Fall 2016 Landscapes by Peninsula Open Space Trust

L ANDSCAPES Peninsula Open Space Trust Fall 2016

OUR RICH, DIVERSE LANDSCAPE This summer, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard many stories of epic treks POST supporters have made through our local protected lands. Looking through their pictures, I am struck by the diversity of landscapes they encountered along the way. It is this rich mosaic of habitats that make the Bay Area a remarkable place for us to live and explore, as well as one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.

allow for connection and movement between them. As we do this work, I look forward to hearing your stories of adventure through valley oak woodlands, up to old growth redwood forests, along streams, down to perennial grasslands and out to the sea. In this issue of Landscapes, we share stories of our recent work to protect and manage all these habitats for the critters and communities that rely on them. Thank you for making the preservation of these spaces, so close to where we live, a priority.

We counted, and there are dozens of habitat types in the areas where we work. Each one

Walter T. Moore, POST President

sustains a distinct set of plants and wildlife, while also providing the outdoor settings

P.S. Does receiving Landscapes

we need to reflect, unplug, be physically

magazine in the mail influence your

challenged and to rejuvenate. POST protects

continued support of POST? Let us know

these lands, as well as the smaller parcels that

at surveymonkey.com/r/Landscapes916.

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

left

©Matthew Dolkas 2016 / right ©Teddy Miller 2016 / cover ©Teddy Miller 2016

Data Driven Stewardship

The Critters of San Vicente Redwoods

Why is Stream Habitat So Vital to Wildlife?

One Farm Closer to FFI Goal

A Barn Built to Last

Tribute Gifts

Ways to Give

D ATA D R I V E N

STEWARDSHIP Grasslands are a fast disappearing habitat in the US, making their local protection imperative. From native species habitat, to working lands for cattle, to their ability to store carbon deep in the soil, grasslands are a vital part of Northern California’s iconic beauty and thriving ecosystem. POST is working to improve the health of the grasslands we manage through our partnership with Point Blue, a non-profit conservation science organization and leading voice in innovative rangeland management. Point Blue operates a Rangeland Monitoring Network that currently has 16 partner biologists in 20 counties across California. They are gathering data on soil, plants, birds and grazing in order to better understand the ecological function of California’s rangelands and how they are influenced by different ranching practices.

©Pete Veilleux 2009 / top ©Teddy Miller 2016 / bottom ©Alan Schmierer 2013

They recently completed the collection

allowing them to provide nesting habitat

of baseline data at nine ranches on the

for grassland birds, store more carbon,

central coast, including POST-Protected

hold more water in the soil and better

Cloverdale Coastal Ranches. Their

prevent erosion. Native perennial bunch

findings revealed fascinating things

grasses are usually quite rare, but not at

about this complex 6,857-acre property

Cloverdale. Look for them when you are

and reinforced the importance of

on the coast; their movement in the

protecting this swath of coastal prairie.

breeze is both unique and captivating.

Point Blue reported over 65 different

At POST, we use science and data like

species of breeding birds on Cloverdale.

this to better connect with and understand

The proximity of the intact grassland to

the health of the lands we protect and

other habitat, such as the Douglas fir

to make informed decisions on their

forest along Cloverdale’s perimeter, likely

long-term care. This data suggests that

promotes this diversity of bird species.

our ranching partners are grazing the land

Two grassland bird species, Savannah

in ways that produce not just delicious

Sparrows and Grasshopper Sparrows,

local meat but also thriving grasslands.

were very abundant in their bird surveys.

The next time you go by Cloverdale,

Both are indicators of healthy grasslands.

or another local grassland, we hope

Point Blue’s plant inventory also points

you stop for a moment to enjoy their

to healthy grasslands at Cloverdale. They found an especially high abundance of native perennial bunch grasses. Bunch grasses can live up to 100 years and left

©XXXXXX 20XX / top ©XXXXXX 20XX / bottom ©XXXXXX ©XXXXX 20XX20XX

practical and visual beauty. And if you are lucky, you may be able to hear the song of a Grasshopper Sparrow, which really do sound like grasshoppers!

have deeper roots than annual grasses, 5

THE CRITTERS OF

SAN VICENTE REDWOODS From the treetops to the forest floor, protected lands are abuzz with wildlife. This is especially true on our 8,532-acre San Vicente Redwoods property. Almost every time our team visits the property, new residents are discovered, many endangered and others rare. We are happy to introduce you to five of the many critters that call the diverse habitats on San Vicente Redwoods home.

©Matthew Dolkas 2016

MARBLED MURRELETS

DUSKY-FOOTED WOODRATS

The presence of this threatened seabird was recently confirmed on the property for the first time since 1914! Being very shy and spending most of their life at sea, we’ve not seen them with our own eyes but we’ve detected their song through the use of acoustic monitors. Preferring to build their mossy nest in trees over 200 years old, we suspect that they are drawn to the old growth trees on the property. Learn more about their discovery at openspacetrust.org/blog/ marbled-murrelets-svr.

