Horizons Spring 2025 by John Muir Land Trust

JOHN MUIR LAND TRUST HORIZONS

Protecting the places that make the East Bay special

SPRING 2025

BAY DELTA CAMPAIGN 3 MUST-DO PROJECTS

A top strategic initiative for John Muir Land Trust (JMLT), the Bay Delta Campaign is restoring fragile marsh lands in the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. We are permanently protecting threatened places that are essential to the health of the region’s freshwater and marine wildlife habitats. This natural system supports 700 native species, including two-thirds of the state’s spawning salmon and a billion birds on seasonal migrations. More than 25 million Californians depend on the Delta for drinking water. Yet, tragically, over 90% of historic tidal wetlands have been lost over the decades.

This year the Bay Delta Campaign is supporting three major restoration projects along our shores. At Pacheco Marsh, JMLT is revitalizing a marsh and reversing a century of industrial abuse. On May 3rd the site opened as a unique opportunity for nature lovers to experience a salt marsh ecosystem up close. Last December, JMLT purchased Hoover Ranch, best known as a 600-acre haven for native waterfowl and bird species that migrate seasonally along the Pacific Flyway. Our most recent acquisition, Point Buckler Island, is the newest milestone in a decades-long commitment to protecting one of the most important ecosystems on the continent.

EXCITING VISIONS

Point Buckler Island

Clearing a path for migrating fish. The restoration task on this 29-acre island is atypical: removing an un authorized levee that blocks tidal channels and closes off a passageway for salmon and other fish.

Hoover Ranch

Restoring vital habitat. The ranch features nearly two miles of shoreline, and will be restored as pristine habitat. Next up? Creating a vision for a wildlife haven and destination on every birder’s must-visit list.

Pacheco Marsh

Connecting people to nature. A restored and newly opened Pacheco Marsh offers a delightful outdoor experience with miles of trails to explore, and fun facts posted along the way. The needed ingredient: more curious young minds!

JOHN MUIR LAND TRUST

P.O. Box 31, Martinez, CA 94553

925-228-5460 • info@jmlt.org jmlt.org

Linus Eukel

Executive Director

Kristen Anderson Director of Digital Marketing

Ricardo Black

Manager of Stewardship & Public Engagement

Mary Cherry

Senior Farm Manager

Jay Dean

Creative Strategy Director

Amelia Flack

Grants & Institutional Giving Manager

Jen Fong

Workforce Development Manager

Brionna Garner

Database and Operations Manager

Lisa Lomba

Chief Advancement Officer

Alex Mokhtari-Fox

Associate Stewardship Director

Tim Rantala

Stewardship Ranger

Neil Roscoe

Chief Financial Officer

Kathleen Stavis

Director of Individual & Legacy Giving

James Wilson Stewardship Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Stephanie Becker Chair

Dan R. Carl Vice Chair

Karen Sakata

Secretary

Jerald M. Weintraub Treasurer

Arthur Bart-Williams

Immediate Past Chair

Jack Cortis

Stephen Harvey

Katie Hill

Tim Lipman

Ted C. Radosevich

Many thanks to the photographers who contributed to this issue:

Adam Weidenbach, Ana Homonnay, Jodi Foucher, Evan B Dudley, Jordan Plotsky, and John Grubka

Dear Friends,

If you were among the hundreds of delighted folks who enjoyed our grand opening of Pacheco Marsh on May 3rd, I hope you were left wide-eyed by what you saw. If not, plan a visit soon!

A walk here is unique among the many wonderful outdoor excursions that we can enjoy in the Bay Area because of what’s here now, and because of the story behind it.

What’s here? More than two miles of trails through marshes and near shoreline, picnic areas, a kayak launch, and pedestrian bridges crossing tidal channels. An outdoor classroom and fun facts along the way. The story? Generations ago, the Bay Delta supported a vast ecosystem of upstream freshwater marshes, and downstream saltwater marshes and mudflats. These filtered sediments and contaminants. They served as vital stopovers for migrating birds and as critical pathways for salmon, sturgeon, and steelhead— fish that are born in rivers and live adult lives in the ocean. However, in the last two centuries, humans erected levees and dikes. They drained marshes. They cleared farmland, built homes, and established towns — all while modifying the landscape against high water and flooding. This resulted in the loss of more than 90% of our historic tidal wetlands.

