June MLT Monthly
Before we get to this month's MLT news, we could use your help. We are in a bit of pinch -- by the end of June, we must find a new place to store our tools and equipment. For many years our conservation team has utilized a shed at the home of MLT supporter Betty Stechmeyer. As many of you know, Betty passed away last summer, and use of her property has changed. We are endeavoring to find a new storage place ASAP. Please let us know if you might be able to help.
 
Here are some specifications of what we need:
  • We need a 300- to 400 square foot storage shed. We could make a slightly smaller space work if something becomes available. Of course, a larger space would be perfectly fine too. For example, if someone has a portion of a barn that we could occupy, that would also work for our needs. 
  • We need a space that is well ventilated since we will be storing gas-powered equipment. We have a field mower, weed whips, chain saw, hedger and will soon have an ATV. Additionally, we have a full collection of trail tools, wheelbarrows, etc. 
  • We need to be able to access the storage regularly and with minimal notice, occasionally as early as 6 a.m.
  • It would be especially helpful if the location has usable outdoor storage as well. We will soon need a location to park a trailer. 
  • The best location would be Fort Bragg or nearby. We could go as far south as Albion because we have a number of trails in that direction.
 
Thank you for your consideration! If you can help, please send us an email at info@mendocinolandtrust.org or call the MLT office at (707) 962 0470.

NOW you can keep reading for news about an exciting project in Elk, a job opportunity with the Land Trust, upcoming volunteer opportunities and more!
Spring is Fading, Summer is Approaching
Can you help us reach our spring fundraising goal?
We are always busy at the Mendocino Land Trust. There are big projects in the works, and we could use your help to make sure we are prepared to take them on. We have only six days left to make our spring fundraising goal, and we are still $4,000 short. If you are in a position to lend your financial support, we hope you will consider donating using this secure form or by calling us at (707) 962-0470. We are also happy to accept donations by mail to:  

Mendocino Land Trust
330 North Franklin Street
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
A Diamond in the Rough
Exciting Project Underway in Elk
Near the Greenwood Community Center in the small town of Elk is a diamond in the rough -- literally a baseball diamond, overgrown and under-used. Where one would expect to hear the voices and laughter of children, the field sits empty and the grass grows tall. Beyond the diamond is open space -- it is so much more than a vacant lot! On a day in late April, birds were singing, wildflowers were blooming, and bees were busy at work. Shy rabbits seemed unaccustomed to human presence and ran for cover under an old forgotten burn pile as Mendocino Land Trust staff walked the property...

Keep reading on MLT's website.
The Mendocino Land Trust is seeking an administrative assistant to join our small team that makes conservation happen in Mendocino County!
 
The rate of pay for this position is $20 per hour with prorated (50%) benefits, including medical, dental, vision and life insurance, and paid time off including vacation, sick time and holidays. This is a part-time position at 20 hours per week, with a possibility of increased hours in six to 12 months.
 
When conditions allow, this is a Fort Bragg office-based position responsible for greeting walk-in visitors during normal business hours. Flexible scheduling is possible, and the scheduled hours may change from week to week, depending on the needs of the employee and the organization. Work at weekend and evening events will occasionally be required throughout the year. 
 
Position open until filled with priority given to applications received by June 15, 2021. Please visit our website for all the details and how to apply.
This Month's Featured Adventure!
Belinda Point
New newsletter feature! We will be sharing adventure recommendations from MLT staff. This month we are featuring Heidi Sorenson's recommendations for an adventure to Belinda Point:

Just a quick drive south from downtown Fort Bragg, Belinda Point trail is perfect for a getaway when you don’t have a whole day or weekend to spend outside. Ample roadside parking is available at the trailhead. The trail is mostly level, with both dirt and boardwalk sections, and starts with a winding walk through a pine forest filled with bird songs.

When you reach the coastline there is a choice to be made - out along the bluffs or down the stairs (sturdy, and recently replaced) to the beach. With small children along for the walk, we head down to the beach, avoiding the sheer anxiety of parenting on a blufftop.

The beach is lovely - small enough to keep an eye on everyone, big enough to have space when other visitors are there. There are rocks, driftwood and coarse sand and just enough tidepools to keep things interesting.

Pros: Close to town, easy parking, boardwalk/trail/beach safe and easy for kids.

Cons: The entry point to the trailhead is hard to get a stroller through! Although the staircase to the beach is very sturdy, if you have recently had (or need to have) a knee replacement this might not be the right outing for you!
Volunteers Needed!
by Monika Richardson, MLT Conservation Coordinator
June is another wonderful month to volunteer with Mendocino Land Trust and help maintain the coastal properties you know and love. Despite low rainfall this spring, May has brought in new growth and our trails are in need of pruning and invasive plant control. Come for the invasive thistle! Stay for the company and fresh air. 
 
Here are opportunities we have this month:

Thursday, June 10, 10 a.m. to noon
We will be targeting bull thistle and Italian thistle to catch them during flowering time before they go to seed. The whole preserve is covered in wildflowers this time of year so this is a great time to check that out while also protecting the habitat where these native species thrive!
 
Saturday, June 12, 10 a.m. to noon
English ivy is our enemy number one, but we've got plenty to choose from (Himalayan blackberry, I'm looking at you). Come join the crew, and enjoy an afternoon at Fort Bragg's best beach afterwards. 
 
Saturday June 19, 10 a.m. to noon
If you can't come for the other two, at LEAST come for the donuts and coffee during this stewardship day. There are still tables that need to be sanded and oiled, so fine woodworkers, this could be the day for you. We also have some invasive thistle, mustard and blackberry popping up, along with other trail maintenance tasks. 
More information about volunteering can be found on MLT's website

Nature Appreciation - More Flowers!
In case you don’t already follow us on Facebook or Instagram, here are some of the wildflowers we featured in May. How many of them do you recognize?

Even if you already know their names we hope you will click on through,
there is always more to learn!
We featured some of our favorite members of the Calochortus family. Which is your favorite?
Are you familiar with this aromatic beauty?
Look closely to learn how to differentiate between these purple-blue flowers.
A slideshow of our favorite
Navarro Point Flowers
As long as the flowers keep blooming we'll keep celebrating "Wildflower Wednesdays."
Email your wildflower photos to amy@mendocinolandtrust.org
and we may feature your shots on social media and in next month's newsletter.

P.S. If you haven’t already taken our Community Feedback survey we hope you will take a few moments to do so using this Google Form, Your input will help us in drafting a new strategic plan to preserve what we all love about Mendocino County. Your input will help make the plan as effective as possible to help us achieve conservation and public access.