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H O R I ZO N S P rotec ting the pla ces that m ake t h e East B ay sp e c i a l

SPRING 2018

Almond Ranch

URGENT: HELP SAVE ALMOND RANCH A place viewed as an essential priority by conservationists for decades, Almond Ranch is one critical step closer to becoming protected public open space. John Muir Land Trust is thrilled to announce that we have the property under contract and could permanently protect it — if we raise $4 million by the end of 2019. Saving Almond Ranch from development—the alternative outcome—would be a dream come true for everyone familiar with this stunning place nestled in the East Bay Hills. The Campaign To Save Almond Ranch is launched with a first commitment of $1 million from the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) using funds made available by voters’ approval of Measure WW in 2008 for high-priority community park projects. The contribution is extraordinarily generous and it demonstrates the importance of this unique place to filling the gaps in the East Bay’s mosaic of preserved landscapes. “Few places have been discussed over the years as being so necessary for conservation,” says Robert Doyle, General Manager of EBRPD. “Adding Almond Ranch to the places already acquired on Franklin Ridge by JMLT would be the perfect outcome,” confirms Colin Coffey, EBRPD’s Board Member representing this part of the county. “We’re excited to make the lead contribution.” THE MISSING PIECE: KEY CONNECTIONS A gorgeous 281-acre property south of downtown Martinez, Almond Ranch connects for the first time three large landscapes that comprise fully 18,000 acres of protected open space, and importantly, it fills an essential gap in the 550-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail. “This is a critical missing link of the trail and a beautiful scenic property,” adds Doyle, also a founding board member of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council.

what’s inside

Executive Director’s Message.....................2 Latino Outdoors.........................................2 Help Save Almond Ranch (Continuation)......3 About Carr Ranch......................................4 Carr Ranch Loop Trail............................. 4-5 Making Connections............................... 6-7 Help Save Almond Ranch (Continuation)......8 Economic Benefits of Conserving Land........9 Carr Ranch Dedicated................................9 Almond Ranch by the Numbers.................10

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Yes on Proposition 68...............................11

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Greetings, JOHN MUIR LAND TRUST P.O. Box 31 Martinez, CA 94553 925-228-5460 info@jmlt.org jmlt.org

STAFF Linus Eukel Executive Director Karen Booth Individual Giving Manager Jay Dean Creative Strategy Director Hannah Hodgson Community Programs Associate Glen Lewis Open Space Ranger Lynette Lievens Finance Manager Kristin Salmon Conservation & Development Associate Krista Vossekuil Senior Manager Development & Communications

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

It is exciting to be launching a new campaign to save another special place. Describing it for the first time to someone is always a bit like discovering an East Bay treasure for the first time yourself. Since our founding days, the permanent protection of Almond Ranch has always been a top priority for JMLT. The fact that we finally have an opportunity to purchase this beautiful 281-acre property—in the hills a short distance from John Muir’s home in Martinez—and that we’re one step closer to protecting it, is nothing short of thrilling. Almond Ranch is the proverbial critical “missing piece.” If the Campaign To Save Almond Ranch succeeds, this acquisition will tie together six properties we’ve already protected in the adjacent hills. Almond is the vital connection for fully 18,000 acres of glorious open space: Mount Wanda, West Hills Farm, Briones Regional Park, Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline, Radke Regional Shoreline, and the Franklin Ridge Wildlife and Trail Corridor. These are not connected by trail today, but will be if we succeed. To top it off, Almond adds one of the most important missing segments to the proposed 550-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail and to the 50-mile Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail. The effort to save Almond Ranch began decades ago. This campaign demonstrates why the land trust model works so well. Every special property has unique circumstances. Land trusts can take the long view, be patient, and build trusting relationships with landowners. And, of course, we have thousands of passionate supporters like you … who make it all possible! Thank you. You’ll learn more about Almond Ranch in this issue of Horizons, and see updates on the loop trail at recently opened Carr Ranch. It’s spring and a wonderful time to be outside. Enjoy!