The nests of these nocturnal rodents, also known as packrats, are everywhere on the property. Their homes, called middens, can last for over 10,000 years and are mostly built from local vegetation. Studying the plants used to construct their nests, scientists can learn a lot about how ecological conditions on the property have changed over time. In addition to being a natural time capsule, their nests provide habitat for mice, lizards and snakes too.

TOWNSEND BIG-EARED BATS San Vicente is the only POSTprotected property, and one of the only properties in California, that has an all female colony of Townsend’s big-eared bats. Listed as a species of special concern, their gigantic ears give the bats their name, provide them with excellent hearing and help with temperature regulation. As with marbled murrelets, they are very picky about where they live and we are happy to have this species taking flight on the property. Learn more about them at openspacetrust.org/ bat-colony-in-santa-cruz.

SANTA CRUZ BLACK SALAMANDERS On a recent visit with a herpetologist (one that studies amphibians and reptiles) a rare Santa Cruz Black Salamander was discovered. The celestial appearance of their bodies is quite stunning—they are jet-black with small flecks ranging in color from white, blue to even gold! They depend on the damp environments for survival— breathing through their skin, rather than lungs, they must have moisture to survive.

MOUNTAIN LIONS San Vicente Redwoods plays a critical role in maintaining habitat connectivity for this majestic apex predator, which can have a lifetime range up to 370 square miles. In collaboration with the Puma Project at UC Santa Cruz, we estimate that at least four mountain lions living in the Santa Cruz Mountains regularly use the property. The presence and behavior of the mountain lions are being used to guide long-term management plans for this property. Check out wildlife cam footage of these stunning animals at openspacetrust.org/ blog/open-roads-svr. 7

W H Y I S S T R E A M H A B I TAT

SO VITAL TO WILDLIFE? Of all the various habitat types, stream habitat is one of the most vibrant. It is the lifeblood of our landscape, and the POST community is responsible for protecting over 170 miles of it. To understand just how important this habitat is and what makes it healthy, we created this infographic. One look and you will have a whole new appreciation for our local streams.

225

of endangered species require it during their

Creating structural complexity

Minimizing toxic chemicals

Using drought resistant plants

Using plants that provide food

wildlife i n California depend on it

S T R E AM HAB I TAT

M O S T L IF E ,

but only makes up

0.5 %

of California For more information on building a backyard landscape that supports native species, dig into this recent blog post from Nicole Heller, our Director of Conservation Science: openspacetrust.org/blog/backyard-habitat.

species of

lifetime

S UP P O RT S T HE

Create habitat for local wildlife right in your own backyard, by:

POST has protected

170 MILES

WHAT MAKES FOR HEALTHY STREAM HABITAT? 1 PLANT DIVERSITY

occur in stream habitats.

2 SHADE

VEGETATION BUFFERS

300

of the native plants in California

of vegetation on banks for ideal w ildlife habitat.

COMPLEXITY

Ideal water temperature for steelhead is

A mix of bends, side channels, w oody debris,

44.9-57.9

deep pools and s hallows create a variety of

°F

of streams—the distance from San Francisco to Yosemite

habitats for wildlife. 9

ONE FARM

CLOSER TO FFI GOAL

Across from Bean Hollow State Beach in Pescadero, sits the verdant 96-acre Pebble Beach Farm. Highly visible from Highway 1, POST purchased this farm from the Cordes Family in July to ensure its permanent protection as scenic open space and as a working agricultural operation. 10

ÂŠTeddy MIller 2016 / right ÂŠTeddy MIller 2016

As is typical on the coast, the property has extremely rich soils and is ideal for growing row crops year-round. It is POSTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal that it remains a working farm. In the short-term, that means continuing to lease the land to a long time farming family that currently grows Brussels sprouts, leeks, fennel and other coastal crops on approximately 60 acres. In the future, POST will seek to sell the land to a private operation with an agricultural easement to preserve the landâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open space value and keep it in agricultural production. This means that beach goers exploring the tide pools at Bean Hollow State Beach, and all those traveling down the coast, will enjoy this beautiful backdrop forever. The property may also expand coastal recreation by allowing for a segment of the California Coastal Trail, a trail network spanning the entire 1,200-mile California coastline. A portion of this trail system already runs through Cowell Ranch, another POST-protected farm. It is our hope that there will be more opportunities for POST to help connect this iconic trail on the San Mateo coast. This acquisition marks the fourth farm protected since we announced our Farmland Futures Initiative, and brings us closer to protecting 22 additional farms by 2026. For additional campaign updates and stories from farmlands visit farmlandfutures.org.

