summer-newsletter-2011-low-res

wood river land trust

Photo by Glen Shapiro

Summer 2011

Land Trust sheep wagon at Church Farm

Church Farm

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wood river land trust

Photo by Glen Shapiro

he generous gift of Church Farm in 2006 to the Wood River Land Trust by long-time valley resident Joyce Pearson was a farsighted move to protect this property. The 131-acre parcel is located in the southwest corner of the Bellevue Triangle surrounded by working ranches. Farming and grazing on portions of Church Farm continue with sustainable wildlife-friendly practices, and a fence has been built to safeguard the wetlands.

Church Farm’s extensive wetlands provide habitat for sandhill cranes, waterfowl, songbirds, and other wildlife.

Willow Creek, a perennial spring-fed stream, runs through it, and artesian springs provide cold, clear water that contributes to the wetlands health.

With views of the Pioneers to the east and magical light at all times of year, Church Farm is a scenic dream.

Mountain Blue Bird

Fence provides protection for wetlands

Protecting the heart of the valley...now and for the future.

our land trust A note from Jack Kueneman, President of the Board

Larry Barnes

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arry Barnes is one of our go-to experts about wildlife, particularly birds, and he has taken many of the fantastic photos of birds you see in our publications. Always ready to share his knowledge with us, we often turn to him with questions.

His discovery a few years ago of “digiscoping,” which enables him to get 80x closer to his subjects by connecting a digital camera to a spotting scope, is one of the reasons his photos are so compelling.

Larry teaches biology at Wood River High School. He and his students have been conducting an ongoing bird study at the Land Trust’s Draper Wood River Preserve and the Croy Creek Wetlands. For five years, his classes have methodically tracked the species, numbers, health, and habitat of birds in the area and each spring they make a presentation of their findings to our staff.

Before becoming a teacher, Larry was a wildlife biologist for federal and state agencies studying birds, mammals, and reptiles across North America. He continues to study wildlife in the summer. Lately he has been exploring the Northwest in his homebuilt cedar strip canoe or kayak, and fuels his trips with homemade biodiesel, courtesy of our local restaurants. m

Gene Steiner, Jack Kueneman, Scott Boettger and his daughter Emily at the Osberg Trail dedication

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A note on our 501 (c)(3) status Not long ago, the IRS released a list of organizations that had lost their status as 501 (c)(3) charities. A 501 (c)(3) designation means the nonprofit is tax exempt and allows a donor to deduct a contribution for income tax purposes. An IRS regulation established in 2008 requires that such organizations file a tax return each year to verify that they are still in operation and conducting business properly.

The name Wood River Land Trust, Inc., appeared on that list.

Formed in the 1970s, that organization apparently did not gel but the name remained on file. We are Wood River Land Trust Company, a completely different and separate entity formed in 1994. Of course, your Wood River Land Trust Company is fully compliant with all IRS regulations and reporting procedures.

And as you can see, thanks to your support, we are well and thriving.m

Photo by Larry Barnes

n the pages that follow, you will find multiple pages listing donors who contributed to the Wood River Land Trust in our last fiscal year. I hope your name is one of them!

When I look at the long list, I am grateful that so many of you have joined us and support our goals. And many of you might be considered lifers—you have not faltered in being there for us each and every year. Our mission has not changed, and we are just as committed to land and water protection now as we were when we were a start-up land trust in 1994.

We have challenging projects ahead--land conservation efforts that won’t be easy to accomplish but will enhance wildlife habitat, the health of the Big Wood River, open space, and sustainable agricultural practices. The enjoyment of seeing kids and community residents outside on the land is rewarding and gratifying to us. We are up for the challenges to come.

Yellow-headed blackbird on the Camas Prairie

community Meet Our Board

Gloria’s Trail

Photo by Jerry Britton

David Anderson

Rick Johnson of ICL presents Gloria with her plaque

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n July 2, friends and admirers gathered to celebrate a trail dedication in honor of Gloria Moore Osberg. The event was held at the Osberg cabin at Newman Creek on a beautiful summer day.

Gloria is the author of the popular Day Hiking Near Sun Valley and Easy Hiking Near Sun Valley.

The local subject and unique design of the first book—a small binder that allows the user to remove the pertinent page with map and information to bring along on a hike—makes this book indispensible for exploring our mountains.

The Wood River Land Trust, Idaho Conservation League, and Ketchum Ranger District joined forces to honor Gloria and her commitment to protecting the environment by naming a trail after her. The newly christened Gloria Moore Osberg Ridgeline Trail #147 is a 10-mile stretch of ridgeline between the Warm Springs and Baker Creek drainages. A bronze plaque was presented to her and will be installed on the trail once the snow is gone. At the dedication, the Land Trust also gave her a wooden trail marker that points the way.

Gloria and her husband John have supported the Land Trust over the years and remain two of our best friends.

We are collecting donations for the repair of Gloria’s trail, which needs work to improve and stabilize portions to make it safe for hikers and bikers. Please send your gift to the Wood River Land Trust with a notation that it is for Gloria’s trail. Or give us a call 788-3947. Thank you! m

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Dave Anderson and wife Lyn offer their time and expertise to WRLT

yn and Dave Anderson have had an association with the Wood River Valley for almost 45 years when Dave skied at Sun Valley.

