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ACR hires new Executive Director
 Audubon Canyon Ranch has chosen J. Scott Feierabend of San Rafael as its new executive director. A biologist serving in the non-profit environmental community for nearly 30 years, Scott will lead ACR with an emphasis on ACR's conservation science, habitat protection and restoration, and environmental education programs.
"With a recent major acquisition and a renewed focus on science now complimenting ACR's long-standing community commitment," said Andy Lafrenz, ACR's Board President, "we have clearly entered a new era in our history. Scott's leadership and strong background in biology will be a key asset for ACR in the years ahead."
Scott most recently served as interim executive director and conservation director for California Trout, the state's leading non-profit advocate for protecting and restoring California's wild trout and steelhead, and their waters.
"It is an honor and privilege to have been selected for this important leadership position in the Bay Area's environmental community," Feierabend noted. "ACR's donors, volunteers, programs, board and staff, combined with the organization's credibility and 47-year legacy, have set the stage for transformational change as we enter a new decade."
After serving as ACR's founding executive director for 34 years, Skip Schwartz is transitioning into a consultative role. Over the next few months, Scott will work closely with Skip to ensure a smooth transition. |
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ACR scientist rediscovers plant thought to be extinct
Daniel Gluesenkamp, Ph.D., ACR's director of habitat protection and restoration, has discovered the formerly-extinct San Francisco manzanita (Arctostaphylos franciscana) growing near the Golden Gate Bridge in the San Francisco Presidio. The San Francisco manzanita was last seen in San Francisco in 1947. Gluesenkamp reported his discovery to colleagues at the Presidio Trust, where biologists mobilized to protect the rare plant. Recent press tells the exciting story...
Marin IJ
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High School Students restore Oak Woodlands at the Bouverie Preserve
ACR has launched Project GROW, a unique partnership to restore native oak woodlands at ACR's Bouverie Preserve in Glen Ellen.
Project GROW (Gathering to Restore Oak Woodlands) began with a planting day in December, when Sonoma Valley High School students came out to plant oak seedlings on the preserve. The students are participating in the Student and Landowner Education and Watershed Stewardship (SLEWS) program, a project of the Center for Land-Based Learning. As SLEWS participants, the students are mentored by restoration experts from the partner organizations as they plant hand-gathered acorns and other native oak woodland plant species, such as California Buckeye and Pacific Madrone.
"We are especially excited to give local teens the opportunity to experience the preserve, the land, and to contribute to the success of the project," said Leandra Swent, District Manager, Southern Sonoma County Resource Conservation District, a project partner. "This multiple-year program will allow students to return to the preserve annually to conduct additional restoration efforts and see the success of previous work."
"By offering students this hands-on experience and mentorship by professionals in the field, this could be the jumping point for their interest in higher education, careers, and a lifelong ethic of stewardship in their community," said Nina Suzuki, Statewide SLEWS Coordinator, Center for Land-Based Learning.
The project was made possible through funding by the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) to mitigate the loss of 117 oak trees during construction of widening and safety work on Highway 12 in Glen Ellen. Mitigation for the loss of oak trees is required by state law. |
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Scholarship awarded to young naturalist
Audubon Canyon Ranch has awarded the first-ever David Bouverie Scholarship to Sonoma resident Gerrit Van Sickle. Gerrit, who has volunteered at ACR's Bouverie Preserve since elementary school, graduated from Sonoma Valley High School last spring. The $1,500 scholarship will help him pursue a college degree in environmental studies, beginning at Santa Rosa Junior College in August.
"I can think of no more worthy young man than Gerrit to receive the first David Bouverie Scholarship," said Jeanne Wirka, resident biologist of the Bouverie Preserve. "He not only helped us with our nature walks and research projects, he also mentored and motivated younger students."
Gerrit became a Juniper - member of the Bouverie Junior Naturalist Program - in fifth grade after completing a five-course training that provides students an in-depth look at the natural history of the Bouverie Preserve.
The David Bouverie Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Glen Ellen resident Phyllis Ellman, a longtime ACR Board member and "founding mother" of the Bouverie Preserve Environmental Education Program. The scholarship fund provides academic scholarships to participants of Junipers who remain involved through high school and plan to pursue higher education in the biological sciences or environmental education.
Initial funding for the David Bouverie Scholarship Fund was a $25,000 grant from the Dennis and Carol Ann Rockey Fund of the Marin Community Foundation. Since then, many generous donors have made gifts in honor of Phyllis. | |
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Help us plant!!
Help create habitat for local flora and fauna in the beautiful canyons of the Bolinas Lagoon Preserve! Join HPR leader Doug Serrill as ACR habitat restoration efforts take advantage of recent rains. We'll outplant native plants as we restore riparian habitat.
Restoration Planting Day Saturday, February 13th, 9 am - 3 pm
Volunteer Canyon of the Bolinas Lagoon Preserve
Bring layers appropriate to coastal location, water and lunch. Snacks provided. Rsvp via email or call 415-868-9244 Doug Serrill is the new Habitat Protection and Restoration Project Leader for Audubon Canyon Ranch's Marin properties and coordinates the nursery operations and volunteer program at the Bolinas Lagoon Preserve. Doug comes to ACR with extensive native plant horticultural experience from restoration nurseries throughout coastal California and Maryland's Chesapeake Bay region. Doug has a long history of working with volunteers and has taught courses in environmental education and native plant horticulture. He holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon, where his thesis focused on a community struggle to preserve one of the last open spaces along the Willamette River in Eugene, OR. Welcome, Doug! |
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In thanks to ACR supporters
ACR is grateful for the generosity of its corporate and foundation funders. For their support over the last few months, we extend our sincere gratitude to:
Community Foundation Sonoma County for their support to restore native habitat and protect native rare species at ACR's Sonoma County preserves.
The Safeway Foundation for their support of ACR's environmental education programs. We welcome the Safeway Foundation to ACR's Partners in Education donor circle, which supports the environmental education programs of Audubon Canyon Ranch.
ACR is grateful for the generosity of all our supporters, and we thank you for your commitment to the ACR mission. | |
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Point Reyes Nature and Birding Festival
Birds of Tomales Bay and Shorebirds at Cypress Grove
Saturday, April 24
9 am - noon
John Kelly
ACR Director of Conservation Science & Habitat Protection
Egrets of Picher Canyon, Audubon Canyon Ranch
Sunday, April 25
1 - 4 pm
Emiko Condeso
ACR Biologist/GIS Specialist
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Though the rains have been heavy and the winds strong, the natural world is thriving in these seasonal storms. Put on the rain boots and slickers, and gather up the kids... what's going on outside? Once-dormant grasses have sprouted. Newts are migrating to winter breeding ponds. Wildflowers are starting to bloom... what else do you see? |
Recently at
the Bouverie Preserve...
Project GROW students plant native oak seedlings |
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Preparing a home for a seedling | |
