Summer 2008 - Solano Land Trust

Vol. 15 #2
Summer
2008
Kick off summer at the Lynch Canyon
trail run & community hike
Teri Engbring, Volunteer & Education Coordinator
❖❖ President’s Message
❖❖
Papyrus at Rush
Ranch
❖❖
Volunteer
photographers
❖❖
Partner Profile:
Schene Enterprises
❖❖
Thank you
volunteers!
❖❖ Activities & Events
Buzz and Kathleen Higgins, Chris Abess and Jim Reikowsky test out the trail at Lynch
Photo: Teri Engbring
Support open space and come out to run or walk at the first Lynch Canyon Trail Run and Community
Hike on June 21, the summer solstice. Everyone is welcome, from seasoned runners to families and
friends looking to exercise at their own pace.
Three events will take place in the rolling hills and valleys of the Lynch Canyon Open Space between
Vallejo and Cordelia: a half marathon, a 10k run, and a 2.5-mile community hike. Runners will loop
down valleys and up ridge tops, while hikers will follow a scenic route of more moderate difficulty.
Continued on page 2

President’s Message
Bob Berman, President
Every Solano Land Trust volunteer is a
true asset, though often unseen. Under
the direction of Volunteer Coordinator Teri
Engbring, they take on many tasks to make
our day-to-day operations and special
events a success.
Kick off summer
Continued from page 1
This event is a chance for everyone to get outdoors,
escape into nature, exercise, enjoy a fun event, and
support open space in our area. The run and hike is being
planned, organized and presented by a dynamic team
of local volunteers led by race director Chris Abess with
Todd Rewick, Buzz Higgins, Eric Simoni, Jim Reikowsky,
and Ann Grove.
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People who volunteer for SLT have
divergent views, come from various parts
of the county, and are in different stages
of their lives. Some spend a day or two a year helping SLT, but most
devote much more. All of our volunteers agree on one main point:
They believe in what SLT does.
Each and every volunteer is special. For example, Earl Swenerton
leads wildlife tours at Jepson Prairie and bird hikes at Lynch
Canyon, teaches local students through Solano Resource
Conservation District’s Watershed Explorers program, and gives
invaluable advice through the Lynch Canyon User Advisory Group.
Kate Mawdsley has been a Jepson Prairie docent for many years and
is critical to the operation by scheduling volunteers and special
tours, co-leading the annual docent training, and playing a key role
in planning for program and site improvements.
Brett Saunders was amazing in his dedication last year. He
participated in dozens of work parties at Rush Ranch and Lynch
Canyon, guided mountain bike rides rides at Lynch, and much more.
Linda Sonner is new to the volunteer crew this year. She compiled
much needed media contact information, helped at special events,
and led docent tours.
Then there’s Virgil Sellers, the heart of Rush Ranch. Whether he is
restoring a vintage hay wagon, demonstrating blacksmith skills, or
teaching in the Rush Ranch Educational Council’s Patwin program,
his ongoing commitment speaks volumes.
And thanks to the high school students from Rodriguez, and Armijo
(especially Sarah Doolittle), who helped us while meeting their
community service requirements.
As SLT’s activities grow, so will the demand for volunteers. Got
time? Contact Teri Engbring at (707) 432-0150 x200 or teri@
solanolandtrust.org.
Molly, Max, Blue and Chase Hanson hike the trails with Mary and
Brooke Abess
Photo: Teri Engbring
Registration is required for participants in the half
marathon ($35) and 10k ($25) trail runs. Register online
before June 15 at www.active.com. Runners can also
register on race day between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. for $5
more. All events start at 8:00 a.m. First place runners in
each of the race categories will win an overnight stay in
the new guest quarters at the historic Rush Ranch. The
community hike is free and does not require advance
registration. Walkers must complete the 2.5-mile hike by
noon to receive official recognition.
This event is presented with support from Deloitte,
Kaiser Permanente, Valero Benicia Refinery, Toyota Vallejo,
Fleet Feet of Vacaville, Baja Fresh, Vallejo Convention and
Visitors Bureau, Vallejo Chamber of Commerce, Bay Area
Ridge Trail Council, FRS, Coca Cola, Power Bar, Saucony,
Georgia House Graphics, Roma, Potrero Hills Landfill,
Solano County Parks, and Solano Land Trust.
For more information, go to www.lynchcanyontrailrun.
blogspot.com, or call the race hotline at Vacaville Fleet
Feet store, (707) 449-9266.
Fifty volunteers
(groups and individuals)
are needed at Lynch the morning of June 21.
Please call Teri Engbring at (707) 432-0150 x200.

