & Legacy Celebration is right around the corner, and we’re bringing the magic to you, wherever you are.
Register Here

Registration fee: $25, with a 10% discount for ESLT members.
If you’re a first responder, student, educator, or AmeriCorps Member, we’d like to welcome you with a registration fee of $10.

Your registration to our 12th annual Lands & Legacy Celebration unlocks access to a series of live and virtual events. You can choose to join us for one, a handful, or all of these exciting gatherings! We’ll be connecting with special guests and enjoying fun, inspiring activities. Here’s a taste of what’s in store!

Connect with Jack Muir Laws, the amazing naturalist, artist, author, and educator.
Go back in time with Bill Bramlette, the owner of Historic Benton Hot Springs and ESLT’s Benton Hot Springs Ranch Conservation Easement, as he explores local history.
Hear from Jeanette Tuitele-Lewis, Chair of the California Council of Land Trusts and President/CEO of Big Sur Land Trust about land protection in California.
Share the magic of storytelling at an ESLT “Happy Place” Book Club conversation about Kendra Atleework’s Miracle Country.
Get outside for scavenger hunts and a BioBlitz in nearby nature.
Share your love of nature through recorded stories via Tribute.co, and live personal storytelling circles.

We’ll finish up the week with live auctioneer Jeremy Goico! Together, we’ll gather virtually at another wild Paddle Raise to raise critical funds for ESLT’s land protection, stewardship, and education programs.
© Kristen Stipanov, ESLT. Photo taken at Lands & Legacy 2019 back when in-person gatherings were safe.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Register Here

We’re still putting the finishing touches on our program! Check back to for more details and a schedule of events.

Online Chat: Our Amazing Eastern Sierra Wildlife
2020-12-16 12:00 - 12:45 | California
Join us Wednesday, December 16th from 12-12:45PM to learn about our iconic Eastern Sierra wildlife, how to respectfully spot them, and how your support cares for them. Kay Ogden and ESLT staff will share fun facts and stories of seeing wildlife on our protected land in this online chat.

mule deer photo © Tom Koerner, USFWS

ESLT’s Happy Place Book Club: The Hidden Life of Trees
2021-01-13 18:00 - 19:00 | California
Join ESLT’s Happy Place Book Club on January 13th, 2021 from 6-7 p.m. PST for a thought-provoking online discussion about Peter Wohlleben’s, The Hidden Life of Trees.
This book explores the deep scientific processes of trees from the beginning of their life to after their death and brings light to their relatable tendencies of community that often go overlooked.
Support our local businesses and order from ! If you mention you’re a part of ESLT’s book club you’ll receive 10% off.
Mark your calendar for our online Zoom meeting for this book on Wednesday, January 13th, 2021 from 6-7pm. To RSVP and get the Zoom meeting information, contact Gabrielle at .

395 Wildlife Crossing Project with Beth Pratt
2021-02-11 18:30 - 19:30 | California
Beth Pratt is a world-renowned conservationist. She currently is the Regional Executive Director of the of the National Wildlife Federation. She previously worked on sustainability and climate change programs for Xanterra Parks & Resorts in Yellowstone as its Director of Environmental Affairs. Prior to her role in Yellowstone, for nine years Beth served as the Vice President/CFO for the non-profit Yosemite Association (now Yosemite Conservancy) in Yosemite National Park.
She will be joined by the Eastern Sierra Wildlife Stewardship Team, a collective of individuals representing the CA Dept of Fish & Wildlife, the Calfornia Department of Transportation (District 9), Eastern Sierra Land Trust, Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA), and the Mono County Board of Supervisors.
This amazing group of speakers will start with a 30-40 minute presentation by Beth Pratt on her work and wildlife crossing projects in California. Next, the Eastern Sierra Wildlife Stewardship Team will discuss the 395 Wildlife Crossing project and fundraising needs for this project to help wildlife safely cross the highway. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A segment where audience members have the opportunity to ask questions on the project, or of Beth Pratt and her work. .

POSTPONED! ESLT’s Happy Place Book Club: Underland by Robert Macfarlane
2021-03-03 18:00 - 19:00 | California
You are invited to ESLT’s Happy Place Book Club’s next meeting!
POSTPONED! Stay tuned for a new date soon…
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 from 6-7PM (PST)
Underland: A Deep Time Journey by Robert Macfarlane

We notice flora, fauna, and even fungi, surrounding us daily. Let’s journey into a part of the natural world that we don’t necessarily see… at all. Come shift your perspective with us and get curious about what goes on underground.
Join us in a Zoom meeting to discuss the first half of Robert Macfarlane’s book, Underland: A Deep Time Journey. The first half is going to be First Chamber and Second Chamber (or up to page 211).
To RSVP and to receive Zoom meeting information, contact Gabrielle at .
Please consider supporting Bishop’s local bookstore Spellbinder Books or Mammoth’s local bookstore, the Booky Joint for your literary needs! At Spellbinder Books, mention you are a part of ESLT’s book club and receive 10% off. They typically have this book, however if out of stock, they are happy to order it for you.
I look forward to another inspiring conversation together!

Mono Basin History Museum Hosts Talk on Hunewill Ranch
2021-04-05 18:00 - 19:30 | California
Hunewill Ranch, founded in 1861 by Esther and Napoleon Hunewill, supplied timber and beef to the mining town of Bodie. The Hunewill family has since owned and managed their cattle ranch over seven generations. The family’s dedication to conservation led them to protect the ranch’s native grasslands, wildlife habitat, and scenic views forever with a conservation easement. Hear their fascinating history in this online chat with ESLT Executive Director/CEO Kay Ogden and Megan Hunewill.
Read more about Hunewill Ranch and the conservation easement in ESLT’s Fall 2020 SierraScapes.

To register, email Mono Basin History Museum at curator@monobasinhistory.org.

What's Up at ESLT! - April 7
2021-04-07 16:00 - 16:45 | California
Chat with us online and find out what’s up at ESLT!
Wednesday, April 7th at 4:00-4:45pm

Mark your calendars for an online chat with Kay Ogden, Executive Director/CEO, and Board Members to hear the latest happenings at Eastern Sierra Land Trust. With spring approaching, you’re sure to hear about things blooming and wildlife on the move. Who knows… you might even hear news on land projects!
RSVP
Mule deer photo © Anatoliy-Lukich

Garden Restoration Volunteer Day!
2021-04-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Eastern Sierra Land Trust, 250 N. Fowler Street, Bishop, CA, 93514, United States
A handful of helpful volunteers are needed to join Gabrielle and Kay to prepare the ESLT native plant and pollinator demonstration garden for spring. We will work together towards clearing invasive plants, weeding, and trimming; ultimately preparing for the planting of more native species, and some of Bishop Elementary’s 3rd grade students’ sunflowers for the Sunflower Garden Project!
Come at 9:00am and enjoy some coffee and goodies with your gardening, and stay until we plant our own sunflower seeds to watch grow as you pass by 250 N Fowler Street throughout the season!

This event will be solely outdoors, distanced, and the wearing of masks is required. Please take the following precautions before and during your commitment to this volunteer day:

Stay home if have a cough, fever or feel unwell
Take temperature before leaving home; if it is significantly elevated, stay home
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately before departing for ESLT event
Maintain 6’ of distance from others
Sneeze or cough into a tissue, cloth, or elbow
Wear a face covering when around others
Avoid physical contact
Provide own personal face covering, gloves, hand sanitizer (no sharing)

Please Bring:

Your own gardening gloves
Any preferred gardening tools (Gabrielle will also have tools available)
Face mask/covering

For more information and to sign up, please contact Gabrielle, Education Coordinator & AmeriCorps member.

