The First Lady of the Land Conservancy
Karen Tucker
Karen Tucker, Author, and Cofounder of Fallbrook Land Conservancy
Karen Tucker, conservation activist and author, died on December 11 from complications of cancer at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla. She was 69.
Tucker and her husband, Wallace, along with four other couples, founded the Fallbrook Land Conservancy in 1988. Since then it has grown to approximately one thousand members and now owns 1848 acres of open space. She served as chairman of the acquisitions committee and as a member of the executive committee throughout this period. She was also involved in countywide conservation efforts, helping to found the Center for Conservation and Education Strategies, a networking group for environmental organizations.
With Wallace, she coauthored three popular level books on astronomy. One of these, The Cosmic Enquirers was selected as one of the top astronomy books of the decade by a popular astronomy magazine. She also worked for 20 years as a science writer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, Mass. where she received a distinguished service award for her work as a founding member and science writer for the Education and Outreach program of NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory project.
Born in Pryor Oklahoma in 1939 to Kellen and Alma Slagle, she later moved with her family to McAlester, Oklahoma where she attended high school and met Wallace. Shortly after graduation in 1957, she and Wallace eloped before he was scheduled to go into military service.
“We were very young, but were convinced that we would be happy if we could spend the rest of our lives together pursuing our mutual passions, whatever those might turn out to be,” said Wallace Tucker. “We were right.”
This determination to be together started early, when Wallace was undergoing basic training at Camp Chaffee in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. “She made friends with the ladies running the Guest House on the base so she could stay there during the week,” he recalled. “I would sneak out of the barracks after bed check, spend the night with her, and return before reveille.”
In 1972, Wallace resigned his position as leader of the theoretical physics group at a high tech company in Cambridge, Mass., to pursue a lifestyle that would enable them to work together. For many years they split their time between Fallbrook, where they worked on writing, land conservation and other projects, and Cambridge, where they both worked at the Center for Astrophysics.
“The ability of Karen and Wallace to work together so productively and with enjoyment on projects ranging from astrophysics, education, and play writing to farming, land conservation and more, always on their own terms, was remarkable,” said longtime friend and colleague Paul Gorenstein of the Center for Astrophysics. “I have never known any other couple who complemented each other so perfectly and were able to have the lifestyle they wanted.”
Karen was known among her friends and co-workers for her infectious laugh, sense of humor and ability to put things in perspective.
“Her wonderful sense of humor and deep appreciation of the absurd lightened many moments,” said Kathleen Lestition, Coordinator for the Chandra Education and Outreach Program. “She will leave a lasting legacy in her lucid and elegantly written pieces which have been distributed through the internet and printed materials to the public, students and teachers around the world.”
“With the Chandra project stuck in neutral in the mid-1980's, Karen lent her legendary energy and enthusiasm to organize support for the mission,” said Harvey Tananbaum, Director of the Chandra X-ray Center. “Her intimate knowledge of the people and the history of the tremendously successful Chandra X-ray Observatory provided unique insights for the widely acclaimed book, “Revealing the Universe,” that she co-wrote with Wallace.”
Meanwhile, in Fallbrook, Karen helped to start the Fallbrook Land Conservancy. “She was the First Lady of the Land Conservancy,” said Vince Ross, community leader and a cofounder of the Land Conservancy in 1988. “She and Wally provided the vision and energy to launch the Conservancy 20 years ago, and provided the leadership to make it a success. The Tucker team has been the nexus of a significant legacy for the protection of our open space and rural character. Karen’s dedication and bright, cheerful personality will be greatly missed.”
Karen Tucker is survived by Wallace, her husband of 51 years, her daughter Kerry Renshaw of Bosque Farms, New Mexico, her son Stuart Tucker of Fallbrook, two grandsons, Kellen Renshaw of Tucson, Arizona and Evan Renshaw of Bosque Farms, and her sister Joyce Thrush of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
A celebration of Karen Tucker’s life will be held at noon on Saturday, December 13 at the Palomares House at 1815 S. Stage Coach Road in Fallbrook. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Fallbrook Land Conservancy, P.O. 2701, Fallbrook, CA 92088.
