IN THIS ISSUE:

Docent and Community Education Program

Job Opening at Stewards

75th Anniversary of Armstrong Redwoods Events

Volunteers Needed

Lovely Quilt Drawing

QUICK LINKS:

Donate Now

Volunteer Opportunities

Become a Member

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Mailing Address:

Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods
P.O. Box 2
Duncans Mills, CA 95430

Tel: (707) 869-9177

FAX: (707) 869-8252

E-mail: stewards@mcn.org

Website

Greetings from Michele Luna

What an interesting week it's been. Such changeable weather in a weeks time. From comfortable, sunny days, to extreme heat and now chilly, foggy mornings and evenings.

Weather is not the only change happening for us. Last week, our dear Administrative Assistant Diane Barth told us that she is retiring from her job at Stewards. She is ready to take more time for herself, which we completely support. Diane has been such a wonderful asset to Stewards and we will all miss her as a staff member. She came to us four years ago having been a long-time member and past volunteer. She has grown to know our volunteers, members and donors well and that knowledge will be lacking until her replacement has also been with Stewards as long as she has. She has assured me that she isn't leaving all together and we will all see her volunteering at special events and perhaps taking on a special project here and there. We have prepared a job advertisement and you are welcome to share it with anyone you think may be qualified and interested in working with us to support our mission.

This past week, myself and board member Marie Gray were lucky to attend the Calpa Conference in Santa Cruz. Calpa stands for the California League of Parks Associations and they represent all the 84 Cooperating Associations throughout the state such as Stewards. It was an exceptional conference and especially nice to visit some of the State Parks and Visitor Centers in the Santa Cruz area. I always come back from these events inspired to raise the funds needed for new Visitor Centers.

Don't forget that we still have room for players in our Annual Golf Tournament. You don't have to be a golf pro to play - just come out and have fun! Also, I am pleased to report that tickets are now on sale for the Gourmet Hike and Old Grove Festival through our website.

Thanks for your support,

Michele

Upcoming Docent & Community Education Seminars and Orientations

Upcoming Seminars
Pond Farm and the Legacy of Marguerite Wildenhain
Instructors: Laura Parent (State Parks Employee), Janet Gracyk (Landscape Architect)
Saturday, May 30, 10:00am-12:30pm
Marguerite is an internationally known potter who passed away in 1985. She inspired many students who attended her school in the Austin Creek SRA from the 1950s to 1980.

Seal Watch Training
Saturday, June 13, 9:30 -3:30pm
Wilderness First Aid
Saturday, June 27. 8:30am-4:30pm

REGISTRATION ONLINE
Call Ruby Herrick at (707) 869-9177 x1# or
email rherrick@mcn.org

Job Opening at Stewards

Administrative Assistant, Part time, AA degree, nonprofit experience and prior office administrative experience preferred; proficient with MS Word, familiar with MS Excel, experience with MS Access or other database management software; must be organized, accurate, be able to multi-task, pay attention to details, and possess good interpersonal skills. Periodic lifting up to 60 lbs is required. Salary range is $11 to $15 per hour.

Submit resume and cover letter by email to stewards@mcn.org, MS Word or pdf files only. No phone calls please. Initial application deadline is 5:00 pm on June 8, 2009.

Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods is an equal opportunity Employer.

75th Anniversary of Armstrong Redwoods

Our Annual Golf Tournament with Gourmet BBQ Lunch is on June 5th. The event begins with scrumptuous lunch prepared by Bob Caricato and Rob Dickerson at 11:30 and a raffle with wonderful prizes of wine, golfing and more. An 18 hole scramble begins at 1:00. The cost is $120 per person and includes a gift bag and tee prizes.

We are planning a Gourmet Hike on July 25th and the Old Grove Festival weekend is September 25, 26 and 27th with Chanticleer, Maria Muldaur's Garden of Joy Jug Band, and Don Neely and the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra.

Click HERE to purchase tickets online.

On Saturday, September 26th we're also planning a Family Day in the Park with interpretive displays, storytelling, horse and carriage rides through the park, ice cream and entertainment. Admission to the event is free (usual parking fees apply).

Volunteers are Needed

National Trails Day - June 6, 2009, 9am to about 3pm
Join dedicated trail volunteers for the Annual Kortum Trail mowing. Bring gloves and a lunch. To register please contact Bill Bambrick at wbambrick@comcast.net.

Armstrong Volunteers Needed this Summer

Roving Naturalists - This summer we'd like to try something new. Instead of scheduling walks through the grove every Saturday at a certain time we'd like to invite trained docents to rove through the grove for a 2-3 hour shift and answer questions for park visitors and provide interpretation to those who are interested. Docents would wear the green vests that are stored in the Visitor Center so they are easily identifiable.

We are also looking for volunteers to staff a booth on the weekends during the summer months for a 3-4 hour shift in the picnic area of Armstrong Redwoods to provide added services for park visitors. This was such a hit at our 75th Anniversary launch that we'd like to continue in the summer months. You'd also be selling our 75th Anniversary commemorative items.

Volunteers are also needed to help with recycling at Armstrong Redwoods.

Special Event Volunteers - It's time to start a list of those interested in staffing our special events this summer. Please specify the event dates and volunteer job that you are interested in.
The following opportunities are available:
Gourmet Hike (July 25) - Volunteers are needed to help with set-up, serving, as trail docents and with clean-up.
Bodega Seafood, Art and Wine Festival (August 29 & 30)- Volunteers are needed to staff the wine/beer tent, Stewards resale trailer, and the Rubber Duck Race.
Old Grove Festival & Family Fun Day (September 25, 26, 27)- The Old Grove Festival weekend is going to be busy and we need lots of volunteers. Let us know if you are willing to help with parking, driving shuttles, concessions, and as trail volunteers. We also need people to help set-up for the Family Fun Day on the 26th, to sell ice cream and tickets for the horse and carriage rides. Volunteers for this weekend will have the added treat of tent camping in the picnic area of Armstrong Redwoods.
Great Mexican Feast (September 27)- Volunteers are neeed to prepare food, for set-up and clean-up.

Contact Michele Luna at mluna@mcn.org if you are interested in these opportunities.

Lovely Quilt Drawing

One of our dedicated volunteers made us this lovely unique quilt with photos that were taken by volunteer Kevin O'Connor. The quilt includes two pillow shams and fits either a double or queen size bed.

You can purchase quilt drawing tickets throughout the year at our events, at the Stewards office or donate online. If you donate online we will fill out your tickets for you. The drawing will take place in December.

Tickets are $5 each, 6 for $25, and 10 for $40.

Renew or Become a Member of Stewards Today
Help support preservation through education and stewardship in Russian River State Parks.

Michele Luna, Executive Director
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods