Dear friend,
It's one of those gorgeous summer afternoons—the sky is clear with a soft breeze flowing through the green trees, and the sun is starting to dip behind the mountains. As I've worked from my home office today continuing ESLT's work to protect this amazing region, I've heard the
keeahh-keeahh
of a red-shouldered hawk as it soars and circles high above, and the chirp of the hummers as they defend their penstemon and hollyhocks.
I know how lucky and privileged I am to be able to work right now. And I know that when I take a walk into nature for peace and solitude, or go bird watching, or go jogging, my actions won't be questioned, and my life won't be in danger.
ESLT's board and staff are not immune to what is happening in our world, and we know that we want to be a part of the solution. We need to do better in ensuring that all members of our human community are able to live their lives in safety and with respect.
Land conservation originated from the idea that the responsibility we feel to take care of one another can and should be extended to taking care of the land. At Eastern Sierra Land Trust, we build that land ethic into the management of our preserves and conservation easements so the recreation, ranching, tourism, and cultural values of our special region will continue to thrive.
The value of the life and rights of our neighbors is at the moral core of our work, and until there is just treatment of one another, there cannot be just treatment of the land.
We're joining with The Land Trust Alliance, California Council of Land Trusts, The Sierra Cascade Land Trust Council, and many others in the conservation movement to look deeply within our organizations, ask hard questions of ourselves, and welcome new answers.
You know that when we come together, we accomplish amazing things. We welcome community members who care about land conservation and the environment and have interest in or expertise with issues related to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to please reach out to me. We want you to be part of the conversations about how our work in land conservation, stewardship, and education can truly benefit everyone.
Thank you for being so committed and dedicated to protecting the magnificent Eastern Sierra, for helping to build a land ethic that treats all living communities with respect and wonder, and for helping ESLT to become better.