Papyrus closes corporate headquarters to
complete projects and build teams at Rush Ranch
Marilyn Farley, Executive Director
“Papyrus Cares Day” at Rush Ranch was a day of discovery, hard work, and accomplishment for 80
corporate volunteers. Headquartered in Fairfield, Papyrus is a company that sells high-end stationary,
greeting cards and other paper products nationally through 6,000 accounts and 150 stores.
Corporate headquarters virtually closed down on May 14 so employees could team with SLT staff
and volunteers from Access Adventure and the Rush Ranch Educational Council to complete a series
of much needed projects.
They painted new corral fence posts with preservative and cribbing inhibitor; installed irrigation
and plants for a new Native Plant Garden around the recently installed brick patio; built a tule shade
structure for the Patwin village; inventoried equipment and supplies for the conference room, office,
and guest quarters; painted the power shed; protected oaks in the picnic area; and cleared the ground
and installed a gravel pad around the windmill that pumps our water.
Papyrus Cares Chairperson Doris Salas-Flores
and her committee did an amazing job organizing
the teams and preparing for all their needs, from
tools and gloves to water and great food. She said
her team members “were eager to get hands-on with
the projects, and very impressed with Rush Ranch
and all the beautiful open space.”
Papyrus company owner Dominique Schurman
presented SLT with a generous grant of $3,000 to
increase the already precious donation of their
Catching some shade under a tule lean-to built with
guidance from RREC volunteer Grant Ornbaun
Photo: Teri Engbring
staff ’s time, skills and energy.
At the end of the day, volunteers were personally
thanked by Volunteer and Education Coordinator
Teri Engbring for their invaluable help, and were
Renew your
membership
today!
Help Solano Land Trust
steward the land,
preserve farmland, and
provide recreational and
educational opportunities
for schoolchildren, hikers,
bikers, birders, and
equestrians on our lands.
We’ll keep you informed
of all the activities we
offer, including ways
you can help. Thank you
for your contribution to
Solano Land Trust!
Please use the
envelope provided or
donate online at
www.solanolandtrust.org
invited to think of Rush Ranch as their new home in the country. We hope our corporate partners will
enjoy the fruits of their labors at the historic ranch with their family and friends.
Like many of our business partners, Papyrus has a commitment to the environment that has
become an integral part of their business practice. Their
website says, “Papyrus is committed to protecting and
preserving the environment and to conserving the world’s
natural resources. Papyrus supports the paper manufacturers
whose environmental management and procurement practices
promote sustainability, and result in long-term environmental
benefit. We promote and encourage the use of paper
products made responsibly from our natural resources. Our
environmental goal is to become carbon balanced and to create
products that use post consumer waste and biodegradable
packaging materials.”
Papyrus has taken the commitment a step further by
partnering with Solano Land Trust to make a difference close
to home. Visit their website at www.papyrusonline.com. We
value this partnership and others in the corporate community. Papyrus volunteers transplant native plants and install irrigation lines
Learn about our corporate partners and how to become one outside the new Nature Center
Photo: Teri Engbring
at www.solanolandtrust.org.
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Volunteer photographers capture
the magic of the land
Teri Engbring, Volunteer and Education Coordinator
A good picture is worth a thousand words in sharing the wonders of nature and identifying local
flora and fauna. Photos make our publications, announcements, press releases and flyers far more
interesting by grabbing your attention and imagination.
Retired Fairfield firefighter Doug Wirtz is dedicated to photographing the magic
of local wildflowers. From the vernal pools of Jepson Prairie to the ridge tops of Lynch
Canyon, he has captured the exquisite detail of native plants and blooms. He is now
taking shots for flower photo identification cards for guests and docents to use on
SLT sites. Doug has inspired plans for a new color photo version of the Jepson Prairie
Preserve handbook.
When we needed a wide range of photographs of local birds to train docents to lead
tours on SLT sites, we turned to Sam Steiner for dozens of photos and his expertise in
preparing an informative slide show. He also donated his superb photographs and many
hours in editing and layout to create “Birds of SLT Properties” photo ID cards that we
laminated for a special gift to our volunteers at their 2007 appreciation lunch.
For many years, professional photographer and adventurer Bud Turner has allowed
Solano Land Trust to use his photos, including the spectacular photograph of floral
gold and dramatic clouds over Olcott Lake, in a variety of publications. Jepson Prairie
docents Jim Steinert and Lars Anderson have provided invaluable photos of vernal pool
Sam Steiner encountered this burrowing and grassland plants.
owl at its front door
Avid birder Margo Watson, of Margo’s Beautiful Images, lets us use her photos of
birds taken on our properties, and Terry Chappell has shared impressive scenic photos of Rush Ranch.
