J O H N
M U I R
L A N D
T R U S T
H O R I ZO N S Protecting the places that make the East Bay special
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ALMOND RANCH IS SAVED! $4 MILLION RAISED Weeks ahead of deadline, a heartfelt thanks is extended to the thousands of you who contributed to The Campaign To Save Almond Ranch. In August, we announced that the California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) had awarded John Muir Land Trust a $2 million grant toward the acquisition of this long sought-after “missing piece” along the Franklin Ridge south of Martinez. Our campaign launched nearly ALMOND RANCH two years ago with an initial $1 million commitment from East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD). These agencies fund only the most important natural resource projects, and indeed, 281-acre Almond Ranch has been among the highest conservation priorities in the state for decades. What made the final difference are you and the many other East Bay residents who demonstrated their enthusiasm for permanently protecting this essential wildlife corridor by sending contributions to fund its acquisition. Agencies and large funders consider the depth of community support when they decide how to allocate scarce funds to conservation projects across the state. You delivered spectacularly. Contributions in all sizes from individual donors came to a stunning $1 million. The residents of the nearby neighborhood of Stonehurst contributed $250,000. Readers of the popular wildlife newspaper column written by Joan Morris overwhelmed us with their generosity. An anonymous donor made a $100,000 challenge match that closed the gap. Nature lovers across the region put another win in the column for conservation. Almond Ranch exemplifies the many reasons why land conservation is essential in the coming few decades—when we will see unprecedented population growth and accelerating pressure to develop our remaining natural lands. Protecting the ranch: • Keeps intact a vital wildlife corridor for native, rare, and special-status species, including the federally-listed California red-legged frog and Alameda whipsnake; continues on page 3
what’s inside
Executive Director’s Message.....................2 Almond Ranch is Saved! (Continuation)......3 Pacheco Marsh Update.......................... 4-5 2019 Annual Report...................................6 By the Numbers.........................................7 Thank You Donors................................ 8-18 Donor Spotlight..........................................9 Twilight...................................................16 Fire Safety Controlled Burn.......................19 JMLT NonProfit of the Year.......................20
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