In 1998, they purchased a condo at Sun Valley and a part-time home at Bigwood. He joined the Board of the Land Trust in 2008.

Lyn also volunteers with us, giving her time and effort to furnish the Anderson House and bring the Boardwalk to completion.

In 2007, Dave was on the Land Trust’s Advisory Board and discovered that summer interns at the Wood River Land Trust had inadequate housing because of the valley’s high rent. David and Lyn decided to donate their condo to the Land Trust to sell and the proceeds allowed the Land Trust to acquire and restore an historic home next to the office. Today, Land Trust interns and staff members have an affordable place to live in the Anderson House.

Over 42 years of law practice, Dave became an expert in environmental law. In 1972 he returned to Stanford University to earn the school’s first master’s degree in that field. After a position as the first General Counsel of the California Air Resources Board, he began work with Santa Barbara County to develop air quality plans while establishing his environmental law practice.

Dave points to his childhood growing up in (then) rural Arcadia, California, to explain his involvement in conservation. “We were 17 miles from downtown Los Angeles, and our home was surrounded by orange groves. Sadly, the area was converted to high density residential uses, and Arcadia lost its rural character forever.”

In Santa Barbara, Dave served on boards for the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara Foundation, the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, and the Housing Trust Fund.

Dave and Lyn spend their retirement time split between Ketchum, Santa Barbara, and Lake Oswego, Oregon, to be with their granddaughter Allison. Dave also serves as Chair of the Land Trust Alliance, based in Washington, DC. m

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what we do y Cr o

Lions Park

Boardwalk

Draper Wood River Preserve

Photo by Larry Barnes

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hanks to the Lennox Foundation and guiding hand Lyn Anderson the Croy Creek Wetlands Boardwalk is now complete and doubled in length. If you haven’t had a stroll along the Boardwalk, we invite you to experience this bridge to a fascinating wetland world.

Public access is south of Lions Park in Hailey.

It’s an amazing and peaceful place. Listen to the birds, look for waterfowl and other wildlife, and check out the small and sometimes odd aquatic critters. Decipher the wildlife tracks in the mud or the wet prints on the Boardwalk. Mornings are the best time to visit.

The Wood River Land Trust was able to complete the Boardwalk over the past two summers, though donations are still gratefully accepted. We are working toward construction of a log welcome pavilion at the parking area turnaround, which will contain interpretive signage and a big thank you board for donors. Benches will be installed on the Boardwalk, and we plan other amenities, such as a telescopic viewer. If you can help with those costs, please let us know!

Since the Boardwalk area has been designated a nature preserve, please stay on the trail and boardwalk and keep your dog under control—preferably on a leash so wildlife are free from harassment.

Our thanks go to all the donors who generously chipped in and to K&M Construction for a labor-intensive job well done. m

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Step Up to the Boardwalk

The yellow-bellied sapsucker finds a snack

A muskrat leaves a trace of his visit

The Draper Wood River Preserve received

the attention of a dedicated group of volunteers on a July 9 workday.

They focused on pulling thistle and burdock and putting wood chips on the trails. Volunteers included Jack Kueneman, Kristina Naton, Tim East, Kim Bryson, Steve Crosser, Chris Gammon, Haylee Pettit, Janel Passey, Emilia Bingham, and Bruce Norvell.

Left, the weed crew poses under the new Draper sign at the kiosk.

Della Mountain from the Boardwalk

volunteers hel

The Whitings’ Gifts

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acauley Whiting is one of the initial group of individuals who founded the Land Trust. He and his wife Helen were the principal donors to the Land Trust and established the financial and the organizational platform upon which we were able to launch and maintain your local land trust. As Executive Director Scott Boettger noted, “The support of the Whitings with time and funds was critical to the founding of the Land Trust. Without their vision for the protection of open space, the Land Trust would never have come to be.”

In 2009 following Helen’s untimely death, Mac sold their unique and beloved home in Sun Valley and donated to the Land Trust a sculpture that had been nestled in aspens on their property. The two-piece stone sculpture, known as Vanishing Edge, is by the internationally known sculptor Jesus Moroles who created it for the Whitings. It now graces the yard of the Land Trust and intriguing shadows are cast on the stone and along the lawn as the sun moves across the sky. We thank Loomis Construction for donating the labor and cost of installation.

We thought having the sculpture near the office and near the tree planted in Mac’s honor would be fitting to recognize his crucial role in creating the Wood River Land Trust. m

The boardwalk winds through an ecosystem rich with sights and sounds.

Macauley and Helen Dow Whiting

Looking west, the boardwalk now connects with a woodlands trail

lp out!

Boxcar Bend

The Hemingway Chapter of Trout Unlimited assisted the Wood River Land Trust in its annual workday at the Land Trust’s Boxcar Bend Preserve on June 18th. Approximately 20 volunteers spruced up the area. There were too many great volunteers to name here but we thank them all!

See

more online!

Howard Preserve

On June 25th, Friends of Howard Preserve and the Land Trust gathered at the Howard Preserve for a satisfying day of pulling weeds and wood chipping trails.