Virtual Pollinator Garden Workshop: Establishing and Maintaining Your Native Plants - Trade Secrets
2021-04-17 11:00 - 12:00 | California
Growing Together:
ESLT’s Virtual Pollinator Garden Workshop Series
Let’s grow together this spring season! Join ESLT throughout April & May for the Growing Together Pollinator Garden Workshop Series as we gather together virtually over topics and trades that can help your garden thrive this year. We will have amazing speakers and members of the community sharing their knowledge with us.
Saturday, April 17th at 11:00am-12:00pm (PST)
Virtual Workshop and Q&A Session:
“Establishing and Maintaining Your Native Plants, Trade Secrets from a Restoration Ecologist”
Kicking off the series is Julie Fontaine, a Restoration Ecologist, Soil Specialist, and community member of the Eastside. You may know her and her compost tea from previous years at GardenFest! This year she will be sharing her knowledge on how to take care of native plants in this informational workshop.

RSVP

For more information, email Gabrielle.
Photo © 2011 Calscape

Earth Day Trash Cleanup
2021-04-24 09:00 - 13:00 | California
Meeting time and Location:
Meet by 9:00 AM on Saturday, April 24 at the municipal parking lot on the corner of Church St. and Fowler St. in Bishop (facing the Bishop Methodist Church building.) Please arrive promptly by 9:00 AM for safety briefing, instructions, and supplies. Free coffee, donuts and pastries will be available as we gather!

Trash pickup locations:
We will suggest specific trash pickup location(s) that will have event leader presence and support. Participants can choose other locations where they’ve been noticing trash accumulating.

Lunch:
The Rolling Chef food truck will be at the municipal parking lot and ready to serve delicious lunches from 11 AM-1 PM. Participants who bring their trash back to the parking lot for disposal in the dumpsters before the event ends at 1PM will receive a $4 lunch discount!

Trash Disposal:
Participants are invited to return with their filled trash bags to the parking lot. Waste Connections (Bishop Waste and Mammoth Disposal) will provide two trash dumpsters for us to fill. Waste Connections will dispose of the trash.

Other:
Trash bags, grabbers, safety vests, and dumpsters will be available at the parking lot.
Please bring drinking water, sun protection, and gloves; and wear sturdy shoes.
Hand sanitizer, bleach spray and wipes will be available. Bring masks and practice physical distancing.

INYO350 Cleanup Partners:
Nonprofits: Bishop Sunrise Rotary Club, Sierra Club Range of Light Group, Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association, Eastern Sierra Land Trust, Sierra Trash Eliminators, and Friends of the Inyo.
Business: Waste Connections (Bishop Waste and Mammoth Disposal), The Rolling Chef, and the
Great Basin Bakery.

Virtual Pollinator Garden Workshop: Drip Irrigation How-To’s
2021-04-26 12:00 - 13:00 | California
Growing Together:
ESLT’s Virtual Pollinator Garden Workshop Series
Let’s grow together this spring season! Join ESLT throughout April & May for the Growing Together Pollinator Garden Workshop Series as we gather together virtually over topics and trades that can help your garden thrive this year. We will have amazing speakers and members of the community sharing their knowledge with us.
Monday, April 26th at 12:00pm-1:00pm (PST)
Drip Irrigation How-To’s & Virtual Q&A Session with Roberta Lagomarsini
Drip, drip, drip – don’t forget to water your garden! Roberta Lagomarsini of shares her knowledge of drip irrigation every year with our community. This year, she will be providing an essential Q&A session where you can come with questions, qualms, and curiosity on how to start, or possibly improve your garden’s drip irrigation system.
Check out Roberta’s informational workshop on drip irrigation from 2020, before the Q&A session !

RSVP

For more information, email Gabrielle.
Photo © Roberta Lagomarsini

Earth Day Youth Art Contest
2021-04-30 | California
Are you creative? Artistic? Inspired by nature?
Do you love drawing, painting, sculpting, writing, or expressing yourself through art in any way? Do you love the Eastern Sierra, and have great appreciation for the Earth?
We are calling on you to celebrate Earth Day with Eastern Sierra Land Trust and our eastside community for the month of April by creating art centered around the Earth!

