american river conservancy

Reflections on the Great Pause of 2020 By Elena DeLacy

As I write this article at my kitchen table, seques-

tered at home since mid-March due to the global pan-

demic, I feel privileged to live in a place where, in sec-

onds, I can touch the earth, hear birdsong and hear the

breeze through pine boughs. Not everyone is so lucky.

Over 110,000 people worldwide have perished from the

novel coronavirus. Millions of people in New York City

and other urban areas all over the world only venture

out of their apartments once a

week to shop for

groceries, if at all. Millions of

Americans have been laid off or

have to stay home to care for

children who cannot attend

school. I have the extreme

good fortune to work for an

organization that has retained

its entire staff despite cancelled

programs, declining revenue

and a dismal economy. I am

honored to work beside people

who care so deeply for their

fellow humans and community that they are willing to

sacrifice their money and time to organize the creation of

protective gear for health care workers in need. The

extraordinary creativity, compassion, collaboration and

optimism that are evident in our local community have

been amplified all over the world. I have been rejoicing

in the many stories of human kindness and generosity I

have been reading and hearing about every day.

This global crisis, which has brought our econo-

my to its knees, has also revealed what is really

important to me: health, community, healthy food, clean

water, shelter, and nature – basically our habitat! The

Great Pause, as I will forever refer to this period in time,

has thrown us off of the gigantic treadmill of life and

given us a chance to re-think what our new normal will

be. Will it mean less commuting to work and more

video and tele-conferencing, thereby reducing our

dependence on fossil fuel? Will we re-structure our

supply chains to be more local and resilient? Will we

retain these wonderful support networks to lift up our

most vulnerable in times of need? I hope the answer is a

resounding yes.

This historic time has also made it clear that the

greatest strength of any organization is its ability to

adapt to rapidly changing conditions. The talented team

of people who work at ARC are full of creativity and

determination, pivoting quickly to adapt to the shifting

priorities. To keep our work going now and in the

future, staff has been busily adjusting and finding new

funding sources, which has

been especially challenging,

given the circumstances. Our

Education Program, coordinat-

ed brilliantly by Garrett Gust, is

now offering digital and online

content. Chili Bar Park, man-

aged by Kelly Croffoot, has

remained open with adapted

check-in procedures. Our

fantastic Board of Directors has

remained supportive and

steadfast in their support of our

mission and staff.

Our community of supporters – thousands of

people strong – are still out there sharing their gifts with

their communities and continuing to support ARC. We

remain a land trust at our core, but this adversity has

shown me that ARC is so much more than a land trust.

We are a support network, a community of helpers, a

buzzing hive of generosity and resilience. Thank YOU

for being such an integral part of our collective success. I

dearly miss seeing all of

you, and hope that once

again, very soon, we can

come together to

celebrate our success!

For now, enjoy the beau-

ty of the Sierra and stay

well friends.

the Current American River Conservancy

IN THIS ISSUE Feature Article 1

Saying goodbye—Dick Bush 2

Conservation Update 3

What’s Up At Wakamatsu Farm 4

Volunteer Spotlight—Gershon/Rossi 5

Ecological Beings article 6

Program & Hikes 7-9

Education Update & Teahouse 10-11

Change article

31-Year Infographic & Volunteering 12-14

Thank You Volunteers & Donors 14-15

Become a Supporter 16

Informational Newsletter for Summer 2020 (June-August)

27,500

Acres

Since 1989

Pacific dogwood (Cornus nutallii) blooms at Lewis Ranch this Spring. Laura Ashburn Photography.

The Current Summer 2020 (June-August)

ARC Loses A Dear Friend

Dick Bush loved the out-

doors. He enjoyed traveling, camp-

ing, river rafting, and backpacking,

including backpacking across Death

Valley, and week-long backpacking

trips with his young family in

Yosemite and Mount Whitney. He

especially loved the Sierra Nevada

and living in the foothills where he

established Madroña Vineyards.

Dick also deeply cared about pre-

serving healthy ecosystems and

places of natural wonder and beauty

for future generations to explore and

enjoy. He was a careful land stew-

ard in the way he farmed and lived, as well as through organizations

he supported. As the American River Conservancy’s mission of

ensuring healthy ecosystems in our local watersheds through

conservancy, stewardship and education fit their values and interests,

Dick and his wife Leslie were strong supporters of ARC and its work

since early on. Dick passed away on January 30, 2020. Though he no

longer can, he has helped ensure that others – both now and in the

future – will be able to enjoy this area he so loved.

ARC would like to share our gratitude for the Bush Family for

their many years of generous donations, including their recent

request for community donations in memory of Dick Bush. By

bringing in funding and potential new members, requesting

donations to ARC in memory of our loved ones is a deeply altruistic

way of thinking forward to future generations who will depend upon

the watershed for their own lives. For over a decade the Bush

Family’s fine wines at Madroña Vineyards have contributed to our

social gatherings and the fond memories of countless ARC

friends. Dick will be a deeply missed at our future events, and our

condolences are with the Bush Family in their time of loss.

If you would like to make a donation to ARC in memory of Dick Bush, please contact us or note on check or

online giving memo line.

