Dear Supporters,

We don't want to be one of those nonprofits that fill your inbox with requests for donations week in and week out. We limit our appeals to twice a year and this is one of those times. We thank all of you who have already given your support, especially our monthly donors.

Please, if you have the means to do so, make a donation today to support MLT's conservation and public access work, AND our programs that equip today's youth to become the conservationists of tomorrow. Read more about the ways we are working to connect with youth in this month's newsletter. We rely on your support to continue these programs!
Conservationists of Tomorrow
MLT's Mission to Inspire Youth
Did you know an important part of MLT's mission is to inspire the next generation of conservationists? Connecting people with the land has long been important to us, but we are working toward this goal with increased urgency – and a focus on engaging with historically underrepresented groups. Read about how we are connecting with the youngest members of our community with our "Family Field Trips" programs on our website..

Thanks to donors like you, MLT has been able to provide internships for college-age students so they can gain critical experience in stewardship and resource protection work. Many of our former interns have gone on to work in conservation fields. Make sure to click to watch the inspiring video below!

Big Thanks to Randy Arnold!
Philanthropist Celebrates Retirement by Raising Funds for Conservation
When most people think of retirement they picture taking it easy and having more time for themselves. Not Randy Arnold. As his 32-year career with Barefoot Wines comes to a close, Randy decided he wanted to “go out big” for the Mendocino Land Trust with a garden party fundraising celebration. Randy has long been a noted philanthropist, pouring donated wine and bubbly at more than 1,200 events over the last three decades. From having his wedding do double duty as a fundraiser to creating an annual “trail chic” fashion show fundraiser for the Mono Lake Committee’s Outdoor Education Center Access Fund, fundraising and supporting nonprofits has long been a big part of what Randy does. MLT was beyond honored to be the beneficiary of his philanthropy in honor of his retirement.

On June 4, Randy hosted a fabulous party at his cousin Cynthia Myers’s house in Little River that featured a silent auction of fine wines, champagnes and experiential items – with proceeds benefiting the conservation work of the Mendocino Land Trust. His employer, E. & J. Gallo, owner of Barefoot Winery, donated many of the auction items as well as a special surprise for Randy - several dozen cases of “Randy’s Retirement Red Blend,” a special batch made by winemaker Jennifer Wall in honor of Randy. 

MLT is deeply appreciative of the generosity of these winemakers and their employees for their support of conservation and public access work in Mendocino County. 
Welcome to our New Administrative Coordinator
Anne Young Joins the MLT Team
The MLT team was very pleased to welcome Anne Young last month. Emily Griffen has transitioned to working as a Conservation Project Manager so we were grateful to find someone as talented and organized as Anne to take over many of Emily's administrative duties. Anne's help will also lighten the load on MLT's Chief Financial Officer, Heidi Sorenson, so she can concentrate on her favorite task of managing budgets as well as ensuring the long-term financial stability of our organization.

Anne moved to the Mendocino coast in 2016 and quickly fell in love with the spectacular surrounds. Living by our astonishing coastline, ancient forests, valleys, farms, and vineyards continues to inform her perspective and surprise her at every turn. She is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and joins the team with over 20 years’ experience as a legal, administrative, and executive assistant. Anne has a deep respect for the work of preserving and honoring the natural, un-built spaces of the region, and for the people who live and work in this magical corner of the planet.

June MLT Outdoor Social Club:
Butterflies at Bruhel Point (Saturday, June 11)
We still have a few spots left for our June MLT OSC outing! Our special guest is butterfly enthusiast Asa Spade. Join us at Bruhel Point at noon for some snacks and talk about butterflies. Guests will be invited to join us for a walk along the bluffs in search of butterflies. We meet at noon and expect to be back at our cars by 1:30 pm.

Asa Spade is Senior Biologist at Wynn Coastal Planning and Biology, a California Naturalist, and Master Gardener. Asa has been hooked on observing, photographing, and documenting butterflies since 2010. At the event we will encourage Asa to share the fascinating story of how he and his wife Teresa were able to locate seven federally endangered Behren’s silverspot butterflies after other biologists had not had been able to document any sightings in several years.

Environmental Partnership Potluck
June 12 from 1 pm - 4 pm
We hope you will join coast-based environmental organizations on June 12 for a picnic at the Greenwood Community Center in Elk. (map link)

For many years the California Native Plant Society, Dorothy King Young Chapter; Mendocino Land Trust; MendoParks and Mendocino Coast Audubon Society have taken turns hosting an annual meeting and potluck dinner. This event has traditionally been held indoors in March, but due to COVID concerns, it was delayed and will be help in an outdoor setting this coming Sunday.

We are excited that this year the Noyo Marine Science Center is joining the festivities!

We will meet at the Greenwood Community Center (6129 S Highway 1 Elk, CA 95432) in Elk for an outdoor potluck picnic next to the community bread oven. If the weather is unfavorable, we can move inside. Bring a dish to share with the other participants and whatever you wish to drink. Please also bring your own plates and utensils. There is no charge for this event.

After lunch, the meeting will begin with brief presentations from each organization summarizing their goals and achievements for the year. Additional presentations may be made to describe major projects that the participating organizations are involved with. After that, we will present the Matt Coleman Environmental Service Award to a recipient whose efforts have made a difference to our community. This year’s recipient is someone well known to many, so we hope you will join us for a great party in celebration.

Upcoming Volunteer Days!
Help Improve Habitat at MLT Preserves
Thursday, June 9 from 10 am - 12 pm
Dress to get dirty. Bring gloves and water. Tools will be provided. Activities will include hacking out invasive thistle and taking in the gorgeous views. View meeting location in Google Maps

Hare Creek Beach, Fort Bragg
Saturday, June 11 from 9:30 am - 12 pm
Dress to get dirty. Bring gloves and water. Tools will be provided, but if you have a pair of hand clippers that you like using, feel free to bring them. Activities will include pruning along trail and removal of invasive blackberry and ivy. Meet at the south end of the Mendocino College Coast Center parking lot. If you arrive late, wander across the field and down the trail along the creek and you'll find us!

Ten Mile Stewards at Old Smith Ranch
Saturday, June 18 from 10 am - 12 pm
Dress to get dirty. Bring gloves and water. Tools will be provided, but if you have a pair of hand clippers that you like using, feel free to bring them. Activities will include pruning along trail and invasive species removal. View meeting location in google maps.

Questions? Send an email to info@mendocino.org
Nature Appreciation:
May Mamas
Our social media avoidant supporters have been asking... and we heard your pleas. Now you can view MLT's Nature Appreciation posts on our website, no sign in required! Click on any image to view our new Nature Appreciation page.
Whose nest is this? And does mama bird really build it with her "wrist"?
There is a 6-pack inside this nest box.
(Birds, not beer)
Which mama uses everybody's feathers to make a comfy nest for her babies?
Is that a mama or a papa eagle?
How can you tell?