Pacheco Marsh is a microcosm for this larger story. It bears deep scars of industrial activity. Over the years, the marsh had been diked, drained, and partially filled with dredge spoils. A large sanitary sewer outfall and road was built down its middle. The north end was used to offload sand mined in the Bay.

Now? Well, you really do have to see for yourself. It’s a functioning and thriving marsh habitat again. Young people have a fabulous time exploring this unique natural environment. Here they learn firsthand how we can reverse the harmful effects of human activity on precious natural resources. That’s an outcome that gives us all joy and hope! You made this possible. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Linus Eukel, Executive Director

In Memoriam

Former Supervisor Federal Glover passed away in May after decades of service to Contra Costa County. A delightful presence at JMLT events, Federal was a huge supporter of our work, and wrote letters and made many phone calls on our behalf. In particular, Pacheco Marsh and Family Harvest Farm benefited from his tireless advocacy of land conservation in the East Bay. We miss him.

Protecting the places that make the East Bay special

BAY DELTA CAMPAIGN A CONSERVATION IMPERATIVE

The San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is an economic and environmental resource with few equals. And yet, the Bay Delta is in crisis. Invasive species, pesticide runoff, nutrient pollution, industrial discharges, dredging, water diversions, levees, and poor management have put this vital natural system at high risk. Once abundant, over 90% of historic marsh lands have been lost. Climate change introduces new threats.

Why This Matters

• As the largest estuary on the western coast of the Americas, the Bay Delta drains 40 percent of the fresh water in California.

• More than 25 million Californians depend on the system for drinking water, and it supplies water to millions of acres of farmland.

• Over 700 native species depend on it. Nearly half of California's migrating waterfowl and shorebirds pass through it.

• Salt marshes provide essential nutrients, refuge, and nursery habitat for two-thirds of the state's spawning salmon.

• Farmers and millions of residents depend on the Bay Delta for their livelihoods

There is much work to do! JMLT has acquired three properties, with more to come. Our comprehensive nature-based restoration plans will address the multiplying threats of habitat degradation, problem levees, carbon emissions, and subsidence. Together, with your support, we’re doing this because the health of the Bay Delta is crucial for wildlife preservation, the state’s economy, public welfare, and our quality of life.

Pacheco Marsh

Hoover Ranch

Point Buckler Island

Protecting the places that make the East Bay special

HOOVER RANCH AN IMPORTANT STOP ON THE PACIFIC FLYWAY

One look at its central location on a map of the Bay Delta makes it clear why the protection of Hoover Ranch is so important. With nearly two miles of shoreline along the northeastern edge of Bethel Island, it provides vital habitat for fish, birds, and wildlife. The area is a favorite destination for birders, who look for greater sandhill cranes and snow geese, and for nesting species such as loggerhead shrikes. Migrating salmon pass by its shores every season. JMLT’s innovative restoration plan to enhance habitat will establish diked wetlands and riparian woodlands, raise surface and groundwater levels, and reduce carbon emissions through sequestration. Under consideration are a visitor’s center, outdoor classrooms, trails, observation areas, and features designed for wildlife viewing and for just casual walks along the shore with views up the Delta.

Goal:

Restore 500 of 600 acres on Bethel Island as pristine wildlife habitat.

Phase:

Newly acquired. Now developing Conceptual Plan for naturebased restoration and lowimpact visitation.

Hoover Ranch – A Special Place To Visit

Now:

In discussion with environmental engineering firms to produce formal plans for input by stakeholders.

In March, JMLT hosted tours of Hoover Ranch. More than 250 JMLT supporters saw firsthand this remarkable property and imagined its future.

For birders, Hoover Ranch is tremendously exciting! The Bay Delta is a vital part of the Pacific Flyway. Once fully restored, Hoover Ranch will be a unique wildlife sanctuary. It's in the heart of the Bay Delta with nearly two miles of shoreline. Thank you, JMLT, for taking on this visionary project!