American River

Conservancy PO Box 562

348 Hwy 49

Coloma, CA 95613

(530) 621-1224

Fax: (530) 621-4818

Email: [email protected]

Website: ARConservancy.org

ARC Board of Directors Scott Vail—President

Kyle Pogue—Vice President

Steve Clark — Treasurer

Christina Salomon —Secretary

Cathy Ciofalo Carla Soracco Clint Collins

Suzanne Borth Rene Hamlin Lee Van Pelt

Staff Elena DeLacy

Executive Director

Dillon Brook

Stewardship Manager

Melissa Lobach

Development Manager

Autumn Gronborg

Forest Restoration Project Manager

Garrett Gust

Stewardship & Education Coordinator

Marie Imler

Bookkeeper

Julie Allen

Public Outreach & Office Manager

Sue Robbins

Nature Center Docent

Kelly Croffoot

Chili Bar Manager

Please tell us how we are doing

You are a vital part of American River Conservancy’s story. Without your support, we cannot conserve places where people and nature thrive or keep these treasured landscapes healthy and resilient. We want to make your experience the best it can possibly be, so please share your thoughts about our work. Your responses are confi-dential and anonymous. We will share general results with all supporters. Please see insert, or complete the online survey at http://tiny.cc/h17ynz.

http://tiny.cc/h17ynz

Land Conservation Update

page 3 The Current Summer 2020 (June-August)

For almost 31 years, ARC has worked with private landowners, public agencies and funding partners to

preserve habitat, agricultural lands, recreational access and riparian corridors. Since 1989, ARC has protected over

27,500 acres through conservation easement and fee-title acquisition. Approximately 9,250 acres of land conserved by

ARC since 1989 is classified as agricultural land – working farms and cattle ranches – while also serving as important

wildlife corridors in the region. Why is this important? First, rangeland is largely situated in the foothill elevations

of our watersheds, where there is an increased threat of subdivision and development, which also overlaps with high

-conservation-value oak woodlands and riparian corridors. Second, as the human population grows, conservation of

large open spaces is critical to allow systems to adapt and maintain resiliency in the face of changing ecological

processes produced by climate change. By preventing loss and fragmentation of oak woodland habitats and by

protecting intact riparian corridors and working agricultural lands, the Conservancy seeks to support a more resili-

ent landscape and preserve the capacity of land managers to address the consequences of climate change in the

region through adaptive management.

Lewis Ranch

ARC is working to raise $4,470,000 in private donations

and grants to acquire this 972-acre ranch located near the

town of Greenwood. In March 2020, the Sierra Nevada

Conservancy approved a one-million-dollar grant for

this project. Lewis Ranch is situated on Greenwood

Creek, a perennial foothill tributary to the South Fork

American River. More than three miles of riparian front-

age, varying topography and a mosaic of vegetation

types make the Lewis Ranch an extremely diverse

habitat. A working ranch, the Lewis family and nearby

ranchers have utilized the Ranch’s rolling hills as

rangeland for nearly 40 years. Foothill yellow-legged frog, western pond turtle, Sierra newt, bobcat, grey fox, river

otter, American kestrel, golden eagle and hundreds of other wildlife species use the area as a wildlife corridor. In

fact, El Dorado County’s general plan identifies a portion of the property as an Important Biological Corridor.

Chapman Canyon

The 543-acre Chapman Canyon property has recently been recommended for funding by the Wildlife Conservation

Board. Located in the Middle Fork American River watershed in Placer County, this project will protect 2.5 miles of

the unimpaired North Fork of the Middle Fork American River, as well as intact conifer/hardwood forest adjacent to

a Designated Roadless Area. During a recent visit to the property, ARC staff observed several Giant sequoia (Sequioa

sempervirens) thriving on the cooler north-facing slopes of the property. This project will protect important riverine

stretches that provide cold water climate refugia for native species at an intergrade between conifer and hardwood

forest types. Vegetation “transitional zones” such as these are important to protect in order to maintain habitat

diversity in the face of climate change.

North Fork Cosumnes River Conservation

ARC is working with the Frost-Hurzel family to facilitate the permanent conservation of approximately 300 acres on

the North Fork Cosumnes River and Steely Fork Cosumnes River near Somerset. Rick, Melinda, and son Teran are

part of ARC’s Legacy Circle because of their intent to donate a Conservation Eaesement and Fee-title interest in the

parcels that are currently under their care. ARC hopes to finalize this donation in 2020. The property, which is

adjacent to BLM land, contains lush and diverse riparian habitat, mixed conifer forest, and ponds that support

hundreds of native wildlife species.

Enjoy a Lewis Ranch virtual tour at: https://youtu.be/XGdoHJWdydU

https://youtu.be/XGdoHJWdydU


This Spring is much different from our last

when WakamatsuFest150 planning was in full swing

for the third consecutive year. Leading up to June of

2019, ARC was appealing to the widest range of

supporters, performers, volunteers, and guests from

around to world to participate in our sesquicentennial

celebration. Held on June 6 to 9, WakamatsuFest150

was the biggest event ARC ever hosted. One year later

while Wakamatsu Farm is relatively dormant during

the present global pandemic, let’s take a quick look

back and a brief glimpse forward.

Held exactly 150 years after the Wakamatsu

Colonists’ historic arrival date, over 4,000 people joined

WakamatsuFest150, including over 3,600

visitors, 100 performers, 100 vendors, and 200

volunteers. Celebrating 150 years of Japanese

American heritage, three simultaneous stages offered

72 hours of entertainment, includ-

ing music, dancing, lectures,

demonstrations, and more during

ideal weather. Our new tea house

buzzed with tea services. Scholars

and performers from as far away as

New York City and Tokyo spoke

and performed. The Colony

history was dramatized during dai-

ly live-action plays, meaning we

have an excellent script for future productions.

Celebrating together were honored guests of the actual

Wakamatsu story, including Colony descendants and

the heirs of the Matsudaira clan line and the Tokugawa

Shogunate. Docents gleefully interpreted to diplomats

and politicians like the

Consul General of Japan and

former Governor Jerry

Brown. Over 20 news sources

shared the festival with the

rest of the world. Social me-

dia outreach was unchart-

ed. For posterity, we im-

proved infrastructure, built

new stages, installed drinking

fountains, and unveiled a

new monument from Japan.

Covering all expenses, the

experience raised over

$219,000. The funding helped ARC retain employees to

keep our mission moving forward this year.