Conservation Chronicle
Summer 2008
Index:
Celebrating 20 years
20 Year Highlights
Current and Future Activities
Emerald Grove Awards
Grants and Bequests
Sogo Yamaguchi Remembrance
Save Our Forest Report
Our Man in the Field
Friends of Los Jilgueros
Trails Council Report
Wildflower Team Report
Memorials & Dedications
FLC Meetings and Work Parties
Ken Weaver on Birds
Celebrating Twenty Years of Conservation and Growth
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Fallbrook Land Conservancy (FLC). During these years, the population of our extended community has grown by approximately 60%, or 20,000 people. In the same period, protected open space has increased tenfold, as the FLC has acquired 1840 acres of natural lands and the County of San Diego and Caltrans have protected another 700 acres.
We thank the many citizens who have contributed land, time, money and energy toward the preservation of our area’s rural character and natural beauty.
Twenty Year Highlights
The following list of highlights for the past year illustrates the breadth of FLC’s ongoing activities, partnerships, and zbroad community support:
·
In August, FLC acquired the 1,206-acre Margarita Peak property
through a partnership with Camp Pendleton/Department of the Navy,
the California Wildlife Conservation Board and the Trust for Public
Land. With an elevation of 3,193 feet, Margarita Peak is the highest
peak in San Diego County west of I-15, and is visible on the western
horizon from many locations in Fallbrook.
·
The Land Management Team and Save Our Forest volunteers
enhanced the Engel Family Preserve, the Rock Mountain Preserve and
the Bonsall Preserve by planting thousands of native trees and
shrubs, and removing invasive plants. These projects were made
possible by grants from the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS).
·
Eagle Scout Projects extended the birdwatching boardwalk on the
Bonsall Preserve by 80 feet, installed split rail fencing on the
Dinwiddie Preserve, and paved the upper level “stage” area at the
Palomares House.
·
Restoration and environmental education
were combined in Save Our Forest projects that involved
students at local schools. Hundreds of students from La Paloma
Elementary School planted 430 native plants at Los Jilgueros
Preserve under the direction of the Native Plant & Wildflower Team.
Save Our Forest also planted more than 100 new trees at locations in
downtown Fallbrook.
·
Thanks to an operating agreement between the County of San Diego and
FLC’s Trails Council, the County’s Santa Margarita Preserve was
opened this year. This 173-acre preserve gives the public access to
a staging area and a 2.5-mile trail. This trail links to 11 miles of
existing equestrian and hiking trails on Fallbrook Public Utility
District land along the Santa Margarita River.
·
The Stage Coach Sunday committee volunteers continued an
impressive string of major fundraising successes with its 17th
annual community event.
·
The Friends of Los Jilgueros staged another entertaining “Tails and
Trails” event, which provided funds to help support the Native Plant
& Wildflower Team’s restoration projects on Los Jilgueros Preserve.
·
The FLC’s education lecture series concluded the year with a
standing-room only presentation by Bert and Sharon Kersey of their
award-winning “Backyard Barn Owls” video.
Current and Future Activities
This year and next, we look forward to more opportunities to protect open spaces and enhance their vitality.
·
Land Acquisition. Several agreements to acquire parcels of open
space are still in the pipeline. In particular, we expect that the
successful partnership that led to the Margarita Peak acquisition
will open the way for future land conservation projects.
·
Stewardship. Highlights for next year include grant-supported work
on the Monserate Mountain Preserve, Bonsall Preserve, and Margarita
Peak Preserve.
·
Save Our Forest volunteers will add new schools to their hands-on
nature education program, and continue to help care for the downtown
trees.
·
Trails Council volunteers will continue the maintenance of Santa
Margarita trails and working with the County of San Diego to further
improve the staging area.
·
And More…. More educational talks, more fun community events, and
more opportunities to enjoy the wonders of nature!
Wallace Tucker
Emerald Grove "Gem of a Volunteer" Awards Go to Carolyn Major and Bert Hayden
The Fallbrook Land Conservancy (FLC) presented “Gem of a Volunteer” awards to Carolyn Major and Bert Hayden at the Ninth Annual Emerald Grove dinner.
