A Message from Amy Sturgill, Interim Director | |
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Dear ESLT Family,
The aspen leaves are just beginning to turn at higher elevations, and here at ESLT, we’re embracing the familiar autumnal energy. As we lean into the season's changes, we’re excited to announce the opening of two key positions here at ESLT for our Executive Director and Tribal Partnership Program Manager. We are now accepting applications and are eager to expand our team, strengthen our capacity, and enhance the impact of our work!
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Image by William Dunlap of the fall colors in the Eastern Sierra | |
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Fall is always a busy time for us, and this year is no exception. We’re gearing up for the Great Sierra River Cleanup, excited to see our community come together to care for our waterways. Our Lands & Legacy celebration is just around the corner, and we're thrilled be celebrating 23 years of conservation
Amid the flurry of activity, we’ve found moments of quiet joy. Harvesting sunflower seeds from our kids' garden reminded us of nature's simple pleasures, while Ziani’s pollinator-themed Lotería for Hispanic Heritage Month filled our gathering with laughter and learning. It's these shared moments of connection and purpose that make our work so fulfilling.
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As the days grow shorter and the nights turn cooler, we’re reminded of the adaptability that each season brings. Just as nature transitions, so do we—continuing our work to protect and nurture our community and environment. So as we lace up our boots for fall hikes and gather around the fire for storytelling, we invite you to join us in celebrating this season of change. Whether you're exploring a new trail, attending one of our events, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the changing colors, we hope you'll feel the magic of the Eastern Sierra this fall.
With Gratitude,
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Amy Sturgill
Interim Executive Director & Lands Program Director
(760) 873-4554, amy@eslt.org
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Become a part of something permanent: the Eastern Sierra, protected for generations to come. | |
REGISTRATION OPEN! Purchase your Lands & Legacy Tickets Now!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 26th, 2024, as ESLT celebrates our Roaring '20s of conservation success at our annual Lands & Legacy event!
This year will be unlike any other, as we re-envision the event with a Roaring '20s theme! Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with delicious food, inspiring stories, and the chance to raise a glass to the breathtaking landscapes you've helped protect.
It's a night to celebrate the Eastern Sierra's natural wonders and ensure their preservation for generations to come. Registration is now open!
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Image by ESLT Staff of previous Lands & Legacy. | |
We're Hiring!
ESLT is seeking an Executive Director and a Tribal Partnership Program Manager!
View these job descriptions and learn more about how to apply now.
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Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
ESLT kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating Latino Conservation Week with the Bishop community right in our backyard. We talked about the important role pollinators play in our hometowns, and played pollinator loteria (bingo) for special seed prizes!
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ESLT Staff at Latino Conservation Week | |
Wet Meadow Restoration: A First Step
In our Eastside valleys, wet meadows play a crucial role in the overall functioning of our ecosystems. These mesic systems sequester carbon, hold groundwater, and provide vital habitat for wildlife including the bi-state sage grouse. Sustaining these meadows relies on water bodies (ie. creeks, rivers, and streams) being able to access the surface and periodically flood the areas around them. When these water bodies become incised, or deepened, water flow is inaccessible to the floodplain and meadows can lose their mesic values. The first step to process-based restoration of these meadows is to understand the system and its potential.
In late August, ESLT staff and board member Rick Kattelmann met with meadow restoration specialists and our ESLT landowner partner to identify possibilities for a vital creek. While walking the length of this creek, we found clues of how the meadow once functioned, and potential opportunities to restore those properties.
Questions about wet meadow ecology in the Eastern Sierra? Contact Rangeland Conservationist, Ziani Paiz at ziani@eslt.org.
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Wet meadows in the Eastern Sierra | Photo courtesy of Balance Hydraulics | Active channel widening and bank erosion, loss of meadow habitat. Photo courtesy of Balance Hydraulics | |
Spotting Sage Grouse
While out completing our annual monitoring, ESLT's Stewardship Team spotted a trio of sage grouse peeping out from behind some rose bushes.
Learn more about the Bi-State sage grouse and the work that ESLT does to protect habitat for sage grouse in the Eastern Sierra.