All the better that ARC hosted the festival in

2019 given our Spring 2020 quaran-

tine. Sadly, this Spring we had to

cancel all Farm classes, field trips,

volunteer days, events and all other

programs. We even postponed our

first Obon Festival until 2021

(sorry!). But this fertile period has

allowed us to plant seeds for the

Farm's future, especially newly en-

hanced outdoor education program-

ing and remote learning. We are also planning a Fall

Harvest Festival on October 24th. When we can all

gather again, Wakamatsu Farm will be available for

event rentals. For more information visit:

www.ARConservancy.org/wakamatsu-events.

It takes colossal efforts from volunteers, staff,

and others for the outreach needed to turn a cultural

landmark into a destination Farm for future

generations. Looking back, we ask: "Was it all worth

it?" Considering all the positive outcomes and feed-

back, and people still praising their festival experienc-

es, the answer remains "Yes, absolutely!" Thank you

again to all who helped and joined. If you came, or

you couldn't, find our retrospective video here:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUVGzsdpbik&t=

We look forward to seeing you soon at

Wakamatsu Farm.

By Melissa Lobach

What’s up at Wakamatsu Farm? Established in 1869

Birthplace of 1st Japanese-American

Site of 1st Japanese Colony in USA

Gravesite of Okei-san

VENUE RENTALS

are now available!

Create your own memorable

experiences at Wakamatsu Farm.

Contact ARC for details.

email: [email protected]

or call: 530-621-1224

Japanese and American dancers at WakamatsuFest150 (photo by Betty Sederquist)

Newly donated arch for picture-perfect moments

http://www.ARConservancy.org/wakamatsu-events

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUVGzsdpbik&t=


Keith Gershon and Janet Rossi By Elena DeLacy

I caught up with Janet Rossi and Keith Gershon over the phone (due to the stay-at-home order) in April to

learn a little bit more about these 2016 recipients of ARC’s “Volunteer of the Year” Award. Both Janet and Keith are

avid outdoor enthusiasts, and moved to the Placerville area from the Bay Area in 2011. Keith, an accomplished

whitewater kayaker, had been coming to the South Fork American River since the late 1970s, when his love of

whitewater boating began. Janet, who is retired from the medical profession, spends a lot of time skiing, snowshoe-

ing, hiking, biking and enjoying the outdoors in many forms. It would be remiss of me to mention Janet and Keith

and not mention their loyal companion, Byrd. If you have ever been to the Nature Center during a mailing, or met

Keith and Janet at Cronan Ranch on the trail, you’ll know who I’m talking about – this sweet little cattle dog is never

far from their side.

Keith, who grew up in Chicago, came to California at the

age of 22. His first job in the Golden State was as an

apprentice electrician. He eventually went on to become the Di-

rector of Electrical Safety at the Lawrence Berkeley and Law-

rence Livermore Labs. A skilled electrician, Keith has volun-

teered hundreds of hours completing electrical work for ARC.

He says that his most memorable volunteer moment was com-

pleting the electrical work at the American River Headwaters

Camp. “It was an interesting challenge, because even the small-

est job requires two or three trips to the hardware store. There

is no hardware store up there. Every last nut, bolt, cover plate,

box - you name it - had to be purchased in advance.” I think it’s

a testament to his skill that he was able to finish the job without

any extra trips to the hardware store.

Janet, who was raised in California, has worked as both a Physical Therapist and Physician Assistant in

emergency rooms, jails, and several different hospitals, including Marshall Hospital in Placerville. She loves to

travel, and her wanderlust has taken her to Italy and all over the United States. Janet is a regular volunteer for

mailings, has helped clear blackberries at Spivey Pond, done trail work, and is a Certified California Naturalist.

Janet’s most memorable volunteer moment was doing trail work with Vicky Vail. During the process, she was

clearing vines that she later found out were poison oak. After that experience, she knows what to watch out for!

Community is very important to Janet and Keith. ARC isn’t the only organization they are active in – they

also volunteer at the Gold Trail Grange in Coloma. Between the boating community, ARC and the Grange, Janet

says, “we have found our ‘tribe’ – wonderful people who share a lot of the same values like taking care of our

environment and taking care of our community.” This community has shown they care about Janet and Keith, too.

In 2017, when the river was threatening to carry

their house away and they had to evacuate, “all of these

people just showed up without us having to call anyone.

The community showed up with trucks and trailers to

help us in our crisis,” said Keith. When asked why they

give so much of their time to ARC, Keith responded, “It’s

very simple. As far as I am concerned, ARC gives me

back way more than I give as a volunteer. We do a lot of

receiving from ARC. Besides protecting the watershed,

which is absolutely vital, ARC gives us all of these beauti-

ful places to recreate.”

Interested in

Volunteering?

Go to ARConservancy.org/join-us

Use the VOLUNTEER FORM to sign up

for your specific volunteer interests.

Volunteer Spotlight


We Are Ecological Beings Garrett Gust

We are a part of this planet. By that, I mean it is more than a floating rock in space

that serves as a convenient habitat to host people and all carbon-based life. Our planet is a

system; a series of interrelations which dually exerts forces on us and which we exert forces

on. I would say this concept is timeless; a simple walk outdoors in a blizzard or rainstorm

will serve to remind you that we too are subject to feeling those forces of nature, especially if

we are unprepared. On the flip side, we see and experience everyday the multitude of ways

we exert forces on nature (think dams, roads, houses, farms, emissions, pollution).

As we adapt and adjust in trying times, try to remember that we are entangled in

both natural and social systems. Not only are we intertwined with the natural systems that

we cherish -- our rivers, mountains, and plant and animal communities, but we are also

profoundly connected with others at the local, regional, national, and international levels.

Right now some of us may be feeling quite disconnected from both our natural and social

communities, but the more we recognize and pay attention to the ways we connect to things

around us, the more we can reflect on the critical importance of open space, access to natural areas, and sharing

experiences together outdoors.