Earth Day is an annual, globally recognized day dedicated to the awareness of environmental efforts, concerns, and collective activism for issues such as climate change, global warming, and conservation needs. We want to encourage everyone to celebrate this day through not only our actions, but our creative expression as well, knowing that art can contribute to the growing respect, appreciation, and essential change for our natural environment on a local to global scale.
So inspire your community with your art this April! Let your art describe your relationship to the Eastern Sierra while capturing, describing, or answering what this question means to you:
How does Earth take care of us, and how can we take care of Earth in return?

Sponsors and Prizes:

C5 Studios in Bishop is a co-sponsor with ESLT and will provide prizes for the winners!

The three winning student artists will get the opportunity to display their art on the wall at the art studio in addition to receiving a voucher for a free art class of their choice that C5 provides.

Please read the following details & guidelines:
Who: This art contest is open to 5th-12th graders from Inyo & Mono Counties (from Lone Pine to Bridgeport). The three winners will receive a prize to be announced!
When: Open to submissions until Friday, April 30th.
Along with your art, please include:

Your name
The title of your art
A short description of how your art captures the question, or what Earth Day means for you and the Eastern Sierra
Email address or phone number of contact
Your grade

Submissions:

To submit, email us a scanned copy of your art, or a clear picture with sufficient resolution along with the details to gabrielle@eslt.org.

Rules:

One entry per student. If you submit more than one piece of artwork, we will not be able to count either submission unless you specify that you eliminate one.
The art can be 2D, 3D, and any medium or multimedia.
Three winning pieces of artwork will be decided by three ESLT chosen judges and will be contacted by the given information upon being chosen after April 30th!

Virtual Pollinator Garden Workshop: Gardening with Native Plants
2021-05-03 12:00 - 13:00 | California
Monday, May 3rd at 12:00pm-1:00pm (PST)

A Virtual Workshop and Q&A Session: “Gardening with Native Plants in the Eastern Sierra” with California Native Plant Society, Bristlecone Chapter’s Katie Quinlan.
Katie Quinlan is Plant Sales and Greenhouse Manager – You may have seen her at the White Mountain Research Center for CNPS plant sales in previous years, and will hopefully see her when you pick up your plants for this years’ spring sale (details can be found ).
In this live, informative webinar, we’ll discuss what California native plants will work best to beautify your garden this season. Q&A session with Katie Quinlan will be held at the second half of the webinar.

RSVP

For more information, email Gabrielle.

Virtual Pollinator Garden Workshop: Gardening for Pollinators
2021-05-07 12:00 - 13:00 | California
Growing Together:
ESLT’s Virtual Pollinator Garden Workshop Series
Let’s grow together this spring season! Join ESLT throughout April & May for the Growing Together Pollinator Garden Workshop Series as we gather together virtually over topics and trades that can help your garden thrive this year. We will have amazing speakers and members of the community sharing their knowledge with us.
Friday, May 7th at 12:00pm-1:00pm (PST)
Virtual Workshop and Q&A Session:
“Gardening for Pollinators” Presented by Pete Pumphrey
Join Pete Pumphrey, previous Eastern Sierra Audubon Society President and a wealth of knowledge on gardening for the right kind of animals in mind for this workshop in the Growing Together Series.
He will generously share advice, tricks, and creative ideas from feeders to innovations for gardeners looking to diversify and populate their outdoor spaces with more native and migrating pollinators.