—Alan Bade, Mount Diablo Bird Alliance

Protecting the places that make the East Bay special

Thank you to Big Bus Tours!

We are grateful to Big Bus Tours for their generous donation of shuttles, as well as our wonderful driver Marco, who provided safe transportation to and from Martinez.

My husband, granddaughter, and I got to join a wonderful hike at Hoover Ranch. It was magical. My granddaughter loved it! She is so excited for Pacheco Marsh as well. We’re so glad to be part of saving and restoring these beautiful areas along the Bay Delta for current and future generations of Bay Area residents. —Susan and Bill Hurrell, Orinda

Tour photos courtesy of John Grubka

Protecting the places that make the East Bay special

PACHECO MARSH RECREATION AND EDUCATION ALONG SUISUN BAY

The Pacheco Marsh Restoration and Public Access Project is a multi-million-dollar investment to bring back to life a salt marsh habitat that has been diked, drained, and filled with dredge spoils. The restoration is progressing spectacularly, and now this thriving refuge for wildlife serves as a unique outdoor experience. Visitors learn about marsh ecosystems and how communities can reverse decades of abuse. We’re seeking new donations to fund educational materials and the ongoing maintenance of walking trails, bridges, a kayak launch, and other features for public access. At our grand opening on May 3rd, over 1,000 enthusiastic visitors delighted at what will be a favorite destination for years to come. Visit jmlt.org/pacheco for information about visiting

Goal:

Establish this 247-acre restored salt marsh as a must-visit for hiking clubs, birders, kayakers, school groups, youth organizations, and nature lovers of all ages.

Phase:

Opened to the public. You need to visit!

Now:

Establishing community programs through outreach, partnerships, and events. A priority: youth groups seeking outdoor education and adventure.

Protecting the places that make the East Bay special

POINT BUCKLER ISLAND

CLEARING A PATHWAY FOR FISH

The Bay Delta’s biologically rich ecosystem serves as a migration corridor for salmon and other anadromous fish—those that spawn in freshwater rivers and live adult lives in the Pacific Ocean. Extensive environmental restoration is needed at Point Buckler Island to restore a vital passageway. An unauthorized levee constructed a decade ago blocks all tidal channels. The levee has killed marshland vegetation and prevents sensitive fish species from entering the channels to forage for food. JMLT is developing an initial Conceptual Plan for the restoration.

Every gift makes a huge difference! Make a donation: jmlt.org/baydelta

Goal:

Restore essential habitat by removing an unauthorized levee on 29-acre island in Suisun Marsh.

Phase:

Newly acquired. Conceptual restoration plans are in development.

Now:

Engaging environmental engineering firms to assess scope, scale, and methodology for levee removal and marsh revitalization.

It is a win for all Californians that an organization with the qualifications and track record of JMLT is now entrusted with the permanent protection and restoration of Point Buckler Island as critical wildlife habitat. A healthy Bay Delta region is essential to California’s fresh water quality and supply.

— Eileen

White, Executive Officer, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board

Point Buckler Island

Protecting the places that make the East Bay special

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

ANNA LISA KRONMAN

Seeing beautiful natural places near her home being paved over was a transformational moment for Anna Lisa Kronman, then a young woman in her twenties. “I was newly married in Castro Valley, and there was a big hill behind our house. It had horses grazing and eucalyptus trees. It was just wonderful to just look at. Then one day bulldozers came …” her voice trails off. Anna Lisa grew up in rural Napa County. “My playground was the outdoors,” she says. “A family vacation was backpacking in Yosemite.” Her love for nature runs deep.

Another moment was watching Ken Burns’ documentary on the National Park System and learning that philanthropic individuals a century ago donated properties to create the remarkable place we know as Yellowstone and others. Anna Lisa started donating to national conservation groups. She says, “When you hike on trails, you realize someone conserved that land. For most of my life, I didn't really think of that. But now I do. People in the future aren't going to know that I did this, but they'll know that somebody did.”