L to R: Mike Treshow, Linda Johnston, Trey Spaulding, Beth Schadd, Kristin Naton, Dan Dahl, Sandy Dahl, Don Boecker, Florence Blanchard, Tom Blanchard, Jeanne Liston.

thank you for helping us achieve our goals The following donors generously contributed to Wood River Land Trust between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2011. $50,000 - $99,999 Anonymous The Lennox Foundation $25,000 - $49,999 Building Material Thrift Store John and Elaine French Family Foundation Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Osberg Family Trust Hollis Norris Endowed Fund of the Santa Barbara Foundation Silicon Valley Community Foundation Steve and Diana Strandberg $10,000 - $24,999 David and Lyn Anderson Mark Benjamin Ed and Susan Cutter Gift Fund in the Idaho Community Foundation Peter and Ginny Foreman Wolf Riehle and Feli Funke-Riehle HRH Foundation, Harry and Shirley Hagey Richard K. and Shirley S. Hemingway Foundation, Jane Mason Knowles Family Trust Jack and Marie Kueneman Jane Mason James O. Moore Rebecca Patton and Thomas Goodrich Thrasher Koffey Foundation, Barbara Thrasher and Rick Koffey Doris Tunney US Fish and Wildlife Service R.B. and Ann Woolley $5,000 - $9,999 Anonymous (2) Bentley/Follo Family Fund of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation The Conservation Fund David and Lucille Packard Foundation Mickey and Peggy Drexler Farese Family Foundation

Anonymous Fund in the Idaho Community Foundation James Deering Danielson Foundation William and Jeanne Landreth Michael Mars Page Foundation David Perkins and Nancy Mackinnon Seagraves Foundation Silver Creek Outfitters, Terry Ring Dana Simpson John and Elizabeth Stevenson Tom and Joan Swift Swig Foundation Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Guest Pepper Walker Lisa and Greg Wendt The Woods Foundation, Woody and Priscilla Woods

The Perkins Charitable Foundation Tsunami Foundation, Anson M. Beard, Jr. and Family David and Sarah Woodward

$2,500 - $4,999 Richard Barker Steven and Jill Beck Jim Cimino Draper Family Foundation Five Valleys Land Trust John and Sandra Flattery John Gove and Patsy Huntington Barbara and Tod Hamachek Hare Family Foundation, Dick Hare and Patty Duetting Hollis Norris Endowed Fund of the Santa Barbara Foundation George Hume Roy A. Hunt Foundation, Dan and Jodie Hunt Ron Lane Lana and Dave Latchford Jon Manetta and Kathryn McQuade Sally and Bill Neukom Norfolk Southern Foundation Matching Gifts Program Esther and Michael Ochsman Peco Foundation, Peter and Bonni Curran

$1,000 - $2,499 Bank of America Lyn Anderson Courtni and Charlie Billow Jill and Richard Blanchard Erik Boe Lindy and Bill Buchanan Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation Jay Cassell and Gay Weake Charles Conn and Beverley Robertson Julia and Jude Damasco Deer Creek Fund Lynn Campion Wadell and Thomas Campion Pat and Peter Dinkelspiel Mary Bachman and William Downing Debra and Lyman Drake Cecil and Sally Drinkward Bob and Linda Edwards FHC Foundation John and Diana Flood Susan and Jerry Flynt John and Elaine French Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Mortimer B. Fuller III Diane Parish and Paul Gelburd Clark and Maria Gerhardt Penny and Ed Glassmeyer Morley and Deana Golden Peter and Betty Gray Sue and Daniel Guggenheim Len and Carol Harlig The Michael and Irene Healy Charitable Fund Benjamin Jacobson Beverly and Don Jefferson Trent and Cecile Jones Jerry and Kathy Kavka Christina Kirk

volunteers help out! Continued Neher Preserve

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The Neher Preserve’s annual workday was on June 1. Volunteers and Land Trust staff pitched in to do maintenance work on this Land Trust preserve in Shoshone. L to R: Beth Schadd, Kristina Naton, Ashley Wells, Ed Papenberg, Fred Partridge, Joy Cimmiyota.

Sandra La Haye Larsen Fund Jack Latrobe and Laura Clarke Sharon Lee Georgie Lindquist Alison and James Luckman Margie and Jon Masterson The Matthias Foundation, Inc. Anthony and Audrey Mattos Ken and Mollie McCain Camille McCray McMahon Family Trust, Pamela McMahon Meyers Charitable Family Fund, David Meyers Richard Carr and Jeanne Meyers Mike and Jane Nicolais George Ohrstrom II Thomas and Jane Oliver Andrea Pierceall and Terry O’Reilly John Osberg Nicholas and Stephanie Osborne Connie and Tony Price Robert and Betsy Reniers Julie and Al Richardson Harry and Diane Rinker Foundation Richard K. Robbins Lois Rosen Jon and Judy Runstad Sharon and Bill Shubin Elizabeth B. Simon Marlene Smith Lee Ann and Steve Snyder Megan and Justin Stevenson Ms. Judith H. Threshie Cynthia and Charles Tillinghast Marjorie and Barry Traub Rusty and Mary Lynn Turner US Bancorp Foundation Mary and Willy Vanbragt Annie and Bill Vanderbilt Julia and Jeffrey Ward Sally and James Will

