Spring-Summer 2008 - Ventana Wildlife Society
Transcription
Spring-Summer 2008 - Ventana Wildlife Society
ON THE WILD SIDE Conserving Native Wildlife and their Habitats Just Hatched: Two New Wild Condor Chicks By Joe Burnett, Senior Wildlife Biologist We have located two active nests in Big Sur, and suspect one more to come! We entered the two discovered nests in March with the help of the Fish & Wildlife Service, Los Angeles Zoo, and National Parks Service. A team was assembled, knots were tied, and biologists were hanging from ropes in an effort to check the health of the wild eggs. After close inspection, both wild eggs were removed due to their infertility and they were replaced with fake “dummy” eggs for the interim. This will give us the opportunity to return live “foster” eggs taken from captive zoo facilities for the wild pairs to hatch as their own. These first time parents will now be able to raise and interact with their own wild young! On Friday April 11, a pipping foster egg was placed in one of the nests and we are fairly confident the chick hatched on Saturday, April 12. The pair have been very attentive to their new hatchling and we saw the first switch out between the parents (male 204 and female 222) just prior to my nest check on April 13. This nest is located in a large rock cave in Big Sur. SPRING/SUMMER 2008 To see the full video clip of nest entry, go to: http://www.ventanaws.org/species_condors_video/ index.htm#hatchingcondor On Sunday April 13, I went to check on the new chick. The visit was short and sweet and the chick looked very good and healthy...Big thanks to LA Zoo and Chandra Ladd, who drove up and came with me to the nest in case we encountered a hatching problem. So great to see a wild nestling at only one day in age, pretty amazing sight! This chick wouldn’t be here without the help and expertise of Los Angeles Zoo, thanks again for making it happen. On Friday April 18, (Condor pair) male 194 and female 171 received a foster egg that was due to hatch on Monday, April 21. VWS biologist Sayre Flannagan was watching the nest closely on Monday, waiting for her first glance of the chick. Morning passed without excitement then in the early afternoon she spotted the new hatchling. Sayre observed dad (194) feed the chick multiple times, which is a sure sign of success! A huge thanks goes out to our partners at Los Angeles Zoo, National Park Service, Peregrine Fund, and US Fish Wildlife Service. Condor parents 204 and 222 should be proud of their new hatchling – Big Sur’s third condor chick to hatch in the wild in only 2 years! We keep our members updated through email alerts. For free email alert subscription, go to www.ventanaws.org. Monarch Butterflies: Our Favorite Winter Tourists By Jessica Griffiths, Wildlife Biologist VWS has been monitoring Monarch Butterflies since 2001, and this winter we continued our weekly population counts and our tagging sessions. The butterflies come from all over the Western U.S. to spend the winter in special groves in coastal California, and each week from November through February, VWS biologists visit these groves to estimate their populations. The peak population for the county this winter was 18,179 Monarchs. This is much lower than average (last year’s peak was 60,000), and there are many theories about why this is so, ranging from drought, to high temperatures, to habitat loss. We do know that the butterflies are able to quickly rebound from a bad year, so we hope to see their numbers back up next winter! Continued on page 4 In This Issue Just Hatched. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Monarch Butterflies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 4 Seven New Condor Chicks Have Arrived in Big Sur. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 A Big Voice for the Condors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Membership Categories and Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . .2 Returning Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2007’s Second Wild Hatched Condor Chick, “Ventana”, Thriving in Big Sur. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 VWS Works to Conserve California’s Oak Woodlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 A Marathon of Birding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 VWS Board & Staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 VWS Summer Programming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 VWS Now Offering Rare and Unique Big Sur Eco-Experiences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Art Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Little Donations from Big Hearts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Save the Date: Wings Over the World . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Karen Shihadeh Prepares for Motherhood . . . . . . .8 VWS Supporters Acknowledge for Outstanding Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 For Our Members: Wildlife Bronze Plaques. . . . . . 9 Thank You to VWS Supporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Leaving a Legacy for Wildlife Conservation and Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 VWS Contact Info. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Purchase VWS Merchandise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Seven New Condor Chicks Have Arrived in Big Sur By Sayre Flannagan, Wildlife Biologist After 2 years of hard work, VWS’ Condor holding pen was completed earlier this year and is now home to seven rambunctious chicks! This beautifully natural pen has live trees for perches and plenty of space for the chicks to explore. The pen also has a small span of electric lines that are used as a training mechanism to keep Condors away from power lines in the wild. We witnessed the new chicks land on these lines, get shocked, and then never land on them again — seems to be pretty effective! Friend $100 - $499 • All of the above, plus • Bald Eagle Tour • 3-5/16” x 4-7/8” Wildlife Bronze Plaque ($250 or more) Sponsor $500 - $999 • All of the above, plus • Invitation to Annual Membership Appreciation Reception • 4-5/8” x 8-15/16” Wildlife Bronze Plaque Steward $1,000 - $4,999 • All of the above, plus • 7-5/16” x 9-7/8” Wildlife Bronze Plaque Leadership Circle $5,000 and above • All of the above, plus • Picnic at exclusive Ventana field station with Executive Director Adopt-A-Condor Program $50 & above • Receive Associate or Friend membership benefits • Personalized certificate with Condor Chick photograph • Exclusive email updates on the wild flock with emphasis on the Condor Chicks Ventana Wildlife Society has presented a Wildlife Conservation Award to Assemblymember Pedro Nava, (D) Santa Barbara. Thanks to his leadership and dedication, non-lead ammunition is now required in the range of California Condors in California beginning July 1, 2008. Thank you to ALL of you who helped support AB-821 last year! famous mentor bird, is also living in the new pen. His job is to teach the chicks to respect their elders, how to feed in groups, and the importance of socialization. Having Hoi (163) as a role model in captivity will help these chicks integrate into the wild flock with ease. It sure is exciting watching him put the chicks in their place! Membership Categories & Benefits Associate $50 - $99 Senior/Student $35 - $49 • Quarterly newsletter On the Wild Side • Invitations to hikes and general community lectures • Name listed in the annual report • Early / discounted registration for Natural Science Discovery Camp • Visitation to Big Sur Ornithology Lab • Ventana Wildlife Society Logo decal A Big Voice for the Condors Chicks in the holding pen receive regular visits from the wild adult Condors, who can’t resist popping over to say hello. Knowing that there are other Condors in the area keeps the chicks relaxed in their captive setting. To keep these chicks in line, Hoi, the Included among the 7 chicks is male Condor 431, the biological offspring of Condors 168 and 208. The pair raised a captive egg that was swapped for their real egg, and 431 hatched at the L.A. Zoo. We are excited that he will be released in central California, and we are curious to see if 208 will recognize her baby boy. These chicks will be released into the wild in fall of 2008 at Pinnacles National Monument and Bittercreek National Wildlife Refuge. Seven Condor chicks are being mentored by Hoi, a famous and wellrespected Condor who will serve as a guardian. Bonus: the majority of the Central Coast wild flock has been hanging around the new pen and it’s new inhabitants with great interest and delight. ON THE WILD SIDE SPRING/SUMMER 2008 2 Returning Home: Hatched at the Los Angeles Zoo in 2007, Condor 431 Returns to Big Sur By Joe Burnett, Senior Wildlife Biologist On the last day of February in this 2008 leap year, we welcomed the return of Condor chick 431 to our Big Sur release site. Condor 431 was the first wild egg laid by the Big Sur flock and the first egg laid in Central California in over 100 years! His biological parents, wild Condor male 168 and female 208, were given a captive egg (429) last year in place of their wild egg (431). The wild egg (431) was taken to Los Angeles Zoo’s captive breeding facility and placed with an experienced pair that just so happened to be his grandparents (Topa Topa and Malibu). We wanted to ensure that this first-time pair’s (208 and 168) wild egg would hatch normally in captivity and that the chick (431) was healthy. We then placed the captive egg (429) in the wild nest with 168 and 208. This egg just so happened to be from 208’s captive parents! So it turned out that 208 would be raising her sibling, and 208’s parents would be raising their daughter’s egg — a pretty darn perfect swap! The Perfect Egg Swap r Fo s te s nt Pa re BIG SUR PAIR Egg Replaced 431 (Egg) ( FEMALE 208 (1999) MATED with 168 (1997) ( WILD HATCHED 429 “Centennia” Cap t i ve L a id Big S Clif f ur Ne s t 2007’s Second Wild Hatched Condor Chick, “Ventana”, Thriving in Big Sur WILD LAID By Brett Stauffer, Species Recovery Intern IN BIG SUR Last seen December 2007. Egg Transferred To LA Zoo 431 Condor 431 will be released in Fall 2008. Hatched in Captivity 4/12/07 CAPTIVE GRAND Parents Condor chick 431 is one of 7 residing in our new Big Sur holding pen. They will be watched over by Mentor Hoi and will be released this Fall. Fo s t e Pa re r n ts Topa Topa (1966) & Malibu (1985) We are sad to report that Centennia, Condor chick 429, disappeared on December 4, 2007 after being attacked by a Golden Eagle near her nest. We searched for her to no avail. Centennia marked an historic milestone in the Condor Recovery Program and this fragile life will be missed. Condor parents, 208 and 168, showed signs of confusion and grief for their loss. Though a condor’s cycle is to lay an egg every two years, when they are unsuccessful at hatching or lose a chick, they immediately try again in the spring. This year, this pair proved no different. Though they were not successful with an egg this spring, they will give it a go again next year. We continue hoping for their success. Condor chick 431 will be released into the wild this fall with 6 others (page 2 article) at Pinnacles National Monument and Bittercreek National Wildlife Refuge. As he’s adopted into the Central California flock, we can only wonder if he’s aware that he is soaring with his biological parents... 3 ON THE WILD SIDE SPRING/SUMMER 2008 www.ventanaws.org Our redwood chick, Ventana (Condor 444), reached some major milestones in February and March this year. For example, in late February I watched her perch among the other wild Condors at our release site. Her boldness continued when, in early March, I saw her interact nicely with juveniles 400 and 335 from the Pinnacles flock. She also perched next to her mother, Condor 190, for a stint. I guess Mom was keeping a watchful eye on her chick. We are certainly excited to see her interacting so well with the flock! Ventana soars to new heights, continuing to awe us as she thrives in the wild on the Central California Coast! VWS Works to Conserve California’s Oak Woodlands: Passion has inspired the last 30 years of work By Karen Shihadeh, Former Senior Wildlife Biologist Oak woodlands, so characteristic of California’s landscape, are facing serious declines; one-third of California’s total oak woodland area has been lost to human impacts. VWS is making a difference in this trend with two new projects at Camp Roberts Army National Guard Training Site located in south Monterey County, which To help restore Oak woodland focal species, we installed native is part of the 4% of vegitation with hopes that within 20 years this small forest protected oak landscapes will thrive. in California. Here, blue provide a perfect home for wildlife. oak woodlands dominate. The first For the second project (initiated in project, a 3-acre restoration project the summer of 2007) VWS biologists comprised of blue oak mixed with used point counts to look at the live oak, elderberry, bay laurel, coyote difference in abundance of California brush, and saltbush, was installed Partners in Flight oak woodland focal in December 2007. In 20 years, with species, such as Acorn Woodpecker, maintenance this small forest will Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Western