Gratitude Report Annual
Together, we protect the places that make the East Bay special
Vision
The vitality of our open spaces is essential to the health of our earth, air, water, native plants, animals, and all of us. Our vision is to ensure that the beauty and diversity of our natural areas continue to enrich and sustain all generations. John Muir Land Trust acquires, protects, and stewards these lands, and we foster environmental awareness so that everyone understands the need to preserve our natural heritage.
Mission
John Muir Land Trust protects and cares for open space, ranches, farms, parkland and shoreline in the East Bay.
Board of Directors
Stephanie Becker, Chair
Daniel R. Carl, Vice Chair
Karen Sakata, Secretary
Bill Wadsworth, Treasurer
Arthur Bart-Williams, Immediate Past Chair
Linus Eukel, Executive Director
Jack Cortis
Stephen Harvey
Katie Hill
Tim Lipman
Ted C. Radosevich
Jerald M. Weintraub
Connect with us to receive the latest news and updates via email! Scan the QR code or visit jmlt.org
Dear JMLT Community,
Why a gratitude report? Well, it’s more fun than a traditional annual report. And while it’s always nice to receive thanks, it’s even more gratifying to be the one expressing the gratitude. This could be the best part of my job.
And what a year to be thankful for! In 2024, JMLT celebrated 35 years of conservation success illustrated in these pages by a timeline showing the special places we have protected together over that time. In June, we acquired Kenneth Gerlack Preserve and Barnett Ranch. Fittingly, these latest extensions to Franklin Ridge, and our very first project for this landscape, Stonehurst, bookend the timeline and mark extraordinary progress in protecting a vital corridor for wildlife that also serves as a recreational wonderland for human visitors. Throughout the past year Pacheco Marsh was abundant with signs that we’re getting ready for its grand opening in May. Huge cranes dropped bridges into place and bulldozers prepped roads and trails. In October, more folks than ever attended Harvest Festival at Family Harvest Farm, resulting in a cornucopia of faces painted, holiday wreaths constructed, and smiles at every turn.
And of course, a huge highlight of the year was the Fresh Aire Affaire. We extend warm thanks to all of you who shared a delightful late summer evening together and raised a glass to not only our past, but more importantly, to our future. The expanding Bay Delta Campaign is about as exciting as it gets. We have an active pipeline of projects in one of the most important ecosystems on the continent. We are acquiring, restoring, and managing places that protect clean water, nurture wildlife, and support local economies. The impact of this work could not be more far-reaching.
That’s a lot to be thankful for. We’re especially optimistic about what’s ahead because we know what you can do, and that together we can tackle the challenges ahead. Thank you for your generous support. And please take part in an upcoming event where we can share our thanks and enthusiasm in person.
With deep gratitude,
Linus Eukel Executive Director
Together,
Protecting Land
Now and for the
future
Acalanes Ridge - Easily accessed, the ridge offers sweeping views of central Contra Costa.
Buffer Lands - Prevent development and similar activities that threaten larger landscape integrity.
Contra Costa Goldfields - A 30-acre preserve that is home to one of the last known stands of Contra Costa goldfields in their namesake county.
Family Harvest Farm - This 3.5-acre urban regenerative organic farm in Pittsburg employs young adults with experience in the foster care system and grows healthy food for local residents.
Fernandez Ranch - A breathtakingly untouched 1,185-acre contrast to populated cities nearby, here hikers see stunning views of San Francisco Bay.
Franklin Ridge - Intact natural corridors are essential if wild species are to adapt to climate change. JMLT is adding key parcels to the 10,000-acre Franklin Ridge Wildlife and Trail Corridor.
John Muir National Historic Site - JMLT acquired 44-acre West Hills Farm where the famed naturalist walked with his two daughters. Nearby Mount Wanda is named for his eldest.
Moraga Hills - Carr Ranch provides many things: clean drinking water, essential wildlife habitat for threatened species, and beautiful open space. Harvey Ranch is the newly opened gateway to a 15,000-acre wilderness wonderland.
Neighborhood Parks & Gardens - JMLT was founded to protect the Stonehurst property as a neighborhood park and habitat for local wildlife. Margaret Bodfish established a trust so that their home could become a 7-acre preserve that is now a beloved community treasure. Hamlin Nature Park gives people access to the natural beauty of the East Bay just steps from their front doors.
Pacheco Marsh - A tiny percentage of the Bay’s saltwater tidal marshes remain in their natural state. JMLT is restoring a rare 232acre habitat that is critical to our region’s ecosystem and to the health of marine wildlife.
Painted Rock - This 84-acre hill located between Lafayette and Moraga is a well-known community landmark. It will soon anchor a 505-acre public open space—a remarkable recreational resource with miles of trails and scenic views.
Franklin Ridge
Success! Thank you!
In July, we completed the $6.5 million campaign to add two new special places to Franklin Ridge. With your generous support here, and in decades past, we’ve been piecing together a mosaic of permanently preserved lands. Southwest of downtown Martinez, this stunning ridgeline is a vital refuge for native wildlife and a recreational haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
Two new additions:
Kenneth Gerlack Preserve is a delightful 100-acre former ranch of welldefined ravines, hilltops, plateaus, open grasslands, and native oak woodlands on northerly facing slopes. This is a vital link in regional trails.
The sweeping north-facing grasslands of 134-acre Barnett Ranch draw the eye out to San Francisco Bay and across San Pablo Bay to dramatic views of northern wine country hills and valleys. Just breathtaking. 780
Crocke Hills Regional Park
Benicia
Suisun Bay
Contra
Pacheco Marsh
Alhambra Hills
Carquinez
Pacheco Marsh
Grand Opening May 3rd!