Tim Baskerville specializes in Rush Ranch night photography and training. Talented volunteers, Brett
Saunders and Halina (who prefers to use only her first name, like Cher) have helped us out by capturing
the spirit of special events such as the fall Heritage Feast at Rush Ranch.
Jorg Fleige is half of
a talented team that shares
flower and habitat photos
and information collected on
frequent hikes throughout
the region, including many
on SLT sites. His partner is
amateur botanist, Mimi Fleige,
who recently led a terrific
docent tour and training about
wildflowers at Lynch Canyon.
Jorg shoots plants, trails, and
broader scenery, including the
one shown on the opposite
page of historic farm machinery
at Rush Ranch.
Doug Wirtz in the field
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Thanks to our skilled volunteer photographers w

Doug Wirtz shows the world in a dewdrop
Jorg Fleige captured the drama of antique farm machines
at Rush Ranch
Bud F. Turner, WildLight Photography, used a gnarly oak at King Ranch to anchor a distant view of Mt Diablo
ho inspire us with their generosity and artistry.
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Photo: Sue Wickham
Wanted!
Land Steward Ken
Poerner needs a truck in
good working condition,
preferably 4-wheel drive.
Call Ken at
(707) 580-6277.
Partner Profile (second in a series):
Schene Enterprises rolls with the changing times
Sue Wickham, Project Coordinator
This is the second article in our series about the livestock operators who run cattle on our properties.
Schene Enterprises, Inc. is well known in the livestock business throughout California.
Tom Schene, along with his father Bob, son Eric, and cousin Jimmy, form the core of
a family business known as Schene Enterprises, Inc., headquartered in Dixon. The family
business began over 40 years ago as an auction yard in South San Francisco. They moved
to Stockton for a time before finally settling in Dixon. In the early days, sheep from all over
Northern California were auctioned in May and June at the Schene Enterprise Auction Yard
in Dixon. The livestock gradually changed to a mix of cattle, sheep, and pigs sold at a weekly
auction yard where Walmart is located today. Over time, Schene Enterprises focused on
raising cattle on leased land.
Today Schene Enterprises leases over 25,000 acres of land. They graze cattle on
conservation properties such as King and Wilcox Ranches owned by Solano Land Trust,
Bobcat Ranch owned by Audubon California, and the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area owned
by the Department of Fish and Game. Schene Enterprises is a highly experienced land
steward, as evidenced by the large number of conservation lands placed in their hands. Tom Schene
says that overgrazing and poor management is as bad for the cattle operator as it is for the land.
He notices that public agencies are working with experienced livestock operators more frequently
now than in the past, forming partnerships that help to manage conservation lands for economic
benefit and land stewardship.
I caught up with Eric Schene at a property adjacent to Solano Land Trust¹s King Ranch where
cows and their calves were being separated for the first time. In the noise and commotion, Eric and
several others were sorting calves and encouraging them to move down chutes to be expertly loaded
into transport vehicles. The calves were born in Dixon, but had been moved to King Ranch during the
winter-spring grazing season where they lived with their mothers. They were now headed back to
irrigated pastures in Dixon where they will graze until they weigh up to 850 pounds, and then sold to
suppliers such as Harris Ranch Beef Company¹s all natural program.
Schene Enterprises primarily raise two types of cattle: Angus for beef and Holsteins for dairy. The
Holsteins are also moved from pasture to hill property. Bought as calves and owned for two years until
they reach breeding age, the Holsteins are bred by artificial insemination. Just as they are ready to
calve, the heifers are sold to dairies in the Central Valley .
When asked what has changed in his business over the last
40 years, Tom says that marketing is a lot easier. In the past, you
had to catch buyers on the phone or transport cattle to auction
yards. Today the cattle are videotaped on the ranch and the tape
is posted on the Internet where buyers can browse and purchase
their cattle directly from the rancher.
When I asked Tom how many of his grandchildren will get
into the family business, he said he’d just have to wait and see.
He expressed concern over rising grain and fuel prices that
are causing his expenses to skyrocket. These high prices also
impact the feedlot operators who finish the cattle on grain.
The family will continue to do their best to change with the
market and the times.
Corralling calves to move them to Dixon
Photo: Sue Wickham

Thanks to the following volunteers who are
critical to our success
Teri Engbring, Volunteer and Education Coordinator
As a small nonprofit, we depend upon the enthusiasm, knowledge, expertise and time of volunteers.
