our volunteers get work done!

A retired builder, a therapist and an entrepreneur walked into a field.

This could be the set-up of a short and funny joke, but it was much more than that. These people, along with other fabulous volunteers, recently came to Tolay Ranch to tend to native plantings.

When Bob Neale, our stewardship director, suggested scheduling not one or two, but SIX! workdays at Tolay Creek Ranch in March, I knew our dedicated volunteer supporters could do it. And when I put the call out to our volunteers, and they responded with excitement (“I’ve never seen this property!”) and enthusiasm (“I will be there almost every day!”), I knew we were on to something big. Big, because we would be tending thousands of native plants that were planted by STRAW and middle school students over the past five years. Big, because we would be taking on a new zone each day with the goal of weeding all the natives in each zone, numbering well into the hundreds. Big, because each day would present a new set of challenges, such as working on steep slopes or wading through waist-high weeds to find the native plantings.

Two other workdays were spent removing five patches of invasive Himalayan blackberry. The canes were cut and pulled away from the native planting areas, then hauled uphill for composting on site. Sticky business, but they got it done and now the native oak seedlings, sedges and grasses can get the light and water they need to grow.

To all the volunteers who help when and where we need it, you have my unwavering gratitude. It is always a pleasure to work alongside you as we care for the Earth. Your energy and enthusiasm fill me with joy, your hard work totally impressed the STRAW staff and your commitment inspires everyone at the Land Trust. From all of us, thank you so much!

Karen Arrington is Sonoma Land Trust’s volunteer program manager. She often joins our volunteers out in the field and those days are always her best days in the office.