The Conservancy proudly presents free talks open to all ages guaranteed to arouse your curiosity about the natural world throughout the year. This past year included some fascinating topics. In February, local historical expert Ken Nakagawa was joined by a large audience interested in marking the 75th Anniversary of the Japanese American Internment to learn about the profound and lasting effects of this challenging period. In March, the National History Museum’s Jan Vandetti discussed SLIME: Snails and Slugs, demonstrating how to identify and become a citizen scientist to help uncover fascinating new information about our local mollusks. In April, expert Denise Epport of Triformis Corporation brought examples of different Composting Systems, with lots of squirmy worms for the Conservancy’s worm composter and her composting mascot, a very cute tortoise named Tut. In July, Jon Wren, Ph.D., P.E., gave an expert presentation describing Wildland Fires and Their Effects and Influence on Land Development in Southern California. In August, we celebrated National Honeybee Day with the founder of BeeQuilibrium and her portable observation beehive, and, in September, TED-Ed contributor and author Eric Noel Munoz shared a rare success story about conquering Killer Algae in our oceans. Watch for upcoming presentations and plan to stay afterwards for the native plant sales that follow each lecture. Let our naturalists show you how to create your own backyard butterfly garden.
Join us as a volunteer! There are plenty of fun ways to get involved with the Conservancy and contribute to our many ongoing habitat restoration, trail and native plant nursery projects.
Corporate Days are a great way to achieve team-bonding within your company and give back to your local community. For example, this summer 40 Macy’s employees volunteered at White Point Nature Preserve to weed and water our recently-planted native seedlings. They had a blast being outside in nature and getting their hands a little dirty.
The Conservancy coordinates with Girl Scout Gold Awardees and Eagle Scouts to complete special projects on the preserves and at the nursery. In August, Eagle Scout Blake Carpenter tried his hand at carpentry when he and his troop installed a brand new shade structure at the native plant nursery to allow volunteers to work safely in sunny or drizzly conditions.
In August, our nature walk docents led 50 community members and scouts through George F Canyon to explore geologic formations and unique canyon flora. Anyone interested in natural history and geology (retired teachers, for example) will learn local lore they can enjoy sharing with others. Our new Walk-Only program is an option for anyone who is interested in a nature walk without frequent stops and explanations. Please sign up or learn more by contacting Brittany Goldsmith at bgoldsmith@pvplc.org.
Our most versatile volunteer program, Adopt-a-Plot, allows volunteer groups and individuals to lead their own restoration projects. One example is Ann Dalkey who is leading a committed group of volunteers including Cynthia Woo, Julian Chasin, Nina Su’a, Nectar Jol, Pat Woolley, Suzanne Ackermann-Evans and Tim Tindall in restoring critical El Segundo blue butterfly habitat at Vicente Bluffs. They are planting the butterfly’s host plant, sea-cliff wild buckwheat (Eriogonum parvifolium) atop the cliff, where they are already witnessing butterfly activity. They plan to plant 80 more buckwheat shrubs this fall.
The Palos Verdes blue butterfly habitat in the Linden H. Chandler Preserve is receiving support to establish host plants. The Chin Family is the newest Adopt-a-Plot group currently clearing a huge area on the preserve to be planted this fall. They are working alongside the Audubon YES Club, Endangered Species Club, volunteer Lee Myers and several other individuals who help restore host plants for the endangered Palos Verdes blue butterfly.