February 2024 • ESLT Express
Have you ever found a heart rock?
I found my first one years ago. I was working through something important (or so I thought at the time) and there it was – a mid-size rock absolutely shaped like a heart, just sitting on top of the soil.
I felt as though it was a gift from nature. A gift to pay attention, a gift to be more present. And since then, I seem to “find” one when I need a reminder about how precious life and living is.
Some say that seeing hearts in nature is a reminder that we are all connected. I know that our connection to one another and to this majestic and special place, is a form of love. Love for what is, what was, and what we are working so hard to protect.
I know that some of us are grieving a loss, and I hope you know how sorry I am and that you are in our thoughts.
I would love it if you can join us at our upcoming Spring events (see below for details) – they are more than just dates on a calendar, they’re our way of coming together as a community to learn, explore, and make a real difference.
Let’s spread love wider and include Nature in our circle of affection – let’s make 2024 a year of action, connection, and love for our planet.
I hope that Nature sends you a Valentine!
With Gratitude,
ESLT Upcoming Events
Mule Deer Migration Corridor Field Trip
Saturday, March 2nd: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Mule deer are an iconic species in the Western US. Perhaps you have seen them take bounding, stiff-legged hops through the sagebrush, or noticed their large, mule-like ears. Maybe you saw a mule deer from the Round Valley herd!
The Round Valley mule deer herd migrates seasonally between the valley floor in the winter and mountain meadows in the summer. On their journey, they must pass through a thin bottleneck in Swall Meadows. ESLT was founded to conserve this important migration corridor through conservation easements.
Join us and the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for an informative field trip in the Round Valley mule deer herd’s migration corridor. While looking for deer making their annual journey, wildlife biologist, Dan Taylor, with CDFW will lead us on an educational tour of the Round Valley mule deer herd’s winter range, and share updates and information on some of the challenges the deer are facing.
Pollinator Garden Workshop
Saturday, April 13th: 9:00am-12:00pm
Did you know that gardening with native plants can save you money and water? It’s true – native plants found in the Eastern Sierra are often drought tolerant and require less maintenance than lawns or high water-use plants. Native plants also attract pollinators like birds and butterflies that are essential for wildflowers and productive gardens.
Learn how to design a garden using native plants at ESLT’s free Pollinator Garden Workshop from 9:00am-12:00pm on April 13th. Local gardeners will present on topics that will help you design or revitalize your beautiful, pollinator-friendly garden.
This workshop is part of ESLT’s Eastside Pollinator Garden Project, which is deeply rooted in our Eastern Sierra communities. The project has helped 147 Eastside gardeners create pollinator-friendly yards since the program began in 2014! Through our certified garden program, ESLT provides support and expert advice for your garden, and you may be eligible for a voucher for native plant purchases. Learn more about the Eastside Pollinator Garden Project page on our website.
GardenFest
Saturday, May 4th: 11:00am-2:00pm
Kick off the growing season at GardenFest! Join us for an exciting celebration of springtime in ESLT’s backyard at 250 N. Fowler Street.
The birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and the days are getting longer and warmer. Help us celebrate spring at ESLT’s GardenFest Celebration on May 4th from 11 am- 2 pm. This family-friendly community event will feature a plant sale, seed library, Master Gardeners, Eastern Sierra Audubon Society, art for sale, activities for kids – all in our backyard and demonstration Pollinator Garden. Stroll through the garden, learn about native plants, and celebrate spring with the Eastside community.
We hope you join us for a fantastic Saturday in our backyard in Bishop. Don’t miss out on this fun and free family-friendly community event and get your garden growing.
Conservation News
University of Redlands Internship with ESLT
Summer 2024 Season
Are you a current University of Redlands student and interested in a summer field internship with ESLT? Look no further! We will be hiring for two summer interns based in the Eastern Sierra region for the 2024 summer season.
Applications for these positions are being accepted through March 29th, 2024. Click to read more and submit an application.
New Publication: The Pupfish Hero
Available for Purchase
ESLT is thrilled to announce our sponsorship of Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association’s (ESIA) publication of The Pupfish Hero, written by Elaine Miller Bond and illustrated by Susan Greenleaf!
The Pupfish Hero is the TRUE STORY of Edwin “Phil” Pister: a courageous, resourceful, yet humble Fish Biologist. He saved the Owens pupfish population, a federally endangered species, from extinction in two buckets during the middle of the night. This book is written for children, however this remarkable story will resonate with everyone.
Watch 118 Bird Species Migrate
“For the first time, scientists at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology have documented migratory movements of bird populations spanning the entire year for 118 species throughout the Western Hemisphere…
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Thank you for being a part of the ESLT family. With our caring landowners, volunteers, members, and supporters, we’re protecting a bright future for the Eastern Sierra.
Sincerely,
Kay, Amy, Andie, Carissa, Darlene, Emmie, Gena, Stephanie and our Board of Directors
