Spring 2015 - American River Conservancy

the Current
Informational Newsletter for Spring 2015 (March-May)
American River Conservancy
ARC’s 2015 Agenda
By Alan Ehrgott
I t’s February, 2015. About a quarter-mile west of
ARC’s office along the Monroe Ridge Trail in Coloma,
Spring has arrived. The purple and yellow shooting
star are out and the purple flower heads of twining
Brodeia have emerged above green grassy patches
within the oak woodland. Despite
the drought there is industry in the
air, as one of California’s thousand
native bee species, Bombus vandykei
is busily employed pollinating millions of delicate, bell-shaped manzanita blossoms.
There is industry within the
offices of the Conservancy as well.
Like every year, ARC is choosing to
pursue a full and aggressive agenda
for the coming year. In the spirit of
open communication, a sampling of
ARC’s 2015 program goals are provided below:
coordinating this acquisition with support from nine
(9) partner agencies. The land will be purchased and
protected within the Pine Hill Preserve.
• Salmon Falls Trailhead Project; ARC is a finalist
candidate for its $295,000 Environmental Enhancement
and Mitigation Grant to complete the Salmon Falls
Trailhead project. This project would build road
access, a parking lot, and trailhead
at the western terminus of the 25
mile South Fork American Trail off
Salmon Falls Road and upon ranch
lands purchased from the Bacchi
Family in 2012. This facility will
provide a needed parking and staging area for equestrians, mountain
bikers, and other trail enthusiasts.
• Wakamatsu Farm; ARC is working
to add a second, young farming
family to raise poultry, sheep, goats,
pigs, and dairy cows to ARC’s
Wakamatsu Farm.
• Complete the American River
• Public Education; ARC will be
Headwaters/Granite Chief Acquistion
hosting 18 student-teams at Nature
(9,955 acres); ARC and its everBowl in March, three Nature Camps
increasing number of partners are
in Summer, Eighty (80) public hikes
focused on raising the last $4 miland workshops throughout the year,
Upper Middle Fork of the American River on subject
lion to acquire these high-elevation,
and its first Naturalist Certification
lands to be acquired.
forested lands which contain 20.2
Program in partnership with UC
miles of upper Middle Fork American River and four
Extension. ARC will continue to administer the Innoadditional blue-ribbon trout streams. Following acquivations in EnvironmenIN THIS ISSUE
sition, ARC expects to decommission logging roads,
tal Education Grant Feature Article
1-3
thin several forested areas for fire resiliency, and enProgram benefiting El Land Conservation Update
2
3
hance native fisheries with 20 miles of perennial
Dorado
County ARC welcomes new staff
Paid Work Internship-article
4
streams.
Schools and the Ameri- Student Scholarship Opportunities 4
5
can River Nature Cen- Programs Calendar
Hikes and Events
6-7
• Complete the Cameron Meadows Acquisition (22.167
ter open to the public
A New Coalition-Article
8
acres); This conservation project would acquire rare
Fridays through Sun- Volunteer Opportunities
9
Eddies
10
habitat supporting six of the eight Gabbro plant species
days.
Winter Supporters
11
found only in western El Dorado County. ARC is
Continued on page 3...
Become a Supporter
12
page 2 The Current
Spring 2015 (March-May)
American River
Conservancy
PO Box 562
348 Hwy 49
Coloma, CA 95613
(530) 621-1224
Fax: (530) 621-4818
email: [email protected]
www.arconservancy.org
ARC Board of Directors
Scott Vail—President
Linda Sanford—Vice President
Gayle Erbe-Hamlin —Treasurer
Barbara Lee — Secretary
Cathy Ciofalo Greg Widroe
Kyle Pogue Steve Clark
David Unruhe Dick Blair
Staff
Alan Ehrgott
Executive Director
Elena DeLacy
Conservation & Stewardship Project Manager
Jennifer Mantei
Grants and Fundraiser Coordinator
Autumn Gronborg
Nature Center Educator
Julie Andert
Public Programs & Outreach Coordinator
Liz Carr
Chili Bar Manager & Wakamatsu Maintenance
Joanne Geggatt
Nature Center Docent
Cordi Craig
AmeriCorps Stewardship & Outreach Coordinator
Land Conservation Update
Since 1989, the American River Conservancy (ARC) has com-
pleted 80 conservation projects, purchasing and protecting 14,869
acres of river front and upland habitat within the Upper American
River and Upper Cosumnes River watersheds.
Middle Fork Cosumnes River: Horan Trust Property
The American River Conservancy thanks the Horan Family for their
donation of 80 acres within the Middle Fork Cosumnes River watershed near Somerset. This property contains a mix of cedar, pine and
mature oak woodland as well as a seasonal stream and associated
riparian habitat. This area provides habitat for bear, mountain lion,
deer and bobcat. The Conservancy is seeking a ‘Conservation Buyer’
for this property. This arrangement would allow the potential buyer
to own the property outright, with ARC retaining a Conservation
Easement that would help protect the property’s natural resource
values. Proceeds from this transaction would help support our
mission. Please contact us at (530) 621-1224 if you are interested in
becoming a Conservation Buyer.
Headwaters of the American River, Granite Chief Project
(10,115 acres; $10,167,000)
In October 2013 ARC acquired 160 acres of stream habitat and
forested land adjacent to the Granite Chief Wilderness by donation
from the Hodgson Family Trust. On June 20, 2014, ARC signed a
purchase contract to acquire the adjoining 9,955 acres from a timber
investment firm. This purchase would protect 1,000 acres of mountain meadows and riparian habitat, 8,000 acres of forest and 20.4 miles
of river and perennial stream. The appraised value/purchase price of
$10,167,000 has been approved by the State Department of General
Services. To date, ARC has secured grants, donations and pledges
amounting to nearly $6 million of the purchase price. ARC and its
partners are working to secure grants and donations for the remaining
$4.2 million needed to complete the acquisition. Management of this
landscape will likely be a partnership between the Tahoe National Forest, State Agencies, ARC and other
conservation organizations. Habitat restoration and land management goals include the following:
 Build long-term fire resiliency through forest thinning and the retention of large, older trees;
 Improve watershed production for native trout fisheries and domestic water supply by building fire resiliency,
phase out cattle grazing and manage lodgepole pine intrusion into the 1,200 acres of mountain meadow;
 Improve old growth forest habitat for American marten, Pacific fisher, wolverine and California spotted owl;
and
 Protect, enhance and preserve hiking and equestrian access over the Western States Trail, Tevis Cup Trail and
Picayune Valley Trails that run through these spectacular 10,000 acres.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the American River Headwaters/Granite Chief Project!
Visit arconservancy.org/granitechief to learn more.
Board Election Results: Scott Vail and Cathy Ciofalo were both voted in for another two year term. Thank you to
everyone who voted. And thank you to all the board members for volunteering your time and energy.
page 3 The Current
Spring 2015 (March-May)
...continued from page 1.

Volunteer Stewardship Projects; ARC will coordinate four river clean-ups, eighteen trail and habitat enhancement
projects; continue to restore the Wakamatsu Community Farm, and begin trailhead and trail planning on the
recently acquired 2,139-acre El Dorado Ranch fronting the main fork of the Cosumnes River.
Please consult ARC’s website at: arconservancy.org for details on the above projects. And thank you all for your
support of the American River Conservancy which allows for our small, community-benefit organization to
leverage large amounts of grant funding and volunteer partnerships to complete invaluable conservation projects
within the upper American and Cosumnes River watersheds. Best wishes to all for a happy and prosperous 2015!
Environmental Educator Autumn Gronborg to run 2015 Nature Camp
Autumn Gronborg, our newest staff member, earned a Bachelor of
Science in Forest Resources from the University of Georgia in May 2013.
She was born and raised in Georgia and spent most of her time camping
and playing along the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River. The summer she
turned 18, Autumn became a Professional Raft guide on the Chattooga
River. She realized her love and appreciation for wild rivers that first
summer and spent the next 6 years as a guide. After college, Autumn spent
the summer guiding and then on a whim decided to move to California.
She currently lives in South Lake Tahoe and could not be more excited to
inspire others to love the wildness of nature! The next time you visit the
Nature Center, say hello to Autumn, our Nature Center Educator.
ARC Welcomes our new AmeriCorps Volunteer
ordi Craig recently relocated to the West Coast from a suburb in New York State in
C
November 2014 to serve with ARC as the Stewardship & Outreach Coordinator. Prior to her
cross-country move, Cordi graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from University of Michigan. She is an avid believer in the importance of person-to-person contact in
progressing change, education, and opportunity. She has loved traveling since her first global
experience as a high school violinist with the Long Island Youth Orchestra. After she developed an interest in ecology and environmentalism, she studied conservation and sustainability abroad in the Maasai Mara and Laikipia, Kenya, and researched ecotourism’s effect on
the health of communities marginalized by surrounding conservancies. In May 2014, she
continued to satisfy her love of travel and environmentalism through study abroad in Havana
and researched the dichotomy of industrial versus organic agriculture between the United
States and Cuba. Cordi has always been passionate about volunteer work and served at multiple organizations in college including Project Healthy Schools, a school-based program dedicated to teaching youth healthy
habits and developing healthy school environments, and Girls on the Run, a non-profit dedicated to nurturing the physical,
emotional, and spiritual health of elementary age girls through confidence-building activities integrated with a running curriculum. She participated in an alternative spring break with the Luiseño Native American community in La Jolla and coordinated
with GRIDalternatives, a non-profit that provides and installs solar panels on low-income homes to promote sustainable,
green communities. Last June, she climbed Half Dome at Yosemite National Park, and was convinced she belonged in the Sierra Nevada. Cordi is looking forward to contributing to the great work of the American River Conservancy and learning more
about the rich local history in El Dorado County.
page 4 The Current
Spring 2015 (March-May)May)
Connected to the Land…Paid Work Internships for Professionals
By Jennifer Mantei
After reading Patagonia’s year-end 2014 initiatives report I was impressed with many of the things the company accomplishes in environmental initiatives. As I read through the different articles I was inspired to see how
our American River Conservancy community can apply the same principles on a smaller scale. Take, for example,
Patagonia’s Environmental Internship Program that allows employees from all parts of the company to take up to
two months away from their regular roles to work for the environmental group of their choice while continuing to
earn their paycheck and benefits. What a great way to incentivize employees without directly impacting your
bottom line.
In 2014, 29 individuals, 9 stores, and 2 departments, for a total of 136 people, took advantage of the
program, serving 7,162 volunteer hours for 36 different organizations. What if El Dorado county businesses
offered an Environmental Internship program like Patagonia? Even just a couple of days or dare to be a rebel and
offer a week. That would make a statement of the American River Conservancy community and their commitment
to fulfilling the mission of preserving rivers and land for life!
A great quote from Betsy Pantazelos, Patagonia Boston Store Manager: “What wild space would you mourn
if it no longer existed, what stretch of wilderness has most defined your sense of self and fostered your spirit of adventure? Do something, anything, to protect it.” Let’s be innovative and start a local business and non-profit partnership that promotes local volunteerism. If you own a business or work for a business that would be interested in
exploring this option please contact [email protected]
Are You Looking For a Student Scholarship Opportunity???
Just an FYI-We keep a blue folder at our front desk in the Nature Center labeled Student Scholarship
Opportunities where there is a current list of scholarship opportunities we run across. Please stop into the Nature
Center during our business hours 10am-4pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Available now: Disney Friends for Change Grants-U.S. Deadline February 18th 2015: This grant offers young
change-makers $500 to gather their friends and turn their creative ideas to help their communities into projects taking place on or around Global Youth Service Day-April 17-19, 2015. Whether protecting the planet,
providing food to hungry people, helping other kids learn, or promoting healthy behaviors, Friends for
Change help make their communities greener, safer, smarter, healthier, cleaner and fairer. Youth ages 5-18
located in all 50 states and DC are eligible. Apply and turn your idea from a dream into a reality.
www.YSA.org/disney_friend_for_change_grants
The American River Conservancy is located in the
American River Nature Center
inside the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
at 348 Hwy. 49, Coloma, CA
The Nature Center & Book Store are open to the public
Friday Thru Sunday from 10 am- mm.
