FALL 2016
www.TransitionHabitat.org
THE DEWEY DISCOVERY CENTER
The Roberta Dewey Discovery Center is
the newest acquisition in our Puma
Canyon Ecological Reserve. The center will
be used as a meeting place for education,
collaboration, hikes and staging for trail
work. This land connects existing trails and
plans are in place to transform the grounds
around the building into a Monarch
Waystation by using native milkweed and
local wild flowers. Future workshops may
include reptiles of the desert, native plant
talks, how to create your own Monarch
Waystation, nature drawing classes, and
safety/first aid classes. The center can be
reserved for your class meeting or training
event. THC wishes to thank all who
ROBERTA DEWEY THC’S VISIONARY
supported this effort for without you this
As we celebrate the opening of the Roberta Dewey Discovery Center we also
would not have been possible
celebrate the life of Roberta Dewey our founding board member and the inspiration
for the birth of Transition Habitat Conservancy. Those of us who had the privilege of knowing Berta will forever treasure her loving
and kind friendship. She was an amazing example to us all. She had the ability to balance family, faith and community responsibility
with excellence. Her ready smile and laughter will always warm our hearts. Berta loved nothing more than spending time on her
horse riding through Puma Canyon. She understood what
a treasure it was and long ago saw the importance of
conserving it. Many of the trails that she began while
riding, are now part of the network of trails in the park that
are available for all to enjoy. We are so happy that her
dream was realized and the Puma Canyon Ecological
Reserve was established. She left a legacy for us and for
future generations. We at THC will honor Berta’s memory
by caring for the Puma Canyon reserve, ensuring a
permanent place for people and nature to thrive.
Thank you for the memories Berta, those past we treasure
and those yet to be made. Picturing you on horseback
quietly picking your way down a well-loved trail, we and
all who enjoy this beautiful place will feel your presence.
Thank you Roberta Dewey for a life well lived.
In front of the Dewey Discovery Center
from left: Bert, Berta, Jill, Liz, Steve and Carol
RESTORATION FENCE FOR STAGING AREA
THC has completed a new fencing project to define a popular staging area, and limit the proliferation
of new routes and expansion of the staging site. This project was funded by our California State Parks
OHV Restoration Grant, and it was a collaboration effort with our friends at the Barstow BLM and the
Friends of Jawbone crew. The site contains one of our new kiosks, and is located near the entrance of
our project area in the Fremont-Kramer Desert Wildlife Management Area (DWMA). We hope it sets
the tone for all visitors to the region- a tone that suggests this area is important and well-managed.
Before
After
Notice the wide denuded area that would have
continued to expand each season as visitors set off
in all directions from their RVs. Notice all of the
extra routes created from this usage pattern.
Once the metal post-and-cable fence was installed,
we used desert restoration techniques to remove all
undesignated routes outside of the fence. Notice all
of those extra routes disappear!
The Staging Area Team
RESTORATION AND
MANAGEMENT
This
fall,
Transition
Habitat
Conservancy will begin another field
season in our DWMA project area.
Through
careful
planning
and
consideration, we have identified
and improved eighteen management
polygons in this region. This means
we have installed route markers on
all
routes
that
border
these
polygons, and we have restored (or
plan to this season) all of the
undesignated routes within these
units. We restored over 150 routes
last season, and we hope to complete
Overview of our polygon management system. There are no OHV routes within
a similar amount this Fall/Winter.
these units. Now we can monitor and manage these polygons as intact habitat for
desert tortoise and other species. That’s thousands of acres of undisturbed land!
THC’S NEW ADDITIONS
In an effort to keep up with our rapid
growth
we
have
expanded
the
Transition Habitat Conservancy team.
As part of our strategic plan, we have
added two new directors and three
staff members. This allows for more
sustainability and will help THC with
the monumental tasks of managing
and caring for our lands and all things
GINA CHARPENTIER
JUSTINE CURCIO
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
STAFF MEMBER
STAFF MEMBER
STAFF MEMBER
JANE ROWAN
RYAN HUGHES
SUE HARRIS
Accounting and Data Entry
Land Steward Coordinator
Land Steward
related to operating our organization.
THE LAND TRUST ALLIANCE ACCREDITATION
THC is pleased to announce that our Application for Accreditation has been received and a public comment period is
now open. The Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs. Transition
Habitat considers this an integral part of our continued success. Accreditation demonstrates that we are a well-run
organization capable of caring for our land in perpetuity. We look forward to becoming an accredited land trust.
AS WE REACH THE END OF 2016 PLEASE CONSIDER A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO GIVE
MEMBERSHIP AND RENEWAL
Please join or renew your membership today. All of our programs depend on you. Members receive newsletters with updates
on our progress and upcoming events.
MONTHLY GIVING
By giving monthly, you provide sustainability to the organization. You can sign up today to make monthly contributions.
GIFT MEMBERSHIP
Commemorate a milestone or celebrate a special occasion. When you give this unique gift your recipient will receive
a personalized card and our newsletter.
TRIBUTE AND HONOR GIVING
Make a gift in remembrance of someone. This symbolic gift will honor your loved one’s memory and provide a lasting
legacy. You can also donate a bench and a plaque in our Puma Canyon Reserve and memorialize your loved one.
MORE WAYS TO GIVE
Workplace Giving and Matching Gifts- If your company matches charitable giving it is a great way to double your donations.
Gift & Estate Planning - Include Bequests, Charitable Gift Annuities, Life Insurance, Stock and Real Estate donations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SAVE THE DATE
The Roberta Dewey Discovery Center -October 26th -THC will be hosting an extended open house from 10:00am- 2:00pm.
This is your opportunity to come and see the new center. There will be light refreshments served.
THC’s Annual Garden Party and Fundraiser -November 5th -We will feature the band "Bluegrass and Stuff",
an auction of artist David McChesney’s wildlife prints, food and fun. Cost is $35 per person or $60 per couple.
We will sell out at 50 so be sure to buy your tickets early.
Desert Wildlife Management Area outreach event -January 21st-22nd-This will be an educational event for people who
recreate in this area. It is a free family friendly event. There will be food, information and maps for riders.
Wildflower Walk- March 18th- Come and enjoy the gifts of Spring in the Portal Ridge Wildlife
Reserve. This will be a guided hike to view the spring flowers.
For More Information About 0ur Events Please Call-760-868-1400
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Membership
Amount:  $35 Individual
or  Monthly Amount
 $50 Family
 $100 Sponsor
 $500 Lifetime Member
 I would like more information about the Legacy Club
Name(s)__________________________Address: _________________________________________________
Phone __________________________E-mail
Please mail form and check to THC, PO Box 720026, Pinon Hills, CA 92372
We have a Pay Pal membership donation button on our website www.TransitionHabitat.org
Join us on Facebook- Transition Habitat group page