A quick peek back the beginnings!
We are grateful to those who came before and began this grand journey!
And note that our current contact information is:
Mendocino Land Trust
215 S. Main Street,
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Mendocino Land Trust
P.O. Box 2058
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
(707) 962-0470
info@mendocinolandtrust.org
Support us via this link.
Humpbacks.
They’re big, imposing, and can weigh 33 tons. But as filter feeders, they pose no threat to me, you or Pinocchio … unless you’re a shrimp.
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are gentle giants that tend to avoid confrontation, but sadly they were once nearly hunted nearly to extinction. Now, thanks to protective legislation, they are once again a common sight during their migrations along the West Coast.
Named for their distinct fin that often pops above the surface of the ocean, they are the only member of the genus Megaptera and are found in oceans worldwide. They have one of the longest migrations of any mammal. Each year, humpbacks along the west coast of North America travel from tropical breeding areas near the equator to colder, more nutrient-rich waters off Alaska, totaling thousands of miles traveled. The longest recorded migration was from Costa Rica to Antarctica, a trip of over 5,000 miles one way!
Starting in the 1600s, humpbacks were sought for their oil, meat and baleen. This hunting dramatically increased from the 1800s through the mid-1900s, when protections for the species were finally put in place. By the 1950s, only 5,000 or so humpbacks survived. Fortunately, conservation measures have worked, and humpback populations have rebounded to the point where this species is now considered “least concern.” According to the National Geographic, least concern species are those that sit at the lowest level of conservation. A species of least concern is one that has a widespread and abundant population.
To learn more about these amazing creatures, check out this link, https://bit.ly/MLT-humpback-whales
Mike Heine
For Immediate Release:
Mendocino Land Trust (MLT) and a local landowner have taken another step to protect the future!
In partnership with the landowners of the James Ranch, MLT received a Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC) grant. The grant will make it possible to acquire a conservation easement (CE) that will protect almost 1,300 acres of working ranchland west of Willits. CE’s are a voluntary tool used to conserve land. MLT and the landowners of the James Ranch were fortunate to be awarded this SALC grant.
MLT Executive Director Conrad Kramer says that both he and the landowners are “overjoyed” with the grant and “extremely grateful” to the California’s Strategic Growth Council (SGC) and the SALC team.
In December 2023, the SGC approved more than $116 million in grants to protect 50,500 acres of agricultural land through its SALC program. The investments are part of the ninth round of the SALC program’s efforts to protect agricultural lands, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen rural economies.
Included in this grant are the funds to conserve the unique and picturesque James Ranch through acquisition of a conservation easement which allows the landowners to continue to own and manage the ranch.
“This is MLT’s first SALC acquisition grant,” Kramer said, “and we look forward to working with the landowners and the SALC team to protect this important and historic ranch.”
The conservation easement will protect the working agricultural lands in perpetuity and help accelerate progress towards California’s Natural and Working Lands goal to conserve 30 percent of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030.
The Strategic Growth Council’s SALC Program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities. SALC complements investments made in urban areas with the purchase of agricultural conservation easements, development of agricultural land strategy plans, and other mechanisms that result in GHG reductions and a more resilient agricultural sector. The Department of Conservation works in cooperation with the Natural Resources Agency and the SGC to implement the program.
MLT believes it is fitting that the James Ranch was selected for protection. The ranch has been in commercial agricultural production since the 1800s. The ranch is comprised of mixed Douglas fir and redwood forests, oak woodlands, annual grassland, and mixed chaparral. The ranch was also once the location of Sherwood, a small town along the railway. Sherwood boasted a hardware store and general store.
Much of the history of this ranch is known through the stories told by the late Stella (Steen) James, an independent frontier-woman who owned and worked the ranch for decades alongside her husband, Edgar. This SALC grant is an opportunity for Stella’s great nephew Kevin and his wife Judy to realize Stella’s goal of conserving the ranch.
You can read more about Stella’s fascinating history on MLT’s website, click here. If you are interested in learning about agricultural conservation or conserving working lands, please contact Sean O’Rourke at sean@mendocinolandtrust.org.
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Welcome to Wildlife Wednesdays. Today, we’re asking you to be kind to your local snails! Or, at least, the ones found in the redwoods.
California has over 200 species of native land snails and slugs, and one of the most striking snail species is the redwood sideband (Monadenia infumata).
