Santa Margarita Community Forestry - Late Fall 2010 ~ Early Winter 2011 Highlights

Late Fall 2010 ~ Early Winter 2011 Highlights

From the Learning Among the Oaks Trail to Healthy CommuniTrees to the Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument, we've had a busy and interesting few months. Here are some snapshots to provide a peek into our activities. Thanks to all volunteers and donors (See About Us page for listing) and especially to the most recent crew, the Margarita Mustang Mighty Mulchers of Cub Scout Pack #125, for a super January 2011 workday at the Demonstration Forest. Let's work together to make 2011 a great year for Santa Margarita community service projects!

Please note: Santa Margarita Community Forestry is a key partner in the University of California Cooperative Extension's Learning Among the Oak Program which is supported by grants from the California Wildlife Conservation Board. The Learning Among the Oaks trail is located on private property of the Santa Margarita Ranch; access is restricted to approved teacher-docent led hikes. Thanks to Santa Margarita Ranch owners, Santa Margarita School families and many local collaborators for making this program a success.

A new oak is planted where an old oak fell...

Forest project assistants Kevin Osborne and Jena Tepe joined Santa Margarita's longtime resident Vern Stewart to plant a new valley oak in November 2010 where the old "owl oak" fell in 2006. The beloved "owl oak" was #6 on our self-guided walking tour and was one of the most massive valley oaks in Santa Margarita. It was located near the intersection of H St. and Murphy. Thanks to Vern for spearheading volunteer tree care for many years. Let's hope this new oak, provided through Healthy CommuniTrees, has a good, long life in Santa Margarita. Photo by Vern Stewart.

Heading out on the Learning Among the Oaks Trail

All of Santa Margarita's 4th through 6th grade classes participated in the 6th year of Learning Among the Oaks. This shows 5th grade students heading out on the trail to learn about local wildlife.

"Chutney," the opossum, is one of the wildlife ambassadors who were part of Pacific Wildlife Care's November 2010 presentation for Santa Margarita School 5th graders. This is a regular part of the Learning Among the Oaks program.

The Cal Poly Logging Team grabbed the attention of Santa Margarita School 4th graders and their families during this cross-cut saw demonstration in November 2010. This was part of the Learning Among the Oaks Ranch Day on the Trail. "Go Poly!" --- the kids loved this and learned a lot!

Demonstration Forest trees were once again decorated for the holidays by classes at Santa Margarita School. Thanks to volunteers ~ retired teachers Sharon Drake and Betty Williams for leading the DF Adopt-a-tree program for many years.

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