Dawn Block Chair Eliot Hudson Vice Chair Arthur Bart-Williams Secretary Bill Wadsworth Treasurer Charles Lewis IV Immediate Past Chair Peggy S. Cabaniss Jack Cortis Katie Hill Steve Hutchcraft Steven Kirby Ted C. Radosevich Photo credits: Karen Booth, Jay Dean, David Grube, Kristin Salmon, Adam Wiedenbach Follow us on social media:

PAG E T WO

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Linus Eukel, Executive Director

Latino Outdoors Twenty-five members of conservation and education organization, Latino Outdoors, spent a sunny day at Fernandez Ranch in February for an outdoor skills workshop and hike around the property’s 5-mile loop trail. Founder José Gabriel González (pictured, center) taught the group how to identify native plants such as Coyote Brush and California Laurel, how to read trail signs, and how tree stump rings reveal age and annual growing conditions. This energetic organization celebrates the unique cultural connection between the Latino community and nature. Learn more: latinooutdoors.org

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URGENT: HELP SAVE ALMOND RANCH Continued from page 1

The ranch helps to complete a recreational hub and resource preserve that JMLT has worked years to create. Positioned at the center of six separate acquisitions, the ranch has been described as the “empty heart” on the JMLT map. “That property was in the eye of the land trust even before there was a land trust,” says Paul Craig of the Land Acquisition Committee and former Board Member. East Bay Regional Park District is excited to make a $1 million commitment. This is why land trusts such as JMLT exist—to complete acquisitions like Almond Ranch. We’re thrilled to be their partner!

“The benefits to the public will be far-reaching,” adds Tom Leatherman, General Superintendent of the adjacent John Muir National Historic Site and three other parks. “It allows trail users on Mount Wanda to explore nearby open lands and experience them in new ways. That’s what people tell us they want—new kinds of trails, and new connections.” PROTECTING WATER Almond Ranch protects the stability of the ecosystem in the area for wildlife and vegetation. The headwaters of Franklin Creek and Strentzel Creek, a tributary to the Alhambra Creek watershed and named for John Muir’s father-in-law, are situated here. Leatherman sees an acquisition by JMLT as an opportunity to bring “vital integrated management of downstream issues such as erosion and sedimentation.”

The onsite springs and seeps are dear to Linda Almond Nichols, who lived on the land as a child. She remembers her uncle capturing spring waters to form pools for his cattle during hot summers. She and older brother Ron would take dips to cool off. Their uncle Vernon was a carpenter by trade who raised cattle on the ranch, starting in the late 1930s. Today, the weathered boards of barns and corrals that Vernon built by hand speak to the long ranching history of this property and others along the Franklin Ridge from the time Don Ignacio Martinez’s cattle first roamed these hills and valleys. John Muir’s right-hand man at his fruit ranch, Jóse Figueredo, worked at Almond Ranch on occasion. Vernon Almond purchased his 165 acres from the Brackman family in 1942, around the time the ranch’s cattle brand became “The Flying A.” The Brackmans farmed red oat hay on the land for nearly 100 years. Colin Coffey EBRPD Ward 7 Board Member

Members of the Almond family appreciate that JMLT is a community-based organization working locally to protect land. “We’re happy as can be,” says one, “this land has a rich history and it should go back to nature — to what it used to be.” continues on page 8 PAG E T H R E E

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ABOUT CARR RANCH

Carr Ranch Loop Trail LACE UP YOUR HIKING BOOTS! Last October, our tireless ranger Glen Lewis led three dozen energetic JMLT supporters of all ages and hiking abilities on an inaugural trek around the Carr Ranch Loop Trail. Depending on your pace and how often you pause to enjoy the remarkable views (and in my case, on the stiffness of your knees), completing the 6-mile loop from a start at Rancho Laguna Park takes about half a day and requires two full water bottles. Our first mile was capped by a vigorous 500-foot ascent to enjoy clear views of Carr Ranch to the north and the extensive Las Trampas Regional Wilderness to the south. Scaling down the other side we crossed a new trail segment recently cut through dense brush to meet a shaded fire trail along Buckhorn Creek. Here we felt distantly removed from it all—it was so difficult to visualize the densely settled neighborhoods a few miles away. Raptors soared overhead and dusky-footed woodrats scurried around nests of odd shapes and sizes along our path.

JMLT’s most recent acquisition, a critical addition to the protected lands of the Upper San Leandro Watershed, Carr Ranch is the result of a unique partnership with East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). JMLT raised $7 million for the acquisition and permanent preservation of Carr Ranch in 2016. An outpouring of generous contributions from families, businesses, and agencies across the East Bay made the difference. This pristine 604acre natural preserve south of Lamorinda provides habitat for native wildlife and endangered species, supplies clean water for thousands, and offers visitors miles of secluded trails and spectacular views of the entire Bay Area. For more information on Carr Ranch and a trail map, visit jmlt.org/carrranch PAG E F O U R

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We then made another long climb to an elevation that approaches 1,300 feet. This ridgeline provides 360-degree views of the entire region—Carquinez Strait to the north and the San Francisco Bay to the west and southwest. Just spectacular. On our long descent we navigated through a small cluster of cattle seeking shade from the midday sun. It was a perfect fall day—passable dry creekbeds and a dusty landscape of toasted browns and siennas, parched from the heat. We’ve been so pleased to hear from those of you who have enjoyed a visit to Carr Ranch this winter. Get out there now for green hillsides and flowing creeks. And send us a note to let us know what you think! By Jay Dean

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MAKING

Connections

ALL TRAILS LEAD TO ... ALMOND RANCH Let’s say you’re trying to connect the final dots in the East Bay’s marvelous system of hiking, cycling, and equestrian trails—a remarkable community resource that weaves together our neighborhoods. Almond Ranch is the single dot—the missing connection—that stands out to many observers.