Scrub Jay, Yellow-billed Magpie, Oak Titmouse, Western Bluebird, and Lark Sparrow between contiguous and fragmented blue oak woodland sites. VWS biologists found significant differences between sites, with contiguous forests having much higher numbers of focal species. Data and recommendations provided to Camp Roberts land managers by VWS will help reverse declines in these species. Monarch Butterflies Making a Home for Least Bell’s Vireo By Karen Shihadeh, Former Senior Wildlife Biologist March 15, 2008 - A breeze is picking up on the Salinas River. A storm is rolling in. That’s a good thing out here at Camp Roberts Army National Guard Training Site, the location of VWS’ newest riparian restoration project. Today, we’re planting willows, about 500 of them, as part of a project to bring back the endangered Least Bell’s Vireo, last recorded here a little over 10 years ago. We’re planting right in the middle of the mist net station that we’ve operated here for the last 4 years. We’ll band and monitor birds here for one more year to get a snapshot of the existing bird communities. Then, we will return in 10 years or so to track the change in bird numbers. Until then, we’ll keep these baby trees alive, add some understory shrubs grown out from seeds collected on site, and do our best to entice the vireos to return. Doing what we can to entice the Least Bell’s Vireo to return to this once-inhabited area. Continued from page 1 The other component of our monitoring this year was tagging. With the permission of the Pacific Grove City Council, we held 6 tagging sessions at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary this winter. Thanks to the hard work of our staff, board members, interns, and many dedicated volunteers, we tagged over 3,500 butterflies! Each tag bears our phone number and a unique tag number. We want to thank everyone who called in to report a tagged butterfly. We have received 39 callbacks so far, with tagged butterflies turning up in Monterey, Carmel, Capitola, and Big Sur! As the butterflies disperse after mating, we hope to gather information on their spring migration patterns. Happy butterfly watching! ON THE WILD SIDE SPRING/SUMMER 2008 4 A MARATHON OF BIRDING By Cathy Keeran, Executive Assistant and Birdathon Committee Co-chair Ventana Wildlife Society’s (VWS) Big Sur Ornithology Lab (BSOL) is a long-term bird conservation research facility in Big Sur, CA. The Birdathon has successfully been BSOL’s annual fundraiser since 1992! April 26 kicked off the 2008 Birdathon with a day of birding and nature walks. Attendees enjoyed the beautifully warm morning on one of four half-day bird walks offered, from the Elkhorn Slough down to the San Jose Creek in Carmel. They were led by four groups of fantastically generous birding extraordinaires. That Saturday we also hosted a VWS Open House at our Education and Research Center at Andrew Molera State Park (AMSP) in Big Sur. The fullday was broken into three rare and unique experiences: 1. viewing VWS ornithologists with live birds in the banding lab, 2. going on an expertly guided bird walk, and 3. searching for California Condors along the most breathtaking cliffs on Hwy 1. By mid-day, everyone savored a prepared box lunch under the oak trees just outside of our banding lab. SIGN UP NOW! The VWS Open House Event on April 26 was so well-liked, we’ve decided to offer them again! If you missed the April event, you now have a chance to attend one of three exclusive dates in July! July 12 July 19 July 26 VWS Open House 9am - 2pm (20 max) $70/person: Visit BSOL and see live wild birds in the hands of VWS ornithologists, go on an expertly guided bird walk at Andrew Molera State Park, and search for California Condors along the most breathtaking cliffs on Hwy 1. Lunch included! Sign up by contacting [email protected] or 831-455-9514. A Birdathon is similar to a walk-athon, where individuals/teams count the total number of bird species seen in one 24-hour period. Each counter collects pledges from friends, relatives, neighbors, businesses, and/or corporations for either a perbird-species pledge or a one-time donation for all the birds that you count in that one 24-hour period any time before June 15, 2008. This is a great opportunity to get involved with the community and to support VWS’ Big Sur Ornithology Lab in our efforts to inspire and guide songbird conservation. Pledging Your Support Show your support with a perbird-species pledge or a one-time donation. Sponsor any birder or group of birders who participate as Birdathon Counters, such as: • Your own team or your friends/ neighbors team - set a date and go enjoy a day of birding and nature • Ventana Wildlife Society Team - scheduled to count at the end of June • Audubon Team, Chapter of your choice - mobilize your local chapter for a day of birding If counting birds and collecting pledges isn’t your cup of tea, you can participate by PLEDGING to Ventana Wildlife Society’s Team. The VWS staff, board of directors, family members, and interns will head out and bird in a few different locations. We will be trying to spot as many different bird species as possible. The diverse teams range from expert life birders to “never before been listening for, let alone know what one is” birders. The day should promise to be exciting, enlightening, and fascinating. Your support in any way is greatly appreciated! 5 ON THE WILD SIDE SPRING/SUMMER 2008 www.ventanaws.org 2008 Birdathon T-shirts are availablefor $25. Carole Rose has been designing the Birdathon artwork since 2002! This year’s event feature’s an American Kestrel with his grasslands friends, a Whitetailed Kite and a Northern Harrier at Creamery Meadows, Andrew Molera State Park in Big Sur. Once again, Carole captures the essence of the Central Coast! Visit our on-line auction at cmarket. com/biddingforgood (Ventana Wildlife Society’s Birdathon Auction!) for some fantastic items such as: ____________________________ Moloka’i week stay, Star Market gift basket, Annieglass original, Patagonia Freightliner duffle bag, Bonny Doon Vineyard case of wine, Heller Estates bottle of wine, Eagle Optics binoculars, and gift packages including certificates from: Passionfish, Sardine Factory, Kayak Connection, From Scratch, Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, Local Color, Monterey Bay kayaks, The Steinbeck House, CruiseShip Holidays, Café Stavaganza, Katy’s Place, Little Napoli, Rappa’s Restaurant, Chakespeare Santa Cruz, Children’s Discovery Museum, Gilroy Gardens, Bountiful Basket Tasting Party, Michael Keeran Golf Instruction, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Laguna