RSVP
For more information, email Gabrielle.
Photo © Pete Pumphrey

World Migratory Bird Day At Black Lake Preserve
2021-05-08 - 2021-05-09 | ESLT’s Black Lake Preserve
Eastern Sierra Land Trust &
Eastern Sierra Audubon Society
Celebrates World Migratory Bird Day
At Black Lake Preserve
Saturday May 8th & Sunday May 9th

What is World Migratory Bird Day?
Imagine you are on a road trip and navigating with a map you’ve used many times before. On this map are key stops that you know are reliable for food, fuel, and rest. However, what if one day you arrive to one of those key stops that you’ve been counting on and it’s gone? No place to rest, refuel the car, drink water, eat food… nothing to replenish yourself to continue the journey!
Like a key pit-stop, migration stops are extremely important for traveling birds. Even more, Black Lake Preserve—where 100% of its birds are migrants, is an extremely important place for bird in the eastern branch of the Pacific Flyway.

So why should you come to see them?
It is important for us to visit and see places that are unique, special, and that play a vital role for migrant species as it helps us understand the necessity and benefit of preserving with purpose.

“It is a privilege for us to even see it and experience it.” – Santiago Escruceria

We invite you to celebrate the importance of migratory birds passing through the Eastern Sierra on the weekend of May 8th-9th for a self-guided birding tour at Black Lake Preserve.

Below we share with you all you need to be a sharp birder, such as:

Importance of Migratory Birds and their preservation
Quick how-to on recording your findings
Directions & etiquette
Attached site specific bird list

Why are Migratory Birds important? Migratory birds are essential to the habitats in which they return to seasonally for mating and feeding and nesting. Birds play a vital role in pollination, food production, food sources, and pest regulation. It is crucial that the habitats which these migrating birds return to from their long journeys, are healthy habitats.
Why is Black Lake Preserve an important habitat? Black Lake Preserve was donated to ESLT by Michelle Browner in 2014 and with help from Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Black Lake Preserve is permanently protected from certain uses including development and subdivision. This means it will remain as open space habitat in perpetuity. As well, Black Lake Preserve’s wetlands are an important stopover for migratory birds, earning it a designation by Audubon Society as an “Important Bird Area.”
Birding and recording your findings:

Because this is an Important Bird Area, we would love for you to share with us the birds you see and record your data to Cornell Lab of Ornithology in a citizen science effort.
Use a pencil & paper or try eBird if you have a smartphone! A how-to for using the eBird birding app can be found at here.
If you take pictures or see anything exciting, tell us and we’ll share it on the ESLT website! Send your findings & photos to Gabrielle@eslt.org.

How to get to Black Lake from Bishop, CA:

Drive 34 miles north on Highway 6 to the town of Benton
Turn left (west) on Highway 120
Go through the historic town of Benton Hot Springs and reach the intersection of Benton Crossing Road and Highway 120
In about a mile, will reach two dirt roads—both are accessible

Once you’ve arrived:

Park along Hwy 120 on the side nearest the lake and walk the dirt road to the turn-out at the end. Here you will reach the interpretive sign & overlook.
Driving the dirt road between the Hwy and the Birdwatching Overlook is not recommended (narrow, soft sand and full of car scratchers).
From the overlook, you can read the interpretive sign—a watercolor map with a trail indicated (the trail is a winding footpath that follows old cattle trails)

Birding Etiquette and Safety Protocols:

Please leave your furry friends at home or keep them on leash and well-behaved
Keep noise levels down to avoid startling wildlife
Using binoculars and avoid getting too close to wildlife
Be kind to fellow birders
Please wear a mask when passing by other birders
Treat Black Lake Preserve like your own migratory habitat and keep it clean!

What to Bring:

Hat
Water
Snack
Sunscreen
Binoculars
Bird identification book (i.e. Sibley Bird Guide)

Please Note: This is a self-guided event so you are welcome to come either day at any time.
However, if you are comfortable and interested, Santiago Escruceria, Eastern Sierra Audubon’s President, will be at Black Lake on May 8th at 8am offering some guided tours if you are interested – mask wearing is highly encouraged for these to keep folks safe and comfortable!

Download printable handout of this information here.