on the land

Wodecroft Foundation, Martine and Dan Drackett The Works of Grace Foundation Bob and Patience Ziebarth $500 - $999 Mitchell and Gwynn August Victor Bernstein and Gail Landis John Brezzo Frederic A. Brossy Judy and Fred Brossy Jack and Elizabeth Bunce Stoney Burke The Case Family ClearRock Capital Cynthia Green Colin Robert Colman Alan M. Dachs/The Fremont Group Foundation John Davenport Family Candace and Tom Dee Ron and Beth Dozoretz/The Dozoretz Family Foundation Environmental Resource Center Robin and Lee Garwood George’s at the Cove, George and Paula Hauer Lawrence Goelman and Virginia Cirica Bobby and Fred Haemisegger George and Bev Harad Colleen and Jerry Higman Jen Steele and Jon Hoekstra Greg and Wendy Hosman Idaho Community Foundation Idaho Department of Fish and Game Idaho Rivers United Martha and Carleton Keck Mark Kieckbusch and Kathryn Earhardt Heather and Wade King Joan Lamb Robert and Deborah Law The Lehman Foundation John and Barbara Lehman Kathie Levison Jo and Bill Lowe George Macomber John Maine and Kim Baltzell The Makepeace Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Coxe Janet and John McCann Wilson and Lisa McElhinny Mark and Hilary McInerney

Sheep Bridge Birding

On May 7, the Wood River Land Trust and Idaho Conservation League led a birding tour at our Sheep Bridge Canyon, west of Timmerman along Highway 20. About 15 participants braved the damp spring weather for the experience, ably guided by bird experts Gary Stitzinger and Brian Sturges. At left, Tom Blanchard, Florence Blanchard, Brian Sturges spot birds.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles McNamee Hal and Sharon McNee Jackie and Andrew McRoberts John Milner and Kim Taylor Ambrose K. Monell Oliphant Family Donor Advised Fund At Rancho Sante Fe Fund Bev and Rob O’Neil Steve and Marylyn Pauley Joanne and Bill Reynolds The Rognlien Family Fund, Barbara and David Rognlien Beth and Robert Rohe Jodi and Sandy Sanders Russell Satake and Anita Lusebrink John A. Seiller Laura and Michael Shannon Harriet and Frank Shrontz Chris and Caroline Spain Mike Stevens and Liz Mitchell Nan and Larry Stone Trent and Louise Stumph Jack and Gail Thornton Marlene and Michael Tom James P. Warmington, Sr. The Watkins Family Beth and Paul Willis Wood River Women’s Charitable Foundation in the Idaho Community Foundation Gary and Lark Young $250-$499 Anonymous (3) Mark and Barbara Acker Bernhard Hycliff Foundation Jack and Patricia Billhardt Frances and Edward Blair Jacob and Ruth Bloom Kathleen and Hugh Blue Sarah and Jack Blumenstein Lisa and Paul Bodor Gay and Don Boecker Scott and Sally Boettger Thomas and Tracey Brightman Barry and Sylvia Bunshoft Teresa and Malcolm Campbell John F. Chlebowski Neil Clark Spencer and Michelle Cutter DeBard Johnson Foundation, Inc. Randi and Fred Filoon

John and Daralene Finnell Michael and Jayne Flinn Kenneth A. Fox Kathryn and Brook Gillespie Dan Gilmore Mary and Jim Goodyear Linda and Charlie Goodyear Gordon and Sara Granston Fred Gray and Linda Parker Susan and Ron Green John K. Greene Ed L. Grubb Bill and Anke Hall Marcia Lee Kent and Frank Halverson Ellen Harris John Hill Hilton and Butler Ball Charitable Fund in The Community Foundation in Jacksonville Steven and Janet Houts Susanne F. Hubbach Wendy and Jim Jaquet Sandy Johnston Dale and Shearson Jones Mary and Jim Jones Susan Little Robert Lonning and Elizabeth Jeffrey Robert Lynch Edward Matthews Jim and Willa McLaughlin Dr. Allen Meisel and Dr. Gail Lutz Meisel Christie Moore Jim and Joan Moore Steve McBee and Jennifer Noland Carmen and Ed Northen Peter and Barrie O’Neill Bob Ordal Kaye and Hugh O’Riordan David Ormsby W. Jeffers Pickard John Prudden and Kristy Pigeon Nick and Sharon Purdy Lawrence Schoen and Rebecca Eichorn Rees Family Fund, Thomas and Mary Rees Charlotte Riviera Karen and Jonathan Roth Nancy and John Shepherd Matthew Smith Slim and Mimi Sommerville Beth and Doug Stagg Gene and Sharon Steiner Sara and Stephen Steppe

Wildflower Hike

The Sawtooth Botanical Garden’s Allison Marks led a wildflower walk at the Wood River Land Trust’s Sheep Bridge Canyon on May 26.

Participants found an abundant garden of many kinds of wildflowers and enjoyed the educational talk by the SBG staff.