Carolyn has been a member of the FLC Trails Council since its inception nine years ago, and a member of the Fallbrook Community Planning Group for eight years. As the Chair of the Parks and Recreation subcommittee and liaison to County of San Diego’s Trails program, she has been an effective advocate for the development of a community trails plan and the inclusion of that plan in the County’s master trails plan.
Meanwhile Bert has been working on the ground as trail boss to help organize major workdays several times a year on the extensive Santa Margarita trail system managed by the FLC Trails Council on Fallbrook Public Utility District land. He is also active in the board room, as a member of the Fallbrook Public Utility District board of directors.
Both Carolyn and Bert worked with Donna and Al Gebhart to establish a partnership between the FLC and the County of San Diego to open the County’s 173-acre Santa Margarita Park as a large staging area, and link the trails in the park to the trail system on Fallbrook Public Utility District land.
Trails give us access to the natural world and keep us in touch with the vital forces and rhythms of the environment. They make us happier. They make us healthier, and they make our community more livable. We are very fortunate to have two dedicated volunteers such as Carolyn and Bert doing such great work to enhance existing trails and plan for future ones.
The first Emerald Grove recognition dinner was held in April 2000 to honor 31 individuals, organizations, and land donors for their contributions during the prior year.
At each subsequent Emerald Grove celebration, more and more major donors joined the program, and each year the “Gem of a Volunteer” award has been presented for extraordinary work on behalf of the FLC.
“Gem of a Volunteer” Recipients:
2001 Shogo
Yamaguchi
2002 Jim Freda
2003 Howard Sansom
2004 Al and Donna Gebhart
2005 Phee Sherline and Ken Graydon
2006 Connie Freese
2007 Jody Williams
2008 Carolyn Major and Bert Hayden
Dawne Goodwin MccCullough, Emerald Grove co-chairman (left) and
Wallace
Tucker present "Gem of a Volunteer" awards to Carolyn Major and Bert
Hayden.
Help Celebrate FLC’s 20th Anniversary:
“Special Offer”
This year, in honor of 20 years of conservation, we are setting aside a section in the Palomares Park walkway for commemorative tiles inscribed with names of donors who give $300 or more.
Gifts of this amount will also include a Rancher Package with dinner tickets for our Stage Coach Sunday event on September 28.
Thank You to These Foundations and Agencies for Grants in 2007
· Anonymous Foundation (Through the San Diego Conservation Resource Network) for a baseline report and stewardship plan for Margarita Peak.
· County of San Diego, Office of Supervisor Bill Horn, Community Project award for Palomares Park, trees for planting, and the Stage Coach Sunday event.
· Eddy Foundation for general support.
· Natural Resource Conservation Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for the
· Monserate Mountain Upland Wildlife Management, Pest Management & Conservation Cover Project.
· Norcross Foundation for a hand-held field computer to help with collecting data on our preserves.
Endowment Funds
The San Diego Foundation manages endowment funds for the Fallbrook Land Conservancy. The income from these endowments is used to defray costs for the management of our preserves. Last year, donations from various sources increased our total endowment by $94,251.
In
Remembrance of Shogo Yamaguchi
(1916-2008)
This February, Fallbrook lost an outstanding
citizen, and FLC lost one of its most valuable and influential
volunteers. In addition to his work with the FLC, Shogo was active
in the Fallbrook Garden Club, the Friends of the Santa Margarita
River and served on the board of the Mission Resource Conservation
District for many years.
Shogo, a retired professor of botany and founding member of FLC’s Technical Advisory Board, used his wit and immense knowledge to guide the restoration of native flora on Los Jilgueros Preserve. For this work he was awarded the FLC’s first “Gem of a Volunteer” award at the 2001 Emerald Grove banquet.
Shogo’s goal, expressed in a 1990 memo, was to have all of the native local trees and shrubs represented in the preserve eventually. When asked what he meant by “eventually,” he responded “fifty years.”
This was vintage Shogo, taking the long view, knowing that he wouldn’t live to see his dream realized. Nevertheless, with the help of the Native Plant & Wildflower team, he continued to work toward his goal with youthful enthusiasm into his nineties.