Seca Golf Ranch, Pacific Repertory Theatre. Administrative Staff Kelly Sorenson – Executive Director Cathy Keeran – Executive Assistant Brooks Bonner – Administrative Assistant Program Staff Alena Porte – Education Coordinator Joe Burnett – Senior Wildlife Biologist Karen Shihadeh – Senior Wildlife Biologist Sayre Flannagan – Wildlife Biologist Jessica Griffiths – Wildlife Biologist Nellie Thorngate – Wildlife Biologist Mike Tyner – Seasonal Wildlife Biologist Instructors Alyssa Carlson David Founds Molly Hucklebridge Kathleen Lannon Interns (May 2007 - May 2008) Jordan Bell, Henry Bonifas, Jill Gautreaux, Emily Haber, Ryan Pottinger, Nerissa Rujanavech, Nora Silber, Brett Stauffer, Sharna Tolfree, Deborah Visco, Patrick Wingo, Satah Wulff. Volunteers (May 2007 - May 2008) Karen Anderson, Anonymous, Steven Bailey, Ranger Chuck Bancroft, Matt Brady, Christi Doyle, Stan Dryden, Jonathan Gottsche, Kathryn Hannay, Sue Hubbard, Olga Lansdorp, Noah Lyon, Jade Matrone, Cheryl McCormick, Emma Moran, Doug Morin, Joe Morris, Tama Olver, Shelley Parker, Karen Shihadeh, Rami Shihadeh, Richard Ternullo, Ryan Terrill, Roger Wolfe, Barbara Woyt. By Alena Porte, Education Coordinator ! r is y Discovery Camp Wilderness Camp for Teens ea natural science th Board of Advisors Bruce Elliott William Hearst, III Lucinda Jackson, PhD Walt Koenig, PhD Ada Lucido Sal Lucido Tom Mallett, JD Bette Mayer Michael Murray, DVM James Roush, DVM Robert Stephens Mark Stromberg, PhD Elizabeth Van Dyke, PhD VWS Summer Programming (ages 8-12) Hooray for Habitats Kayak through kelp forests and search for Sea otters off the coast of Monterey. Explore tide pools and fresh water habitats, cool redwood forests, dry canyons and sunny meadows. June 23-27 (wait list) July 14-18, 2008 Outrageous Ocean Odyssey Watch the high seas for spouting whales and playful dolphins on a boat ride in the bay. Search through tide pools along the coast and learn all about the amazing Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. (ages 13-18) ew Board of Directors Mark Dedon – Chair Barbara Baldock – Vice Chair Janet Shing – Secretary Marcy Morgan – Treasurer Jerry Stidham – Board Member Sanford “Sandy” Decker – Board Member Don Roberson – Board Member Brandi Katz – Board Member Virdette L. Brumm, PhD – Board Member n Ventana Wildlife Society Board & Staff This program is for teens interested in learning what it takes to be a wildlife field biologist working with endangered species. This is an intense, three day experience and is not for the faint of heart! One night will be spent camping in Big Sur, and one night at our remote Condor Base Camp. Over three days, teens will: • Receive a crash course in basic ornithology • Meet wildlife field biologists June 16-20, 2008 July 28-August 1, 2008 • Learn about the Condor Reintroduction Program Mountains Rock • Utilize radio telemetry in tracking wild condors Explore the muddy banks of Elkhorn Slough while kayaking along side Harbor seals, wander the golden hills near Salinas and discover a rocky gorge in Big Sur. July 7-11, 2008 Each week includes swimming, hiking and a Thursday night campout under the stars, as well as a visit to our Big Sur Ornithology Lab. Learn from ornithologists about our important work along the Big Sur River as they share their research techniques with you – birds in hand! • Participate in a work project benefiting the condors • Participate in a food placement for the wild flock (optional) June 9-11, 2008 June 30-July 2, 2008 July 21-23 (wait list) August 11-13, 2008 (wait list) Cost: Cost: Camp Hours: Camp Hours: Drop off and pick up: Drop off and pick up: Monterey - exact location TBA. $310 per child ($250 for current members) Mon - Wed 8am to 5pm Thursday (stay overnight) 8am... Friday ...to 12pm Larson Field, near the Carmel Mission. $425 per child Monday 8am Wednesday 4pm Registration forms can be found online at www.ventanaws.org or call 831-455-9514. Donations towards our scholarship funds are greatly appreciated and always needed! Support our local youth Condor ` who can benefit greatly from financial assistance. ON THE WILD SIDE SPRING/SUMMER 2008 6 VWS Now Offering Rare and Unique Big Sur Eco-Experiences To schedule an Eco-experience or for more information, contact Alena Porte, Education Coordinator at [email protected] or 831-455-9514. Overnight Condor Base Camp Visit, $500/person (Min 2, Max 4) California Condor Viewing Tour in Big Sur (2nd Sunday of every month) $50/person (Private tours are available for $500/up to 6 individuals) This two-hour tour will take you down Hwy 1 in Big Sur to view magnificent and endangered California Condors. We will use radio telemetry to track the wild birds while taking in the beautiful Big Sur coast. California Condor Base Camp Visit & Viewing, $250/person (Min 4, Max 6) This is a full day experience to our remote Big Sur condor base camp and condor rearing facility. We will view the feeding slope, take condor data, tour the camp and take in views of the ocean 2,800 feet below! Wild birds often perch near the cabin and are frequently seen on or near the feeding slope. This unique experience includes the Base Camp Visit and Viewing tour with the addition of spending the night camping under the stars at our condor base camp. Relax on the front porch while watching condors fly in to roost as the sun sets over the ocean just below. Once the sun goes down, we will hike one mile to the feeding slope where we will place supplemental food for the wild birds. In the morning, observe wild condors feeding. Art Contest: Conservation Awareness Begins at a Young Age This is the second year of our Education and Outreach T-shirt Contest. Entrants were asked to address the importance of being a “Steward of the Environment” through art. Two designs were chosen; one winner will see her art donned on all the NSDC camper’s t-shirts and the other printed on thousands of brochures. Thank you very much to everyone who sent in their beautiful artwork! “Golden Hills” Artist - Zoe Willett-Esparza, age 9 NSDC BROCHURE WINNER -”I Love Nature” Artist - Autumn Ellison, age 9 Little Donations from Big Hearts By Cathy Keeran, Executive Assistant “Kelp Forest” Artist - Logan Allen, age 10 NSDC T-shirt Winner - “Ventana” Artist - Annalise Mariottini, age 12 “It took a while to think of an idea, but it finally came to me after my mom suggested a picture divided up into scenes. The first time I drew the picure, it was ok, but the condor looked like bacon. With a little revising, the picture got better and better. I was very glad when the letter saying I had won arrived and I can hardly wait to see the t-shirt.” “Nature