These little creatures may look like something that would be found inside a volcano, but they are usually seen grazing on lichens, ferns, and fungi in the understory of suitably damp forests in northern California. While they stand out on moss covered logs, fortunately for them, they are almost invisible in the twilight of the redwoods among the leafy litter on the forest floor.
Life can be hard for a snail!
Centuries of logging and increasing drought severity have led this species to be ranked as a Globally Imperiled (G2) species by NatureServe, a network of more than 1,000 scientists and 60 organizations that compile biodiversity data.
Since snails are, well, snails, they tend to stay in a small area. This has led to a diversity of species endemic to pockets of California.
Several subspecies of redwood sideband are even more endangered.
While redwood sidebands may be locally abundant in parts of northern California, they can’t relocate to more suitable areas when disturbances occur. So, continued care of the forests they’re found in is crucial to ensure they can graze in peace far into the future. And do your part by leaving them in place. Just snap the occasional picture, and share it with us, if you like!
Michael Heine
| March is the peak season for whale watching along the Mendocino Coast. Many people will charter boats and go in search of whales, while others will grab their binoculars and find a vantage point on a bluff top to spot these massive mammals. California gray whales migrate from November to May. Other species migrate later in the year. Humpbacks are most commonly seen between April and November, and blue whales from June to October. Orcas may also be seen at times, but do not have a predictable migration timetable. Whatever time you are hoping to spot whales, here are some tips to keep in mind to maximize the pleasure of the experience: Binoculars are helpful, but scanning the horizon with the naked eye will give you a broader expanse and allow you to zero in on a potential sighting. Watch for flocks of seagulls, which tend to gather near whales.For photography, a zoom lens of 70-300mm will yield best results. Bring a tripod to steady your longer lens for less camera-shake and a crisper shot. Whale watching requires patience. Since you’ll be out there for a while, be sure to bring goodies, sunscreen, and warm clothes-gloves and a hat. Bring friends and divide up the horizon. More sets of eyes looking at specific areas increase the odds of spotting whales, and they’ll help you pass the time while you wait. Don’t be locked into rigid expectations of the experience. There will be times when whales elude you, but being on a trail with friends and good food and watching the many forms of wildlife can still be a pleasurable experience. Going out on a trail is relatively easy and inexpensive, and not seeing a whale on one outing gives you a great excuse to check out yet another trail on another day. Look at this link for the many MLT trails you can explore! After you’ve had fun on the trails, it’s time to check out the many whale-related events during March in Mendocino County. Whale Festivals in the Fort Bragg Area: https://mendocinocoast.com/whale-home Here is a link from our friends at MendoParks about local activities: https://www.mendoparks.org/whale-festival The Point Cabrillo Lighthouse: https://pointcabrillo.org/self-guided-whale-trail/ And the Fort Bragg wine walk. (If you don’t see whales, at least you’ll have an excuse. 🙂 ) https://mendocinocoast.com/fort-bragg-whale-festival |
MLT is seeking to expand its Board of Trustees and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds who can help our Board evolve to reflect the diversity of Mendocino County. This is a great opportunity to get involved with a energetic and active team.
Check out our current board members at this link, and read about our history by clicking here.
You may use this link to apply.
Questions? Contact info@mendocinolandtrust.org
MLT has the following positions available. Please note any applicable deadlines.
Applications Due by 5 PM on Thursday, March 7, 2024
Description: The intern will work as part of MLT’s Stewardship Team on a variety of conservation, stewardship, habitat restoration, and public access trail projects in Mendocino County. These projects will include: stewardship of MLT’s coastal trails and preserves, volunteer event coordination, conservation easement monitoring, new trail planning and construction, and report writing. The intern will also assist with various administrative duties, including grant and permit preparation. The position will report to Anna Bride, Stewardship Project Manager, and will work closely with other members of staff. The internship will last 10 weeks, from mid-June to mid-August (exact dates to be determined). The internship comes with a $6,000 stipend. There is a $600 flat cost for utilities and housing for the 10 weeks.
Responsibilities Include:
Qualifications:
How to apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume by email to Anna Bride at anna@mendocinolandtrust.org, In your cover letter, make sure to address the following:
Why are you interested in an internship with the Mendocino Land Trust?
How will your past experience benefit the Land Trust during your internship?
About Mendocino Land Trust
The Mendocino Land Trust conserves and restores habitat, scenic areas and working lands while also providing public access to beautiful places.
Visit mendocinolandtrust.org to learn more about our work.
For a brief history of our internship program and testimonials, click here.
You may also use the “handshake tool” to apply with this link.
