On the Ranch
By Conservation Science Manager Mitchell Coleman
My all-time favorite poem is Desiderata, a prose piece by early 20th century writer Max Ehrmann. A framed copy, artistically adorned with old, knotted oaks along the margins, hangs at eye level next to my home desk. It is here where I spent — and still spend — many-an-hour during the various stages of the coronavirus pandemic, especially in those early months of the shutdown period. Whether the house is noisy or silent (I have three kiddos under the age of 6), whether I am joyful or upset, I can glance at the oaky Desiderata and be reminded to “go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there is in silence.” For me, this is more easily said than done — peaceful silence is not a mode that one can just switch on.
I’m doubtless in good company in saying that the past 17 months have been a mix of noise and haste — but also, surreally at times, peaceful and silent. On the high side, I have seen the birth of my daughter Ruthie, my little “coronial,” gone back to school to resume my research on salt-loving plants, and spent countless hours working across the vast landscape of Tejon Ranch, often alone, but sometimes socially distanced with fellow Tejon-o-philes. On the low side, I, like many, have struggled with the anxiety of living in these times, trying to stay placid amidst the hasty noise of current events, local and global. This, I think, is what Ehrmann was suggesting in a later stanza of Desiderata, saying, “do not distress yourself with dark imaginings… whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.” Here I am, trying to remember that nugget of truth, grateful for everything life has given me — including the opportunity to work at the Tejon Ranch Conservancy.
Those who have been to Tejon multiple times will know that no sojourn is ever the same. Like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get. Such is the biodiversity of Tejon that it is never good to let field work become noise-ridden or hasty, lest one miss out on some nuanced novelty. You must take time to smell the roses (sometimes, literally, California native roses — they smell great). It is in those moments of discovery that I am most peaceful, most silent. Time on the Ranch during the pandemic has brought many such moments, and in this newsletter, we share a few with you.
In this newsletter, we will consider what various science and stewardship efforts have been undertaken across Tejon these last several months. We'll learn more about Eagle Scout efforts on our behalf, and meet our newest intern. Lastly, we will consider the financial future of the Conservancy, asking you to continue your partnership with us to ensure the conservation values of this landscape remain intact for future generations to learn from, and hopefully, feel some silence and peace.
Science and Stewardship Work Continues
Story by Conservation Science Manager Mitchell Coleman
Graphic Content Warning: The 5th photo in this article shows a hawk with a recently killed meadowlark.
In addition to the Conservancy’s long-standing internal projects, there have been several new projects by visiting researchers, interns and community groups. The Science and Stewardship program has remained active, and we share some of the recent happenings here.
Tejon Flora Project
General Ranch-wide plant surveys have long been the cornerstone of the Conservancy’s internal science program. The flora (plant species list) of Tejon has grown and grown, by leaps and bounds in the early years, but still adding taxa nearly every year. For example, between 2018 and 2021, we added over 15 species to the list! In addition, range extensions of over 50 previously known taxa have taken place. From an ecological perspective, it is important to understand the distribution and size of plant populations (especially rare ones) so they can be properly managed. Given the size, topographical complexity, interannual (occurring over two or more years) variation, and confluence of ecoregions on Tejon, many unexplored pockets remain. Plants are not static organisms!
As in years past, we have continued to work with consulting botanist Neal Kramer for these surveys. This year’s effort focused on the western side of Blue Ridge – the “backbone” of Tejon – far from any roads or hiking trails (and thus, rarely surveyed). Last year we reported the discovery of a small cluster of limber pine (Pinus flexilis) in this area, ostensibly a remnant population, connecting the known distribution points between Mount Pinos (to the southwest) and the Owens Peak area (to the northeast) – making it an exciting find. Unfortunately, further inspection of the plant characteristics (specifically, the female cones) now points more in the direction of sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana), which was already known on Tejon. But if you ask me, the jury is still out.
The main goal for surveying Blue Ridge in 2021 was to find more pines to solve the limber/sugar conundrum, but we also took the opportunity to survey for other rare plants in the area. Neal and I spent two days here in June, accompanied one day by Evan Meyer and Genny Arnold from the Theodore Payne Foundation. We didn’t observe any more possible limber pine (the ridgetop is dominated by white fir, another conifer), but several other interesting observations were made – including a significant eastward range extension of the rare Fort Tejon woolly sunflower (Eriophyllum lanatum var. hallii). Well worth the effort!