is Like a Puzzle” Artist - Lauren Ivey, age 11 7 ON THE WILD SIDE SPRING/SUMMER 2008 www.ventanaws.org In February 2008, 11 year old Kyle Groves, founder and head of the Endangered Animals Club at Laurel Wood Elementary School in Salinas CA, proudly donated $90 to the California Condor Reintroduction Program. The group listed, voted on, and ultimately chose to support the California Condor. Kyle and his club members sold bookmarks at their school as well as used their best resources; family and friends. They have raised over $150 for the condors since May 2007. Its passion and dedication like Kyle’s and his friends’ that help in bringing hope to the future of condors! Save the Date: Wings Over the World (WOW), October 18, 2008 By Janet Shing, Member, VWS Board of Directors By Nellie Thorngate, Wildlife Biologist In 1982, California condor numbers were down to 22. Since then, successful captive breeding programs have dramatically increased the population of this endangered species to today’s 297. Breeding programs at Los Angeles Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, World Center for Birds of Prey, and Oregon Zoo provide young chicks to VWS every winter. VWS raises the chicks at its rearing pen in Big Sur and releases them into the wild at Big Sur and Pinnacles National Monument. It costs VWS $600 per condor per month to raise these chicks and to keep the Big Sur/Pinnacles wild population safe and healthy. VWS is the only nonprofit organization in California releasing condors into the wild. The good work that is being done is limited by the amount of money that VWS can raise. With more funds, so much more could be done for California condors. Last year VWS held its first “Wings Over the World” condor release event in November at Rancho Grande in Big Sur. The event included a champagne Karen Shihadeh Prepares for Motherhood An important chapter in VWS history came to a close in April with the departure of Senior Wildlife Biologist Karen Shihadeh. Karen has led the Conservation Ecology program since 2005, and in her two and a half years at VWS she has been a principle force for growth in the Conservation Ecology program. brunch and live music by Lee Durley and East Street. Money was raised through ticket sales, a raffle, and silent and live auctions. Only the power and strength of the California condors could rival the beauty and magnificence of that day and Big Sur. About 80 people were awed by the condors’ spirit as they flew by the crowd after being released into the wild. This year’s Wings Over the World event is scheduled for October 18 in Big Sur. Please save the date! To learn more about California condors and to see photos and videos of last year’s Wings Over the World event, visit www.ventanaws.org/wow. For more information or to be added to the Wings Over the World mailing list, contact VWS at (831) 455-9514 or [email protected]. Wings Over the World attendees delighted in Lee Durley’s musical style (top right) and Dan Green’s auctioneering charm (bottom right) as they bid to release a condor back into the wild (left top and bottom). Under Karen’s guidance, we secured new grants and contracts, and increased the scope of our avian monitoring to include the Central Valley and the Los Padres National Forest. She brought passion and experience to the job, and created a positive and rewarding work environment. Her energy, smile, and dedication to bird conservation made her a great supervisor and a good friend. Karen will be departing to focus more on her family, including a new bundle of joy due in August. She will still be involved in VWS via the Birdathon and other smaller projects, so she will be in touch. We will miss her, but we wish her much happiness and luck! Karen Shihadeh, an intrical part of the VWS family, moves on to start her own. ON THE WILD SIDE SPRING/SUMMER 2008 8 VWS Supporters Acknowledged for Outstanding Contributions By Janet Shing, Member, VWS Board of Directors In August 2007, four key supporters received special recognition awards for their efforts on behalf of VWS. Barbara Woyt received the Volunteer Award for her dedicated work for many years in support of VWS’ Conservation Ecology program in Big Sur. As a volunteer bird bander, Barbara often rises well before dawn to help VWS biologists study Big Sur wild songbird populations. Barbara also is a valuable source of information about Big Sur natural history. Award for its contribution of volunteer personnel, veterinarian support, and wild nest monitoring. Their future plans include the construction of a large holding pen at the Zoo to further augment field efforts. David and Lucile Packard Foundation received the Leadership Award. The Foundation’s Conservation and Barbara Woyt was honored for her outstanding volunteerism. Santa Barbara Zoo, which is the newest addition to the California Condor Recovery Program, received the Frank J. Lichtanski Partnership Santa Barbara Zoo was honored for their valuable contribution to the Condor program. David and Lucille Packard Foundation was honored with our Leadership Award. Science Program, which aims to protect and restore oceans, coasts, and the atmosphere, provides grants to foster the creative pursuit of scientific research toward this goal. VWS has partnered with David and Lucile Packard Foundation for 20 years, and we are proud of and grateful for this relationship. For Our Members: Wildlife Bronze Plaques Decker Studios, in conjunction with sculptor Ramon Velazco, has created several unique wall-mounted Wildlife Bronze Plaques available as free gifts to donors of $250 or more. 100% of your contribution is tax-deductible. Artist, Ramon Velazco, a native of southern California, is frequently commissioned to sculpt for the entertainment industry, as well as private individuals and public organizations; however, his personal interest lies with California nonprofit organization Ventana Wildlife Society. In 2003, he collaborated with Decker Studios to create a full-size replica of an adult male California condor in full flight. The sculpture was part of an exhibition at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History and is now on permanent display. With this plaque, Velazco has combined both his artistic talents and concern for the environment and its wildlife. 