Almond Ranch is the hub around which three huge conserved landscapes revolve—nearly 18,000 acres of grand ridgelines and sheltered valleys that offer miles of multi-use trails. These lack one thing: a connection. Almond Ranch provides that.

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Briones Regional Park provides 6,255 acres of wilderness wonderland. A crown jewel of the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD), and close by the homes of millions, here visitors feel delightfully “lost” in secluded valleys and atop serene peaks.

2 The 1,415 acres of EBRPD’s Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline straddle the high bluffs between Crockett and Martinez. Coastal hills rise steeply to 750 feet above Carquinez Strait. Wildlife thrives and hikers, cyclists and equestrians enjoy sunny trails along rolling grasslands and in the shade of wooded ravines of oak, bay and buckeye. Nearby, Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline is a picturesque, 343-acre park that combines restored wetlands and thoughtfully integrated features for downtown neighborhoods.

80 FERNANDEZ RANCH

3 West of Almond Ranch is the 10,000-acre Franklin Ridge Wildlife and Trail Corridor—an area that JMLT defined for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife that includes Fernandez Ranch and the Pinole Watershed. Here are important populations of special-status species such as the threatened Alameda whipsnake and California red-legged frog. Visitors trek through diverse ecosystems of annual grassland, coast live oak woodland, chaparral and scrub.

Pinole Watershed Lands

Almond Ranch would connect these for the very first time.

Wildcat Canyon Regional Park

PAG E S I X

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San Pablo Reservoir

A LINK

FOR LANDSCAPES IN CONTRA COSTA

A Critical Addition to the Bay Area Ridge Trail The Bay Area Ridge Trail is an audaciously grand vision for a 550-mile loop encircling the Bay Area and connecting over 75 individual parks and open spaces. The first trail segment was dedicated in 1989, and today, 375 miles are open for exploration. In Contra Costa County, 43 of a planned 49 miles of trail are completed. Almond Ranch adds one of the most vital missing segments—not just in the county, but in the entire Bay Area.

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A Must for the Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail (CSSLT) When completed, the CSSLT will be a 50-mile trail around Carquinez Strait that allows pedestrian and bicycle crossing of two major bridges, and direct connections between Benicia, Martinez, and Crockett. No fewer than five trails of regional and state significance align here. Ten miles short of completion, only two missing segments of the trail necessitate acquiring new land. Almond Ranch is one.

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Connecting Our Six JMLT has been acquiring properties along the Franklin Ridge since our founding. Almond Ranch is described as the “missing heart” at the intersection of six: Dutra, Gustin, Sky, Stonehurst, Mount Wanda, and West Hills Farm. Adding Almond would create a 1,380-acre integrated landscape that offers delightful recreation for human visitors and an unbroken wildlife corridor for the myriad other species who thrive here.

Join Us! We can save Almond Ranch and make all of these critical connections. The alternative: losing this opportunity forever. Please make a donation today. Thank you!

Briones Reservoir Bay Area Ridge Trail

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URGENT: HELP SAVE ALMOND RANCH Continued from page 3

PRESERVING HABITAT As a preserved island of natural land ringed by development, Franklin Ridge has the potential to become an unbroken corridor for native and endangered wildlife protecting the habitats on which they depend. Conserving Almond Ranch is the critical step. Jake Schweitzer, Senior Ecologist for Vollmar Natural Lands Consulting, knows the ridge well and will be conducting a detailed resource assessment this spring when plants are blooming and animals are active. “We will have cameras to capture charismatic megafauna,” he says. “Mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, badgers and coyotes are vital to a balanced ecosystem.” The terrain includes grassland, coastal scrub, oak-bay forests and stream corridors. The land is part of designated critical habitat for the threatened Alameda whipsnake. Two stock ponds on the property provide breeding habitat for amphibians, including newts and the endangered California red-legged frog. Grasslands are home to many species, and patrolled by raptors such as whitetailed kites, golden eagles and hawks. Oak trees provide support to countless wildlife species. Hollow trees can provide havens for bats, who “are in a lot of trouble these days,” says Schweitzer. “A single bat can consume millions of pest insects in a lifetime.” GLORIOUS VIEWS Easily accessed from nearby urban neighborhoods and visible from Highway 4, the ranch’s highest peak rises 800 feet, some 300 feet above Mt. Wanda. Views are spectacular, with panoramic sweeps of the Carquinez Strait, Suisun Bay, Mt. Diablo and rolling East Bay hills and valleys. There is no doubt that John Muir enjoyed these same views as he strolled the ridgeline with his daughters, Wanda and Helen. And it’s not unlikely that he took a few of his famous 40mile saunters on top of its hills and into its forested dales. Together we can do this. The heart of this open space mosaic is Almond Ranch. It offers connection along the Franklin Ridge: a bringing together of historic ranches and long-used trails, a habitat corridor for native plants and animals, and a place for people to slip into nature for a time to escape. We need your help to succeed. Please donate today. For more information and to see photos, visit jmlt.org/almondranch PAG E E I G H T

