May Day in Armstrong Redwoods

Stewards Celebrates 25 Years
Supporting Russian River State Parks

On Saturday, May 1, 2010, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods (Stewards) will celebrate their 25th Anniversary as a State Park Cooperating Association and honor their partnerships with other state, federal and nonprofit agencies at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. The day will begin at 10:00 with a ceremony, special volunteer awards and guest speakers. Invited guests include Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, Assemblymember Wes Chesbro, Senator Patricia Wiggins, Assemblymember Noreen Evans and Supervisor Efren Carrillo. After the ceremony there will be activities for all ages, including horse and carriage rides (donations accepted), free activities for children, information booths, food for sale and a silent auction (closing time 3:00) with complimentary cake and champagne.

Stewards has been fortunate to have many ongoing partnerships, the most significant being the one with State Parks in the Russian River District. For twenty-five years Stewards has supported and funded education and stewardship volunteer programs and resource management projects at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Austin Creek State Recreation Area and Sonoma Coast State Park.

Stewards has partnered with numerous public and private agencies to restore the Fife and Willow Creek watersheds, monitor marine mammals and water quality, provide docent-led education programs for adults and school groups, promote ecotourism through EcoAdventures in our State Parks, provide jobs for adults and youth, and by providing outdoor activities that promote a healthy lifestyle.

Stewards continues to make significant contributions as a leader in the statewide movement to advocate for a sustainable funding source for our State Parks. They have led the volunteer signature gathering effort in Sonoma County to put the California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 on the November ballot. Executive Director Michele Luna describes Stewards as a “mighty organization that does a lot with a little. It’s the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and their love of nature that has made our organization what it is today.”

More information about Stewards is available on their website at www.stewardsofthecoastandredwoodsorg
or by email at stewards@mcn.org
or by calling (707) 869-9177.