Our offices are open to volunteers and supporters
Monday thru Friday from 9 am- pm and
weekends from 10 am- pm.
We can be reached by phone at ( 30) 621-122 or online at arconservancy.or .
page 5 The Current
Spring 2015 (March-May)
Program Calendar
Wednesdays Feb-April
Saturday the 7th
Thursday the 12th
Saturday the 14th
Saturday the 14th
Sunday the 15th
Sunday the 22nd
Saturday the 21st
Saturday the 28th
March 2015
6-8:30pm
UC California Naturalist Cert. Course
10am-12pm
Wakamatsu Historical Tour
6:30-8pm
Rainforest Slideshow Presentation
9:30am-3pm
Trekking Poles Class
9am-12pm
Bird Walk at Wakamatsu
10am-12pm
Wakamatsu Historical Tour
9:30am-4pm
El Dorado Ranch Hike
9am-12pm
Quarry Trail Hike
9am-4pm
Windy Point Hike
Saturday the 11th
Saturday the 11th
Sunday the 12th
Saturday the 18th
Saturday the 18th
Sunday the 19th
Sunday the 26th
April 2015
9-10:30am
Yoga for hikers
1-3pm
Day Poems: The Art of Noticing
8am-12pm
Birdwalk at Olmstead
9am-12pm
Kanaka Valley Hike
10am-12pm
Wakamatsu Historical Tour
9am-2pm
Fleming Meadows hike
10am-12pm
Wakamatsu Historical Tour
Saturday the 9th
Saturday the 9th
Saturday the 16th
Sunday the 31st
May 2015
10am-12pm
Wakamatsu Historical Tour
10am-12:30pm
Pine Hill Plant Walk
9am-1pm
Hidden Falls Hike
10am-12pm
Wakamatsu Historical Tour
Thank You Winter Event & Hike Leaders
A big thanks to Donna Orth for offering three hikes at Cronan and Magnolia Ranch. Howard Williams for his bird walk.
Evan Jones & Paul Whiting for their history hike. Bob Mackler for is annual mushroom presentation. And of course our
amazing Wakamatsu docents for leading private and public tours.
If you have ideas for, or would like to lead a program or hike, please call 530-621-1224 or contact
[email protected].
page 6 The Current
Spring 2015 (March-May)May)
Programs Plus
Bird Walk at Wakamatsu
Saturday, March 14th 9 am – 12 pm
Join Alissa Fogg, ornithologist with Point Blue Conservation
Science, on a birding tour of Wakamatsu. Alissa has led birdwalks
in the county for the last six years and began monitoring birds at
Wakamatsu in 2012. We should spot soaring raptors, dabbling
ducks, singing songbirds and early spring migrants moving
through the oak stands. Local favorites spotted at Wakamatsu
include Grasshopper Sparrow, Lewis’s Woodpecker and Whitetailed Kite. This is an easy walk of 3-miles. Minimum age 10. Contact ARC to sign up and for meeting location (Placerville/Gold Hill
area). Suggested donation: $5/members, $10/non-members.
Quarry Trail Hike
Saturday, March 21st 9am-12pm
Volunteers Donna Orth & Bill Vernor will lead this great
hike along the Middle Fork of the American River. This is a 3.5
mile moderately-paced hike in the Auburn State Rec. Area (ASRA).
Enjoy the natural beauty of the American River canyon and also
pass by an enormous cave that was the site of both paleontologic
excavations and more mining activities. The trail follows the path
of the old railway that was used to carry out the limestone. When it
existed, the railway had standard gauge-sized tracks and the cars
were actually backed down the path 4 times daily to be filled with
limestone and taken 7 miles to Auburn for cement production. Free
parking along the road or bring $10 for ASRA lot. One wellbehaved dog (per family) on leash ok. All ages and all-terrain
strollers ok. Suggested donation: $5/members $10/non-members.
El Dorado ranch Hike
Sunday, March 22nd 9:30am-4pm (approx.)
Explore and discover the history, botany and geology of El Dorado Ranch. Tom Peterson will share about Native American life in the lower Cosumnes and describe local
ranching history. Retired geologist Lester Lubetkin will help
to interpret the rocks beneath El Dorado Ranch in context
with the broader geologic history of the western Sierra
Nevada. And local botanist Annie Walker will lead participants through the distinctive plant communities, highlighting the special wildflowers and plants of the season. We will
look at ancient volcanic rocks that predate the Sierra Nevada
granite, walk on an old "subduction zone" and explore the
land forms cut by the modern Cosumnes River. Approx. 4
miles total. Ages 12+ welcome. Contact ARC to sign up and
for meeting location (El Dorado area). Suggested donation:
$5/members, $10/non-members.
Hike on Windy Point Trail-Near Colfax
Saturday, March 28th 9am - 4pm
“None so brave to dare her, wildflower in the wind.” Evan Jones
will lead this hike along a little-known spring wildflower wonder-
land above the scenic North Fork American River. We will visit an
1851 stage road, a 1928 suspension bridge, see famous Cape Horn
railroad outlook and the historical Dinner Tree. Geology, biota,
mining and railroad history of the local area will be discussed. This
is a 4 mile moderately strenuous hike with 1000 ft. elevation
change. Ages 10+ welcome. ARC to sign up and for carpool location (Auburn area). Suggested donation: $5/members, $10/nonmembers.
Birdwalk at Olmstead Loop/Knickerbocker Creek
Sunday, April 12th 8am-12pm
Join Tim and Angela Jackson for an easy-to-moderate,
three-to-four mile bird walk inside the Olmstead Loop. The route
will start on the paved road that bisects the loop but leave it to
roughly follow Knickerbocker Creek and to the ponds. Expect to
see raptors, water birds, and songbirds. We'll be on the lookout for
early spring migrants. As there are plenty of oaks we should see
Acorn Woodpeckers, and Herons and Egrets are possibilities at the
pond. Angela will point out wildflowers and butterflies as
well. Tim Jackson maintains a website, ElDoradoBirds.com, on
local birds and birding. Angela is a writer/photographer, with her
first novel coming out in May. Please call for meeting location
(Cool area) and to sign up. Suggested donation: $5/members $10/
non-members.