After decades of intensive planning and extensive restoration, and thanks to the generous support of so many of you in the JMLT community, the much anticipated opening of Pacheco Marsh is upon us! Of the many milestones we’ve celebrated at the marsh over the years, this is the big one. Lace up your boots and explore!
For information about the grand opening and a map, visit jmlt.org.
Occupying 232 acres on Suisun Bay, this fragile salt marsh habitat is being restored after a century of harsh industrial overuse. Now a pristine wildlife refuge, here is a truly unique outdoor experience, and an engaging and educational destination for young visitors. All thanks to you!
New Funds For Conservation
A huge conservation milestone in 2024 was the passage of Proposition 4 on the November ballot.
Most certainly, you were among the 60% of Californians who voted “Yes” and approved the $10 billion bond for critical environmental projects across the state. Thank you!
What this means
New sources of funding from state agencies to acquire and restore land, including opportunities for JMLT to seek grants for projects in the Bay Delta and East Bay. This will protect clean air and water; preserve more iconic landscapes; and provide greater access to the outdoors for more residents.
Your donations matter even more and go even further. Your financial support is critical when JMLT makes the case to receive grants. These grants mean that each dollar you give is leveraged 4x or even more! Thank you!
What’s Ahead?
Together, we’ll …
Our new Bay Delta Campaign is one for the ages. The JMLT Community is mobilizing to protect, replenish, and restore one of the most important ecosystems on the continent. We are now a go-to partner for vital conservation projects in the region. Thanks to you! Our track record at Pacheco Marsh and the power of your continued support shows we can get these ambitiously complex projects done.
Prompt an infinity of questions from young minds learning about salt marshes
Provide millions of wetlands meals for hungry salmon hatchlings
Put many new sets of binoculars into the hands of young birders
Add new counters to Annual Bird Count
Volunteers Get it Done!
Humans need nature, and nature needs humans. That latter notion speaks to the invaluable help we receive from all of you who generously donate your time, not to mention your arms, legs, brains, energy, spirit, and good company to help us care for our special places. Stewardship of JMLT lands is never-ending. Your help makes it possible!
Interested in Volunteering?
Invasives extracted Trails improved Old fencing removed New fencing installed
Mountain lions tracked Conditions monitored Goldfields counted Events staffed
Food for families harvested Wildflowers spotted New folks recruited Smiles all around
The people who donate, volunteer, encourage others to get involved, and get outside to enjoy the special places that together we have protected in the 35-year history of John Muir Land Trust. Community is everything! We celebrate you!
Harvest Festival
Record numbers of families attended the Annual Harvest Festival at Family Harvest Farm. Everyone delighted in the joyful smiles and sounds of the children in our community as they got their hands dirty, had their faces painted, assembled wreaths, painted pumpkins, planted seedlings and collected and counted eggs.
JMLT’s urban, organic, regenerative farm in Pittsburg employs young adults leaving the foster care system. Here they find community and career training. On any given day, you’ll see apprentices tending the plant beds, making plans under the pole barn, and nurturing seedlings in the greenhouse. The result? Healthy meals for local families!
Interested in learning more?
Celebrating 35 Years of Conservation at the
FRESH AIRE AFFAIRE
Thank you to our donors and sponsors for enabling our past, celebrating our achievements with us, and for joining hand in hand for a brilliant future together.
PRESENTING SPONSOR: JERRY & MELODY HOWE WEINTRAUB
CONSERVATION LEADERS:
FRIENDS OF MUIR:
DAN & ALLYN CARL
HABITAT HERO:
IN HONOR
100 Women Who Care
Contra Costa County
Ted Ancheta
Mike Anciaux
Kristen Anderson
Gabriel Ayalin
Ken Bick
Dawn Block
Bruce Burns
Peggy and Bobby Cabaniss ❊
Brad Christie ❊
Jack Cortis
K. M. Cuffey and P. N. Lombard ❊
Ken Fischer
Jacque Hall
Mark Hall
Frederick Hill
Melanie Hogan
Sandra and Douglas Jamieson ❊
Mark Johnke
John LaMotte
Carol Lane and Larry Bradley ❊
Ginger Megley
Joe Megley
Allen & Betty Nelson
Thanh Lan Newman
Sarah Pearson
MDIA’s Peregrine Team
Tom Robinson
IN MEMORIAM
Max Ainsworth
Trudy Ausfahl
Serena Bardell
Matthew Behrens
Cindy Beitmen
Mary Lou Blumer
Doug Browne
David Burnley
Ted Chan
Mary Clontz
Stephen Cowan
Paul Craig
Harriet Dhanak
Nancy Donkonics
Frank Easterly
Claude Fadelli
Jean and John Geyer
Margaret Koue
Phil Leigh
John M. Mahoney
Kathleen McNellis
Sean ODonnell
Don Meeker
Hazel Mersfelder
Paul Muniz
Archibald Nighbor
Bert O’Donovan
Violet & Clarence Schaffer ❊
Dad & Mom Shough
Kathy Silvey
Mr. & Mrs. Louis E. Stoddard III
Susan Sullivan ❊
Alexander Ticehurst
Catherine Udd
Bruce & Mary Verstraete
Charitable Fund ❊
Bill & Ginger Wadsworth
Bill Walton
Jerald Weintraub
Carly Wood
George & Sarah Zimmerman
Chris Okumoto
Charles Ordonez
Fred Ottinger
George Paganelli
Tom Partlow
Denis Regan
Tim Ryan
Matt Sardinia
Wiley Sponsler
Petal & Everett Turner
Jax Vitkovich
Robert Wagner
Thomas Watt
Julia Wieland ❊
Your Donation Goes Far
Our team and board Out and about
Enjoying time with our donors, friends and families, getting outside, enjoying events, hiking, and getting to know our community. The best part of the job!
Come meet each other, enjoy great food and lots of laughs!
