On March 4th, a windy rainy Monday, when the air smelled of sagebrush and dark clouds filled the sky, good things were brewing. Nearly thirty community members, ESLT board members and staff gathered at the Crowley Community Center to share ideas and strategize our next 12 months of action. It was a fantastic gathering, where the topics of the day were Community Collaborations, Working Landscapes, and Natural Habitats.

Our morning started with coffee and cinnamon rolls donated by the Great Basin Bakery. Tony Taylor, our Board President, set the tone of the day with an earthy joke about worms. Terry Gooch Ross facilitated the event, with her sweet smile and sharp mind, kept us on task and helped us achieve a strategic plan. Karen introduced the day with a quick look to the past: in eight years over 6000 acres preserved! Then we got to task, brainstorming and sharing and being creative. Every voice was unique, and clearly heard.

With a quick break at lunch for home made frittata by Karen and Serena, and cookies made by Mary and Heather, we continued into the afternoon. Terry locked the doors and would not let us leave until we each had an action item to leave the room with. In all, it was an inspiring day. I felt honored to be a part of such an incredible community. Life is always good when passionate, hard-working people get together to talk.

Board Members and Staff of the ESLT gather for our annual group photo at the Strategic Planning session. From left to right: John, Aaron, Rick, Roseanne, Karen, Serena, Herb, Mary, Orrin, Heather, Tony, Mary, Stephen, Jan, and Stan

Board Members and Staff of the ESLT gather for our annual group photo at the Strategic Planning session. From left to right: John, Aaron, Rick, Rosanne, Karen, Serena, Herb, Mary, Orrin, Heather, Tony, Mary, Stephen, Jan, and Stan.