Kanaka Valley Hike
Saturday, April 18th 9am-12pm
Join Kay Osborn, Master Gardener and wildflower
enthusiast, for a hike at the lovely and diverse Kanaka Valley. This
property became Federal public land (BLM) in February 2010
through a cooperative acquisition process involving ARC, the
Bureau of Reclamation, and BLM to preserve riparian, hardwood,
and oak woodland habitat as well as to help protect populations of
Federally-listed plant species. Kanaka Valley has a high diversity
of plants and animals; some of the rare plant species that grow here
are found nowhere else in the world. This is an easy-moderate
slower-paced hike of approx. 5 miles. Please call for meeting
location (Rescue area) and to sign up. Suggested donation: $5/
members $10/non-members.
Fleming Meadows Hike
Sunday, April 19th 9am-2pm
Join Bill Vernor & Donna Orth for this fast-paced 8-mile
moderate loop. This trail system is located in Pollock Pines on
USFS land near Sly Park Lake. These many well-worn paths are
popular with many hikers, bikers and equestrians. There should be
plenty of blooming dogwood and hopefully a variety of wildflowers to view. Fit 12-year-olds+ welcome. Please call for meeting
location and to sign up. Suggested donation: $5/members $10/nonmembers.
To sign-up go to arconservancy.org/activities
or contact [email protected]
or 530-621-1224
page 7 The Current
Pine Hill Plant Walk
Saturday, May 9th 10 am – 12:30 pm
Robert Mackler, ARC volunteer and Naturalist, will lead
this easy-moderate, slow-paced wildflower walk on the Pine Hill
Preserve in Cameron Park. On the way up you will see many
flowering plants common to the foothills. At the top, you shall see
typical chaparral species and some very rare species that grow
only in gabbro. Lunch will be enjoyed on the way down. Responsible teens and older welcome. Contact ARC to sign up and for
meeting location (Cameron Park area). Suggested donation: $5/
members, $10/non-members.
Hidden Falls Trail Hike
Saturday, May 16th 9am-1pm
These beautifully maintained trails with detailed
directional signs at intersections is a great place to take your family. “Hidden” a few miles out of town, the falls are a beautiful
treasure to behold. Donna Orth and Bill Vernor will take you on
this loop of approximately five miles. One well-behaved dog (per
family) on leash ok. All ages and all-terrain strollers ok. Please call
for meeting location (Auburn area) and to sign up. Suggested
donation: $5/members $10/non-members.
Rain Forest Slideshow Presentation and Lecture
Thursday, March 12th 6:30-8pm
We’re excited to welcome back John Kipping. A Naturalist, Photographer, Arborist, Alaskan whale watching guide and
too many other professions and talents to mention. John will
show his highly anticipated presentation of temperate rain forests
of South-East Alaska and British Columbia. Tropics covered
include post-glacial plant succession and species composition of
coastal plant communities, with particular attention to the interaction of marine environments and terrestrial in nitrogen transfer
from sea to forest. Space is limited so reserve early. Please call for
meeting location (Coloma area) and to sign up. Suggested donation: $5/members $10/non-members.
How to use POLES for Hiking and Outdoor Exercise
Saturday, March 14th 9:30 am – 3 pm
Learning how to use poles enables you to engage your
whole body while hiking and significantly improves performance
and confidence on varied terrain. Instructor Jayah Paley will
teach you about the Optimal use of poles to improve your posture,
balance and upper body strength. Using and strengthening core
muscles helps preserve your joints which prevents stress or strain
in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulder and neck. Learn individualized skills that will reduce knee stress, improve back health,
prolong agility and enable you to look around at nature instead of
down at your feet. A variety of top quality poles will be available
to help you discover which poles fit you best and can help you to
achieve your goals. Hikers of all experience levels are welcome. Space extremely limited. Contact ARC to sign up and for
meeting location (Coloma area). Cost: $45/members, $60/nonmembers.
Spring 2015 (March-May)
Yoga for Hikers
Saturday, April 11th 9am-10:30am
Prepare your body, mind and imagination for walking the trails when you
learn stretches, breathe awareness and
meditative reflection. In addition to a
full yoga practice, come away with a
summary of movements that you can
complete in 10 minutes before heading
out on your adventures. An avid walker
of city streets and rural trails, Alexa
Mergen teaches yoga at It's All Yoga
and the Sierra 2 Senior Center in Sacramento. Ages 15+ welcome. Please visit Yoga Stanza for details.
Please call for meeting location (Coloma area) and to sign up.
Cost: $10/members $15/non-members.
Day Poems: The Art of Noticing
Saturday, April 11th 1-3pm
Enhance your observation skills and increase your engagement with the natural world. You can develop a poetic mind
by shifting how you listen and see, without "being a poet." In this
workshop on paying attention, you'll learn how to use set parameters to write a poem-a-day, a naturalist's log that provides nsight
into what happens within and without. For the curious: experienced and novice writers ages 16 and up. This workshop is
discussion-based and varies with season and participants. If
you've attended previously, please join us again for more writing.
Poet and amateur naturalist Alexa Mergen teaches yoga and writing. Please visit Yoga Stanza for details. Ages 16+ welcome. Please
call for meeting location (Coloma area) and to sign up. Cost: $25/
members $30/non-members.
Wakamatsu historical Tours
March 7 & 15, April 18 & 26, May 9 & 31 from 10am-12pm
Join ARC-trained docents for a historical tour of property acquired by ARC. This ranch is an interesting mosaic of
springs, streams, wetlands, blue and live oak forest, sweeping
vistas, and prime agricultural soil. Ranch ponds and the small
lake are a draw for wildlife, particularly migratory waterfowl,
during the winter and
early spring. Along
ARC Wish List
with its beauty, learn
about the rich history of
Office/Nature Center
the Wakamatsu Tea

Digital audio recorder
and Silk Farm, the first

12-15 passenger van
Japanese Colony site

Solar Oven
established in America
in 1869. Mature chilStewardship
dren 12+ welcome.