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Look closely to spot the trio of sage grouse! Image by ESLT Staff | |
Join us at some of our upcoming events! | |
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Great Sierra River Cleanup
Saturday, September 21st
9:00am-12:00pm
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The Great Sierra River Cleanup is part of California Coastal Cleanup day. During 2023’s California Coastal Cleanup, 36,289 volunteers came out to 3,086 cleanups, 363,719 lbs of trash and recyclables were removed, and 1,335 miles were cleaned.
Let’s make this year even bigger! You can help us keep litter out of our waterways by marking your calendars for Saturday, September 21, from 9:00am-12:00pm. ESLT, Friends of the Inyo, and volunteers will remove trash along the Owens River on LADWP land near the Artesian Springs. There will be pastries and coffee available before the cleanup.
ESLT and Friends of the Inyo will provide gloves, trash grabbers, trash bags, and paper forms to document the types of trash we find. Please wear long pants, sturdy footwear, and sun protection. There are no restrooms at this location, please plan accordingly. See you out there!
RSVP or contact Gena with any questions at Gena@eslt.org or call our office at 760-873-4554.
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Lands & Legacy Celebration
Parallax Restaurant
Saturday, October 26th, 5:00pm
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ESLT invites you to celebrate 23 years of conserving the land in the Eastern Sierra with a Lands & Legacy Gala to celebrate ESLT’s roaring ‘20s. Step back in time and celebrate the vibrant spirit of the Roaring ‘20s at our dinner and celebration on Saturday, October 26th at the iconic Parallax Restaurant on Mammoth Mountain.
Registration for this unforgettable night IS NOW OPEN!
Start the celebration early! Join us on October 25th for a special Landscape Watercolor Workshop led by renowned artist and Swall Meadows landowner, Annie Barrett Cashner.
Want to make an even bigger impact? Consider a table sponsorship for a VIP experience including reserved seating, parking, and a hosted cocktail hour. Email Darlene at darlene@eslt.org for details.
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Gratitude in Full Color
Youth Art Show
C5 Studio
Friday, November 8th, 5:30pm-7:00pm
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As the seasons change and holidays approach, we invite young artists to explore and express the theme of gratitude through their creative works. What does gratitude look like to you? How do you capture the feeling of thankfulness in your art?
Whether it’s the joy of family, the beauty of nature, the kindness of friends, or the small everyday things that bring you happiness, we want to see how you depict gratitude in full color. Use your imagination and creativity to show what you are thankful for.
Submissions accepted October 1st-25th. Send a photo of the submission to gena@eslt.org. Please include name, age, short description and contact information.
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Legacy Giving
Legacy giving, also known as planned giving, allows individuals to make a lasting impact by including charitable organizations in their estate plans. For many, legacy gifts are a way to ensure that their passion for protecting the environment and supporting education make a difference long after they're gone. These gifts can take many forms, such as bequests, charitable trusts, or beneficiary designations, providing flexibility to donors and offering potential tax benefits for their estates.
Legacy gifts are a vital source of long-term support for organizations like ESLT. They help protect open spaces, preserve wildlife habitats, and ensure that future generations can enjoy the Eastern Sierra's natural beauty.
Already included us in your will? Please let us know by emailing darlene@eslt.org. Your foresight and commitment inspire us!
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Double Your Impact: Make Your Donation Go Twice as Far
Did you know your donation to ESLT could be doubled? Many employers offer matching gift programs that can amplify the impact of your generosity.
Many companies offer matching gift programs that allow employees to double, or even triple, the value of their charitable donations. By utilizing Double the Donation, an easy-to-use tool on the ESLT website, you can quickly check if their employer participates in such a program and submit a matching gift request. This powerful resource ensures that your donation goes further, helping to conserve vital lands and protect the natural beauty of the Eastern Sierra for future generations.
Visit our website's "Double the Donation" feature to see if your company participates. It's a simple way to make an even bigger difference for conservation in the Eastern Sierra!
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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,
Amy, Andie, Darlene, Emmie, Gena, Stephanie, Siobhan, Ziani, and our Board of Directors
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EASTERN SIERRA LAND TRUST
Together, Protecting our Natural and Working Lands
(760) 873-4554 | info@eslt.org | www.eslt.org
Eastern Sierra Land Trust is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, to which contributions may qualify as a charitable deduction for tax purposes.
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