Breeding Bird Survey
Like the Tejon Flora project, one of the Conservancy’s annual survey efforts is a systematic assessment of bird populations. Birds are an important indicator of ecosystem health – occupying a wide array of niches and facilitating essential processes such as seed dispersal and nutrient recycling. Thus, assessing interannual (multi-year) population dynamics goes far beyond the birds themselves. As part of the Pacific Flyway, Tejon’s numerous habitat types provide a crucial resource for migratory birds, in addition to year-round residents. Although called the “Breeding Bird Survey,” this effort documents all avian life – including birds transiently moving through.
The Breeding Bird Survey occurs every year during the summer (typically in early June) across both sides of the Ranch – the Antelope Valley and the San Joaquin Valley. The two routes meet at high elevation near Ray’s Perch. Teams of expert birders proceed on dedicated routes on each side, stopping to document all observable/audible birds at hot spots along each route, as well as making opportunistic observations.
Due to a variety of factors, most significantly the pandemic, we had not been able to do the full survey since 2018. This year’s survey was led by some expert birders from the Los Angeles Birders group (Dessi Sieburth, Jack Humme, Frank Gilliland, Susan Gilliland, Louis Tucker, Steve Justus) and the Southern Sierra Research Station (Mary Whitfield).
A total of 625 birds – comprised of 62 species – was observed during this year’s survey. These numbers are markedly lower than past years. For example, in 2018, 1,700 birds comprised of 98 species were observed, about on par with the numbers seen between 2009 and 2015.
The decline in numbers coincided with a sparse winter rain season, resulting in drought conditions that likely affected the number of birds we observed.
Sadly, it is possible these numbers reflect wider trends in bird population declines. A 2019 study published in Science, the first-ever comprehensive assessment of avifauna in the U.S. and Canada – found that across ecological and taxonomic groups, bird populations have declined by 29% since 1970, the equivalent of 2.9 billion birds lost. The study also found that grassland bird species, which are abundant on Tejon (think meadowlarks), have declined the most – almost 75% of grassland species are in decline.
On a more positive note, it is not certain that 2021’s numbers mark a stark decline in bird populations on Tejon. Several factors could have contributed to the lower count, such as time of survey (even a day or two can result in large differences in the observations of migratory birds). To say the least, it will be important for us to continue our Breeding Bird Surveys in the future! Check out the 2009-2021 Breeding Bird Survey data here.
Many thanks to the amazing birders who made this year’s Breeding Bird Survey possible!
Pronghorn Herd Monitoring
First re-introduced on the Antelope Valley side of Tejon Ranch in the 1980s, the pronghorn of Tejon have been a charismatic (and ecologically important) fixture of the Ranch for decades. The Conservancy started systematically monitoring the pronghorn herd in 2013. Three of our most stalwart docents – Bill Lydecker, Chris Gardner, and Steve Justus – spearheaded the surveys, sometimes joined by other docents and staff. These surveys typically involve a day-long effort along eastern and western routes each month.
Although the Tejon herd is small (less than 50) compared to other groups up north, accurately documenting demographics and total herd size has always been a challenge. Notwithstanding the topographical complexity and sheer acreage of the Antelope Valley grasslands, a huge reason for the challenge is that the herd disperses into smaller bands and lone individuals for much of the late winter, spring, and summer, only joining together in larger harem groups during the mating season between late August and early October. This is the best time of year to assess demographics (buck/doe/yearling/fawn ratio) and total herd size. Invariably however, “satellite” individuals that don’t join a harem group, or are lurking out of sight, are quite possibly missed.
In 2021, Steve Justus continued monthly monitoring of the pronghorn herd, joined occasionally by fellow docents Jackie Justus and Vince Chafin. Due to the extended drought and its negative effect on forage for the herd, groups have been dispersed into single and perhaps two individuals. We expected few or no fawns because of this drought. Indeed, we did not see our first fawns until September! That was an exciting day. Those three have been the only ones seen this year.
Normally, in the past few years when forage was more available, six births have been more the norm. Harem behavior has also occurred much later than in the past. Perhaps fertility cycles are being adjusted to better align births with later spring rains, forage bloom, and grass regrowth. Also, for the first time in living memory, a single doe somehow found her way to the San Joaquin side of the Ranch – ostensibly through Tejon Canyon. She appeared to be injured on her flanks and unfortunately, we have not seen her again.