Bob and Carol Stevens Gayle and Alan Stevenson Georgia and Todd Stewart Frann and Carl Stremmel Michael and Lynne Sweeney Penny and Ted Thomas Dookie and Bill Tingue Rebecca and Wesley Tinsley William L. Tooley Harry and Carol Trumbauer Felisa Vanoff Myron A. Weiss John and Sharon Wellsandt Lynn Whittelsey Wood River Women’s Charitable Foundation in the Idaho Community Foundation Richard J. and Esther E. Wooley Trust Zions Bank $100 - $249 Anonymous Marc Abraham and Jane Garnett Kirk and Hillary Anderson John and Susan Andrews Barbara and Chip Angle Karin and Jeff Armstrong Joe and Ann Armstrong Anne Douglas and Henry Atherton Claire and Lynn Bailey Larry Barnes Peter and Ruby Becker Shari and John Behnke Peggy and Jim Berman Susan Bernatas Gayle and Fred Bieker Thomas D. Bigsby Gail Boettger Marie and Edwin T Boettger, Sr. Mike Bordenkircher Michael and Chris Boskin Mr. and Mrs. Greg Brakovich Branching Out Nursery David Bray Dr. Elizabeth Breen Nyle Brown Amy Browning Bill Burnham Vern and Connie Buwalda David Caldwell Gwen and Stan Carlson Gregory C. Carr

What a great mushroom season this spring!

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Mark Caywood and Deanna Glad Page Chapman III Scott Christenson and Corey Graham City of Ketchum Parks Christi Clark Penelope Danz Coe Richard and Elizabeth Conway Drury Cooper Penny Copley Julie, Michael, Gardner and Lauren Cord Cornerstone Bar and Grill Lila and Jack Corrock Jeff Coupe Terence Creighton Steve Crosser Joe Crosson Dan and Sandy Dahl Robert and Barbara Dargatz Richard and Lauren Davis Peggy Dean Dave Dederer Ross Dinkelspiel Jonathan and Susan Dolgen Family Foundation Carey and John Dondero Steven and Elizabeth Durels Jamie and Jim Dutcher Pam and Kirk Ebertz Kurt and Kelly Eggers Bruce and Darlene Ellis Janet and Gregg Falcone Scott Featherstone, DDS LLC James Feldbaum Frank and Claudia Fiaschetti Flat Top Sheep Company, John and Diane Peavey Dean and Betty Foulke Terry Friedlander and Robin Leavitt George and Sandra Froley Gay and Bill Fruehling Peter and Susan Gaasland Brian and Julie Gallagher Ann and Mack Gasaway Barbara and Stephen Gerrish Bob and Debbie Gilbert Mrs. William F. Gillespie III Mary Jane and Bill Godejohn Larry Goldberg

Thomas F. Haensly Charles Hall Elaine and Gordon Harfst Pattie and Carl Harris Joseph Haviv and Wendy Moss-Haviv Hope Hayward and Walter Eisank Hemingway Chapter Trout Unlimited Dr. Tom Henderson Tom and Alice Hennessey John and Wendy Henning Alex Higgins Harvey Hinman Tim and Mary Ann Hogan Don and Carol Hohl J.K. and D.L. Holman Max, Sam, Beau, and Grace Holmes Spencer Hosie and Diane Rice Jacqueline M. and J. Robert Howard Virginia Hower Wagh Sara Innes Oliver and Sydney Iversen Martha and Ross Jennings Don Keirn Donna Kelsey Laura Kirk David Knutson Celia and Lex Kunau Ken and Ginna Lagergren Inge-Lise and Jack Lane Andie and Jack Laporte Stephanie and Mike Lempres Jerome and Judith Levy Gregory Lindstrom Beatrice Longley Kathryn Lopez Marta and Ignacio Lozano Elise B. Lufkin Elise G.B. Lufkin John W. Lundin Caroline Macomber Jory Magidson and Caren Frankel Mike and Anita McCann William T. McConnell George and Karen McCown Anthony J. McEwan Arthur McIntosh III Bill and Nicole McNichols Mike Mead and Jan Lassetter Jeannette and Charles Miller John Morbeck

Linda and Russ Munson Roy and Judith Murdock Dean E. Nichols Christian and Hillary Nickum Darlene Norton Jack and Margie Oosting Organic Solutions Susan Passovoy and Bob Kaplan Paula and Keith Perry Priscilla Pittiglio Thomas and Michelle Praggastis Kent and Debra Pressman Louise and Leigh Rabel Peggy Richards Kathy and David Richmond Buffalo and Katherine Rixon Donn Roberts Terry Friedlander and Robin Leavitt Brent and Bev Robinson Lee D. Rowe, MD Dianne Sammons Sawtooth Botanical Garden Lyle and Gloriana Saylor Benjamin Holmes and Carol Scheifele-Holmes Phyliss and Leonard Schlessinger Lester and Bonnie Schwartz Anne Jeffery and Jack Sept George H. Shapiro Sandy Shaw Larry Shipley Alison and John Shoemaker Barbara Simon Lili Simpson Linda Sisson Gary Slette Annette and Bill Smith Mr. Matt Smith Barbara and Charles Smith Don Smith Mrs. Judy Smooke Barbara and Charles Snow David and Renae Spaulding Trey Spaulding Barbara and David Speer Phyllis Stelma Brett Stevenson Nancy A. Streeter Sun Valley Long Term Holdings LLC Betsy and Paul Sunich Denise and Sergio Tavares

