About Us
Cal Poly biology student Kelly Thornton exploring oaks with Santa Margarita kindergarten students, May 1,2009. Photo by C. Sinsheimer
Our mission is to promote conservation and stewardship of Santa Margarita’s community forest through education and volunteer service. Our vision is a healthy and beautiful town landscape supported by residents who appreciate its natural value to present and future generations. Since the beginning, our emphasis has been on working with local children to provide opportunities for hands-on outdoor learning experiences.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Santa Margarita Community Forestry has operated as a chapter of The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County since 2002. Visit www.LCSLO.org to learn more about LOCAL PEOPLE ~ LOCAL LAND
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is the true joy in life: the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.
— George Bernard Shaw
- SANTA MARGARITA SCHOOL DEMONSTRATION FOREST (DF) In cooperation with the Atascadero Unified School District, we have developed a demonstration forest/outdoor classroom near Santa Margarita School. Much of our time is devoted to maintaining this site and making the most of the hands-on learning opportunities it provides.
- DF ADOPT-A-TREE Classrooms at Santa Margarita School have adopted trees at the DF to study.
- GATEWAY to the CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT We are the local nonprofit partner required for official recognition of Santa Margarita as the Western Gateway community for visitors to the CPNM. Seven Sisters Trading Post, located at 22719 El Camino Real, serves as the business partner/visitor information center.
- THE NATURE CHALLENGE Santa Margarita School students use clues and their research skills to identify local insects, birds, and other living organisms to earn a chance to win a prize drawing held at the end of each month. NC displays are located in the SMS Library.
- SPIRIT of ARBOR DAY AWARD Annual award program, inaugurated in 2006, recognizing outstanding efforts to plant and care for trees to shade and beautify the town of Santa Margarita. Past recipients include Juno Laing (2006), Vern Stewart (2008), and Nick Fortune (2009). Award is presented in conjunction with celebration of National Arbor Day, the last Friday in April.
- LEARNING AMONG THE OAKS at SANTA MARGARITA RANCH We are key collaborators in the this successful program which started in 2005 and primarily serves Santa Margarita School’s K-6th grade/Special Education students and their families. The program is supported by 2005-’08 (Phase I) and 2009 – ’12 (Phase II) grants from the California Wildlife Conservation Board to the San Luis Obispo County University of California Cooperative Extension. The primary purpose is to provide students with opportunities for hands-on study of oak woodland ecology within the context of a working cattle ranch. Thanks to Santa Margarita Ranch owners, Santa Margarita School faculty and staff, and many local collaborators for making this possible.
- OTHER PROJECTS include publication of “The Trees in Santa Margarita’s Forest-Walking Tour Guide”, development of an “If these trees could talk…!” landscape history tour and story collection, nature art for school classes, and various community tree planting and care efforts.
ACCOLADES In 2002, we were honored to be one of six community groups selected nationally to receive an AT&T “Champions of the Environment” Award. Additionally, we have thrice won the ”Crowd Pleaser” award (1997,1998,2001) and have thrice won the coveted ”Sweepstakes” trophy (1999,2000,2002) for our entries in Santa Margarita’s old Days of the Dons parades. In 2006, coordinator Beverly Gingg was the recipient of the San Luis Obispo County Environmental Initiative Award presented by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation.
All of our projects are driven by volunteer leaders and donations. If something is not happening, it’s probably for lack of one or both of these vital ingredients. Please consider helping out in whatever way you can. See “Support Us” page for more information. Thanks!