This concept speaks to a critical foundation of ARC’s education programs -- that we are ecological beings. So,

each spring, summer, and fall -- on field trips, at summer camp, and in public programs -- we take people of all ages

out-of-doors, into the very systems of which we are a part; to learn about them, to recreate in them, and to appreciate

them. We put our bodies, hearts, and minds back into the systems, back out into the weather, and we disconnect from

electronics and reconnect with each other. We do this collectively as a group to share not only experiences, but

camaraderie and companionship. In short, we offer valuable opportunities to reconnect with ecology, to reconnect to

community, and to remind ourselves of the roles and responsibilities that come along with being part of the systems

of our planet.

Things may look different this year. To offer programs, we have to adapt and modify how we go about them

to ensure that we keep our community safe. But know that we are committed to continue offering ways for everyone

to participate as social and natural beings in all of the wonderful systems of which we have always been a part.

The Ripple Effects of the Pandemic

While social distancing and shelter-in place orders due to COVID-19 have isolated us all, we remain united in

support of our community’s health and well-being. During the pandemic, we have extended ourselves and

leveraged resources in new and creative ways, including:

· Offered rent relief to the farmers at Wakamatsu Farm;

· Donated weekly fresh organic produce to those in need via Gold Trail Union School

District and The Center for Violence-Free Relationships thanks to a COVID-19 relief grant from the

Sacramento Region Community Foundation;

· Established the Nature Center as a drop site for a Snack Food Drive benefitting our local domestic

violence safe house;

· Established the Nature Center as a drop site for mask-making materials;

· Offered webinars as a new option for outdoor education;

· Encouraged staff to volunteer paid time in our community to help those in need (safely, of course);

· Followed California State mandates for social distancing and avoiding public gatherings; and

· Continuous cleaning and sanitization of Nature Center to prepare for reopening.

Thanks to our supporters, board, and staff, so many ripples are helping so many lives while keeping us all

connected. Feel free to JUMP IN or contact us if you want to help too!

Chorus frog on Amaranth at Wakamatsu Garden


The American River Conservancy is located in the

American River Nature Center

inside the Marshall Gold Discovery

State Historic Park

at 348 Hwy. 49, Coloma, CA The Nature Center & Bookstore are open to the public

Friday Thru Sunday from 10 am- mm.

Our offices are open to volunteers and supporters

Monday thru Friday from 9 am- pm and

weekends from 10 am- pm.

We can be reached by phone at ( 30) 621- 122 or online at arconservancy.or .

Program Calendar

June

Saturday the 6th 8am-5pm Granite Chief Day Hike

Saturday the 13th 9-10:30am Dreamcatcher Class

Saturday the 20th 10am-12pm Beginning Birding

Friday the 26th 5:30-8:30pm Endless Summer Nights-Concert

Saturday the 27th 9am-1pm Cronan Adventure Hike

Sunday the 28th 10am-12pm Poetry Workshop

Sunday the 28th 10am-11am Tai Chi

July 11th-12th 8am Sat—5pm Sun Granite Chief Backpack Trip


Saturday the 10th 10am-12pm Ink & Paint 101

Wednesday the 15th 9-11am Standup Paddle Boarding

Saturday the 25th 9am-3pm Cosumnes Meadow Hike

Sunday the 26th 10am-11am Tai Chi

August Saturday the 8th 8am-3pm Geologic History Hike

8th-9th 8am Sat-5pm Sun Granite Chief Backpack Trip


Wednesday the 14th 9-11am Standup Paddle Boarding

Saturday the 15th 9am-12pm Wildlife Photography Hike

Sunday the 30th 10am-12pm Poetry Workshop


Programs Plus

Beginning Birding

Saturday June 20th

10am-12pm

Interested in birding but

unsure where to start? Natural-

ist and wildlife photographer

Hayley Crews will lead this class

introducing the hobby of birding

at a beginner level. Responsible

teens+ welcome. Suggested

donation: $10/members, $15/

non-members.

Cronan Mountain Adventure Hike

Saturday, June 27th 9am-1pm

Join Tom Petersen on this 5-6-mile loop hike

from Cronan trailhead to the Down and Up Trail to

the Connector Trail towards Magnolia, then turn back

and take the NEW Connector Trail back to the top of

the mountain and back down to Cronan. Suggested

donation: $5/members, $10/non-members.

Cosumnes Headwater Meadow walk

Saturday, July 25th 9am-3pm

Meander through a beautiful meadow of the

Middle Fork Cosumnes River, with lunch adjacent to a

waterfall. Enjoy a brief discussion of meadow restora-

tion project with volunteers from the Cosumnes Coali-

tion. Suggested donation: $5/members or $10/non-

members.

Geologic History Hike of the Sierra Nevada

Saturday, August 8th 8am-3pm

Enjoy a day at Wright's Lake where you will

explore different geologic environments, including

meadows, forests, glacial and water features with

spectacular views of Crystal Basin. Well-behaved dog

on-leash welcome. Suggested donation: $5/members

or $10/non-members.

American River Foraged Dreamcatcher Class

Saturday, June 13th 9-10:30am

Join Jamie Hieronimus of Shoshone heritage

for instruction in creating dreamcatchers, passed

down through generations. Jamie’s mission is to con-

nect people with nature and God. Gaining knowledge

along the light nature walk to the river, along with

plant identification and usage, are major lessons in the

making of your Foraged Dream Catcher. All materials

and instruction provided. Cost: $50/members, $60/

non-members.

Capturing Wakamatsu:

A Poetry Walk/Workshop

June 28th & August 30th 10am-12pm

Taylor Graham, El Dorado County’s first Poet

Laureate, and award-winning Sacramento-area poet

Katy Brown, will lead an exploration of farmhouse,

barn, and surroundings, then ask participants to write

a poem inspired by what they’ve experienced.