The majestic sycamores, stately oaks, colorful western redbuds, sage and other plants that grace the preserve and provide habitat for birds and other animals serve as a lasting memorial to a remarkable man whose kindness and wisdom made our community a better place.
Land
Management Report by Mike Peters
"Our man in the field"
Weed Abatement (aka Mowing)
Springtime is mowing time on our three preserves that have large amounts of non-native grasses – Los Jilgueros, Dinwiddie and Heller’s Bend. The purpose of the mowing is to reduce the abundance of non-native plants, allowing the natives to get a foothold, and to reduce fire danger.
It is standard practice to walk the areas to be mowed to look for native vegetation like oak tree seedlings and, if seen, to adjust the mower to a level to pass over the seedlings. Jesus, our mower specialist, has been trained to note native plants and to avoid them. We run across a lot of wildlife like snakes and Jesus has on occasions moved them out of the mowing area.
Hellers Bend Preserve
The restoration sites are doing well with new seedlings spreading from the main plants to create cover. Competitive weeding continues with this project to allow the spread of natives such as buckwheat, white sage, coastal sage, black sage and monkey flower.
After two years of searching for volunteers to paint the main entry fence on Hellers Bend Road, we were successful with thirty-three students, twelve adults and one junior from St. Peters Church Youth Group. This army was assembled by Kelly Bednarski after many conversations on the trails at Monserate Mountain. We ran out of brushes after twenty or so were passed out and Kelly drove back to Fallbrook to purchase more brushes a couple of times because more people kept showing up to volunteer.
Engel Preserve
The restoration project funded by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Partners for Fish & Wildlife, is a great success with added coastal sage scrub habitat. We continue to weed competing non-native vegetation and will do so for some time.
Bonsall Preserve
The Land Management Team (LMT) has been removing and monitoring invasive plants throughout the preserve. Tree-of-heaven, poison hemlock, periwinkle, cape ivy and palms are our main concern. We have completed the fencing along Mission Road.
Monserate Mountain Preserve
The LMT has been installing fencing along the western boundary (Phase II) of the preserve with the funding from U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The fencing on the Phase I have been mostly solo because Jesus is scheduled for mowing and weeding for the next month. All the materials for the fence have to be carried off trail to the installation site. This includes fence post, “T” stakes, and 60 pound bags of cement, five gallon cans of water and 50 lbs. rolls of wire.
Save Our Forest's Season
By Jackie Heyneman
The first half of 2008 has been busy for the volunteers of Save Our Forest (SOF). The planting in February at El Tigre, now under the ownership of Northgate Market, was a huge success.
The market made it a real party providing breakfast burritos and coffee early in the morning and then excellent tacos and fresh lemonade when all was finished. Although many more trees could be used in this huge lot, it was a beginning after two years of working with the corporate owners.
Trees totally destroyed in the October wildfire winds were replaced on downtown Main St. and plantings were finished on South Mission Road.
The Environmental Education program developed by SOF four years ago is working well. Students from La Paloma Elementary School began the two-year process on May 30, 2008 when we visited seven 4th grade classrooms and students planted rooted cuttings for transplanting in 2009. The last block of the Pico Promenade was planted on May 17, 2008.
The design for native plants was done by Gary Beeler with over 160 plants. This creates another wonderful segment of that linear park and pathway. Take a walk along Pico Promenade: it’s well worth it.
The owners of the new Citrus Plaza complex and their contractors have been very helpful providing a water line to the creek side of the walkway and the irrigation line that will get the native plants started. This project was a cooperative effort between the Fallbrook Beautification Alliance (FBA) who provided the mulch and SOF who provided the plants from the Educational Program and the labor for irrigation installation.
Tree adoptions are still available. When news of the pending planting at El Tigre hit the newspapers in early February, a great friend of Fallbrook called to adopt a tree. This funding is so vital to our Tree Maintenance Fund.
As an unincorporated community, there are no funds to maintain our downtown trees. Our Tree Maintenance Fund pays for pruning, fertilization, watering, insect control and also includes the South Mission roadside plantings that came to us via a state grant in 2002. All of this care comes from our fund… Volunteers do the rest and they are great.
