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Every donation matters. Support our volunteer and education programs, preservation of ancient forests, and restoration of the natural and cultural resources that help make park visits cherished memories.
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May 6, 2022
Dear Stewards,
Earlier this week I joined my first school group for a docent-led tour of Armstrong Redwoods. A group of third graders from Bellevue Elementary dubbed "the Willows" accepted me as a member of their crew led by veteran docent and Stewards' volunteer Nina. I learned alongside them and earned the nickname "Mr. Hamburger" for showing up with lunch in hand.
Before the tour started, one of the girls exclaimed to me, "I was so excited to see the redwoods - I couldn't sleep last night," and my eyes welled up with pride and joy.
Since reopening and resuming school groups this spring, our docents have guided nearly 900 students through Armstrong Redwoods, many experiencing it for the first time. Join me in thanking our volunteer docents for sharing their passion and leading these tours! If you find joy in the redwoods and want to share it, check out the docent training workshop with Greg and Mike on June 10th (info below). No experience is required. Learn from the pros and be rewarded by seeing the redwoods for the first time, again and again, through the eyes of others.
 Gratefully yours,
Justin Lindenberg
Executive Director
P.S. Mother's day is this weekend! Considering joining Seal Watch mid-day at Goat Rock beach or Whale Watch from 10AM-2PM at Bodega Head. The seals are nursing their pups and if you're lucky you might see a whale mother guiding her calf north to the feeding grounds.
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Become a Docent at Armstrong Redwoods
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Join us for a docent training workshop at Armstrong Redwoods on June 10, 2022. Work with touring school children and other groups. This is a fun way to meet other forest enthusiast and bump up your resume!
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Kids, parents, and teachers from Hidden Valley Elementary School had a great time on the coast with Stewards docents (photo above left to right) Carol Sklenicka, Karen Gebbia, Bill Nay (aka Father Nayture), and (photo below), Suzanna Mayo.
"Given the tide status, there was a good deal of observation of hermit crabs, algae, and seaweeds, as well as some nice sea stars and plenty of opportunity to discuss sea star habits and habitats, which led to more peering out toward exposed boulders and seeing more sea stars clinging to their undersides. LOTS of hermit crab activity and questions about what the crabs were doing when interacting. Students wondered if they were trying to eat each other?" - Karen Gebbia
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Greetings Seabirders,
It was a beautiful morning on the coast after several windy days. We weren't sure what to expect on the rock after last weeks survey and several reports days ago that the Common Murre were not on the rock. Well, they're back! Numbers were near previous levels.
Here are the results;
Gull Rock: Common Murre 4783; Western Gull 12; Brandt's Cormorant 1
South/Triangle/North Rocks: Common Murre 105; Western Gull 8 (1 juvenile); Brandt's Cormorant 22; Pelagic Cormorant 5; Peregrine Falcon 2 (1 juvenile); Pigeon Gillemot 1 (in the water); Black Oystercatcher 2; Canada Goose 1
Surrounding Area: Northern Harrier 1; Common Raven 3; Osprey 1; Brown Pelican 11 (flying north west of Gull Rock)
When we arrived we met a young man who said he had paraglided from the top of the hill earlier in the morning. We were surprised by this and cautioned him about disturbing the nesting seabirds on Gull Rock and surrounding areas.
Bill, Chris, Mary and Judith
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Eight volunteers braved very warm temperature on Wednesday, spreading out from the Vista Point parking lot, south down Armstrong Woods Road toward Schoolhouse Flat and eastward into the Bullfrog Camp area for another day of massive weed clearing and fuel reduction. The Armstrong Woods Road team finished work begun last week, completing mowing of tall weeds along the roadside, before joining the other weedwhackers in Bullfrog Pond Camp, clearing the day-use area and reclaiming a few campsites in the adjacent area. A third group cleared low-hanging ladder fuels hanging from and surrounding trees, as well as dropping and flattening dead trees to minimize their flammable tendencies.
It got pretty warm in the sun and the crew were pretty drained at the end of the day; however, spirits and energy levels were rejuvenated by the treat of Flora's famous cookies. Everyone left with smiles on their faces and chocolate on their teeth, looking forward to more fun next week. -- Paul Schwarz, Volunteer Co-Coordinator
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We usually work Wednesdays, and sometimes weekends!
Volunteer for days that are best for you!
No skills? No problem! Ask about training, or, just start with what you know!
Hike the most beautiful scenery in Sonoma County!
Call Paul at 707-326-5535
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Photo above: An outside tree company is called into Armstrong Redwoods on 5.3.2022 to help with removal of dangerous branches.
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Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival
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This past weekend (April 30th and May 1st) Stewards attended the Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival. We met so many new friends and supporters, that we can't wait to go back next year. If you would like to become a volunteer with Stewards, and join us at festivals, special events, or on a more regular basis at the park or coast, give us a call at 707-869-9177. (Photo above: Stewards volunteers meeting new friends (left) and the Stewards booth (right) at the 49th Annual Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival).
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Photos above: Captain Jack entertains the audience with magic; Alice Dong, Stewards Program Manager, helps children with a treasure hunt; Kids enjoyed face painting; One Grass Two Grass filled the air with bluegrass!
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Community Health and Engagement Fair
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On May 7, 2022, from 1PM to 4PM, join Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods in the celebration of the renewal of Guerneville School's Historical Garden. Come and and participate in the promotion of health, well-being and sustainability. There will be activities, food, music, prizes, booths, and giveaways! Directions: From downtown Guerneville, take Armstrong Woods Road, turn left onto Laughlin, then turn left on the 2nd Marys Lane which will take you into the school.
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Sonoma Coast Wildflower Hike
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On Sunday, May 22, 2022 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, join naturalist Laura Morgan for a Wildflower Hike on the Sonoma Coast. Park in the lot just south of Shell Beach, meet at Carlevaro Way. The hike will go 3 miles north to Blind Beach.
Click here for more information and to register!
Cost: $20 includes materials/ $16 for members of Stewards
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Visitor Center Cashiers and Seal Watchers needed
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Volunteers needed at our Visitor Centers, and Seal Watch
The Armstrong and Jenner Visitor's Centers need volunteers. We also need Seal Watch volunteers to help us talk with the public about the Goat Rock colony. This is a fun and easy opportunity to help visitors enjoy the natural beauty of Armstrong and the Sonoma Coast. Tele 707-869-9177 x3 or stewards@stewardscr.org for more information.
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Help us find this flower!
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The clock is ticking... we need to locate the Viola adunca!
This spring through early summer we need hikers to record observation of the Viola adunca flower, a main food source for the endangered Myrtle's Silverspot Buttterfly. For more info contact call 707-865-3173. To view a presentation on this project, visit Stewards website.
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Marine Protected Area Online Training
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Learn Online!
Find out more about California's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs); three regional deep dives alone the North Coast, Central Coast and South Coast, and an included a compliance guide for educators. Take the course
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