Mrs. Ann Taylor Judith Teller and David N. Kaye Martial Thirsk Nancy and John Thomas Bill and Joanne Travers Leslee and Mike Treshow Dick and Pamela Tucker The Turf Corporation/Bob Johnson Lois Ukropina Robert and Mary Van Fossan George and Nickye Venters Diana and Karl Wadsack Sharon and Max Walker Richard and Kelly Wathne Gerry Morrison and Julie Weston Whitehead Landscaping/Merri Whitehead Toni and Nigel Whittington Melisa and Jeff Williams Jeremy Wintersteen Kate Giese Wofford and Jeb Wofford Sue Woodyard James K. Worthy Charles and Marilyn Young Cheryl and Peter Ziegler Under $100 Anonymous (3) Mr. and Mrs. John M. Ackerman Thomas Acomb Milt Adam Terry Afdem Patti and Peter Ahrens Marty Arvey Al and Nancy Auseklis Ben Bainbridge Carolina Barrie Teresa Bergin/Bergin Properties Catherine and Robert Beyer Carl and Gloria Bianchi Irene Bilitta Carol Blackburn Alice and Bill Boden Rudy and Susan Boesch Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bond Guy Bonnivier JoAnn Boswell Dick and Bobbie Boyer Marvin and Alice Brown Susan Cady Elaine and Elliott Caplow Peggy Carry

on the land Continued Exploring the Pioneers

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Saturday, June 11, the Pioneers Alliance, Idaho Conservation League, and the City of Carey hosted a bike tour in the Pioneer Mountains to showcase the diverse, pristine landscape of the Little Wood River area. Approximately 30 mountain bikers rode distances of 9 to 35 miles through this scenic area on a loop to Little Wood Reservoir Road. For more information about the Pioneers Alliance, a coalition of partners like the Land Trust seeking to protect this large tract of undeveloped country, contact Keri York, Senior Conservation Coordinator, kyork@woodriverlandtrust.org.

Calista and Tim Carter John Charney Courtney and David Cline Linda and Leonard Cohen Eric Cutter Barbara Dahl Melanie Dahl Donald C. Dahlgren Ted Dale and Crystal Thurston Jill and Tanner Davis Dr. and Mrs. Don Rau Buck Drew Patricia Duggan Kurt E. Eichstaedt Kevin and Jennifer Embree Pamela Feld Richard and Georgie Fention Clyde and Eleanor Ferrell Suzie and Jack Finney Jeanne Flowers Greg and Mary Kay Foley St. Francis Pet Clinic/Dr. Karsten Fostvedt Margery Friedlander Ralph Fullerton and Myra Friedman Gail and Dennis Galanter D.K. and Louise Gallagher Gloria Garber James Geier Genesis Rehab Services Chris and Robert Gertschen Mike and Ann Giese Glacier Graphics - Jennifer Self Glenna Glover Rich McIntyre and Karen Greene Harry and Michelle Griffith Maureen Groper Paul Hallman Pam Hammond Barry Hannah John Hardin David and Judy Harrison Barbara and David Hart Francie and Mike Hawkey Patricia Healey Wayne Herman David Hertel, AIA, LLC Donna and Craig Hintze Dr. Jim and Sheri Hodge Bill and Lisa Horton Klaus O. Huschke Michael and Marian Implazo

Jane’s Artifacts, Jane Drussel Mary Ann Jenkins Page Jenner Lia Johnson Alfred and Janice Johnson Harriet and Stan Joseph Jean and John Kearney Dave Keir Douglas and Bonnie Kochel Cynthia and Kenneth Kott Kingman and Cindy Lambert Thomas Lea Karen Little Jean and Frederic Mabbatt Jan and Paul MacGregor Jack MacPherson Jim and Kay Marron Joselin Matkins Mark Mayer and Melinda Nichols Mayer Andrew Mayo and Christina Gearin Olga and David Melin Deanna Melin Jerry and Sheila Mells C. M. Merz Edie Middleton Nancy and Jeffrey Mihalic Mr. Scott Miley Lyla Mitchell Jennifer Montgomery Nancy and Marr Mullen Janet Kellam and Andy Munter Katherine and Craig Nalen Ruthe and Frank Norton Bruce Norvell Nancy and Jim Osborn Melanie Paisley Regan Berkley and Ed Papenberg Nick Parish Jack and Sharon Parker Lyndell and Michael Paul Louis and Beverly Pavlovich Richard Peay Karen R. Pederson James Perkins Sue Petersen Kristin Poole Karen Reinheimer Theresa Richards Karla and Alain Rinckwald Kelly and Scott Robbins Virginia Robbins-Bugg

Birds and Canoes

Cheryl and Vern Rollin Robert Romano Mrs. Julianne Roos Miriam and Jack Rose Patricia G. Rothwell Dr. and Mrs. James Schultz Dotte Scott and Family Barbara and A. Scott Earle Gerri and Mike Shane Debby and Mark Slonim Bob Stadshaug Linda Drake and David Stansfield Harriet and Lawrence Stone Sun Valley Center For The Arts Tricia Swartling Gwen and Steve Thompson Gloria Thrasher Giovanni Tognoni and Ashley Mulick-Tognoni Frank Tornello Bruce and Helen Ullmann Howard and Linda Valentine Robert Vestal and Jyl Hoyt Linda and Gary Vinagre Van Schroder Waddy Liz Warrick Mike and Annie Weber Judith and Tommy Wells Ashley Wells John and Janice Welsh Ronald and Ann Whyte Nancy Winton Renny Wood Donald and Katharine Woodland Wood River Insurance Louise and Wayne Wright Phillips and Shirley Wylly Ronald and Fay Zook

On May 21, the Wood River Land Trust invited birding and canoeing enthusiasts to a day of exploring our Church Farm Preserve and the Nature Conservancy’s Silver Creek Preserve.