Suggested Donation: $5/members, $10/non-members.

All Programs are TENTATIVE

ONLY, due to rapidly changing State

guidelines for social gatherings.

See our website calendar for updates,

full descriptions, and to sign up.

ARConservancy.org/events No dogs allowed unless otherwise stated


Many thanks... to the volunteers who led a hike, taught a

workshop, or offered/gave a presentation this spring. We can only offer these programs

because of your commitment to our communi-ty. If you would like to become a volunteer,

complete the Volunteer Interest form at ARConservancy.org/join-us

Open Space Easy Tai Chi – Qigong

June 28th & July 26th 10-11am

Let the open space of Wakamatsu enhance our

overall wellness via movement exercises. Instructor

Gigi Tze-yue Hu is a semi-retired Asian Studies educa-

tor and author. She offers Tai Chi – Qigong classes to

select community groups. Ages 8+ welcome with

adult. No prior experience is required. Suggested

Donation: $5/members, $10/non-members.

Ink and Paint 010: Natural paints from our

landscape

Saturday, July 11th 10am-12pm

Join Judi Pettite of Bio Hue for a primer on best

plants, mushrooms and soil to use in your homemade

ink and watercolors. We'll make a few batches of color

and try them out! All supplies provided and sample

sheets are your take-home. Check out some of her

projects @biohue on IG or at judipettite.com. Judi lives

and works in Placerville, foraging and cultivating

color in her dye garden. Some of her favorites include

indigo, walnut, madder root, weld, red earth, and

mushrooms. Cost: $55/members, $55/non-members.

Wildlife Shooting – No Guns Please

Saturday, August 15th 8am-12pm

Your local safari host, photographer Ken Ma-

har, will point out wildlife while traversing a mild

hike (location TBD). Ken will give step-by-step

photography instructions to participants. Camera not

necessary. Ken is a local photographer who has led

several African safaris and generously volunteers for

ARC. ken-mahar-photos.com for samples of his work

and for upcoming safaris. Ages 12+ welcome. Suggest-

ed donation $5/members or $10/non-members.

Granite Chief Picayune Valley Day Hike

Saturday, June 6th 8am – 5pm

ARC volunteer Tom Dodson will lead this ex-

ploration of the Granite Chief Wilderness Area

Picayune Valley starting at Talbot Creek. We will hike

up along the middle fork of the American River pass-

ing through an old growth forest. After crossing the

headwaters of the middle fork we will emerge into the

Picayune Valley. In the valley we will explore water-

falls and Indian petroglyphs. The hike is moderate

with no step elevation gains. Total round trip is 10

miles in and out. Cost: $20/members, $25/non-

members.

Endless Summer nights - Concerts at the Farm

Fridays, June 26th, July 10th & Au ust 1 th 5:30-8:30pm

Enjoy a warm evening in the Keyaki Garden at

Wakamatsu Farm and hear your favorite classic rock,

blues, jazz, and country tunes! Still Rock’n & Friends is

your local “Feel Good Music” Band. This local band

includes Craig Harper, Dennis Edwards, Lenny Brann,

and John Hobbs. Still Rock’n enjoys having guest musi-

cians sit in on a few songs and that just adds to the

good vibes they like to

put out. Suggested Do-

nation: $10.

S.U.P. on Lower Lake

Clementine

Wednesdays, July 15th &

August 12th 9-11am

This adventure

is for SUP enthusiasts, beginner to intermediate. Enjoy

the beauty and serenity of Lake Clementine in the

Auburn State Rec Area with volunteer Ami Stroud.

Suggested Donation: $5/members, $10/non-members.

Granite Chief Whiskey Creek / Five Lakes Trail /

Shanks Cove Trail

Overnight Backpack Trip

Saturday August 15th 8AM to

Sunday August 16th 5PM

ARC volunteer Tom Dodson

will lead this exploration of the

Granite Chief Wilderness Area

from the Grayhorse Valley

Trailhead, Grayhorse Valley

Trail (15E11). This is not a beginner’s backpacking trip.

Cost: $40/members, $55/non-members.


Education Update By Garrett Gust

This spring has been a difficult one for environmental education at American River Conservancy. With the

circumstances surrounding COVID-19, we canceled our in-person programs to keep our communities safe. While we

were devastated that so many students, community members, and learners were going without our programs, staff

has responded by developing new infrastructure and by adapting some of our programs online. The new spaces, the

Food Lab and Nature Play Space, are both exciting new elements that will greatly enhance our programs as soon as

we open up for in-person business! In the meantime, our online programs are a temporary fix to provide ways for our

communities to learn, connect, and stay engaged during these trying times. As soon as it is safe to do so, we will

resume our regular programming!

Nature Play Space

ARC’s new natural materials play area! This area is designed by the creative minds of Wild Immersion and

ARC staff to allow children to imagine, play, and create in a context that is entirely constructed of materials sourced

from

nature. By removing standard play elements that are built and designed with plastic, the goal is to build positive

associations of nature by linking play with the great outdoors! This space will build familiarity, comfort, and

confidence in young learners while inspiring them to explore, discover, and appreciate the natural world.

This spring we are scheduled to complete three elements of the Nature Play Space:

The Dry Creek Run

This element is designed to look and feel like a dry river bed. Granite rocks,

sand, and gravel all come together to give learners an idea of what makes up a

river system. The native plants on the banks demonstrate valuable ecological

and biological lessons. Oh, and the best part, the whole thing doubles as a fun,

engaging natural movement course.

The Log Balance Section - Coming soon!

These cedar logs are a play element that will challenge balance, build confi-

dence and teach responsible recreation. With non-standardized materials

sourced from nature itself, youth will have to make informed decisions about

where to step next and how to navigate this natural maze.