A BARN

BUILT TO LAST Pigs, turkeys, chickens, ducks...they all rely on healthy pastures and a viable farm to thrive and provide us with delicious food. The better the farmland habitat, the healthier the animals and the food they provide. One of the most essential components of creating that viable habitat is a functional barn. Since 1997, POST has been caring for a 62-acre corner of Cloverdale Coastal Ranches, that is home to one of the iconic barns of Pescadero. Unfortunately, the barn, which was over 100 years old, was falling apart and impacting the health of Root Down Farm, the current farm operation on the property. So, POST invested in rebuilding the barn as part of our Farmland Futures Initiative. The new barn was sustainably built under the direction of Karl Bareis from Santa Cruz Timberframes. 12

It was built to last for the next 300 years and will be home to many future generations of farmers and farm animals. Our current tenant, Dede Boies, runs Root Down Farm and pasture raises heritage breed turkeys, chickens, ducks and pigs on the property. Her mission is to humanely raise the healthiest animals possible, while working to responsibly steward the land. The deep importance of rebuilding this barn was clear from the number of local farmers, neighbors and POST supporters that eagerly showed up to help with a good old fashioned barn raising over July 4th weekend. The opportunities it will bring to the local community were celebrated by nailing a freshly cut evergreen to the top of the completed frame, a Scandinavian tradition and now, a new POST symbol of a healthy farm. This barn represents POSTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to agriculture on the coast â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to not only protect farmland but also to make essential investments in farm infrastructure. Learn more about this exciting and fulfilling project in our three chapter video series at openspacetrust.org/blog/root-down-barn.

MARCH 1 - JUNE 30, 2016

TRIBUTE GIFTS IN MEMORY OF Christopher Loren Albers Anthony C. Allison Betsy Allyn Gregory Ambrose Brian Bedwell Carol Berkowitz Sheila Breslin Robert Caravalho Jeanne Carevic Frank Carney Mr. Sujhit Chahal Karen Chistenesen Bill & Nancy Corsick David Owen Cox Raymond Warren Danielson, Jr. Dennis Daul Hobey De Staebler Jeffrey Donnelly Arthur K. Erickson, Sr. Joyce Filpi Evelyn Flanary Andrew Griscom Spencer Hiraki George W. Hitz Christian Hoebich Andrew Johnson Will Kauffman 14

IN HONOR OF Tyler Kendall Arthur Kornberg Jeanie Lauer Fred Lippi Bill Lusebrink Rose & George Mackay JoEllen Maguire David L. Nelson Jon Pemberton Jonathon Tristan Perlroth Joseph Ratti Barry Rilliet Robert & Roy Charles Robinson Gwyneth Mary Rudorfer John Sidensol John Soennichsen Ernest Traugott Mr. & Mrs. A. Valentine

Judge K. Arora Jill S. Baron Shawn Byers Tony Chatzi Morgan J. Chivers Donna Dubinsky Rene & Peter Fenerin Lenora Fitting Kathryn Hargis John Koester & Heather Van Nes Dorothy Lunn Alisa MaCavoy Mia Monroe Brad O’Brien Andris Petsiceks Marilyn Proffitt Steve Rabkin Adolph Rosekrans Alexander Rubenstein Audrey Rust Stuart Sailer Todd & Marjel Scheuer Jeff Smith Brian & Rita Thornberry Eric & Roberta Vesperini Loren Walden Marilyn Walter ©Teddy Miller 2016

S AV E O P E N S PA C E

WAYS TO GIVE DO N AT E S TO CK

PROTEC T L AND WITH YOUR IR A

Share your shares now by providing your

Make a simple tax-free gift now by

broker with the following information:

requesting a qualified charitable distribution

FIDELITY INVESTMENTS DTC #0226 FOR CREDIT TO PENINSULA OPEN SPACE TRUST ACCOUNT NUMBER 613-94569

(IRA charitable rollover) or later by designating

Please notify Gina Frangione:

Society, please contact Jeanine Crider,

gfrangione@openspacetrust.org

Director, Planned Giving:

(650) 854-7696 x334

jcrider@openspacetrust.org (650) 854 -7696 x312

POST as a beneficiary. Limitations may apply. To learn more or join the Open Space Legacy

POST’S TAX ID NUMBER IS 94-2392007

Landscapes is printed on 30% post-consumer paper with soy inks. Published by: Peninsula Open Space Trust

222 High Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 854-7696 openspacetrust.org

Design: The Point Collective, Inc. Editor: Blair Friedeman We make every effort to accurately list the names of POST tribute gifts and apologize for any errors or omissions. Please call our office at (650) 854-7696 to notify us of any errors.

“

I have enjoyed biking in the area for over 35 years and continue to explore new trails and vistas. This is a blessing for my body and soul, refreshing me from life in Silicon Valley. What better legacy could I leave than using my IRA to help POST protect these open spaces for my children and future generations to enjoy?

”

— David Brennan

Open Space Legacy Society

POST is a public benefit California corporation and is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to POST are tax-deductible. 15

PENINSULA OPEN SPACE TRUST

H U D D A R T PA R K

222 HIGH STREET

FAMILY NATURE DAY

PALO ALTO, CA 94301 (650) 854-7696 OPENSPACETRUST.ORG

Join POST and our conservation partners for Family Nature Day at Huddart Park. This community celebration will include a donor appreciation breakfast and talk with POST’s Director of Conservation Science, nature walks and activity stations for kids. Learn more, RSVP and receive a free parking pass at postfamilynatureday.eventbrite.com. WHEN: Saturday, September 24, 2016 WHERE: H uddart Park, Woodside CA TIME: 9:00 AM–12:30 PM