Before the next issue of the Conservation Chronicle, SOF will have their annual Party-Party in August. In that month, they don’t work, they just party. It’s too hot anyway!
Friends of Los Jilgueros
By Connie Freese
Tails and Trails 2008 was a great success and fun for all who attended. Our new feature, the Canine Contests, was greatly enjoyed by contestants and spectators, and delighted us with the spectacle of old dogs, puppies, and some really great costumes and tricks.
The Tails and Trails event netted more than $2,000 with about half going to our event partner, Critter Crossings, and the rest to help with Los Jilgueros Preserve (LJP) maintenance. While Tails and Trails raises awareness (as well as funds) for LJP, my goal is to bring in more membership contributions from preserve users.
LJP has enriched so many lives. Like me, many walkers have met and made dear friends while walking there. Many dogs have been adopted into loving homes through acquaintances made at LJP. We all treasure the time we spend there –enjoying the natural beauty and the peaceful setting.
Walking at LJP has given many of us a sense of community with our lovely town of Fallbrook. What would your life be like if you had no Los Jilgueros Preserve? Where would you get your exercise, or your relaxation? Would you have met those who are now your friends and acquaintances? We must not take this jewel of a place for granted – we must financially support it.
I encourage each person who uses Los Jilgueros to contribute regularly to FLC’s Friends of Los Jilgueros Preserve fund. Make your check payable to the FLC, and write “FoLJP” or “LJP” in the memo line of your check. Donations with the LJP notation will be applied to the maintenance of that preserve, which costs over $15,000 annually.
We will continue to hold Tails and Trails – because it’s so much fun, and because it publicizes the fact that the FLC is a member-supported organization which needs community support. But, in my view, Los Jilgueros deserves to receive more in annual support than $1,200 annually from those many people who walk there every week, or every day.>
As FLC celebrates its 20th year, let’s all show our appreciation for how it has dramatically improved the quality of life for Fallbrook’s present and for its future.
Trails Council Report
By Donna Gebhart
The Trails Council had its first comprehensive workday since the fall fires and spring rains in April. Project leaders Al Gebhart and Bert Hayden planned, prepared for and led the work party of 27 volunteers which focused on culvert and surface repairs to the 500-foot trail of the Santa Margarita River Trail System. Work parties led by trail bosses Ted Wortman, Lee Traut, Joe Comella and Dave Major installed new culverts and/or repaired 17 different areas on the scenic high trail.
Seven of the areas had to be dug out with a bobcat so the burned-out two-foot wide and ten-feet long culverts could be completely replaced. These culverts were then secured with hundreds of cement bags on the high and low sides hauled out there on ATV's. The group is so fortunate to have volunteers who bring the ATV’s, jack-hammers and whatever other heavy equipment we might need. We have among our group a couple of men who volunteer to drive the bobcats that we rent to do the heavy digging!!
Some trails were completely washed out, so the trail bosses took groups of volunteers to those sites and, with jack hammers and picks, were able to re-establish them. The cool and refreshing day was completely successful, and all the high trail rivershed projects that were planned were completed. Without the generous donations we receive from very supportive donors, it would be impossible to have such a workday requiring $3,000 for supplies.
We are very proud of our two members, Bert Hayden and Carolyn Major, who were presented with FLC’s 2007 “Gem of a Volunteer” award for all the hard work they do for our group and the community. In addition to planning and preparing for our large workdays, Bert takes a group out every Thursday to do cleanup on the trails, and both spend countless hours on all the different volunteer work in which they participate.
Trails projects that lie ahead include working together with the San Diego Parks and Recreation Department to further improve the Santa Margarita Park with more amenities. It is so great that, since the park was opened last year through the efforts of the Trails Council and the Parks Department, we have been told it is being used every day. Numerous equestrians stage there with their rigs and ride the trails from the park to the upper rivershed, and many hikers also park their cars and hike through the lower rivershed. The shaded picnic tables are also being regularly used.
Again, our thanks to all the community who help to make the trails and parks a great place for recreation.