After moving to Orinda, Anna Lisa was introduced to John Muir Land Trust. She was thrilled to discover a local conservation group working in her own backyard. She attended an event for Harvey Ranch and was impressed that it drew a large, enthusiastic crowd even on a rainy day. “I'd never been on those hillsides. Now I take family members there, and say, ‘Look at this cool place! This is what California used to look like! Just rolling hills with oaks and green grass.’”

“Nature feeds us, so we should naturally love it and take care of it. It gives us the opportunity to not be quite so self-centered. We think bigger thoughts in nature. I'm noticing what's around. I'm noticing the bees. I'm noticing the light on the grass. I'm noticing the fragrance of bay trees.”

—Anna Lisa spends much time outdoors.

We thank Anna Lisa for doing so much more than just noticing. Her generous support for JMLT means other people can have these experiences. That someday someone will walk a trail that she helped to create and wonder, “Who did this? What can I do in return?”

Anna Lisa has been a donor to JMLT since 2017 and is a member of the Leadership Circle and John Muir Legacy Society. JMLT is grateful to Anna Lisa and donors like her who make our work possible, including through deeply meaningful legacy gift intentions that ensure the protection of East Bay open space for generations to come. Thank you!

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.

BY THE NUMBERS

Visit. Go to Pacheco Marsh just once and you’ll come back! See rsthand why conservation in the Bay Delta is so exciting.

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Point Buckler Island is one of three islands that form the last points of passage for sh migrating to and from the Paci c Ocean.

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Miles of shoreline on Bethel Island. At Hoover Ranch we have a lot to work with. We’re just getting started.

The impact of your individual gift to JMLT’s Bay Delta Campaign is multiplied 4x by grants from agencies and foundations. That’s a lot of impact!

Years of serious restoration work has turned a dry and damaged landscape into a thriving marsh. Visit Pacheco Marsh and see this miracle for yourself!

Hoover Ranch covers 600 acres of potential. Help us realize the vision of a nature sanctuary and birders’ paradise

How many wildlife species are supported by Bay Delta conservation? 700. Plus one. Humans. We rely on this ecosystem for clean water and so many other bene ts.

Protecting the places that make the East Bay special

Nature talk

Nature Is Good For You

Everywhere you look — in articles, books, academic research — there is new understanding of the benefits of nature to human communities. We discuss new terms that you might encounter.

“Nature Positive”

You’ll be hearing this a lot in the years ahead. In 2023, the Nature Positive Initiative (NPI) set a global goal to "Halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 on a 2020 baseline, and achieve full recovery by 2050." In simple terms, that means making sure that there is more nature in the world in 2030 than there was in 2020, and that the global recovery extends long after that.

This is an effort to set measurable goals and deadlines. Many governments have committed, and over 90 world leaders have signed the Leaders' Pledge for Nature that advocates for a nature positive future by 2030. Members of the G7 signed a pledge at their summit in 2021 and have launched conservation initiatives.

The Nature Positive movement recognizes that harmful human activities are destroying nature faster than it can replenish itself, and that urgent action is needed to reverse this. The decline of nature is destabilizing society, and over half of global GDP is threatened. Sometimes it seems that problems are so big there is nothing we as individuals can do. Not so. The history of land conservation is that of many small actors working in concert to have enormous impact. Is there a better example than Pacheco Marsh?

Franklin Ridge

Protecting the places that make the East Bay special

SOIL SECRETS: STUDENTS SEE A DIFFERENCE!

On any given day, Family Harvest Farm is bustling with activity. Apprentices might be planting beds of radish, beets, kohlrabi, and mizuna, all destined for the Mount Diablo School District. A workshop in the pole barn might be teaching regenerative farming techniques. Recently, students from Antioch Charter Academy’s Middle School have been conducting a hands-on research project.

The students are learning that while it might just look like dirt, soil is actually a living ecosystem that supports everything we eat, breathe, and build. By comparing soil samples, the students gathered data to assess how regenerative farming practices influence biodiversity and soil quality.