The Tracking Pit

This interactive zone has three sections with different substrates, allowing

learners to observe and appreciate various ways the ground can affect tracking

and movement. These substrates can be used for lessons on tracking local

fauna, or youth can experiment for themselves by moving in different ways

through the pit!

The Nature Play Space is an ongoing project that needs your support! We are looking to expand the infrastruc-

ture and elements of the project, seeking creative and engaging curriculum to bring to programs, and we are looking

for interested groups to come use the space once we are all able to come together again. If you want to get involved,

please email ARC’s Education Coordinator at [email protected].

Going online!Our education staff is working hard to provide some online resources for our community! Check in all

summer for more online webinars, videos, online trainings, and more!

mailto:[email protected]


Little Teahouse in the Garden…the story of the tea house at Wakamatsu Farm By Sue Bertram

The story of the tea house, found in the

gardens leading to Okei-san's gravesite, starts

as a dream of some docents of the Wakamatsu

Farm. Historically, the samurai on the farm

probably did not have a specific tea house, but

they probably did practice the art of the tea cer-

emony. Knowing this and the importance of

the ceremony to the samurai culture, the idea of

a tea house did not seem historically out of

place and was a way to teach Japanese culture

to students and visitors.

This idea was brought up to a group of

construction students at Cordova High School

in Rancho Cordova and they accepted the

project as their entry for the Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange (SBRX) Design-Build Competition in 2019. Led

by their teacher, Mr. Andre Leineke, the students researched the design, learned and practiced construction

techniques, and construction safety. In the end, the final team of 8 students had 18 hours over two days to complete

the construction of the basic building. The team won Best Architectural Design in the competition.

The building was delivered to Wakamatsu Farm right after the competition. The area for placement was

pre-prepared so the French doors faced the direction of Okei-san's burial site, the direction toward her homeland,

and, each window overlooked the fields and hills of beauty and peace found in her California home.

Though the delivery of the building was exciting, it was obvious that it needed a great deal of work. The

docents who volunteered to work on the tea house, the Tea Team, found that many of the measurements on the little

building were irregular. But through the dedication, cooperative hard work and talent of the team - the doors were

installed; drywall and taping done; a porch designed and built; the hip roofline was fitted with an overhang and

roofing material; and plenty of painting was done. Later a deck was built to put next to the building for larger tea

ceremony demonstrations. All this was in 31 days. The tea house was finished and used for demonstrations during

the 2019 WakamatsuFest 150 event on June 6th after being delivered on May 2nd.

The volunteers who worked on this project have good reason to be proud of this addition to Wakamatsu

Farm. It is now a place to tell the wonderful Wakamatsu Farm story. The next dream? A tea garden and meditation

area around the tea house. The Wakamatsu Tea Team is ready for this next challenge. Want to be a part of this

talented group? Please contact me, Susan Reiko Bertram, through Dillon or Garrett at ARC.

Thank you to Straightline Construction for the donation of the

roofing materials; to Paint Spot for donation of the exterior and interi-

or paint; and to the Maintenance Crew and Wood Mill at the Marshall

Gold Discovery State Historic Park for the planks and natural branch-

es that help to remind us of the history and natural surroundings of

this beautiful area.

Suzie Morioka Bertram is a Wakamatsu docent and volunteer who managed

the tea house project from idea to completion. With her tenacity, dedication,

and leadership, the Wakamatsu Tea House was completed with help of these

volunteers:

Scott and Vicky Vail; Steve and Lucinda Parker; Joan Mengelkoch; Barry

Brooks; Michael Quirk; Pat Monzo; Cynthia Chaponot; Dillon Brook; Garrett

Gust; Janet Rossi; Mary Smith and Tracy Bertram.

Volunteers and staff the day the new tea house arrived on wheels

Tea house today, still a wonderful work in progress


CHANGE — WILL WE COPE? By Carla Soracco

“My daughter is sixteen-and-a-half. Sixty years from now she’ll be in her

mid-seventies. I have absolutely no idea what the physical world will be like then.

What the changes will be.” Jack Womack, science fiction writer. (New Yorker, p.

59, December 16, 2019.)

Recently an article in the Clipper Business Review reported that

Combellack’s were closing their family clothing store after 131 years. In the

interview, the current family owners discussed what it was like growing

up in Placerville in the 50’s, 60’s and even the 70’s. I remember that world.

The Placerville Sanitarium, affectionately know as “the SAN,” is

where I was born in 1938. It was the only hospital in the county of 13,229

people. I graduated from Placerville Grammar School and El Dorado

County High School. In 1956 our senior class outing was a picnic at Bass

Lake. In those days it was a rain-filled reservoir. I moved on to college in

the Bay Area. At that time the county had 18,000 permanent residents. It

currently has more than 180,000 residents.

Both my parents lived in El Dorado County. My mom lived at Echo Summit. My dad died in Placerville in

2007. Friends and I purchased a small USFS cabin near Echo Lakes in 1970. Consequently, I spent a lot of time in the

Sierra foothills and the high Sierra, visiting family, skiing, hiking, backpacking, and just hanging out at our cabin.

Traveling regularly from the Bay Area, I watched the landscape that I loved change before me. I began to mourn for

the loss even then.

These reminiscences indicate how much my world view is shaped by how it was between my birth and 1980.

By 1980 El Dorado County began to change more rapidly. Developers became part of its reality. My golden hills be-

gan to disappear. Sadly now all are gone. Traffic increased, more areas were fenced off, Chili Bar Swimming Resort

was a part of the past.

However, my little watering holes still have a 20th century feel. Yes, there are Cameron Park and El Dorado

Hills and the Tahoe basin. Pollock Pines and Shingle Springs are larger than Placerville was in those days. But my life

was and still is in the quieter parts of the county.

