DONOR SPOTLIGHT

ROSANNE SIINO

A Spiritual Connection To Nature

“Being in nature brings me peace” As a child growing up in Pittsburg, CA, Rosanne Siino was delighted by wildlife, nature, and the outdoors. As an adult, this connection has become fundamental to who she is. As a Master’s student in Ecotheology at Berkeley’s Graduate Theological Union, Rosanne wants to tie her spirituality with environmental work and ecojustice.

“Even in the midst of today’s climate and biodiversity crises, there is too little talk about ecological issues in our churches,” she says. “I want to change that. I see a spiritual presence in nature and believe we must value what has been given to us. I feel a responsibility to care for what God created.”

Rosanne now lives in Kensington and loves exploring the East Bay Hills just steps from her backyard. During the Covid lockdown, she and her partner decided to explore new places in the area. Fernandez Ranch has become a favorite. “The East Bay has so many habitats; with the area’s biodiversity, you can go on safari right here!”

Seeing so much development in the region since childhood, Rosanne became greatly concerned about habitat loss, and that led her to JMLT. Her introduction involved learning about Pacheco Marsh and our work restoring wetland habitat.

“I want to make a real impact. For me, that means preserving land and habitat, especially wildlife corridors—connecting open space with other open space for wildlife. Filling in the gaps is what JMLT does. The East Bay is where my heart is and I think it is super important to give locally. If you love this area like I do and want it to be a beautiful and vibrant place for your kids and their kids, we need to act now. We are at a tipping point. We all can make a difference for nature, so let’s get on board and do this!”

—Rosanne Siino

JMLT is deeply grateful to Rosanne and thousands of donors like her who make our work possible. As a Friends of Muir giving community member, Rosanne helps provide essential ongoing support for our conservation initiatives and Family Harvest Farm program. As a member of the John Muir Legacy Society, Rosanne’s legacy investment in JMLT means more land will be protected in perpetuity for all human and non-human residents for generations to come. Thank you!

To learn more about what you can do, visit jmlt.org/get-involved

LEARN HOW YOU TOO CAN MAKE JMLT A PART OF YOUR LEGACY.

For more information, please get in touch with Kathleen Stavis at kathleen@jmlt.org or (925) 293-4807 or return the envelope included in the newsletter with your information.

The short Ridgeline Trail is just under a mile long, but it is your pathway to limitless experiences in nature See page 7.

The “Music Inspired By Nature” concert on March 12 donated 100% of ticket sales to JMLT. Thank you! See page 2.

Charity Navigator gives JMLT 4 stars and a charity score of 100% for effectiveness and ef ciency. Then again, you already knew that! jmlt.org/ nance

27, 29, 62, 103

Pounds of owers harvested for wreaths, faces painted, number of wreaths created, and a count of happy attendees. We had so much fun this year at the Winter Festival at Family Harvest Farm. See page 11.

550, 50

In miles, the respective lengths of just two of the many regionally signi cant trails that will be closer to completion if the Campaign to Expand Franklin Ridge succeeds. The Bay Area Ridge Trail is an audaciously bold vision to circumnavigate the entire Bay Area. The Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop will connect over 10,000 acres of parks and open spaces

A single gift. That’s all it takes to make a huge difference. Supporting land conservation helps wildlife, stimulates healthful outdoor recreation, and leaves an enduring legacy of natural beauty for generations to come.