You enhance, protect and improve our properties. You inspire and educate the public about our lands,
wildlife, and natural resources. We are privileged to work with such a delightful, dedicated and capable
team. On behalf of the staff and board of directors, thank you all!
Chris Abess
C. J. Addington
Ian Anderson
Lars Anderson
Frank Andrews
Cindy Apaka
Roger Bane
Erin Beavers
Bob Berman
Carol Berman
Darrin Berardi
Randie Boardman
Robert Boardman
Jane Bogner
Ryan Boynton
Larry Broderick
Brianne Bradford
Melissa Bradford
Kenn Browne
Gerardo Bueno
Marime Burton
Joanne Castro
Jay Chamberlin
Ted Champagne
Terry Chappell
Terry Colborn
Al Colombano
Barbara Comfort
Patricia Cooper
Susan Cotterel
Nicole Cousino
Debbie Dannucci
Carl Debevec
Yolanda Dillinger
Jeff Dittmer
Leslie Dittmer
Jean Dolter
Sarah Doolittle
Jim Dunn
Mike Elliott
Mary Estep
Malcolm Evett
Marilyn Farley
John Fazel
Mary Lou Fazel
Cheryl Filarsky
Mimi Fleige
Jorg Fleige
Charles Ford
Elizabeth Fry
Ed Gallagher
Rosemary Gacutan
Aleta George
Roy Gill
Rusty Gray
Ann Grove
Meg Grow
Burrows Hamilton
Doug Hampton
Del Hardy
Michael Hardy
Phil Harris
Ursula Heffernon
Jane Hicks
Buzz Higgins
Doug Hintz
Kathy Hoffman
Jennifer Hogan
Dan Homerick
Bill Honeycutt
Russell Huddleston
Bing Huey
Cheryl Hurd
John Isaacson
Julie Jacobs
Peter Jacobsen
Tineke Jacobsen
Torsten Jacobsen
Sheri Javius
Bill Johnson
Carl Joyner
Christine Kenaston
Esther Kerster
Doris Klein
Duane Kromm
Halina Krukowski
Nancie Lagomarsino
Edla Larson
Albert Lavezzo
Mike Less
Russell Lester
Kira Levin-Stuerzl
Sarah Levin-Stuerzl
Monique Ligouri
Sascha Lin
Jim Litsinger
Paul Lum
Rebecca Mannion
Sean Marquis
Mort Marsh
Debbie Martin
Kate Mawdsley
Mike McCarney
Lindsey McWilliams
J. D. Miller
Bob Mintzer
Beth Mintzer
Jane Mitchell
Jane Moody
Joel Mooney
Pat Moran
Frank Morris
Marsha Morris
Pamela Muick
Michael Muir
Andrea Mummert
Kirsti Muskat
Mark Myers
Pam Nelson
Fred Nelson
Moira Neuterman
Dung Nguyen
Grant Ornbaun
Cathy O’Shea
Michael O’Shea
Marc Pandone
Ann Parkinson
Scott Parrish
Sharon Peterson
Alan Plutchok
Alice Plutchok
Ken Poerner
Diane Powell
Esther Pryor
Sean Quinn
Lisa Quintero
Jim Reikowsky
Todd Rewick
Oscar Reyes
Mary Ann Rich
Slow Ries
Jeannette Robertson
Bonnie Ross
Vance Russell
Mike Rydjord
Brett Saunders
Mike Savino
Dottie Schenk
Suzy Scherff
Mary Schiedt
Michael Schmutz
Janet Schunk
Virgil Sellers
Lisa Serafini
Dan Silvia
Eric Simoni
Little Bear(Nieves)Sira
Charlie Smith
Linda Sonner
Sam Steiner
Michelle Steiner
Jim Steinert
Michelle Stevens
Stephen Stringer
Derek Stubbs
Sandra Stubbs
Karen Swan
Earl Swenerton
John Takeuchi
Mary Takeuchi
Don Taynton
Robbin Thorp
Mika Tolson
Dan Tolson
John Vasquez
Liz Vasquez
Amber Vierling
Genevieve Walden
Jim Walsh
Dave Warner
Margo Watson
Aileen Weddell
Sarah Weimer
Barb Welch
Ti Wellman
Jerry Wickham
Sue Wickham
Chris White
Billy Wigley
Mary Kay Williams
Doug Wirtz
Rollye Wiskerson
Carol Witham
Maxine Wright
Gary Wyatt
Lucille Young
Celia Zavatsky
Mike Zeiss
Nominate
your favorite
volunteer!
We would like help in
the challenging task
of identifying an SLT
Volunteer of the Year,
who we will feature in
our next newsletter.
Please send me a brief
paragraph on why your
nominee qualifies for this
honor by July 10, 2008.