So, what is the status of the pronghorn on Tejon? One notable trend is that observed harem groups in the fall have been getting larger since surveys started in 2013. The largest harem ever observed – 32 – was in the fall of 2019. This year, the largest observed group was 29. Moreover, the two highest fawn count years of 2016 and 2020 track with the large observed group sizes. Considering factors that we can’t account for, namely death from natural causes (predation, etc.), we estimate the herd is currently around 40 individuals. Check out the 2013-2021 pronghorn survey data here.
Mesquite/Salt Cedar Ecology Study
Alex Welch, one of the Conservancy’s 2021 summer interns, is working on his master’s thesis at CSU Bakersfield. His research ties into the stewardship work we would like to do with the Tejon Creek Watershed Enhancement Project. Alex is investigating the relative effects that native mesquite trees (Prosopis sp.) and invasive salt cedars (Tamarix sp.) have on the ecosystems that surround them. By studying sites where both mesquites and salt cedars occur together, he aims to test how each type of tree modifies the same soil, along with local plant community dynamics. The key question he aims to answer is: How do these two trees (one native, one invasive) impact the ecosystem? From a restoration perspective, the Conservancy would like to know how to conduct better management, ideally increasing the cover of mesquites and decreasing the cover of salt cedars.
Valley Oak Dendrochronology Study
Dr. Gonzalo Pérez de Lis Castro is a visiting Fulbright Scholar from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Since 2019, he has been based at CSU Bakersfield, conducting research on valley oaks (Quercus lobata). Like Alex Welch’s mesquite project, this project ties into our management goals for valley oaks – which are currently experiencing very low rates of seedling recruitment due to drought (and other factors).
Through our educational partnership with CSU Bakersfield, we invited Dr. Pérez de Lis Castro to Tejon to study valley oaks. They are a crucial component of ecosystems at Tejon and throughout California. Aside from providing food and habitat to wildlife, oaks provide important ecosystem services to human society, such as soil protection and water cycle regulation, as well as cultural and aesthetic resources. Low rates of seedling recruitment do not bode well for the long-term stability of oak communities. To that end, Dr. Pérez de Lis Castro has been collecting anatomical samples from valley oaks, with an aim to understand how this species adapts to changing environmental conditions. By studying patterns of annual growth rings across different sites, he can construct chronologies for how old our oaks are (some of the oldest oaks he’s sampled are over 300!), and what ecological condition they are in.
The benefits of these types of data have been keenly illustrated by a 2014 study on blue oaks (Quercus douglasii) on Tejon led by Dan Griffin from the University of Minnesota. That study aged (to my knowledge) the oldest known blue oak in California – it germinated in the late 1400s! Beyond age, tree rings can also be used to track changes in environmental conditions (e.g., rainfall) by year. This knowledge can be used to plan oak woodland management goals and help safeguard oak populations from ecological hazards under different climate change scenarios.
Halophytic Plant Study
When the opportunity arose a couple of years ago to start a doctorate program, I couldn’t resist, so I joined Dr. Louis Santiago’s plant ecophysiology lab at UC Riverside. Some of my botanist friends jokingly call me “Mr. Saltbush” because of my extreme fondness for the genus Atriplex, which my master’s advisor once called the most “unloved” native plant genus in California. Indeed, it was my master’s thesis on saltbush ecology that first brought me to the Conservancy in 2015.
Although rarely discussed today, the Central Valley of California, of which Tejon is a part, was once covered by saltbushes and other halophytic (salt-loving) taxa. You can still see remnants of what once was by trekking over to places like the Carrizo Plains National Monument. There are also remnant pockets of native halophytic communities dotted all over the San Joaquin Desert – including on Tejon – but these pockets are highly isolated from one another.
As precipitation and temperature patterns become more erratic with time, it is likely that patterns of soil salinity will also change. This is crucial because most plants – including those we cultivate for food – cannot withstand high levels of soil salinity (it dries them out). This is also why you can’t drink seawater to slake your thirst. Halophytes are among the few plants that not only survive, but thrive, in highly salty conditions.
Should we expect to see more halophytes in the future? If so, how do we manage them? Are all halophytic species the same, or are they different? My project certainly won’t answer these questions in full, but it may just get the ball rolling. I think it’s time to make halophytes cool.
Recent and Future Eagle Scout Service Projects
By Conservation Science Manager Mitchell Coleman
Over the last year, we’ve developed a relationship with local Scouts BSA troops, who have helped us with several science and stewardship projects. In July 2020, we hosted William Brown’s Eagle Service Project (Scouts BSA Troop 188), where he oversaw the installation of several wildlife camera traps in the vicinity of Chanac Creek – the largest riparian restoration area on the Ranch.