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Economic Benefits

OF CONSERVING LAND Money Does Grow On Trees!

Insert those words — “Economic Benefits of Conserving Land” — into a search engine and you’ll discover an expanding list of rigorous academic studies that quantify the considerable return on investment we receive from money spent to protect natural open spaces and to create parks. In several independent studies The Trust For Public Land (tpl.org) has calculated that $1 invested in land conservation returns $4 in economic value in natural goods and services in Virginia, Massachusetts, and Ohio. The return in New Hampshire is an eye-popping $11. These days there is much talk about investing in Infrastructure — usually thought of as road and bridges, as things made of concrete and steel. Investments in our Green Infrastructure are equally important, much more pleasing to the eye, and potentially timeless. Far from being money that is “set aside,” investments in land conservation go into resources that provide essential benefits …. forever. That’s ROI no savvy investor would pass up! The benefits we receive here in the East Bay are huge. In 2017 the East Bay Regional Park District commissioned a study that concludes that the 120,000 conserved acres in the District produce an annual economic value of $500 million to East Bay residents, and additional related economic impacts of $191 million annually. Wow. Here are a few of those benefits: • Ecosystem services such as clean air and water, healthy food, wildlife habitat, genetic diversity, pollination, waste treatment, and climate regulation

• Public health and welfare

• Business attraction, retention, and capital spending

• Enhanced property values

• Recreation and tourism

• Enhanced quality of life

• Public safety and education

If you’re thinking about where your next investment dollar should go …. you might just look outside. For a link to the insightful EBRPD study and more info go to jmlt.org/economicbenefits

CARR RANCH

Dedicated

On a sunny morning last October 14th, a few hundred smiling JMLT supporters and guests gathered at Rancho Laguna Park in Moraga to celebrate the official dedication of Carr Ranch. This beautiful 604-acre former cattle ranch in the Upper San Leandro Watershed is open to the public thanks to your generous support. In a unique partnership with East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), JMLT preserved this natural treasure that protects clean water, provides critical wildlife habitat, and offers miles of trails for hiking, wildlife viewing, dog walking, and equestrian activities.

Pictured (left to right): U.S. Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11); California Assemblywoman Catharine Baker (16th District); Teresa Onoda, Councilmember and Immediate Past Mayor, Town of Moraga; Marguerite Young, EBMUD Board Member Ward 3; California Senator Steve Glazer (7th District), Linus Eukel, Executive Director of JMLT.

PAG E N I N E

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Almond Ranch BY THE NUMBERS

One of the single most important missing segments of the proposed 550-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail. Saving Almond Ranch is the only way to connect this key part of the trail.

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The total acreage of conserved lands that could be connected for the very first time via Almond Ranch by trails running north/south and east/west. These are the Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline and Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline (1,758 acres), Briones Regional Park (6,255 acres), and the 10,000-acre area to the west known as the Franklin Ridge Wildlife and Trail Corridor.

Degrees of panoramic views of delightful waters, hills, mountains, and valleys visible from its ridgetops. Visitors are dazzled by the Carquinez Strait and Bay Delta region to the north, Mount Diablo and the distant Sierra Nevada to the east, the rolling hills of Briones Regional Park to the south, and San Francisco Bay to the west.

Number of successful acquisitions already made by JMLT on Franklin Ridge. Almond Ranch unites them into one integrated protected landscape of 1,380 acres…. with the likelihood of more to come.

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GU ST I N R AN C H

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Remarkably, only two of the final missing segments to complete the 50-mile Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail require new land acquisitions. Almond Ranch is one.

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WEST HILLS FARM

Of generous people—like you—whose contributions will make this possible.

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Length of time Bay Area residents will enjoy hiking in these remarkable hills above the Bay … if we succeed.