Their conclusions? The soil management practices at Family Harvest Farm fostered greater biodiversity and moisture retention. The farm's no-till approach, coupled with the addition of mulch, cover crops, and compost/worm castings, likely created a more stable and supportive environment for soil organisms.

ABOUT THE FARM

Report Method

Students compared two 3x3 foot plots: one in the moist, vegetated pollinator garden at Family Harvest Farm (FHF), and another in a dry, sparsely vegetated field behind Antioch Charter Academy (ACA).

Findings

FHF soil showed much higher biodiversity and moisture than ACA. Farm plots averaged 33 invertebrates per search versus 2 (mostly ants) at ACA. Moisture levels ranged from 50–100% at the farm, compared to 25% at ACA. Both sites had slightly acidic pH.

On a former vacant lot in a city neighborhood, this 3.5-acre thriving regenerative organic farm in Pittsburg, CA employs young adults with experience in foster care. Here they find career training and learn new skills. Family Harvest Farm encourages healthy living, nurtures the environment, and feeds the local community. Make a difference in young people’s lives: visit, volunteer, or donate at jmlt.org/farm

(L-R) Ricardo, Caden, Xochitl and Omar

(L-R) Brianna, Karteese, and Maya

(L-R) Meleah, Rudy, and Elizibeth

Protecting the places that make the East Bay special

Getting Outdoors!

Spending time in nature has enormous benefits for human health and well-being. Scientific research and public policy are catching up to what we outdoorsy folks have known all along. That’s why special places permanently protected by JMLT are open to the public every day for hiking, wildlife viewing, and spectacular views of East Bay vistas. Your generous support makes possible special programs and events that get even more people outside.

Caring For The Land!

BioBlitz Hikes and Walks!

On a recent sunny Saturday, intrepid naturalists collected data at Fernandez Ranch for City Nature Challenge, a regional census on biodiversity. This annual BioBlitz has local origins and is now a global event.

Hoover Ranch Tours

Dozens recently visited our new acquisition on Bethel Island. Here birders train their binoculars on birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway. A billion birds fly this route seasonally!

Download a trail map for a selfguided visit to a beautiful place such as Moraga's Harvey Ranch, your gateway to a 15,000-acre wilderness paradise just over the hill. See calendar for scheduled hikes: jmlt.org/calendar

Caring For The Land! Getting Outdoors!

Local natural lands provide food, water, recreation, beauty, and habitat for wildlife. JMLT employs traditional and innovative stewardship techniques to maintain and enhance each place’s unique conservation values. The work never stops; there is always another fence to mend or a new trail to clear. We thank the many professionals and volunteers who get dirty and sweaty on our behalf, and all the donors whose generous contributions fund the tools and materials we need for this necessary work. Volunteers and donors, thank you!

Go Trail Dogs Go!

These JMLT-supported volunteers put in thousands of hours annually to make our special outdoor places more special. Whether removing old fencing or building trails — they never stop!

Going Electric

Thanks to your donations, our stewardship team has a new electric truck and new electric power tools. That’s essential equipment for installing new solar panels on water wells for thirsty cattle.

Good Citizens

Forty years ago, Civicorps started as a program in youth development and community service. They’ve done invaluable service at all of our properties. Thank you!

Whether you love getting your hands dirty, enjoy hiking or using your specialized skills, we’ve got a place for you. Scan the QR code or visit jmlt.org/volunteer for more info

Pacheco Marsh Guided Nature Walks: June 21, July 12, July 26

Family Harvest Farm Volunteer Workdays: June 20, July 18, Aug. 15

Land Stewardship Volunteer Workdays: June 22, July 5, July 19

Save the Date: Family Harvest Farm, Harvest Festival: October 25

Don't miss out! Scan the QR code or visit jmlt.org/calendar to sign up. New events added regularly— bookmark our site and check back often!

Want to build a more sustainable future? Join the JMLT Sustaining Members program and your monthly recurring gift will help protect open space, ranches, parkland, and shoreline in the East Bay. You get the convenience of automated donations, exclusive updates, and invitations to special events. Together we can safeguard natural habitats, reduce our carbon footprint, and build a more resilient natural ecosystem. jmlt.org/sustaining