Santa Margarita Community Forestry - Spring 2010 has Sprung

Memories of Spring 2010

What a wild and wonderful spring we've had in Santa Margarita! The blessing of abundant rainfall gave us one of the most spectacular wildflower shows seen in years as well as plenty of forage for livestock and wildlife. We celebrated the 5th Anniversary of the successful "Learning Among the Oaks" Program* (SMCF is a key partner), planted two new trees for the Demonstration Forest classroom adopt-a-tree project, enjoyed amazing nature hikes, saw the installation of a beautiful new DF kiosk sign, and more. Volunteers, collaborators, partners, donors (Thank you, Santa Margarita P.T.A.!) have made the difference - THANK YOU! *Supported by grants from the California Wildlife Conservation Board to the San Luis Obispo County University of California Cooperative Extension. Special thanks to Santa Margarita Ranch owners and to the many partners, collaborators, teachers, staff, families and volunteers who've made LATO possible.

Teacher Mrs. Bresnahan and SMCF Project Assistant Kevin Osborne (Cal Poly forestry graduate student) help a kindergarten student plant a desert willow tree at the Demonstration Forest, April 2010. This baby tree has been adopted by Mrs. Bresnahan's K class. Photo by B.J. Gingg.

Volunteers Sharon Drake and Betty Williams helped Santa Margarita classes decorate their adopted Demonstration Forest trees for Easter, April 2010. Photo by S. Drake.

Santa Margarita alumnus, now 7th grader, Oliver C., was one of the six students who served as oak ambassadors for the special Learning Among the Oaks 5th Anniversary Program and hike on April 15,2010. Oliver was partnered with Margy LIndquist, USDA-NRCS soil scientist and longtime program partner, to present the soil conservation station along the trail. Great job! Photo by B.J. Gingg.

Kevin Osborne assists T.C. Flynn's Special Education class as they plant a California buckeye at the Demonstration Forest. This lucky native buckeye has been adopted by T.C.'s class. Photo by B.J. Gingg.

LATO Intern Casey Dilg sharing his binoculars with student during the May 19,2010 Special Education hike. We had one of the best hikes ever! Photo by Katie Ann ?.

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