Starting at Church Farm for a birding tour, the group saw sandhill cranes, a multitude of red wing blackbirds, and enjoyed the wildflowers.

Then it was off to Silver Creek to hop into canoes for a leisurely float from Stalker Creek Bridge to Kilpatrick Pond. Several canoeists saw a moose on the banks of Silver Creek.

2010 Business & In-Kind Supporters David and Lyn Anderson Atkinson’s Markets Blue Heron Workshop The Board Bin Ciro Restaurant & Wine Bar Coffee Grinder & Gallery Ed and Susan Cutter Desperado’s Elaine and John French Iconoclast Books KB’s Burritos Jack and Marie Kueneman Lava Lake Land and Livestock, LLC Lost River Outfitters Macauley Whiting Susan Passovoy Penelope’s Cafe Wolf Riehle and Feli Funke-Riehle James Schink Glacier Graphics - Jennifer Self Trey Spaulding John and Elizabeth Stevenson Megan and Justin Stevenson Sun Valley Garden Center Thomas and Joan Swift Rick Koffey and Barbara Thrasher Tully’s Coffee White Otter Outdoor Adventures The Wicked Spud Zaney’s

Gifts In Honor

Donations are often made to the Land Trust in recognition of individuals who made a significant impact on the lives of others. Gifts were made between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2011, to honor: Joan and Hal Anwalt Jerry Bashaw Don and Gay Boecker Bud Boettger Austin M. Brinker and Alexandra deC Brinker Ed Cutter Mike Dederer Trent Jones Clay Kirk Andrew Mayo Robyn Elizabeth Peay Larry Schoen Steve Strandberg Barbara Thrasher Marcia, David, Ben, and Whitney Trook Mac & Molly Whittington

Memorial Gifts

Donations were made to Wood River Land Trust between April 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011 in memory of: Doug Boettger Frances K. Brossy Anne C. Brown Robert B. Browning Jill Clark Engdahl Candy Forstmann

David Friedenberg William F. Gillespie III Carmen Moore Edith Moore Mr. William G. Tennille III

WOOD RIVER LAND TRUST Protecting the Heart of the Valley

Now and for the Future

Board of Directors

Staff

Jack Kueneman, President Trent Jones, Vice President John French, Treasurer Robin Garwood, Secretary David Anderson Ed Cutter John Flattery Heather King Jane Mason Liz Mitchell Rebecca Patton Wolf Riehle John Fell Stevenson Megan Stevenson Steve Strandberg Barbara Thrasher

Scott Boettger, Executive Director Melanie Dahl, Community Lands Coordinator Trey Spaulding, Director of Operations Ashley Wells, Development and Conservation Assistant Keri York, Senior Conservation Coordinator

This newsletter is published by:

Wood River Land Trust 119 East Bullion Street Hailey, Idaho 83333 208.788.3947 (telephone) 208.788.5991 (fax) info@woodriverlandtrust.org www.woodriverlandtrust.org Tax ID# 82-0474191

Advisory Committee Fred Brossy Ranney Draper Larry Schoen John Seiller Tom Swift Bruce Tidwell Liz Warrick

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connections Summer Interns

Be Trout Friendly

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lready this has been a fun and exciting summer for our Trout Friendly Lawns (TFL) program. The summer issue of Sun Valley Magazine features our Trout Friendly program and highlights relevant water issues around the Wood River Valley.

This year Trout Friendly has even more signs around the valley. Beth Schadd, our Wood River Land Trust AmeriCorps intern, has been delivering signs via bicycle and trailer to all TFL participants. New to the program is a 10% discount for all of our participants at Sun Valley Garden Center, Webb Landscaping and Moss Garden Center.

Coming soon to our website you will be able to find a map and photos of all our lawns currently demonstrating trout friendliness. This year’s Friends of the Hailey Public Library Garden Tour will feature one of our lawns.

Perhaps you’ve noticed our Trout

Friendly Lawns’ informational booth at the farmers’ markets in Hailey and Ketchum each week. It’s been a great way for Beth to meet valley residents and explain the concepts of TFL. Many people have shared with us their stories about making their yards environmentally friendly and the steps they’ve taken to enhance their yards using native plants and less water, and by not using pesticides and herbicides.

We hope you will share your ideas about how to be Trout Friendly and tell us what has worked for you. Be sure to send us photos, too. Please check us out on Facebook or email us at tfl@ woodriverlandtrust.org.

Thanks to all our partners in the Trout Friendly Lawns program who help make this program possible, and a special thank you to all our participants who are helping to keep our watershed healthy. Happy Planting! m

Kristina Naton, Stewardship Intern

An avid outdoorswoman and angler, Kristina is excited to be living and working in the Wood River Valley. After earning a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder, Kristina worked as a hiking and rafting guide in Alaska, an archeology technician in the West Indies and Sweden, and a firefighter/EMT back east. Currently she is working towards Master’s degrees in Environmental Management and Forestry at the Nicholas School of Environment at Duke University. Originally from Delaware, she has a sincere appreciation for open space and looks forward to working in conservation and land management after graduation.

