Newsletter; March 2007

MARCH MEETING

WHEN: Saturday, March 17, 2007, 10-Noon

WHERE: Arroyo Hondo Preserve (Land Trust for Santa Barbara County)

WHAT: The Arroyo Hondo Preserve, is a 782-acre coastal canyon preserve located up the coast from Santa Barbara. It is called the "Jewel of the Gaviota Coast" and “Little Yosemite”. This old ranch was a colorful part of early California history and now has both, preserved agricultural and natural sites and environs to enjoy. Nestled into the headquarters facility are groves of edible orchard trees, grapevines and a garden-like setting. The famous 'Padre' pear tree (circa 1800, planted in Spanish mission times) still grows and produces fruit to this day. "Mission" grapevines and olives grow further back in the canyon.

Al Thompson will be leading our group. He was the horticulture historian at Mission La Purisima (Lompoc) until just recently, and is now a docent/guide at the Preserve. Our Chapter will tour the horticulture grounds but our members are invited to enjoy the whole Preserve after the meeting, until 4:00. You can stay for your own picnic lunch and hike on your own after the meeting. The preserve closes at 4:00 pm. Bring water, sunscreen, and wear sturdy walking shoes.

John Warner is the Preserve Manager and can be contacted at 805/567-1115.

DIRECTIONS: Arroyo Hondo Preserve, On HWY 101 between Refugio State Beach and Gaviota State Beach. (14900 Calle Real Gaviota, California 93117 567-1115 <arroyohondo@sblandtrust.org>)

From Santa Barbara: Take Hwy. 101 north (23 miles past La Cumbre Rd. Overpass)...Approximately 4.5 miles past Refugio State Beach on Hwy. 101, be on the look-out for a beige concrete bunker-style building on the right (Tajiguas Landfill). The preserve is exactly 1/2 mile farther. Immediately after CalTrans Call Box #101-412, make a sharp RIGHT turn from the highway into the Preserve. The gate will be open. Come down the driveway, cross the bridge and park by the BARN.

From Buellton: Take Hwy. 101 south, approximately 6 miles past Gaviota State Park and 1/4 mile after the Vista Point Rest Area. Make a U-turn at the Tajiguas Landfill into the northbound lanes of Hwy. 101, and proceed north. Immediately after CalTrans Call Box #101-412, make a sharp RIGHT turn from the highway into the Preserve. The gate will be open. Come down the driveway, cross the bridge and park by the BARN.

******MANY THANKS

...to Gordon Kennedy for hosting the February 17 meeting at Riverbear Mulberry Farm, Miners Oaks in Ojai. The morning meeting was an interesting tour of the many White and Black Mulberry grove trees and a wide variety of other edible trees and perennial crops. The taste testing of winter citrus selections and carob pods was an unexpected treat.

******CALENDAR

April 21 Casa del Herrero. Our April meeting is a "SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE" situation. Our Chapter has been invited to visit the historic, turn-of-the-cenrury estate landscape and edible gardens of Casa del Herrero, Montecito. ***DUE TO A CONDITIONAL USE RESTRICTION*** there is an absolute limit of 22 people and only 15 cars. At this posting... 19 of 22 slots are already reserved. Members who attend must be in "good standing" and have their 2007 $10 Chapter dues paid-up. (See Membership below) To reserve a remaining slot (first-come basis) needs to call Chapter co-president, Jerry Sortomme 805/644-2777. Once the 22 limit is reached, that is the maximum allowed.

******TREASURER’S REPORT: The current balance is $5,392.69

For Membership in California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc, send $30 to CRFG, Inc., 66 Farrugut Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94112-4050 AND $10 (for local dues) to Roland Messori, 355 Sierra Vista Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93108 (Note: Members of the Parent CRFG organization receive the outstanding "Fruit Gardener" magazine.)

Send Address Changes to BOTH the parent and local organizations (addresses above).