 Pickup truck
Please call for meeting
 Snack bars
location (Gold Hill ar Grocery gift cards
ea) and to sign up.
 Loppers, hoes, & shovels
Cost: $5/Children 12-18
 AA rechargeable batteries
years old, $10/Adults.
page 8 The Current
Spring 2015 (March-May)May)
A New Coalition for the Cosumnes River
By Elena DeLacy
The Cosumnes is a particularly special river.
The American River Conservancy has been working on habitat
conservation projects within the Upper Cosumnes River watershed since 2001, and has been successful in protecting
just over 6,000 acres of riparian, oak woodland and mountain meadow habitat within its reaches. American River
Conservancy (ARC) is joining with partners El Dorado Trout Unlimited (EDTU), Cosumnes Culture and WaterWays
(CCaWW) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Anadromous Fish Restoration Program to monitor and restore the
Cosumnes River and its various tributaries. Groups such as UC Davis, the State Water Resources Control Board and
the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are also providing support and guidance. As part of that partnership,
EDTU is initiating a water quality monitoring program for the Cosumnes, in compliance with the State Water
Resources Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Water monitoring results will be used to guide
restoration and provide information for management of the river.
The Cosumnes, which translates to “People of Salmon” in Miwok, is the ancestral home of many local native
peoples. The river continues to be an important part of native culture today. The Cosumnes River historically
supported wild rainbow trout, chinook salmon and many other native species. The upper Cosumnes has a unique,
wild beauty, and offers opportunities for angling, class IV white water kayaking, rock climbing, and connection with
nature. The lower Cosumnes supports a fall run of Chinook salmon when river flows are adequate. The Cosumnes
River and tributary diversions are the water source for Jenkinson Lake, stock ponds, and many municipal and
agricultural uses. Like most Sierra rivers, the Cosumnes has been impacted by diversions, gold mining, and intrusion
of invasive species. As one of the last California Rivers without a hydroelectric dam, it offers unique opportunities
for restoration and study.
This coalition of groups is now reaching out to prospective water quality monitoring volunteers. Do you live
in the watershed and want to learn more about the river system? Or perhaps you want to join a group of passionate
citizen scientists. A kickoff meeting and training for volunteers is planned for May 2015 (see volunteer opportunity,
this page). Look for more announcements on ARC’s website, or call Melinda Frost-Hurzel at 530-295-1194 to sign up
now. The Cosumnes thanks you!
Save
ate
the D
Return of the River Community Screening
Saturday, April 18th at 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Gold Trail Grange, Coloma
Tickets: Suggested donation $10 per person
A fundraiser and river monitoring program kick-off for the Gold Trail Grange, American River Conservancy,
El Dorado Trout Unlimited and Cosumnes Culture and WaterWays.
Film Synopsis: Return of the River offers a story of hope and possibility amid grim environmental news. It is a film for
our time: an invitation to consider crazy ideas that could transform the world for the better. It features an unlikely
success story for environmental and cultural restoration. The camera soars over mountain headwaters, dives into
schools of salmon, and captures turbines grinding to a halt; as the largest dam removal project in history begins. The
film features people and perspectives on all sides of the Elwha
debate, reflecting the many voices of the Elwha
valley.
Cosumnes River Monitoring Volunteer Training
with the Regional Water Quality Board
Become a Citizen Scientist! Learn about river ecology, discover how to measure different
parameters of river health and join a passionate group of community members.
Thursday, April 9th 10am-4pm @ American River Nature Center, Coloma
Call Melinda at (530) 295-1194 to sign up and to get more information
page 9 The Current
Spring 2015 (March-May)
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Recruitment for Nature Bowl
and Arts in Nature
Please contact Cordi Craig ([email protected] /
(530) 621-1224) for more information and to sign up for
these volunteer events.
Do you want to help preserve our rivers and land?
Reach out with American River Conservancy in providing
education and community outreach on environmental
stewardship, restoration, and sustainability at our
Springtime Events!
Volunteer at Nature Bowl Semi-Finals!
When: Wednesday, March 18th or Friday, March 20th or
both!
Where: Located at the Nature Center just inside the
James Marshall Gold Discovery State Park (348 Highway 49, Coloma, CA 95613)
Volunteer at Arts in Nature Earthday Event
When: April 25th; 9am – 4pm;
Where: Nature Reserve in Georgetown
We are looking for volunteers for 3 hour shifts
SPRING Stewardship Volunteer Opportunities
South Fork American River Trail Workdays
Join the BLM and ARC for trail maintenance work on
the South Fork American River Trail. Project activities
will vary depending on weather and group size.
9am - 1pm
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Wakamatsu Farm Stewardship Workdays
This historic 272-acre Farm keeps us busy! There is always something to do at this lovely site, whether it’s
maintaining native planting sites, prepping areas for
events or mulching in the garden. Duties vary depending on weather and group size.
9am – 1pm
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Ladies Valley Restoration Workdays
Join Cosumnes Culture and WaterWays Director Kimberly Petree for work at the 320-acre Ladies Valley
property on the North Fork Cosumnes River. Duties
may include: native plant propagation and planting,
invasive plant removal and other duties as needed.
10am – 2pm
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Sunday, May 10, 2015
2015 Land Steward Training
Saturday & Sunday, May 2nd & 3rd, 10am – 4pm,
both days required for New Land Stewards
The American River Conservancy currently owns
approximately 3,700 acres of land in the Upper American
River
and
Upper
Cosumnes
River
watesheds. Consequently, the Land Steward Program
was started in 2013 in order to help ARC staff more
effectively monitor and manage those properties. Land
Steward Volunteers act as the "eyes and ears" of the organization on properties ARC owns. REQUIRED TIME
COMMITMENT: Volunteer Land Stewards must attend
the 2-day training and should visit their assigned Property for general property surveillance at least four (4)
times per year. Additional visits are encouraged.
Contact Elena DeLacy ([email protected] or
530-295-2190) if you are interested in becoming an
ARC Land Steward.