9 ON THE WILD SIDE SPRING/SUMMER 2008 www.ventanaws.org Bill and Sally Irving received the Individual Contributor Award for their generous contribution to Bald Eagle conservation. With Bill and Sally’s support, VWS now owns 81 acres of prime breeding habitat at Lake Nacimiento, where one of the Bald Eagle pairs we released has nested since 1995. Bald Eagles were near extinction in the central California coast region after the devastating effects of DDT. In 1986, VWS began releasing Bald Eagle juveniles in Monterey County. In 2007, the Bald Eagle was taken off the Endangered Species List, an amazing success story! Thanks to Bill and Sally, their Lake Nacimiento habitat will be protected for generations to come. Ventana Wildlife Society would like to thank the following individuals, companies, organizations and foundations for their continued support. We could not do it without you. If your name is mispelled or does not appear on this donor list, please accept our sincere apologies and let us know so that we can correct it in the future. April 1, 2007 - April 30, 2008 FOUNDATIONS/ CORPORATIONS $50,000 - $74,999 The David and Lucile Packard Foundation $25,000 - $49,999 Chevron Corporation Defenders of Wildlife Harden Foundation Kinnoull Foundation Pacific Gas and Electric Co PPM Energy, Inc The Robert Stephens and Julie Packard Fund at the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz Co $10,000 - $24,999 Bloom Biological Inc Cal Poly State University Foundation Fidelity Charitable Fund Fletcher Bay Foundation Garcia and Associates George B. Storer Foundation HT Harvey and Associates Marisla Foundation The Dean Witter Foundation The Fund for the Environment of the Community Foundation for Monterey County The Monterey Peninsula Audubon Society Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation $5,000 - $9,999 Anonymous Barnet J Segal Charitable Trust Cal Poly State University Foundation Fledgling Fund Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation Natural Encounters Conservation Fund Nepenthe/Phoenix Corporation Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey Co Patagonia Sylvanus Charitable Trust Under $5,000 Big Sur International Marathon BBR, LLP Blaze Engineering Inc Chuck Haugen Conservation Fund Cypress Garden Guild Golden Gate Parks Conservancy Goodsearch IBM International Foundation Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Kiwanas Club of Carmel Valley Oakland Zoo Ohlone Audubon Society San Francisco Zoo The Harrison Temporary Funds of the Community Foundation for Monterey County The Strong Foundation Uncommon Grounds Inc Wild Bird Center GOVERNMENT California Army National Guard California Energy Commission Department of Parks and Recreation Monterey Peninsula Water Management National Park Service INDIVIDUALS Leadership Circle $5,000 and Above John “Jack” Glendening Marcy Morgan Maynard B and Olga Jane Rotermund Ann Yamada-Gotuaco and Jason Yamada Steward $1,000 - $4,999 Barbara Baldock and Phillip N Butler David Brubaker in memory of Tony Staude Mark and Erica Dedon Gregory Gieber Susan Grant and Nory LeBrun Joyce Harris in honor of condor 356 Merrilee and William Harris Benjamin Curtis (Curt) Harris Jr. Mr and Mrs Sydney P Harrison Bill and Adriana Hayward Jeanne Holmquist in honor of SPCA Wildlife volunteers and staff of Monterey County Gary and Kelly Lavering Zad and Laela Leavy Sal and Ada Lucido Valera W Lyles Konny Murray in honor of Barbara Baldock Susan Newcomb Shirley Nootbaar Paula Norwood James L and Pamela M Patterson Kira, Ian and Ashton Reed Robert Stephens and Julie Packard Linda Stevens Frank and Barbara Strehlitz Jean and Tim Weiss in honor of Anton Segerstrom Marsha M Zelus Sponsor $500 - $999 Richard and Karinne Bauer in memory of Leonore Bauer Richard J Bertero Per and Eva Borgstrom Judy Brooke-Green and Mike Green Virdette L Brumm, PhD Betsy Buchalter Adler Nadine and Daniel Clark Sandy Decker and Karen Mortillaro Davis and Christine Factor Sarah Hainstock Kathryn Hannay Ronald and Francisca Hartman-Kok Nancy Hoak Judith Hoff Kennon Hudson Martin Hurtado Sandra “Sandy” Laughlin Michael McCloud Peter and Marcia Morgan Tom Nootbaar and Lori Burgarz David Salt Janet Shing John Shott Danny Thomas Court VanTassell Nancy Vernon Jean Wilson Friend $100 - $499 (11) Anonymous (2) Anonymous in memory of Barbara Nelson Anonymous in memory of Billie Foreman Anonymous in honor of June M Gibson All Saints’ Episcopal Day School Anne Allen Paul and Maura Anderson Arthur and Barbara Babcock Stephen F Bailey PhD Carol Baird Christine and David Baldwin Larry W Barker Vikki Bay Joseph P Belli Phil and Ruthann Berck Sarah Berling Judith Bishop Audries Blake Gene Blattman Margaret J Bohn Susan K Braito Judy Breen Ann Breznock Courtney Broaddus and Chuck Bloszies Michael and Mary Burke Charlie Callagan Linda Caruthers Gordon and Kathy Chapple Sandra Clabaugh Karen Clarke Emily Conant Robert and Phyllis Conlan Richie Conroy Margaret Cook Schulte Jeff Corwin Sara Coulter Lori Cuesta Rev Paul Danielson in honor of Sal Lucido Judith W Davis Tarasa Davis Claudia Dickman Leta Elizabeth Dinkel and Aaron Meyerson in honor of Ashton Reed Jim Dodson William G and Nancy C Doolittle Cheryl Drake Karen and Phil Drayer Dianne Driessen Linda Edwards and Vern Benhart Luise Errol Anita Ettinger Marit P Evans Steven and Fila Evanson Beverly G Ewoldsen Frances M Farina Patrick and Margaret Field Paul Finnegan Tim Fitzer and Sheila Deaner Daniel Foust Cal and Letty French Friends of the Desert Mountains in memory of Barbara Nelson Philip and Beverly Furniss Sandra J Gant and Michael B Nelson Jane and Allen Gelder Don and Lu German Ashley Gray and Michaela Kiernan Jim and Susan Greene Barbara and James Griffiths in honor of Jessica Griffiths Liz Griffiths and Eric Dechant in honor of Jessica Griffiths Michael, Jyl and Kyle Groves Ruth P Hardisty Kathy Harris and Joe DiAndrea Linda Harris Ruth S Hartmann Arthur W Haseltine Frank and Jo Ellen Hathaway William E Hayward Gary Hazard Carl Hewitt Lisa Hoivik Tom and Julie Anne Hopkins Lee and John Hornberger Geary Hund in memory of Barbara Nelson Jennifer Hyypio Meredith Ibey Gaile Itami Stacey Iverson Roberta M Jaffee Johanna and David Jensen Jennifer and Peter Jones Brandi and Paul Katz Laura A Kelley Lea Kendall and Barry Stern Clifford and Michael Kennedy Jim Kuhfeld Michael and Carolyn Kulakofsky Karl and Annette Kunz Michael and Corrine Laing Bill and Rhonda Lakatos Louie and Edith Law in memory of Mutti Jessie Lawson Pam Lichtanski Barry and Marie Lipman Margaret K Maas and Mark T Henze Betty Le Macpherson Karen Madsen Cindy Margulis Rev Dr Thomas C Marshall Bette Jean Mayer Sarah McCloud Wedge John and Sherry McCormick Marcine McDonald Johnson, PhD Jim McGrew Rod and Peggy McMahan Livia McRee and Isaac Stone Mara and Don Melandry Keelin Miller John S and Ellen R Moir Karin Moore Margaret and Dave Moore Tina K More-Rivas Jeffrey and Jennifer Morris in memory of Ernst Ewoldsen Jennifer Morris in honor of Waymon Morris Ann Morrison and Daniel