It was an epiphany when I realized my world view was 20th Century, but it was now the 21st Century, and

change was occurring even more rapidly. I was going to close these thoughts with an appeal for you to do all you can

to protect our open spaces, rivers, and air to ensure that your children and grandchildren will have at least some of

the outdoor, open-space pleasures we enjoyed. Then I was going to ask you to give to ARC.

All of a sudden everything changed again. It is the third profound change in my lifetime. First there was the

disappearing landscape, then the internet, and now a pandemic. COVID-19 has forced us to ask some serious

questions. What are our values? How do we balance the economy, life, health? How important have our open spaces

become? It is amazing how many folks are flocking to their parks on foot, on bikes and horses. Remarkably our air is

cleaner, but our pocketbooks are leaner.

When this health and economic crisis is past, remember how much our open spaces have contributed to our

mental and physical health. Think how much we need to protect and expand them from too much development,

insuring that our rivers, clean water and cleaner air are available for those coming after us. When a form of normalcy

returns, and perhaps even now, give deep thought to what you can give to organizations like the American River

Conservancy, protectors of 27,500 acres of land in El Dorado County for multiple purposes—air and water,

recreation, and agriculture.

Remember how much these foothills and mountains have given us, and give back to protect what you can. Be

an annual giver, make a legacy gift, volunteer, and talk to others to support us. With your help, some of these open

spaces may still remain in 60 years. I hope so.

2007—Laurel Gromer & Carla picking wildflowers for the Nature Center’s annual spring display.

Volunteer Opportunities

page 13 The Current Summer 2020 (June-August)

ARC is unable to provide volunteer workdays at this time. We will keep you informed via our weekly emails

and social media channels if the situation changes to the point that we are able to host stewardship opportunities.

ARC is committed to following the federal, state and county guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. If the situa-

tion changes to the degree that these gatherings are allowed we welcome community members to join us in opportu-

nities such as trail work, gardening, environmental education and river cleanup efforts. Visit ARConservancy.org/

events for updates.

Conservation

The American River Conservancy protects habitat, native fisheries, scenic vistas, and recreational lands within the upper American River and Cosumnes River watersheds. To date, we have suc-cessfully protected over 27,500 acres.

Education

ARC continues to offer high quality educational |programming in the form of Nature Bowl, Nature camp, Public Programs and Hikes, and California Naturalist Classes.

Stewardship

Land stewardship is the recognition of our collective responsibility to retain, manage and enhance the quality and abundance of our land, air, water and biodiversity.

https://www.arconservancy.org/events

https://www.arconservancy.org/events

https://app.donorview.com/D5Ql

https://app.donorview.com/D5Ql


Eddies… Volunteering January-March 2121

OUR MISSION The American River Conservancy serves our communities by ensuring healthy ecosystems within the Upper American

and Upper Cosumnes River watersheds through land conservation, stewardship and education.

Thank you to all the individuals that volunteered their time during the early Spring months. Before

social restrictions were enacted volunteers helped with pulling weeds, building trails, maintaining agriculture are-

as and many other necessary tasks. In addition, we are thankful to how our community has responded and assist-

ed those in need during this trying time. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can

change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead, anthropologist, recipient of the Plane-

tary Citizen of the Year Award in 1978.

Aguilar, Briegan

Apodaca, Jacob

Augustine, Nancy

Bean, Mike

Bertram, Susan

Borth, Suzanne

Brooks, Joan & Barry

Brown, Katy

Bryant, Lance

Carlson, Greg

Ciofalo, Cathy

Clark, Steve

Collins, Clint

Cort, Cathey

Davidson, Doru

Ennis, Lisa

Evans, Pam

Giles, John

Graham, Taylor

Hamlin, Rene

Hanebutt, Marcia

Hayes, Janet

Holmes, Bill

Holmes, Patrick

Jaski, Karla

Jensen, Bill

Jensen, Deb

Johnston, Nicole

Krocheski, Melissa

Leffler, Trish

Martin, Bev

McAllister, JoAnn

Mengekoch, Joan

Mone, Catherine

Monzo, Pat

Paige, Karen

Parker, Lucinda

Parker, Steve

Pearson, Tracy

Peeters, Leif, Luka &

Michelle

Pogue, Kyle

Rake, Don

Raley, Stephanie

Rosa, Vicki

Rossi, Janet

Salomon,

Christina

Seabury, David

Soracco, Carla

Tanimoto, Betty

Tanimoto, Herb

Tze-Ye Hu, Gigi

Vail, Vicky & Scott

Van Pelt, Lee

Walrond, Cece

Wister, Tara

ARC Wish List Surge protectors

Kegerator

Large area rugs

30-40 Gal. Storage Containers

Boot scraper

Blender or food processor

Telescoping paint-brush pole

Animation designer expertise

Photos of ARC properties

Photo button-making machine

Golf carts (donation or rental)

12-passenger van

Snack bars

Grocery gift cards

Potting soil

Michael’s gift cards

Small stepstool or ladder

20 matching round table cloths

160 matching napkins

160 matching water glasses/goblets

Lawn games (i.e. bocce ball)

Microphone stand

Dual axle trailer

50-Gallon trash bags

Tool box (small, with basic tools)

Have an old car you’d like to

have towed?

Contact DonationLine.com or

1-888-448-3345

To date we’ve earned over $51,000

from DonationLine!

Volunteer!

Workplace giving

Become part of the Legacy Circle pro-

gram with bequests or donations of securities, stocks,

retirement plans, estates or other

investments (These offer income tax and capital

gains tax savings) Amazon (smile.amazon.com)

Sponsor a California Naturalist

Sponsor a school field trip

In-kind donation of goods or services

Gift memberships

Give in honor or memory of

Give the gift of land

Establish a charitable fund

And of course you can use the ARC

Bookstore as a gift giving source for

birthdays and holidays

Other ways you can support

ARC!