Spring Cleaning Opportunity
Spring cleaning is upon us and it is fitting in our Spring
Current to highlight a non-monetary need of the Nature
Center. We will be launching a Nature Center cleaning/repair program that will be a on a weekly, monthly,
quarterly and annual schedule. Volunteers helping
with this “not so glamourous” but necessary need will
allow the staff to focus on conservation, stewardship,
and education, and fulfilling our mission to protect rivers and land for life. What we’d like to see is a group of
recurring volunteers, however we would always welcome drop-in help. If you are interested in joining us in
this new venture. Please contact
[email protected]
page 10 The Current
Spring 2015 (March-May)
Eddies… Volunteering October-December
From serving on ARC’s Board of Directors, participating in stewardship or restoration workdays, leading hikes, being Land Stewards, to cooking lasagna for Winter Dinner, these amazing people listed below make this organization
what it is. Thank you volunteers!
Abbie Allyn
Alexa Carcione
Alexa Mergen
Alexandra Reid
Alexia Hemphill
Alice Henry
Amy Vandenburg
Andrea Bullinger
Andrea Duane
Andrea Murphy
Andrew Doe
Andrew Hunter
Anita Kirk
Annett Dunn
Annie Weiss
Annie Walker
Ashlyn Zentner
Barb Lee
Bart Vandenburg
Betty Sederquist
Bev Martin
Beverly Martin
Bevyn Cassidy
Bill Doughty
Bill Jensen
Bill Kissinger
Bill Vernor
Bob Fowler
Brian Brennan
Brooke Dunn
C. M. Borden
Caitlin Palmer
Candice McDowell
Candis Cantin
Carla Soracco
Carl & Cathy Allyn
Catalina Cielo
Cathy Ciofalo
Chau Tran
Chris Plewa
Christina Azbill
Christy Fox
Chuck Lewis
Ciara Arcona
Clint Collins
Connie Clark
Cordi Craig
Cordi McDaniel
Daniel Brennan
Deb Tull
Dee Owens
Diane Ferreira
Dick Blair
Doni Mae
Donna Orth
Dree Bleakly
Edwin Pelayo
Elena DeLacy
Elyse Esteve
Emily Preszur
Erin Anderson
Evan Jones
Finley Saint
Fred Klammt
Gayle Erbe-Hamlin
Gibson Roll
Gina Phillipsen
Glo Kennedy
Grace Preszur
Greg C. Hyden
Greg Kiefer
Greg Widroe
Hannah Duane
Hannah Mayfield
Hatch Graham
Herb Tanimoto
Jack Roll
Jacob Clark
Jacob Martin
Jake Gonzalez
Jane VanCamp
Janet Cicero
Janet Rossi
Jarod Richards
Jean Roberts
Jen Flory
Jennifer Doughty
Jennifer Mantei
Jennifer McDowell
Jeremy Handerson
Jessica Clark
Jessica Kim
Joan Mengelkoch
Joanne Allen
Joe Speck
Joe Tassinari
John & Karen Dale
John Dunn
John Giles
John McGregor
John Mellberg
John Sikora
Josh McDowell
Joy Clark
Judith Whiffin
Judy Graham
Judy Johnson
Kacie McNamera
Kally Kedinger
Kameron Adams
Karen Alexander
Kari Richards
Karl Ronning
Kassidy Doughty
Katie Phillips
Kay Osborn
Keith Atwater
Winter Dinner 2014 Update
This ARC board-sponsored event was a great success thanks to
our many donors, sponsors, and volunteers.
We took time to honor our donors of the year, Greg & Jane
Widroe. And recognize our volunteers of the year Bill Kissinger
and John Giles.
Our supporters included:
Greg & Jane Widroe, Joe Tassinari, Sierra Rizing-Teal Triolo,
Linda Sanford, Steve Clark, Kyle Pogue, Dick Blair, Gayle ErbeHamlin, Barbara Lee, Clint Collins, Scott & Vicky Vail, Cathy
Ciofalo, Nugget Market (EDH), Whole Foods (Folsom), Holiday
Market (Cool), Save Mart, (Missouri Flat) Safeway (Missouri
Flat), Raleys (Placerville), Placerville Natural Food Co-Op, and
Madrona Vineyards. And last but not least, our Adopt-a-Table
volunteers.
Keith Gershon
Kelly Clark
Kelsey Ranks
Kenda Montez
Kevin Park
Kimberly Petree
Kristin Powell
Kyle McDaniel
Kyle Mark
Kyle Pogue
Larry Pagendarm
Laura Hall
Lauren Skube
Laurent Esteve
Laurie Edwards
Leanna Ordanza
Lexi Doughty
Linda Hurd
Linda J. Bottjer
Linda Mercord
Linda Sanford
Lisa Skube
Lora Beth Clark
Madison Nestripke
Mark Mercord
Mark Sogge
Marla Sindel
Mason Platt
McKenna Fox
Melinda Frost-Hurzel
Melissa Arcona
Melissa Lobach
Michael Wilde
Michelle Tucker
Michelle Colyer
Mick Cartwright
Mikayla Garrett
Mitchell Cox
Moira McVicar
Nancy Coe
Nancy Monroe
Nettie Fox
Nicholas Ishizaka
Nick Ceglia
Olivia Randolph
Pam Evans
Pat Monzo
Pat Williams
Paul Whiting
Rachel Clark
Renee Frazier
Renee Martin
Riley Tucker
Robert Dalton
Sandra B. Muller
Sara Raskie
Sarah Kennedy
Sarah Mark
Sarah Sindel
Sarah Enos
Scotty Scheu
Scott Vail
Sheila Toner
Steve Clark
Steve Hirsch
Susan Covington
Sydney Arcona
Tanner Thomas
Tanya Thomas
Taylor Thomas
Teisha Reliford
Teresa Vilas
Tim & Angela Jackson
Tina Bartlett
Toby Thomas
Tom Petersen
Tony Cervantes
Tony H. Cervantes
Tonya Rector
Trevor Whiffin
Trip Mikich
Trish Leffler
Vanessa Maldonado
Veronica Villalobos
Vicky Vail
Vincent Nestripke
Wendy Guglieri
Thank You...