In acres, what will be added to the wildlife habitat corridor along Franklin Ridge that supports a wide spectrum of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians — notably the threatened Alameda whipsnake and endangered California red-legged frog. Streams feed water to the Bay via Alhambra Creek, home of the famous Martinez beavers. Scientists agree that intact habitat corridors are most essential for the well-being of native species as they adapt to climate change and the impacts of human communities.

JOHN MUIR LAND TRUST

THOUSANDS PAG E T E N

FOREVER

4 MILLION In dollars, our fundraising goal by the end of 2019. EBRPD has already committed $1 million! With your help, we recently raised nearly twice that for the acquisition of Carr Ranch. We can do this together!

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Vote YES on Proposition 68!

VOOTNE6 YE

$4 BILLION FOR CLEAN WATER, PARKS On the June 5th ballot, your vote addresses some of our state’s most important natural resource needs. It has been 15 years since California last passed a bond to provide funds for water, parks, and natural areas. Proposition 68 will invest in securing water supplies and ensuring that every Californian has access to clean drinking water and safe parks.

Projects in the JMLT pipeline will benefit directly. If approved, Prop 68 will authorize $4 billion in general obligation bonds for state and local parks, for environmental protection and restoration work, and for water infrastructure and flood protection projects. Much revenue would go to communities with lower household incomes; and the largest allocation—$725 million—would create parks in park-poor neighborhoods. JMLT is joining the many environmental groups that are contributing funds to support Prop 68 and urging everyone to vote yes. Nationwide, such state and local ballot measures have become the most important tool for creating essential funding for conservation. This year is California’s turn. Voting yes preserves beautiful natural places, supports wildlife, protects water, and gives more people—especially children—greater access to the outdoors. If recent elections have taught us one thing, it’s that every single vote matters. Please spread the word and get to the polls! More: jmlt.org/prop68

DONOR SPOTLIGHT Hiking Runs In The Family Their youngest grandsons, aged 3 and almost 2, have toddler-sized legs, but they still give Beanie and Mark Wilson a workout on the trails. “They’ve been out in nature in backpacks and strollers since they were tiny,” says Beanie. “We did the same when our kids were that age. Now when we hike, we’ve got three generations outside. Not to mention three dogs!” Beanie is an avid gardener, and she loves to spend time on trails without earphones, to better experience the natural surroundings and the quiet. Mark travels for duck hunting and fly fishing. The couple recently traversed the entire John Muir Trail over three summers. Now it’s Briones Regional Park multiple times a week, and in JMLT’s open spaces atop Franklin Ridge and Stonehurst, the neighborhood where they live. The two are thrilled about Almond Ranch. “Aside from being the backdrop to our community, it’s nice to know it’s going to remain as it is now. Everyone needs places like that. I love looking at green hills and oak trees. We’ll soon walk out our front door, turn right and be on the property,” says Beanie. “Almond is the missing piece; it hooks up everything!” Mark explains, “I became involved in the mid-90s. I researched the land trust approach, and the whole thing made sense to me. The Land Trust respects property values, and works with voluntary sellers. I’ve been a businessman all my life, and I like that it’s a business transaction while still doing something for the environment and the outdoors. It really appeals to the businessman in me.” JMLT expresses heartfelt thanks to the Wilson family for their many years of support and for being lead donors in the Campaign To Save Almond Ranch. Please join them today! jmlt.org/donate PAG E E L E V E N

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Nonprofit U.S. Postage PAID Martinez, CA Permit No. 189

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P.O. Box 31, Martinez CA 94553

CARR RANCH

Yes on Prop 68 on June 5th!

Itâ€™s been 15 years, and California is long overdue. Vote to preserve beautiful natural places, protect wildlife, secure clean water, and provide greater access to parks for everyone. (see p. 11)

JMLT

LEGACY GIFTS

MAKE A LASTING DIFFERENCE Preserved land is a lasting legacy for future generations. You provide a solid foundation for JMLTâ€™s conservation efforts through the donation of a legacy gift: Bequests | Charitable Trusts | Life Insurance Stock Gifts | Retirement Plan

Back On The Road! Supporter and dear friend Doug McConnell returns with a new season of Open Road. A veteran television personality and passionate advocate for the outdoors, Doug explores places off the beaten track as he shares inspirational stories about protecting these lands for public enjoyment. JMLT is a sponsor and Doug will be taking you for a visit to Almond Ranch. Sundays 6:30 p.m. on NBC Bay Area

For more information about Legacy Gifts visit jmlt.org or contact Executive Director Linus Eukel at linus@jmlt.org or 925-228-1130. jmlt.org