On Tue., March 27th my roommate Elsbeth and I rode our bikes to Rick Devore's 100% organic Apple Hill Farm. I was fulfilling an AmeriCorps requirement to volunteer at a farm to celebrate Cesar Chavez Day. Elsbeth is simply a great human being and wanted to help. We were greeted at the end of the driveway by a spry Belgian shepherd and an adorable golden retriever graying at the nose. …continue reading
As my AmeriCorps year comes to an end, I almost feel like I just started at ESLT! It's probably because the year has been a whirlwind of activity and exciting new experiences. My recent AmeriCorps graduation gave me an opportunity to reflect on my time here, and on the impact of the Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Partnership (SNAP) in general. The SNAP Program places 27 talented and creative young people at different environmental …continue reading
In early 2008 after working closely with several key partners, Eastern Sierra Land Trust (ESLT), along with landowner Bill Bramlette, finalized permanent preservation for the important 900 acre Benton Hot Springs Ranch. This property includes numerous springs and seeps, ponds, and both wet and dry alkali meadows. The protection of wetlands and riparian areas is crucial in arid regions because of their role as critical wildlife habitat. The property is managed as …continue reading
written by David Woodruff, ESLT Deputy Director Eastern Sierra landowner Tina Bundy Nappe and her family have permanently preserved her 60 acres for future generations. Her land, know as Willow Flat, which includes a half a mile of the Little Walker River, has now been preserved with a conservation easement, a voluntary binding land protection agreement between the landowner and Eastern Sierra Land Trust (ESLT). The Nappe family retains ownership and management …continue reading
written by Piper Wright, ESLT high school intern Educating both children and adults about the value of land conservation is an important part of ESLT's mission. The various conservation lands that ESLT has can be an excellent educational tool: getting young children out on the land can spark their interest in wildlife and the natural world around them. Our project began in early February with an idea to partner with the Eastern …continue reading
What do thirteen sophomore biology students at Lone Pine High School think about Owens Lake? Karen and I got to find out last Tuesday when we made the trip down there and taught them a little bit about Eastern Sierra Land Trust and the story of Owens Lake. Translating the concepts behind conservation easements, land stewardship, and the Owens Lake Planning Committee into something that would engage …continue reading
A Day With Jack Laws Sunday, October 3, 2010 Two Drawing and Sketching Classes Laws Railroad Museum and Historic Site Celebrated author, artist and nature educator Jack Laws, great grandson of the R.J. Laws of Laws, CA, will conduct a one day program on wildlife interpretation, bird sketching, drawing and painting techniques. Drawing Birds in the Western Landscape - Morning Session Learn basic shapes and methods for capturing the form and movement …continue reading
Believe it or not, I once had a job that required me sitting for hours amongst the flowers, notepad in hand, counting the number and type of pollinators making visits to a specific plant. I found it quite meditative, though it probably sounds more romantic than it really was once you factor in the summer heat and note that the sea of flowers were the spiny heads of the invasive …continue reading
We've got lots of inspiration around us as the wild inhabitants of our east-side world move up to the high country for breeding and birthing. I listened to a beautiful Western Tanager in a willow thicket this morning, singing his heart out to declare his territory and find the perfect mate. The picture below, captured by my husband, Stephen Ingram, is of one of our current land conservation projects. I wish you …continue reading
Supporters braved the elements this past weekend to celebrate ESLT's community at Benton Hot Springs Ranch. The wind was howling and snow fell, but all in attendance banded together and enjoyed the opportunity to spent time with one another on a beautiful piece of preserved land. Participants enjoyed a wide range of activities. On Saturday afternoon, around 40 people headed down through the canyon trail on the conservation easement to view birds, …continue reading