Volunteers of the year
Bill Kissinger and John Giles
Winter Dinner adopt-a-table
volunteers
Jim and Domna Hebenstreit
page 11 The Current
Spring 2015 (March-May)
Thank you, American River Conservancy October-December Supporters!
To become a supporter, visit us at arconservancy.org/membership
General Support & In-Kind
Donations
Allyn, Carl & Cathy
Anderson, Cliff
Anonymous
Archipley, Tracy
Armstrong, A. Ann
ARTA River Trips
Arthur, John
Atkinson, Richard
Atwater, Keith
Balzhiser, Robert & Lynn
Barkin, Laurie
Barrett, Virgil & Harlene
Barrow, Randy & Karen
Bean, Michael & Dawn
Beaulaurier, Diane
Boehm, John & Lucille
Bonser, Loellen
Boyer, Patricia
Boyes, Lynnee & Robert
Brewer, Marshall and Linda
Brink, Norma
Brinkley, Jacquelyn
Brubaker, Sherie
Bryant, Judith
Burnett, Miles & Michele
StarkBush, Richard & Leslie
Cambridge, Christine
Caplette, Michele &
Mark Shaw
Carpenter, John & Normadine
Center, Bill & Robin
Chamberlain, John &
Borth, Suzanne
Christy, Thomas
Ciofalo, Catherine
Clark, Carol
Clark, Maxine & David
Clark, Steven & Lora
Clement, Clara
Collins, Clint
Cornwall, Diane
Cosumnes Culture &
Waterways
Cutter, Dee and Gary
Datilio, Deborah
David, Torie
DeLacy, Elena P.
Denega, Michael & Susan
Deplitch, Janelle
DeRiggi, Tony
Dillon, John & Carol
Eastment, Norton D
Edmondson, Nina
Egerton, Robert & Angela
El Dorado Chapter of Trout
Unlimited
El Dorado Community Found.
English, Suzanne-Marie
Evans, Pam & Loyd
Fentress, Michael
Fety, James & Beverly
Finley, Scott & Barbara
Fisher, Janice
Flory, Jen
Franck, Marion & Robert Lew
Fransway, Rebecca
Galdal, Otto & Patricia
Gamo, Marguerite
Gentry, Jennifer
Gershon, Keith
Gill, Robert
Gorin, Thomas & Doris
Gow, OlaJane
Greer, Pam & Shirley
Haake, Douglas
Hamlin, Mark & Gayle
Hao, Bunseng & Saroya
Hebenstreit, James & Donna
Hession, Jack & Mary Kaye
Heyward, Westley & Barbara
Higbee, James & Mary
Hoang, Tonny
Hodnett, Randy & Joan
Holbrook, Cherryl
Holcroft, Alicia
Holmes, Richard
Honeycutt, Patricia
Hubbard, Steven
Hudak, Patrick & Becky
Imgrund, David & Gerda
Jensen, William & Candice
Johnson, Richard
Jones, Evan
Juniper Ridge LLC
Keesee, Michael
Kerr, Betsy
Kiehne, Thomas & Kristine
Kiekhaefer, Mike & Christine
Killebrew, Karen & Steve
Knappman, Robert &
Kazuko
Lawrence, Richard
Lee, Barbara
Lee, Mike-Architect
Levenson, Howard
Levinson, Joel
Liu, Grace
Lometti, David
Lubanes, Dr. Alan
Lukianoff, Barbara
Madrona Winery
Maher, Dolores
Martelli, Robert & Linda
Martinez, Tenley
Mason, Cathy
Matthiesen, Peter
McClellan, Christine
McCombs, Mary
McDowell, Jennifer
McElhany, Robert &
Carolyn
McNeilly, Janice
Miller, Richard
Minton, Jonas &
Carrasco-Minton, Julie
Mischkinsky, Jeffrey
Moore, Larry & Lynne
Morgan, Jacqueline
Mott, John
Mulvany, Karen
Murphy, Dennis & Debra
Nachtwey, Frederick
Nair, Terri L & Dekker, Bill
Nebergall, Marie & Dean
North Fork Am River Alliance
Novak, Mark &
Stacey Stephens
Oates, Jane
Pagendarm, Lawrence
Palma, George & Sheree
Park, Kevin Warren
Paterson, Colin
Pearson, Alison
Pecota, Jeffrey & Renee
Peterson, Dyna & Gary
Petrofsky, Joseph & Margrit
Pogue, Kyle
Poinski, Claude & Dianne
Powell, Jeanette
Prager, Kenneth & Karole
Prince, Susan
Proft, Joanne & David
Raley, Michele & Bruce
Ramstrom, Carl
Restek Corporation
Rose, Jan & Charlie
Rulison, ET & Jean
Saito, Margaret (Peggy)
Sanford, Linda
Schmidt, Paul & G.L. Teague
Shannon, B J
Sher, Ben
Sher, Byron
Sierra Club/Maidu Group
Soracco, Carla
Spellman, Stephen
Steiner, Kurt
Storm, Annemiek
Summers, Janet
Sweeney, Laurie
Takeuchi, Jason
Tanimoto, Herb
The Dudley Foundation
Thomas, Tim
Thrams, Andie
Tooch, Matthew
Unterleitner, Fred & Helen
Utberg, Jeff
Vail, Scott & Vicky
Vreeken, Craig
Waite, Joy & Calhoun, Mark
Walrond, Cece & Howdy
Weaver, Judy
Weddle, Nancy & Patrick
Whole Foods Market
Williams, R.G. & Karen
Williams, Thomas
Willmott, David & Evelyn
Wilson, Anie
Wilson, Gail
Wright, Alfred
Yost, Wilbur & Sarah
Young, Kathy
Zanardi, Kristine
Zelinsky, Constance & David
Granite Chief Donations
Ball, Joe
Brickel, Debra & Tony
Burns, Robert
Cosumnes River Horsemen's
Assoc.
