First, a goodbye, from Amy Wolitzer:

“Amy here. I have been your newsletter editor and social media host for the past two years. With considerable sadness, I am moving on from the Mendocino Land Trust to return to the world of outdoor education. The dedication of MLT’s staff, board, partners and supporters has been inspiring and gives me hope for the future. We have already welcomed two fantastic additions to our staff. I know Sage and Sanjeep will keep the community informed about the projects people like you make possible and increase the capacity of our rapidly growing organization. Most importantly, I know Sage and Sanjeep will use their considerable talents to help MLT conserve and share the beautiful places we all value.”

Amy, we are going to miss you around here. Thank you for your inimitable combination of graciousness, detail, and hard work. Thank you for all the times you made sure everyone felt welcome and made our projects accessible to everyone. Thank you for your good humor and your commitment to nature education. We wish you the best of luck with what’s next. Don’t be a stranger.

Now, for some hellos: please welcome Sanjeep Karki and Sage Andersen to our staff.

Hare Creek Beach and Navarro Point Trail are two of our favorite places on the coast. Both offer gorgeous views of the ocean and both of them are beloved recreation sites for locals and tourists alike. At MLT, these two spots are very important to us; they are preserves that we own and maintain for public use. Maintaining public access means a lot of things: clearing the trail, clearing invasive species, removing waste, and so much more.

Here is where you come in. Each of these spots has a committed group of volunteers that meet regularly to look after the trails, clean garbage, and pull a lot of invasive species, like thistles and blackberries. It’s satisfying work, and let’s face it there are very few more spectacular places to do a little hard work. All you need to do is wear clothes for getting grubby, bring water and gloves, and come ready to work. We provide tools and training. While you're out there, you get to know some of the coolest people on the coast. And if you look close enough, you might even see a seal or a surfer.

The Hare Creek Beach Stewards meet every second Saturday at the parking lot at Mendocino College at 9:30. The next volunteer day is October 8, 2022. To find out more, or to sign up to volunteer, head here.

The Navarro Point Stewards meet the second Thursday of the month at 10:00 at the Navarro Point parking lot. The next volunteer day is October 13, 2022. Sign up here.

And, as ever, if you have any questions about volunteer opportunities, please contact us at info@mendocinolandtrust.org

Coastal Cleanup Day was a smashing success! Thanks to all our volunteers, site captains, and organizational sponsors. Thanks especially to Mendo Recycle and Redwood Waste Solutions for their support. To find out more about the day, read our coverage here.