You can email it to me at
teri@solanolandtrust.org,
or mail it to 1001 Texas
St, Suite C, Fairfield, CA
94533. Thanks.
Save the Date!
Saturday, November 1,
2008 for the SLT
volunteer appreciation
lunch at Rush Ranch
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Boa r d Members
Bob Berman,
President
Ian Anderson,
Vice President
Darrin Berardi,
Secretary
Frank Morris,
Treasurer
Sean Quinn,
Immediate Past Pres.
Frank J. Andrews, Jr.
Jeff Dittmer
Elizabeth Fry
Jane Hicks
John Isaacson
Albert Lavezzo
Russell Lester
John M. Vasquez
Sta f f
Marilyn Farley,
Executive Director
Teri Engbring,
Volunteer and Education
Coordinator
Jennifer Fernandez,
Administrative Assistant
Rob Goldstein,
Land Transaction Specialist
Nick Meckler, Field Steward
Jane Moody, Bookkeeper
Cathy O’Connor,
Finance Officer
Jessie Olson, Restoration
Planner
Ken Poerner, Land Steward
Ben Wallace, Conservation
Project Manager
Sue Wickham,
Project Coordinator
Aleta George,
Editor, SLT Vistas
Logo design based on
original art by Don Birrell
For latest news on events and directions to
our lands go to www.solanolandtrust.org
Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and require no
advance registration. Workday groups should call ahead. For
more information on events (unless noted otherwise) contact
Teri Engbring at (707) 432.0150 x200, teri@solanolandtrust.
org. With the exception of Suisun Hill Trail across from Rush
Ranch, dogs are not allowed on SLT properties.
Jepson Prairie Reserve
We bid a fond farewell to springtime wildflowers and vernal
pool creatures. Come back next year for our docent-led
tours. Until then, take a self-guided tour of the grassland
prairie any day during daylight hours.
King and Swett Ranches
The King and Swett Ranches are currently open to the public
only during staff or docent led activities.
Scenic Hikes and Birding
First Saturday of the month:
Jul. 5, Aug. 2, Sep. 6, 2008. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Moderate pace. Meet at the Park-and-Ride lot at the
Hiddenbrooke Parkway/American Canyon Road exit at I-80.
Lynch Canyon Open Space
Lynch Canyon is open to the public Wed. through Sun. from
8 a.m. to posted closing time. Trail maps are available at
parking lot kiosk. Carry your own water. As a Solano County
Park, there is a $5 per-day, per-vehicle parking fee.
Trail Run and Community Hike
Saturday, Jun. 21, 2008.
Race day registration starts at 6:30 a.m.
Events begin at 8 a.m.
Join the fun for the first-ever Lynch Canyon Trial
Run (10K & half-marathon), and Community Hike (all
ages and abilities). For more information go to www.
lynchcanyontrailrun.blogspot.com.
Scenic Hikes with Docents and Rangers
Fourth Saturday of the month:
Jun. 28, Jul. 26, Aug. 23, 2008. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Guided Equestrian Tour of Lynch
Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m.
Reservations required. Call Christine at (707) 469-6341.
Volunteers needed! Bay Area Ridge Trail-
Solano Trails Day at Lynch
Saturday, June 14, 9 a.m. to noon
BYO work gloves. No parking fee.
Volunteer Workdays
Second Saturday of the month:
Jul. 12, Aug. 9, Sep. 13, 2008. 9 a.m.
Bring gloves and a favorite planting tool. Water, snacks and
parking fee available for volunteers.
Rush Ranch Open Space
From March to October, Rush Ranch is open everyday from
8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Access Adventure Youth Day
Saturday, June 14, 2008. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Students and youth interns will demonstrate what they’ve
learned about draft horses, carriage driving and community
service. Call (707) 432-0152 for details.
Volunteer Workdays
First Saturday of the month:
Jul. 5, Aug. 2, Sep. 6, 2008. 9 a.m.
Get some fresh air while helping with ranch and trail
maintenance. Contact Ken at (707) 580-6277.
Blacksmith Shop Demonstration & Access
Adventure Carriage Rides
Third Saturday of the month:
Jun. 21, Jul. 19, Aug. 16, 2008. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Watch or participate in the art of blacksmithing and explore
Rush Ranch on a horse-drawn carriage.
Solano Land Trust
1001 Texas Street, Suite C
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 432-0150
Non–Profit
Organization
US Postage
Paid
Fairfield,
CA 94533
Permit # 00234
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Preserving Fa r m l a n d s a n d Open Spac e t h r o u g h o u t So l a n o Co u n t y