Kreaden, Michael
Lee, Jeffrey & Barbara
North Fork Am River Alliance
PARC
Prince, Susan
Quirk, Jennifer and Michael
Robinson, George
Rockwell, Ann
Russell, Gayle
Smith, Austin
Smith, Bettie & Bruce
Soracco, Carla
Sorbo, Sonja
Stoddard, Pam
Thomas, David & Barbara
Ting, Farrah
Williams, Howard
Zelinsky, Constance & David
Conservation Donations
Bennett, William &
Santos-Coy, Henri
Wakamatsu Donations
Anonymous
Brewer, Atsuko
Collins, Clint & Yoko
Curtice, Clifford
Dunk, Nancy
Edelhofer, Satomi
El Dorado Community Found.
Guglieri, Wendy L
Hansen, Karen
Himawari-Kai
Kuno, Nanayo
Noda, Grant & Grace
Sakuma, Chizuko
Taketa, David
Tanimoto, Herb
Tsuchitani, Chiyeko
Vail, Scott & Vicky
Walrond, Cece & Howdy
Environmental Education
Donations
Fong, Donna
Gentry, Jennifer
Soracco, Carla
Walker, Lyndel
Walrond, Cece
Year End Donation
Anderson, Cliff
Armstrong, Ed
Auburn Carpet One
Ball, Lani
Barrow, Randy & Karen
Beauchamp, David & Betty
Bitzer, Gerd & Karin
Blair, Richard
Bush, Gary & Julie
Cappelli, Marco
Carter Family Trust
Cheng, Helen
Ciofalo, Catherine
Coyne, Paul & Marjorie
Cronin, Tamara
De Aquino, Martha
DeHaas, Merv & Martha
Detwiler, Winifred
Domitrovich, Deborah
Donohue, Scott
Drouin, Lola & Bertram
Egli, Margaret
EN2 Resources, Inc.
Estes, Gary & Dorene Matney
Evans, Steven
Flaherty, Michael & Lynn
Forma, Lisa & Joseph
Fried, Donald & Maureen
Gautschi, David L
Gill, Robert
Gorman, Stephen
Hamlin, Rene
Hanson, Victor
Higbee, James & Mary
Hodges, Steve & Jeanine
Huff, Sandra
Jamar, Arlene
Johnson, Dennis & Marsha
Kanda, Shigeo & Louise
Kinsch, Kevin
Kipping, John
Lautamo, Roy & Case, Pat
Lee, Jeffrey & Barbara
Lorincz, Kerry
Lundgren, Lee & Doris
Martelli, Robert & Linda
Mintert, Kathleen
Monestier, Judith
Murchison, Joseph
Murray, John
Namba, Shigeru and Sakiko
Oates, Jane
Oberlander, James & Martha
Osborn, Kay & Monte
Parkko, Amy
Parsley, Robin
Pepper-Kittredge, Carol
Petersen, Tom & Donna
Peterson, Dyna & Gary
Reetz, Frank & Jean
Rodgers, Tracy & Budenz,
Richard MD
Rollinson, Gary
Rose, Donald & Elizabeth
Ross, Gabriel
Rutherford, Katie
Ruud, Chris & Charlotte
Scott, Charles & Sandra
Scribner, Penny & Jerry
Smith, Christopher & Julia
Stark, Michael & Mary Ann
Stohr, Philip and Jan
Tanaka, Janet
Thompson, Robin
Tucker, James & Kaplan,
Laura
Turoff, Carla
Veirs, Audrey
Vossen, Kathryn
Webber, Herbert & Lillian
White, James
Wilburn, Phyllis
page 12 The Current
Spring 2015 (March-May)
Preserving Rivers and Land for Life
Nourish the legacy through Annual Support
visit arconservancy.org & make your secure on-line donation
I would like to share the American River Conservancy’s vision of tomorrow.
D.O.B.
Name
ANNUAL SUPPORT
New Supporter
LEVEL:
Address
$
$
$
$
City, State, Zip
Phone #
eMail Address
Visa/Mastercard #
Exp. Date
___ OTHER
1000
500
250
$ 100
$ 50
$ 35
Renewing Supporter
Gift Membership
Please contact me about
planned giving/Legacy Circle
Do not publicize my gift
Signature
Your membership gifts to ARC are tax deductible.
Please make your check payable to the American River Conservancy
348 Highway 49  PO Box 562  Coloma, CA 95613  (530) 621-1224
Or donate online at arconservancy.org
The American River Conservancy and Nature Center Provide Natural History Interpretive Services in the
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Coloma, CA
American River Conservancy
P.O. Box 562
Coloma, CA 95613
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 7
Coloma, CA
95613
Return Service Requested
OUR MISSION
The Current is printed on
recycled paper
The American River Conservancy serves our communities by ensuring healthy ecosystems within the
Upper American and Upper Cosumnes River watersheds through land conservation,
stewardship and education.
Water Warriors Day Camp
Join us as we explore the Coloma Valley,
drawing inspiration from what we find along
the river, in the forest, and out at the farm.
Each day we will explore the natural world
and learn about water conservation through
singing, crafts, and games!
In addition to our creativity, we will also exercise our bodies with hikes and water-play
every day. Come along and celebrate the beauty of our wondrous
natural world with the American River Conservancy!
Volunteer information: Volunteer counselors, ages 14-19, will be needed for all camp dates and a $25 training fee
will be collected. Counselor training will be June 10-12. Please contact [email protected] or 530-6211224 for further details.
Register for camp at
arconservancy.org/camp
Ages
Times
2015 Dates
Cost**
4-5
6-8
9-11
9am-12pm
9am-3pm
9am-3pm*
June 22-26
July 13-17
July 27-31
$125/$145
$195/$220
$225/250
Protect American River Canyons
High School Scholarship
Essay Contest
$1500 for 2015
The Essay Contest topic for High School
Seniors graduating in 2015 will be:
Why do I care about the American River,
and what is my vision for protection of
the river and its canyons for future
generations?
Students can apply for the Scholarships by submitting an original essay of no
more than 500 words describing their response to the topic question about the
North and Middle Fork American Rivers and canyons located upstream of
Folsom Reservoir, in the Auburn State Recreation Area. Deadline March 15.
Download the rules and entry form at their website: PARC-AUBURN.ORG