Return to a Home Base, Welcomes and Farewells
The new year rang in several changes at Siskiyou Land Trust, including a return to the Mt. Shasta office space in Mt. Shasta after several years of remote work. In January, amid epic snow storms, SLT’s staff swept out the cobwebs, built some office furniture, and re-arranged the space to make room for our growing staff and organization. We’re back in the office full-time and it feels great! Who knew it would be exciting to go to an office? For an organization that is based in place and relationships, returning to work at an office with the team has been inspiring, functional, and appreciated in ways not experienced before a pandemic forced us to adapt remotely. We’re still embracing Zoom meetings and hybrid work schedules as needed, but all agree that there is no replacement for being together in person to connect.
With organizational growth comes the need to hire staff, and we quickly realized that using one office, the reception area and a conference room wouldn’t cut it. Our office-share partners (Shasta Valley RCD and Watercourse Engineering), found other office space so the Land Trust could move in. While we miss the dynamic of sharing space with our conservation partners, we are so grateful to have a building to grow into.
And growing into it we are. With steadily increasing stewardship responsibility, our need for additional space to house staff, meetings, records, and equipment became clear. With mixed emotions, we looked next-door to the Land Trust’s office space that is occupied by long-time Land Trust supporter and community acupuncturist Lynn Lloyd. We reached out to Lynn and let her know the Land Trust would soon need this space too. SLT will be expanding into this side of the building in June. Thank you, Lynn, for keeping the Land Trust office looking beautiful inside and out. We promise to tend to the plants you so lovingly cared for and do our best to maintain the Zen atmosphere that you cultivated. If folks know of an office space in Mt. Shasta that would be a good fit to house community acupuncture, please contact Lynn via her website lynnlloydasianmed.com – she is looking.
Staff
SLT is thrilled to welcome Alexis Robertson to our staff. She joined us in early January, serving as a Conservation Project Manager. Alexis hit the ground running. She helped close two acquisition projects to protect the endangered Yreka Phlox plant in February, is preparing to close two conservation easement projects in June, stepped in to lead a demonstration forest project for our Wherrit Forest property, and gave a presentation at Scott River Watershed Council’s Informational Forum. Alexis specializes in natural resource management and agriculture with a background in restoration, soil science, and livestock ranching.
“It is inspirational to see the work that SLT has accomplished and is working towards.” Alexis shares. ” I am excited to be part of this great team of staff, volunteers, and local landowners working to increase conserved lands in the county. “
Her work will soon be supported by a Conservation Coordinator that SLT is in the process of hiring.
We bid a fond farewell to our longtime bookkeeper Sara Robinson. Sara is moving out of the area this summer. We wish her well in her new home and offer deep thanks for her years helping the Land Trust operate. Her steady patience and diligence worked behind the scenes to make sure this non-profit could track income and expenses, pay our bills, reconcile accounts and make sure payroll gets out on time. Sara has coordinated with four Treasurers, three Executive Directors, and implemented perhaps a few too many iterations of our chart of accounts. Thank you Sara for everything you’ve done to keeps the Land Trust going!
Board
SLT salutes David Tucker for his steadfast service on SLT’s Board of Directors. David stepped down from his role in December after five and a half dynamic years of coaxing SLT’s financials into shape while we began stretching capacity, increasing complexity, and growing conservation project slates and staffing roles. David always brought a warm smile, great photos of his adventures hiking and volunteering, and a respectful, positive attitude. SLT is forever grateful for David’s capacity to bring complex financials into order and focus, and for his equally impressive enthusiasm for rolling up his sleeves, getting outside, and getting to work on all things stewardship at Sisson Meadow, Garden Greenway, Kingston Meadow, and Wherrit Forest. His commitment and contribution to SLT’s success leaves an enduring legacy. If you see David out on the trails, please let him know how much you appreciate him for his work at the Land Trust!
Since January, the Board has welcomed two new members, Stuart Somach and Ann Womack. Stuart and Ann bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm that add breadth and depth to this organization as we step into our next chapter. Click to read our Board President’s Spring 2023 letter to get to know Stuart and Ann.