Thank you, American River Conservancy January-March 0202 Supporters!

General & Recurring Donors

Aagaard, David

Altaffer, Renee

Amemiya, Yoshiko Amen, Shoshanna

Andrew, Jane

Archer, Mahala A-Total Fire Protection

Beichley, Kathleen

Bisconte, candace Boyes, Lynnee & Bob

Bradshaw, Betsy

Brewer, Linda Bush, Diane

Buss, Margaret

Butler, Alice Byrne-Mulliken, Taira

Campos, Marianne and Jeff

Canfield, Sarah Carrasco-Minton, Julie & Jonas Minton

Castro, Thomas & Julie

Chasse-Crouse, Elizabeth Cozzolino-Maher, Julie & James

Crews, Hayley

Crisp, Sue Damer, Michael

DeLacy, Elena Dessaux, Lyn

Draxler, Cassandra & David

Edmondson, Nina Evans, Pam & Loyd

Fatooh, Mary

Finley, Scott Foley-Munoz, Patricia

Ford, Eric T. and Joann

Foster, Dorothy Gaddie, Vivian

Gautier, Anthony

Giles, Mary Lou & John Gold Trail Grange

Hansen, Joyce

Hardy, Kathy Harris, Karen Craig

Herrin, Janet

Houghton, Barbara Hughes, Tanya

Hutton, Kathy & Kevin

Imgrund, Gerda Jensen, Debra

Johnson, Kathleen

Johnston, Tamara

Jolly, Jacqueline Kerr, Betsy

Kiehne, Kristine

Kipping, John Knapp, Stephanie

Lawrence, Jeff

Lipshin, Irene Liu, Grace

Lowis, Janeene

Lowry, Polly McGann, Carolyn

Meral, Gerald

Meyer, Virginia Mone, Catherine

Murphy, John

O.A.R.S. West, Inc. O’Farrell, Susan

Orth, Donna & Thom

Owens, Dee Parker, Steve & Lucinda

Pasquini, Fred & Sharon

Pesheck, Belinda Pingle, Ray & Jana

Purgett, Cheryl

Rake, Don Ramirez, Teresa

Ramstrom, Carl Ransom, Gary

Reeves, Tom

Roberts, April Rossi, Janet

Roy, Sudipto

Rutherford, Katie Sasaki, LaVerne & Helen

Schwarzbach, Catherine

Scott, Charles George Simpson, Barbara

Soohoo-Baxter, Virginia

Stroth, Karen Taggart, Gregory

Temple, Danielle

Thompson, Robert & Wilda Tubbs, Janelle

Vail, Vicky & Scott

Walsh-Curley, Christina Waite, Joy

Wilmot, Robert

Winkelblack, Louise Yano, Marcella

Beauchamp David and Betty Ann

Brown, Dawn

Wakamatsu

Atwater, Keith

Bella Vista Bed and Breakfast

Cleary, Gary Couderc, Diane

Duchart, Florence

Hopkins, Susan Juckniess, Pamela

Komai, Chris

Nichi Bei Foundation Oki, Lorence & Cynthia

Saito, Dr. Gary & Nobuko

Sierra Nevada College, Soohoo-Baxter, Virginia

Tashima, Helen

Ybarra, Jack

Trails/Land Donors

Blumenthal, Lindsay Duval, Ashley

Fisher, Jan

Franklin, Jody Gaddini, Michael

Tucker, Shanea

Rake, Don Greer, Leslie

Ober, Frank Loeffelbein, Ruthie

Lum, Rachel

In Honor & Memory of...

Dick Bush: Caramagno, Patty

Cecchettini, Peggy & Ron

Combellack, June Covington, Suzanne

Dusek, Clare

Elliott-Klemm, Mary Honerlah, Randy

Jodar, Sherril

Kushner, Cathy Kushner, Marcia

Morgan, Cathryn

Peek, Don & Katy Perryman, Sydney

Seibel, Richard

Soohoo-Baxter, Virginia Parsons, Richard

Aguilar Karin & Jack

Motoda, Daryl

Surfside Hawaii, Inc. Tustin Family Fund

Wilson, Cathy Ellen

Zappettini, Paul

Jane Van Camp:

Morgan, Cathryn

Wilbur Yost:

Ahern, Thomas Caplan, Robert

Cole, Verna

DeCristoforo, Tony and Elinor Gale, Jack

Hauge, Naomi

Kenagy, Jay & Melba Menke-Clark, Carol

Norris, Patrice

Relfe, Patricia and Don Tingley, Delores

Watson, Debbie

Yost, Craig & Mary Jane

In memory of her mother Marcia:

Lipshin, Irene...

To become a supporter see page 16, or visit us at ARConservancy.org

...Marcia, my Mother,

passed away at the age of 97

in 2014. She taught me to

love nature, the environ-

ment, our planet, by her care

and reverence for our earth.

From the smallest plant to

the most awesome sunset,

she knew everything in our

natural world needed and

required our stewardship. I'm

grateful to be able to carry

on her life lessons.


Preserving Rivers and Land for Life

Nourish the Legacy Through Sustainable Giving

visit arconservancy.org to make a secure online donation

Address

Name

City, State, Zip

Email Address

Signature

Please make your check payable to the American River Conservancy

348 Highway 49 PO Box 562 Coloma, CA 95613 (530) 621-1224 ARConservancy.org

RECURRING GIFT:

$____/MONTH

OR

ANNUAL SUPPORT:

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The American River Conservancy and Nature Center Provide Natural History

Interpretive Services in the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Coloma, CA

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 7

Coloma, CA

95613

Phone #

The Current is printed on

recycled paper

American River Conservancy P.O. Box 562

Coloma, CA 95613

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Donations of $45 or more will receive a 1-year membership. Your gifts to ARC are tax deductible.

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