California Native Plant Society, Bristlecone Chapter’s Native Plant Sale - Online!
2021-05-10 - 2021-05-15 | White Mountain Research Center, 3000 E. Line Street, Bishop, CA, 93514
Monday, May 10th through Friday, May 14th – Participate in California Native Plant Society, Bristlecone Chapter’s Online Plant Sale to purchase your garden’s native plants for the spring season. Invite passing pollinators to your outdoor space and celebrate the new gardening season!

The online sale is now live! Visit the CNPS website for the link to shop, the plant list, and how to participate.

Plant Pick-Up will be on Saturday, May 15th and scheduled when you place your online purchase. It will be held at the White Mountain Research Center, located at 3000 E Line St, Bishop, CA 93514.

Virtual Pollinator Garden Workshop: Cultivating Creativity in Your Garden
2021-05-14 12:00 - 13:00 | California
Growing Together:
ESLT’s Virtual Pollinator Garden Workshop Series
Let’s grow together this spring season! Join ESLT throughout April & May for the Growing Together Pollinator Garden Workshop Series as we gather together virtually over topics and trades that can help your garden thrive this year. We will have amazing speakers and members of the community sharing their knowledge with us.

Friday, May 14th at 12:00-1:00pm (PST)
Virtual Workshop and Q&A Session: “Cultivating Creativity in Your Garden” with Roberta Lagomarsini
Roberta Lagomarsini will be with us again to help you spark your inner creativity and add personal touches to your own yard. Plan to express your artistic side as Roberta shares her own experience and ideas of turning her outdoor space into not only a space for plants and pollinators, but a space for art and originality.

RSVP

For more information, email Gabrielle.
Photo © Roberta Lagomarsini

Paya Film Screening and Panel Discussion
2021-05-25 18:00 - 19:30 | California
Paya: The Water Story of the Paiute Film Screening and Panel Discussion
May 25th from 6:00pm-7:30pm

You’re probably aware of some of the stories of water in the Owens Valley and Los Angeles. Books have been written on the subject and even Hollywood movies made about it. But there is more, much more, to the story.

Paya: The Water Story of the Paiute tells the untold story of America’s longest-lived water war between the Owens Valley Paiute and the City of Los Angeles. Millennia before Los Angeles diverted the Owens River through the Los Angeles Aqueduct, the Paiute had constructed miles of intricate irrigation systems.

Using archival maps from 1856, the filmmakers spent four years working with Paiute elders to locate and map their remnant irrigation systems, and ultimately laying the foundation for a ‘first use’ water rights case now underway.

Join ESLT as co-host with The Owens Valley Indian Water Commission for an online screening of Paya: The Water Story of the Paiute and a moderated panel discussion with the following indigenous water protectors:

Brian Poncho, Bishop Paiute Tribe’s Board Representative for the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission;
Paul Huette, Vice Chairman of the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission; and
Teri Red Owl, Executive Director of Owens Valley Indian Water Commission.

Art Opening for ESLT’s Earth Day Youth Art Contest Winners!
2021-06-12 10:00 - 15:00 | C5 Studios, 210 S Warren Street, Bishop, California, 93514
Congratulations to ESLT’s Earth Day Youth Art Contest Winners:

Alexzander G.
Macie O.
Leslie A.

And the Honorable Mentions:

Penelope C.
Melannie J.

On Saturday, June 12th, C5 Art Studios in Bishop will be showing the art from three winners and two honorable mentions of ESLT’s Earth Day Youth Art Contest in the gallery! Come by and view the work of these inspirational young artists who have created pieces in tribute to what Earth and the Eastern Sierra means to them.
The art opening will be for all public and a special showing at noon for the artists so you may even catch an artist! C5’s Saturday hours are 10am-3pm.
Come continue to celebrate Earth with us and some of our very own local artists! The art will stay on display until the end of June.
For more information, contact Gabrielle at gabrielle@eslt.org.
