Appreciating a job well done for outgoing AmeriCorp member, Serena Dennis, and welcoming her back as Outreach Coordinator in January!

The ESLT board and staff enjoyed a holiday potluck dinner last night, giving us a chance to reflect on this past year and look forward to an event-filled 2010. While 2009 was a challenging year with grant freezes and budget woes, it really brought to light how many wonderful supporters ESLT has.

This year, we had many events, bringing various groups of people together to enjoy and learn about ESLT’s preserved lands. There was the celebration of ESLT’s first preserve, Crowley Hilltop Preserve, which brought out many supportive neighbors. We had a fascinating geology tour blitzing us from Bishop to Mono Lake with participants from Southern California, Washington, and even France! It was a great joy to see the beautiful Eastern Sierra in a new way with so many interested and passionate people. Then we had a GPS workshop, mixing technology with exploring the terrain. These are just a few of the events we recently held with the help of many volunteers and board members.

This time of year brings about reflection and appreciation for those around us, those who support our land conservation work throughout the year. ESLT is very fortunate to be surrounded by knowledgeable and passionate board and committee members, wonderful volunteers, generous members, and talented and dedicated staff. Every one of our supporters contributes greatly to the ongoing effort of preserving special places we can enjoy now just as future generations will.

Local foods lunch overlooking Mono Lake concluding the Geology Tour in August 2009

We are especially thankful for our members’ generous year-end giving. In these uncertain times, knowing our work is important to you keeps us motivated and focused to continue down each avenue we can to preserve more of this special region. Each of you has a unique and personal reason why you support our work– we’d like to ask you to take a moment to reflect on why you support ESLT and share your story with us. We would love to hear why this work is special to you. Feel free to send an email, post a comment, or give us a call.

From all the staff at ESLT, we thank you for your continued support and wish you a truly happy holiday season and a prosperous new year. We look forward to seeing you at events on the land in 2010!