Dear Friends,

Imagine . . .  communities coming together to restore the Earth's degraded natural ecosystems in their own backyards.

Imagine here in our beautiful Sonoma County watershed . . . restoring the magnificent oak woodlands and riparian forests of the Laguna, thus greatly improving wildlife habitat, helping to mitigate climate change (trees and plants absorb a lot of carbon dioxide), and increasing public enjoyment and appreciation of this unique and vibrant natural resource! I'm excited to be part of just such an effort with my friends at the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, the wonderful non-profit organization that I've been volunteering with as a docent.

On January 21st, 2012, I'll be joining more than 100 volunteers to restore an oak woodland by planting 500+ oak trees and native plants in Meadowlark Field (an area of the Laguna I've been visiting nearly every day, with Percy, since moving back to Sonoma County 10 years ago). This Tree-a-Thon is an important fundraiser for the Laguna Foundation. The Tree-A-Thon is like a walk-a-thon, except that instead of burning up energy walking, I’ll be helping get plants in the ground!

Would you consider sponsoring me? I'd greatly appreciate your pledge of support for my efforts. You can pledge as little or as much as you want. Every bit adds up. Your donation to the Laguna Foundation is 100% tax-deductible. The money you donate will help the Foundation:
  • Implement other tree planting and wildlife habitat restoration projects
  • Conduct research to help protect the Laguna and inform restoration activities
  • Provide 1,000 school children each year with opportunities to experience the wonders of the Laguna
  • Engage kids of all ages in exploring and appreciating this unique ecological treasure

Founded in 1989, the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and educating the public about the Laguna de Santa Rosa ecosystem. The Laguna is a 14 mile-long wetland complex that stretches from Cotati to Forestville where it drains into the Russian River. The watershed is 250 square miles and includes everything from the top of the Mayacamas mountains to the Santa Rosa plain (where I was born and raised). One of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the region, there are over 200 species of birds found in and around the Laguna as well as dozens of other animal species (ranging from bald eagles and mountain lions to river otters and endangered salmon), plus endangered plants, the California Tiger Salamander, and much more. It’s an important stop for birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway. Recently, the Laguna was designated by the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international significance. Very cool.

I'm looking forward to showing my support for the Laguna Foundation and its mission by raising as much money as I can for their programs. Not to mention, I get to spend a day outside doing something I love! Thank you in advance for your support.  

With great appreciation, Anita

P.S.  I can't believe it's been almost a year now since Percy died.  I miss her so much, but I feel her spirit prancing about, especially around the Laguna where we ran and played so often.