Vol. 12 No. 2
Fall 2016
Celebrating You – VHC Picnic in the Park
Why We Volunteer
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Left to right: Our two granddaughters Marin Pearce, Reina Harris (they are cousins), our daughter (visiting from Seattle, Washington) Laura Bauleke Anhalt, Mary Jane and Richard Bauleke
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By Mary Jane and Richard Bauleke
everal years ago after the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy had acquired a portion of the Ventura river bottom they held a special tour for the public. The Surfrider Foundation and Friends of the Ventura River collaborated with VHC to provide guided tours. We were among the small groups of people who viewed the mounds of trash that had accumulated in the river caused by illegal encampments. There was also thick overgrowth of the invasive Arundo reed. Yes, we were dismayed with what we saw, yet hopeful when it was explained to us about the big plan to reclaim the river to it’s natural beauty. Well, it was on that day we decided we wanted to be a part of the big plan. For the majority of the time, volunteering every third Saturday morning of the
month fits into our schedule. Whether it is cutting Arundo or clearing trash we want to be helpful in maintaining and protecting the Ventura River and other natural preserves. We categorize volunteering as fun exercise! We enjoy the outdoors, camaraderie with like-minded people, and especially the good changes—the progress that has happened since the first Ventura River clean up at the Willoughby Preserve in 2012. Each month when we revisit the river bottom we are amazed at the difference the groups of volunteers have made. At the one of the tree planting parties held at the Big Rock Preserve our granddaughters got busy with us in planting trees and shrubs. It is a beautiful area and so alive with nature!
alling all VHC members and volunteers—you’re invited to “Picnic in the Park,” our annual member and volunteer appreciation celebration, on Saturday, October 8th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Foster Park. This free family-friendly fiesta will include a delicious Mexican food lunch, old-fashioned games, an update on VHC projects, volunteer awards and the chance to hike next door to our Big Rock Preserve and check on the 500 trees VHC volunteers planted last winter and spring. “Members and volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization,” said Adrienne Stephens, VHC Development Coordinator. “We want to show them some love by throwing a fun bash in a beautiful setting.” Over the past year, VHC has seen an uptick in volunteer activity. Continued on page 6
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FREE MOUNTAIN LION TALK ON NOVEMBER 2 — SEE PAGE 8 FOR DETAILS