According to Mark Schnaidt of Chevron, the California Department of Fish and Game is satisfied with Chevron’s re-vegetation project (the “Chevron Grove”)’ on Jan. 8, he met with Andy and Carolyn to begin the transition process whereby the Endowment will be responsible for maintainance of the grove. Four years ago Andy and Steve Hampson gathered approximately 8 red willow and about 100 cottonwood cuttings which they then planted. Chevron put in and maintained an irrigation system. The trees are now well-established; a few perished during a temporary glitch in the watering system but the remainder look very healthy.

More photos from Dec. 19 and Dec 20. The water was running high on the 20th, kicking up lots of foam. Where does the foam come from?

We are having record rains, the most in December (mainly in the last 2 days) since the 1930s. The river has risen significantly since Dec. 19 even though no water has been released from Isabella Dam. The hyacinth mats that choked the water have been swept away and trees along the banks are getting their feet wet for the first time in a long time. One can only imagine how it would have been before Isabella Dam!

PV Volunteers--Thanks!

The Panorama Vista Preserve Volunteers Appreciation BBQ (Nov. 6) was a great success despite the windy weather. Of course, PV volunteers are used to adverse weather conditions, so what if the wind blew salad off a plate, a plate into a lap or tattered the paper “tablecloths?” We had a good time! Thanks to Lauren Franconi for putting it together, Carolyn Belli for salad, Bob Rutlege for the deep pit beef and salsa, Sparkletts for bottled water, Pyrenees Bakery for rolls, Lisa Borda of Borda Petites for wonderful cookies, Rich O’Neil for paper goods, and Kathi Parks for tables.

Salt grass

A native salt grass is starting to appear in the 30-acre grove.

Bakersfield Cactus patch

PV friend Larry recently spotted this previously unknown patch of Bakersfield Cactus on an out-of-the-way northern portion of the Preserve.