O’Donnell Janet Moyer Lisa Myers Steven R Nakazono New Academy Canoga Park Cynthia and Timothy Nolan Ann Nore Brian O’Connor John Odell Nancy Parr Judy Parsons Kristi and Tom Patterson Matt Perry George Perry Sally Peterson Bob and Kathy Petty Ethel Plocher Jeanne W Pond Sharon Ponsford Ann Pope Alena Porte Gordon Porter Dan Presser John and Kathy Previsich Ruth Rachel Lawrence Rebhun JoEllen and Bob Rice Lydia Ridgway Jerry and Carole Ritchie Sady Rivas and Family Bill and Carol Rodgers Maggie Rufo Joel and Cynthia Sabenorio James A Sadewhite Susan Savage Katherine Scarlette Sarah Scheldwacht Jeremy J Schmutz Bob and Jeanne Schneider in memory of Barbara Nelson Jeff Schneider in memory of Barbara Nelson Eduard Schwan and Jeri Abernathy Shelley Seders Victor and Shayna Selby Chris and John Selecky Catherine Sesquet Mary Elizabeth Severson in memory of Helen Banks Jane Silva Kiva Silver Jen Simmons Joyce Smith and Cheryl VanDeVeer Patricia Smith and Kelley Moore in memory of Walter Smith Beverly Solo Jerry and Cheryl Stidham Phil Stirtz Susan Stockburger in memory of Ginger Stockburger Judi Taylor Pamela Tellew Scott and Linda Terrill Mike Thompson Billy Timmermeyer Peter Tourrette Diane Trabulsi in memory of Barbara Nelson Mark and Katy Travaille Camille Trinidad Lonni Trykowski and Jerry Eppler Yvonne C Tsai Robert Ullman and Danila Mehta Bob Vasconcellos Antonia Verleye James Von Whittman Lindsay Wagner Richard S Weinberg Weingart Family Laurie West Roberts and Rick Roberts William Westcott Richard White Alex and Bo Wiercigroch Susan Williams in memory of Harold L Reade Cathryn Santos and Terry Wilson Edward Witten and Chiara R Nappi Ken and Mary Wright Associate $50 - $99 (16) Anonymous (3) Anonymous in memory of Barbara Nelson Anonymous in honor of Richard Block Anonymous in memory of John Francis Lino Tom and Nancy Acord Nanci Adams Dale and Neil Agron Linda Alexander Christine Allen Stephanie and George Almeida Brandy Anderson Richard and Bonnie Armellini Alexis Ashby and George Selland Nancy Baker Alan and Sheila Baldridge Eileen and Jeffrey Barnum Mary L Batteen Lew Bauman Jason Beckham Ruth Beeve Karen Bell Edwina F Bent Bennett Berke and Lorna Wallace Patricia Bitner Julietta Borges Veronica Bowers Norma Bramstedt Frances M Brodsky Clark Brown Martha Brown and Breck Tyler Nicholas and Carolyn Buckenham Esther Burshtein ON THE WILD SIDE SPRING/SUMMER 2008 10 Steve Campbell Sharen Carey and Hal Latta Timothy and Carolyn Carlson Roy Carlson Cheeky Entertainment Inc in honor of Ashton Reed Tara and Michael Clark Jeanne and Howard Cohn Ron and Mardo Collins Allison Connor JoAnn Cope Sarah Cording Barbara Dangerfield Julius and Laurie De Vera Susanmarie Dinga Tim and Christi Doyle Peter J Dunn Laura Eagleston Michael and Katherine Esola George and Barbara Evans William J Filter and Victoria Von Arx Nancy Fox Joanna Frawley TTEE Amanda Sharpe Freedman, DVM Tom and Eileen Fukunaga Dave Garcia Cynthia Gaya Dennis Geiler Jesse Getrom James and Patricia Gilchrist in memory of Barbara Nelson Melissa Gjerde Charles Goodwin David Gordon Janice Gray Armstrong Jean Griffiths Michael, Laurie and Gabriel Groves John and Jen Hain Hope and Sandy Hale Celeste Hall Margaret Handley Elmer and Cheryl Harris Kathryn A Hart Malena Hasbun Natalia Haskins Colin and Cindi Havert in memory of Barbara Nelson Jeff and Janice Hawkins Jodi Hayes Peter and Kathy Henney Richard Herder Alison Hermance Sheila Hershon TTEE Cheryl Hines and Charles Deutschman Cal Hoagland Mary Hoff Chris Hudson Khoi Huynh in honor of Karla Kane June Jaffee William Jarest in dedication to June Jarest Dobie and Ann Jenkins Harriett T Johnson Joyce Johnson Sue W Johnson Linda Jones Mary and Jerry Kamprath Karla Kane Susan Katz Donna and Reed Kirkland Katherine Klein Vinz Koller Karen Konrad Denise LaBerteaux Wendy Lang Jerry and Barbara Lawrence Tom Le Duc Jefrey Levy and Pamela Sydney Levy in honor of Ashton Reed Susan A Lewis Charles Limbach Marilyn Lindenthal Alan Locklear and Marie Valleroy Lorri Lockwood Elizabeth and Johan Maartens Larry R and Marian A Martin Maureen McEachen Mike and Shelley McFadden Bob McLean Chris and Tamara Meckel Lauryn Meehl Cynthia Meeker Donna Meeker Jeff Meilahn and Doroth Sotala Greg Meissner James Metcalf Edward and Terri Middlemiss James Millington Holly Minch Rahaf Misto Anita Mohr Edward and Deborah Molin Rodger and Linda More Trinka Morris Charles and Nancy Moss Delight Nasatir Dave and Shirley Newton Diana and Howard Nichols Elinor Nissley Shari and Gary Nordell Cassandra Ohlsen Alex and Kathy Olow Pam and Joseph Ortiz Mary Pacey Sneha and Gaudenz Panholzer Patty and Dave Parker Christopher Patry Melanie Piazza Jill Poudrette Pamela Putnam James and Cecilia Quinn Barbara Rainer Robert and Jackie Reid Dennis and Marty Renault Keren-Happuch Renee Crum Joseph Rice Ken Riley Don Roberson, JD and Rita Carratello Elliott and Tey Roberts Fred and Mary Jane Roberts Francine and Alastair Rodd Vanessa Rogier Sharon M Russell Ingrid Russell-Wink Andrew and Christine Russo Santa Ynez Valley Women Hikers Delanna Schneider Cass Schrock Phillip W Scott TTEE Gerald and Donna Secundy Michele Setter Peggy Ann Shashy Carissa Shipman Tom Sims Diana Singer Christine Smith Laura Smith Stefanie Stewart Cynthia Stormer and Steve Earley David and Jane Styer Susan Suntree and Buzz Wilms Kim Svetich-Will Tam Taaffe and Wes Fritz Dan and Jan Tankersley Susan Tatum Marilyn H Thomas Nancy Thompson Richard and Nancy Tietz Linda Vallee Sue VanStee Adam Wachtel in memory of Jeff Norman Melissa and Larry Walker Alan Walther William Warto III Yen and Kristofer Weick Ken and Barbara Weingarten Katherine Wenglikowski Cynthia Wheary Hertlein Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley Marvin and Karla Wolf Ann Marie Wood Deci Worland in honor of Centennia Robert Woth Shu Jing Yen Michael E Young Member - Less than $50 (7) Anonymous (2) Anonymous in memory of Barbara Nelson Anonymous in honor of Joe Burnett Dana Abbott Nanci Adams Jennifer Anderson John and Linda Armstrong Terry Atkinson Eddy and Marie Balocco Chuck and Sheryl Bancroft Deborah Barnes Candice Basham Dick and Linda Beidleman Elizabeth and Thomas Benzel in memory of Barbara Nelson Pat Bitton Caroline Blair Ruth Bloom Mark Borchert in honor of Jessica Griffiths and Nellie Thorngate Celia Bosworth Paul Brennan Frank and Elena Buckley in honor of Ashton Reed Laura Burkholder Barbara Burwell Silvia Carbaat Amy Carlow Rachel Castillo Julie Conrad Jennifer Cook and Stephen Polk in honor of Ashton Reed Cunningham Family Janice A D’Arcy and William Hunt K or M Dole in honor of Ashton Reed Patrice Dougherty Richard K Farver Eddie Feltes