Photo: A Scouts BSA troop camping at the newly finished campground at the Panofsky-Wilson Preserve, April 2021. The campground was one of the recent Eagle Scout projects. Photo by Mitchell Coleman.
Photo: William Brown near Chanac Creek at one of the new wildlife camera sites, July 2020. Photo by Mitchell Coleman.
The cameras installed by Will’s project have greatly enhanced the Conservancy’s ability to monitor wildlife within the riparian enhancement area. The data that has been generated will now be used by our new wildlife intern, Magy Jurado from Cal State University, Bakersfield, to gain further insights on wildlife population dynamics. As the condition of the riparian habitat has improved, we would like to know if there has been a corresponding change in wildlife behavior.
Photo: Members and helpers of Scouts BSA Troop 188 installing a wildlife camera near Chanac Creek, July 2020. Photo by Mitchell Coleman.
In November 2020, we hosted Savanna Meyer’s Eagle Service Project (Scouts BSA, Troop 2119) at the Panofsky-Wilson Preserve. Savanna oversaw the construction of a primitive campground and interpretive hiking trail across Panofsky, which stimulated a surge of other projects throughout 2021 (mentioned earlier in this newsletter).
Photo: Savanna Meyer at the entrance of the Panofsky-Wilson Preserve, prior starting work on her Eagle Service Project, November 2020. Photo by Mitchell Coleman.
This project was also historic – Scouts BSA only started including female members in 2017 – and Savanna is now part of the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts. She is the first female Scout to earn her Eagle in Kern County, and one of the first in California and the United States!
Photo: Savanna’s Court of Honor, officially elevating her to the Eagle rank, August 2021. Photo by Mitchell Coleman.
Now, looking toward the future, we are in the early phases of planning another Eagle Service Project to be led by Joseph Fernandez (Scouts BSA Troop 712). Joseph plans to build on Savanna’s legacy at Panofsky. He is going to be constructing a sandwich board at the trailhead which will tell visitors a bit about the natural history of the area, as well as show a map of the trail. He also plans to do some trail maintenance (the trail has become overgrown in spots) and invasive plant removal. We look forward to seeing the results of Joseph’s project!
Photo: Joseph Fernandez at the entrance of the Panofsky-Wilson Preserve, prior starting work on his Eagle Service Project, October 2021. Photo by Mitchell Coleman.
MEET OUR NEW INTERN
Magaly “Magy” Jurado Avalos is in her fourth year as a biology student at California State University, Bakersfield. She has always been fascinated by animal life and its contribution to the environments around it.
“My career goal was to become a veterinarian to work directly with animals on a daily basis. However, as time went by, I realized that I am not someone who likes to be in an office or clinical environment for long periods of time. I do not see myself working in an office for the rest of my life. Instead, I prefer going on hikes and exploring nature. This is why the ecology field interests me tremendously. My new goal is to pursue a career in ecology.”
Magy will be working closely with Conservancy staff to monitor and process wildlife data using the Conservancy’s array of wildlife cameras on Tejon Ranch. She already has experience working as a lab technician at CSUB’s McNeish Aquatic Ecology Research Lab and as a volunteer at the Hall Wildlife Ecology Lab where she works with wildlife cameras.
We look forward to working with Magy.
WHAT IS AT STAKE
The conserved lands of Tejon Ranch are not just open space. This privately owned ranch is a rare entity, sheltered through history from overuse and exploitation, carefully guarded from trespassers, and revered by its owners, cowboys, and ranch hands for nearly two centuries.
“The Conservancy has the responsibility of ensuring protection, stewardship, and public access to perhaps the most diverse and unique landscape in California. It plays an important conservation role in the region, where there are few other organizations that can step in. Tejon Ranch remains a critical piece of the broader conservation picture and the Conservancy is responsible for ensuring it remains so.” – Michael White, Ph.D., Conservation Science Director Emeritus
Conservation today focuses on habitats, not just species, so preserving habitats like Tejon is key to preserving the life within them. Combined with the adjacent Los Padres National Forest and Wind Wolves Preserve to the west and Nature Conservancy properties to the north, the conserved lands of the Tejon Ranch are the lynch pin in a wildlife corridor that spreads from the coast to the high Sierra.