Native Plant and Wildflower Team's Report
The Native Plant and Wildflower team continues to maintain the planting efforts of La Paloma and Live Oak Elementary school students at Los Jilgueros Preserve, weeding, watering and replacing plants as needed. The kiosk near the planting at the top of the path has been made into a tribute to the team’s mentor and founder, Shogo Yamaguchi. The team has also added many native plants to the circle at the south parking lot.
NP&WT team members are Toni Inman, Jody & Joan Williams, Julie Newburg, and Gary and Jan Beeler. They meet every Wednesday morning at Café Primo and welcome anyone interested in native plants to join them.
Memorials
The FLC thanks the many donors who have made memorial donations during the past six months:
In Memory of Maja Eddy
From Carl & Enid Carpenter, Jackie Heyneman, Ed & Barbro Hutchison, Anne Klentz, Harold & Signe Larson, Steve & Ellen LeFevre, Don & Diane McNutt, Ethel Noble, Mike & Nancy Peters, Wallace & Karen Tucker, Beverly Warburton, Mac & Le Werthmuller
In Memory of
Marilyn Ferneau
From Battista & Rose Marie Castellano, Jackie Heyneman, Janet
Hilton, Michael & Kimberlee Parkinson, Jack & Lila Sandschulte
In Memory of Shogo Yamaguchi
From Michael & Gina Palculich, and many Fallbrook Land
Conservancy friends
Back to Index
FLC Meetings and Work Parties
Trails Council
Second Monday of the month at 7:00 P.M. at the Palomares House.
New members encouraged.
Trails Maintenance
Third Saturday at 8:00 A.M. Meet at Sandia Creek Trail Head.
Save Our Forest
Meetings: 4th Monday of the month, 7:00 P.M> at the Palomares House.
Work Parties: Third Wednesday of the month at 8:30 A.M. and last
Sunday of the month at 7:30 A.M. at the Village Square.
Adopt-A-Highway: 2nd Saturday of the month at 8:00
A.M., Pala Mesa Resort entrance.
Technical Advisory Board
2008 Meetings: July 2 and October 1 at 7:00 P.M> at the
Palomares House.
The FLC Education Lecture Series will resume in the Fall.
Mark Your Calendars!
FLC’s 18th
Annual
Stage Coach Sunday
September 28, 2008
at the Palomares House
from 1 to 5
p.m.
Live Music, BBQ Dinner, Silent Auction,
Live Animal
Show,
Halloween Costume Contest and
Games and Prizes for All!
Post fire Recovery on Monserate Mountain
By Ken Weaver, FLC technical Advisory Board
During the Rice Fire of October 2007, the entire western slope of Monserate Mountain Preserve burned along with large areas on the north and east slopes. Prior to the fire, black sage dominated the west slope while chaparral dominated the eastern and northern slopes.
On November 12, 2007, I hiked up the entry trail past the intersection of the loop trail. I observed five individual birds of three species during my hike through the very bleak landscape.
On May 10, 2008, I surveyed the birdlife along the entire hiking loop. Vegetation made up of fire-following herbs and crown-sprouting shrubs had grown remarkably fast and the birdlife responded accordingly. I observed 200 individual birds of 33 species. (See list.)
I believe the dramatic re-colonization of the preserve stems from two favorable conditions, and the decent rains of the preceding winter plus the refuge provided by the unburned chaparral stands on the east slope. Neighboring avocado orchards may also have served as a temporary refuge during the fire. Still, the quail, thrasher, Wrentit, and Bewick’s Wren showed decreases compared with a count I did in 2003 at nearly the same time of year.
Bird Sightings, May 2008:
California Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Lesser Goldfinch, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Blue-gray Gnat-catcher, Anna’s Humming-bird, Cassin’s Kingbird, Bushtit, California Quail, Western Kingbird, Blue Grosbeak, Hooded Oriole, Ash-throated Fly catcher, California Thrasher, House Finch, Mourning Dove, Cassin's Vireo, Rock Wren, Wrentit, Western Bluebird, Phainopepla, Lark Sparrow, Sage Sparrow, American Goldfinch, Nattall's Wood pecker, Bewick's Wren, Turkey Vulture, Peregrine Falcon, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Lesser Goldfinch