Linda R and John T Friar Darrell and Lisa Fryer Sheryl and Matt Gaebelein Ellen Gierson Don Glasco Phillip Glaser Emily Gonzalez Jean Grace Meg Griffiths Ronald Gurney Kris Hallings Chris and Ame Hartzell Gerry and James Havert in memory of Barbara Nelson Patricia Herrgott Jill and James Himonas George Hoffman Craig Hohenberger Frank Hoover Helen I Johnson John A King Thomas and Barbara Koerber Cyril Kormos Julie Jo Lambla Ray and Bud Longserre in memory of Barbara Nelson Teresa Losh Matt Macarewich and Associates Pam McNickle Randall S Mejeur Margaret J Millard Ed Miller Rod and Anne Mills Anna Morton Wayne Moyer Shirley Murphy Gilbert and Tania Neilson Maria Nissen in honor of John L and Aida Shellabarger 11 ON THE WILD SIDE SPRING/SUMMER 2008 www.ventanaws.org Armando Nunez Jr in honor of Ashton Reed Roberta O’Grady Laurie and Stephen Pakula Mary and Mark Paxton Doane Perry Raymond Rieser Judy and Daniel Riley Julian and Cynthia Rincon Jarryl Ritchie in honor of Karen Shihadeh Adrian and Candace Rivas Jennifer Roberts Carole and Larry Rose Lori Rothman Story in honor of Ashton Reed Steven Rovell Allen Royer Madeline Sauer in memory of Barbara Nelson Lynda and Robert Sayre Jeanne Scheldwacht Adam Searcy Rosanne Shaver Belinda Shoemaker Tomothy and Anissa Siegel in honor of Ashton Reed Jonathon Silberman and Debra Fields in honor of Ashton Reed Amanda Silverman Krista Sinacori Robert and Miarina Small John Sorenson Gabrielle Stocker Renee Taaffe Joe and Marilyn Tacker Nancy Teater Anne Tewksbury Nancy Thorngate Bob and Rosemary Tintle Nancy Titus Francis Toldi Tara Troyer Brian J Weed Caroline and David Werner Claire Wilkens Andrew Wong and Vanessa Chay in honor of Ashton Reed Bernice Wood in memory of Barbara Nelson HM Woolf Lawrence Worcester Sarah Wulff Robert Young in honor of Sal and Ada Lucido Paula Zerzan In-Kind (2) Anonymous Advantage Care Chiropractic Adventures By the Sea Linda Alexander Annieglass Asilomar Conference Grounds AT&T Pebble Beach Charities Bayonet/Blackhorse Golf Club Terrie Bennett Gallerie Big Sur Bakery and Restaurant Black Bear Diner Bonny Doon Corporate Office Per and Eva Borgstrom Bouchee Boulder Creek Golf and Country Club Cafe Stravaganza Cannery Row Co, Sardine Factory Chapala Mexican Restaurant Christopher’s Chuck Haugen Conservation Fund Costco Cruise Ship Holidays Cypress Inn, Carmel by-the-Sea Jeremy Dang Sandy Decker and Karen Mortillaro Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines Easy Street featuring Lee Durley El Palomar Monterey Elli’s Great American Restaurant Bill and Joan Freeman From Scratch Restaurant Paul Gentry Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park Kathryn A Hart Adriana Hayward Heller Estates Homescapes Carmel Hullaballoo Jack Nadel International Katy’s Place KayakConnection.com Linda Kincaid KOWA Optimed, Inc. Judy and Jim Kuhl Laguna Seca Golf Ranch Lallapalooza L’Auberge Carmel Adam Licsko Local Color Sal and Ada Lucido Sara and Noah Lyon Kenneth Meier Michael Sherman Jewelry Designs Bruce Mitchell Dave and Elizabeth Monley Monterey Bay Kayaks Joseph and Nora Morris Charles and Nancy Moss Susan Newcomb Shirley Nootbaar Old Fisherman’s Grotto Osborne Design Pacific Repertory Theatre Parker-Lusseau Pastries Passionfish Pat Areias Sterling Carmel Pebble Beach Company Foundation Pepe’s Little Napoli Pizza My Heart Post Ranch Inn Rappa’s Restaurant Ridgemark Golf & CC Don Roberson, JD Rosine’s Restaurant, Inc San Francisco Zen Center San Juan Oaks Golf Club Sandbar & Grill Susan Savage Ralph W Schardt Jeanne Scheldwacht Sarah Scheldwacht Shadowbrook/Crow’s Nest Shakespeare Santa Cruz Karen and Rami Shihadeh Shreve & Co Kelly and Robyn Sorenson State Farm Insurance Douglas Steakley Photography Robert Stephens and Julie Packard Ryan Terrill The Bountiful Basket The Grill at Ryan Ranch The Steinbeck House The Western Stage Uncommon Grounds Inc Ventana Inn & Spa Alan Walther Wild Bird Center Willy’s Smokehouse, Downtown Dining Barbara Woyt VENTANA WILDLIFE SOCIETY NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID MARINA, CA 93933 PERMIT NO. 51 19045 Portola Dr. • Ste. F1 • Salinas, Ca 93908 www.ventanaws.org Leaving a Legacy for Wildlife Conservation and Education We wish to extend much appreciation to those who have remembered Ventana Wildlife Society in their wills. In addition to bequests, a charitable remainder trust, particularly when managing highly appreciated assets such as real property, can be an excellent way to reduce one’s tax burden and receive an income while benefiting wildlife conservation and education. Another way you can make a lasting gift is to name Ventana Wildlife Society as a beneficiary in your life insurance policy or IRA. Outright gifts of stock and other assets can be made at any time. If you would like to speak with someone about planned giving options that benefit you and the mission of Ventana Wildlife Society, please contact Kelly Sorenson at 831-455-9514. VWS Contact Info Calendar of Events Saturday, July 12, 2008 or Saturday, July 19, 2008 or Saturday, July 26, 2008 VWS Open House 9am-2pm. $70 per person Administrative Office: 19045 Portola Dr, Ste F1 Salinas, California 93908 Toll Free: 877-897-7740 Phone: 831-455-9514 Fax: 831-455-2846 Voice Mail: 831-769-8469 Web: www.ventanaws.org Hours of Operation Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm VWS Education Research Center Big Sur Ornithology Lab: Andrew Molera State Park HC 67, Box 99 Monterey, California 93940 Phone: 831-624-1202 Fax: 831-626-8651 Call for Hours of Operation 100% POST CONSUMER FIBER Visit BSOL and see live wild birds in the hands of VWS ornithologists, go on an expertly guided bird walk at Andrew Molera State Park, and search for California Condors along the most breathtaking cliffs on Hwy 1. Lunch included! Sign up by contacting [email protected] or 831-455-9514. Sunday, July 13, 2008 Sunday, August 10, 2008 Sunday, September 14, 2008 Condor Viewing Tour Contact Alena Porte to sign up at [email protected] Saturday, October 18, 2008 Wings Over the World Condor Release Auction www.ventanaws.org/wow PRINTED ON CERTIFIED PAPER Purchase VWS Merchandise Go to www.cafepress.com and search for Ventana Wildlife Society. Choose from 37 different designs on over 1,000 products. Designs include logos, California Condors, chickadees, Monarch Butterflies and can be found on apparel, mugs, bags, baby items, mouse pads, baseball caps, clocks, aprons, note cards, buttons, magnets, stickers, and more. Stock up on your favorite t-shirts or surprise someone special with a unique gift that helps VWS to conserve native wildlife and their habitats! ON THE WILD SIDE SPRING/SUMMER 2008 12