"With population growth and climate change going on all around us, we need to preserve what last bits of unspoiled lands and waters that we can, not only for future generations of the human race but also for future generations of plants and animals that are rightfully entitled to continue on with their own lives as nature directs." - Diane Cosko, DVM, JD - Attorney At Law, MSc - Veterinary Forensic Sciences
Within this land are many forms of life, from delicate belly flowers (you must lie on your belly to see them) to large apex predators (those at the very top of the food chain). With 240,000 conserved acres, it is part of the largest contiguous expanse of private land in California and a unique hotspot of biodiversity that is home to at least a hundred or more species of at-risk flora and fauna. The biodiversity native to Tejon Ranch is unparalleled in California and is most readily apparent in rare plant surveys.
"Everyone, in just giving a little of their time and/or money, when put together collectively, can make a huge difference. They need to be taught that these lands don’t conserve themselves and it requires ongoing efforts and expenditures to protect and share these lands; many times, an uphill battle." - Diane Cosko, DVM, JD - Attorney At Law, MSc - Veterinary Forensic Sciences
It is our mission to protect, enhance, and restore the native biodiversity and ecosystem values of the Tejon Ranch and Tehachapi Range for the benefit of California’s future generations. We work to the best of our abilities to allow all these forms of life to thrive within this rare unfragmented habitat, a task that cannot be done alone. Your support is needed now more than ever.
SUPPORT SCIENCE, STEWARDSHIP & CONSERVATION
Help keep conservation at the forefront of the Conservancy's work on Tejon Ranch. Your contribution is preserving and restoring an iconic property at the intersection of four ecoregions, while protecting the amazing variety of plant and animal life that uniquely co-occur together on 240,000 acres.
SUPPORT OUR EDUCATION PROGRAM
You can help the Tejon Ranch Conservancy’s flagship outdoor education initiative TEJON TEACHES to reach more students and teachers than ever!
SUPPORT PUBLIC ACCESS
Keep people visiting the Ranch. Whether it's for a hike, driving tour or bird-watching event, your donation helps the Conservancy bring visitors to the Ranch.
GIVE MONTHLY
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Join the Tejon Ranch Conservancy family as a member at any level to stay informed about what's happening at the Ranch and to gain access to exclusive members-only events and opportunities.
MAKE A ONE-TIME GIFT RIGHT NOW
The Tejon Ranch Conservancy welcomes the donation of stocks and securities. Our policy is to liquidate these upon receipt. Please let us know if you have any other instructions.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Come enjoy the beauty of Tejon Ranch! Hikes, tours, and workshops are available once again on Tejon and can always be found on the Conservancy’s website Calendar page. Some restrictions are in place to address some of the risks associated with the spread of COVID-19. Events are open to both unvaccinated and vaccinated people. Mask-wearing in Conservancy vehicles, social distancing, and hands-free temperature checks are still necessary for everyone’s safety. Those events requiring travel in Conservancy vehicles are limited to vaccinated-only people.
Photo Walk - Reservoir #2
Sunday, November 21, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Join us for an evening Photography Walk that focuses on capturing the amazing landscape around Reservoir #2 in the San Joaquin side of the Ranch. Open to all levels. Camera is Required. Seating is limited. This event is limited to vaccinated individuals only.
Opt Outside - White Wolf Hike
Friday, November 26, 2021 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM PST
Opt Outside with us on the day after Thanksgiving for a moderate 4-5 mile hike that loops through blue oaks woodlands and the San Joaquin Valley Grasslands. Directions will be emailed to the registrants 3 days prior to the event. This hike is open to vaccinated and unvaccinated guests.
the infectious parlance of cow country
A few Western expressions
Draggin' Her Rope - Said of a woman who is trying to catch a husband. Jack Davis used to say such a woman "might have a short rope, but she shore throwed a wide loop."
Hay Burner - a slang name for a horse, usually one kept up and fed hay and grain instead of being turned out to pasture.
Op'ra House - The top rail of a corral fence where one can watch the riding of a bucking horse. It is also a time-honored conference place for all true range men where they talk over things in a true range style - using laconic phrases that state their meaning without frills or mental reservations and silences that carry their thoughts forward to the next utterance.
Star-toter - a sheriff or deputy.
From Western Words: A Dictionary of the Old West by Ramon F. Adams (Hippocrene Books, 1997). Published with permission.
VIDEO: Exploring the Panofsky-Wilson Preserve
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Tejon Ranch Conservancy E-News produced by co-editors Tim Bulone and Susan Chaney. If you’d like to contribute to E-News, please let us know.