Beth Schadd, AmeriCorps Intern

Blaine Soil C o n s e r vat i o n D i s t r i c t

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Beth is a native Wisconsonite. Three years ago she came west in pursuit of new adventures. After living in Boise, she moved to McCall for graduate school through the University of Idaho at the McCall Outdoor Science School where she took classes and taught environmental education to 4-6th graders. As an AmeriCorps member, Beth is assisting with the Trout Friendly Lawn Program; she will intern at the Environmental Resource Center later this summer. Come fall, she will pack her bags and travel to Moscow to complete her M.S. in natural Resources-Conservation. m

An Economic Bird in the Hand

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hat is the environment worth to you? Is it something you can put a number to, such as cost of land?

Or is it something priceless, like the opportunity to watch sage grouse courting in a lek at dawn? Through our efforts to protect and restore such natural capital, the Wood River Land Trust invests in and strongly supports the local economy.

In 2003, Idaho Fish & Game conducted an economic impact study of fishing in the Big Wood River. The study found that fishing the Big Wood above Magic Reservoir brought

“Expenditures on wildlife watching are equivalent to the amount of revenue from all spectator sports, including football, baseball, hockey and basketball, all amusement parks and arcades, bowling centers, and ski resorts.” in $17.5 million dollars to Blaine County, and benefited valley businesses including grocery stores, hotels, restaurants, retail stores, gas stations, fishing shops and guides.

Since completion of the Wood River Land Trust’s first river restoration project at Boxcar Bend, generous and passionate donors have made it possible to invest more than $2 mil-

lion in restoration and protection of nearly three miles of riparian habitat along the Big Wood River. All three miles and the corresponding acreage are public access areas.

In 2006, a study conducted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Department of Commerce found that bird watchers spent $36 billion dollars for food, lodging, transportation, equipment, guide fees, and related costs to observe birds in their natural habitat—a virtual “bird in the hand” economically speaking.

The same study found that “expenditures on wildlife watching are equivalent to the amount of revenue from all spectator sports, including football, baseball, hockey and basketball, all amusement parks and arcades, bowling centers, and ski resorts.”

Wildlife watching even helps real estate sales as just over ten percent of real estate sold nationwide is due to the property’s wildlife watching opportunities.

By working to maintain healthy riparian and wildlife habitats, the Land Trust provides public benefits of experiencing nature, which, in turn, benefits the local economy.

Your donation to the Wood River Land Trust is a smart investment because it supports the local economy while simultaneously preserving our natural resources. m

Local Benefits

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he Wood River Land Trust is the valley’s local conservation group.

The donation you make stays in central Idaho to support our conservation and restoration work. That means that you are taking an active role in improving and enhancing the environment in which you live, work, and play. Your support gives us the resources to continue a tradition of innovative projects like the Croy Creek Wetlands Boardwalk and tried and true land protection like conservation easements.

To make a donation, use the remittance envelope enclosed in this newsletter, give us a call at 788-3947, or go to our website www.woodriverlandtrust.org.

So think local. Become a member with a tax-deductible donation. m

See

more online!

Building Material Thrift Store Salvage Opportunities: A Note from Bruce Tidwell, Owner

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his April, I was alerted by two contractors that they were demolishing two large houses this spring and that the Building Material Thrift Store would be involved in the salvage. I had the opportunity to determine that neither house could be relocated. Although the homeowners and contractors planned the demolition and new construction for over a year, we were only given two and three days respectively to glean a portion of the useable materials. And both projects started at the same time!

One of the biggest challenges we face at the Building Material Thrift Store is educating realtors, contractors and homeowners to the salvage opportunities that are available and the services we offer. With a little time we can significantly increase donation value, decrease disposal costs, and reduce the amount of useable items that end up in the landfill. Please help us spread the word! m BMTS recycles building materials, larger household items, furniture, appliances and even homes through deconstruction or relocation. The Building Material Thrift Store, 3930 S. Woodside Blvd. in Hailey, has an ever-changing inventory. Proceeds from sales help fund the work of the Wood River Land Trust. Visit www.buildingmaterialthriftstore.org

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wood river land trust

Acres permanently protected with your support: 13,549

summer 2011 Church Farm Preserve, cover A Note From Jack Kueneman, President, page 2 Gloria’s Trail, page 3 Step Up to the Boardwalk, page 4 Volunteers Help Out, pages 4 - 6 Whiting Scuplture Legacy, page 5 2010 - 2011 Donors, pages 6 - 9 Spring Events in Review, pages 6 - 9 Be Trout Friendly, page 10 Photo by Glen Shapiro

An Economic Bird in the Hand, page 11 See more Boardwalk Croy Creek Wetlands online!

Fall sunset, 2010

Wood River Land Trust protects and restores land, water, and wildlife habitat in the Wood River Valley and its surrounding areas. We work cooperatively with private landowners and local communities to ensure these areas are protected now and for future generations.

WOOD RIVER LAND TRUST Protecting the Heart of the Valley

Now and for the Future

119 East Bullion Street Hailey, Idaho 83333 208 788-3947 www.woodriverlandtrust.org ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

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