Mark your Calendars for
Angel Island Conservancy’s First-Ever

 
Click on one of the “Get on the Boat” buttons below to make a secure PayPal payment. If you don’t have a PayPal account, you can still use their service to make a purchase with your credit card.

Please print your email confirmation and bring to the event.
This will serve as your ticket.

 $10 per ticket for ages 5 thru 12 (under 5 free) – Summer Solstice  Cruise and delicious bites

 $25 per ticket – Summer Solstice Cruise and delicious bites (AIC    Members also receive 5 fantastic raffle tickets)

 
 $50 per ticket – Solstice Cruise, delicious bites, 2 drinks and
  5 fantastic raffle tickets (Members also receive 5 additional raffle     tickets)

 $100 per ticket – Cruise, delicious bites, 3 drinks, 10 fantastic raffle       tickets, plus 3-hour complimentary parking at nearby lot! (Members       also receive 10 additional raffle tickets)

For additional information call 415.435.3972 or email

To sponsor or donate a raffle item for the event please call
Lisa Eltinge at (415) 341-3018 or email.

Pair one of Marin County’s best restaurants, Il Davide, owned by Chef David Haydon, with the Bay Area’s best kept secret - Angel Island… the result, elegantly prepared Italian cuisine in a setting steeped in charm and character.

This special evening began with high bidder Jeanne Overcashier and her guests taking a voyage from Tiburon to Angel Island’s Ayala Cove. From the cove, guests were transported to Civil War-era Camp Reynolds and treated to a scrumptious array of fine wine and aperitivos (appetizers) at the historic Quartermaster’s Warehouse, positioned right on the waterfront, directly facing the Golden Gate Bridge. The weather – “picture perfect.”

Next stop…  after the glowing start at the Quartermaster’s Warehouse, the group strolled up the hill for a deliziosa dinner served in the classic and festively decorated dining room at Quarters 10, the Victorian Officer’s quarters. Chef Haydon treated guests to a fabulous multi-course dinner and dessert, an unforgettable array of skillfully prepared dishes, mesmerizing flavors and rich textures. Buono appetito!

Special thanks to AISP Superintendent, Amy Brees, who greeted the group; AIC Board member Aliyya Shelley Mattos and her Husband, Blake Mattos for hosting the group; AIC Operations Manager, Jacquie Klose who coordinated the event; and a special “thank you” to David Haydon, along with his assistant Molly, for creating a very deliziosa taste of Italy!

If this sounds like an adventure you’d like to have, plan on attending AIC’s 8th Annual Angel Lights Countdown Benefit where you’ll have the rare opportunity to bid on experiences like this!

Buona fortuna!

Click on images to view full size

About Quarters 10, Camp Reynolds

With concern mounting over threats to the Bay Area from Confederate sympathizers and naval forces, the federal government established Camp Reynolds. Officer’s Quarters 10, was first built and lived in on Yerba Buena Island, then later disassembled, barged over to Angel Island and reassembled. It was restored to its former glory by Dr. Robert Noyes and his wife Mary who spent months living in a tent on the grounds until they could stay in the quarters while they continued to lovingly restore it. Following are views rarely seen by the public.

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It’s unfortunately too late to give your Mom this cool gift this year – but keep it in mind for next year!

A great way to celebrate Mother’s Day & give back to Mother Nature – they both deserve it! This is something cool and different that your mom would love. A gift that allows you to honor her and give back. The good news is that you could give your mom something that will make her happy and will benefit Mother Nature too – an Angel Island Conservancy gift membership! *

Next year you can show up on Mother’s Day with a gift in your hand, as well as a story about how it will help to care for Angel Island. And, if you can’t make it to Mom’s, no worries, we’ll mail her a cool card! **

A well thought-out gift that gives back, that will honor her love for the natural world, and respect it too. What could be better?!

Guess your mom must have raised you right!

And be sure to give us your Mom’s name and address in the “shipping address” option when checking out!

 

 
 $35 – We’ll send your Mom a cool Mother’s Day card telling her what     an awesome thing you did in her honor! That’ll knock her socks off!

 
 $50 – Along with sending your Mom a cool card, she’ll also get a    clever bandana sporting a map of Angel Island! How neat is that?!

 $100 - We’ll send your Mom 2 Angel Island Tiburon Ferry round-trip       tickets so she can head out to the island, along with that cool card we   keep talking about! Don’t miss the boat!

 $250 – How about 2 Angel Island Tiburon Ferry round-trip tickets, the   groovy “Wildflowers of Angel Island” guidebook, and of course the         cool card! Will your Mom dig this or what?!

 
 $500 – This is sure to make you Mom’s favorite, if you’re not already!     2 round-trip Ferry tickets from Tiburon, the “Wildflowers” guidebook,     VIP island tour for 2 (date mutually agreed) and that oh too cool card!

 
Memberships can also be purchased by calling (415) 435-3972 or fill-in this printable Membership Form and send by mail or fax.

All member levels receive a 10% discount at Angel Island Conservancy’s Information Station and the Angel Island Cafe’ and Cantina.
 

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Angel Island State Park is one of the most beautiful places in the Bay Area if not the world! From this land mass surrounded by water, one can see the entire bay. From the Golden Gate, the City skyline, the Marin Headlands, or the East Bay, views are spectacular and ever changing!

As the sun rises and sets, colors reflect from sky and water changing from cool and misty to warm and fiery. But fire can and has changed the landscape! The Island has burned twice since 2005. In 2005, a fire starting at a campground burned down to the water on the east side of the island threatening historic structures. Although it burned less than 30 acres, it was a glimpse of things to come.

In 2008, at approximately 9 o’clock in the evening, a fire was discovered burning on the northeast side of the island. It was burning under a north wind with a high rate of speed. The fire continued to burn until the next morning when it was finally contained adjacent to Camp Reynolds.

The fire burned 304 acres of the 740-acre island. A historic water tank was the only structure destroyed during the fire.

The Marin County Fire Department’s Tamalpais Fire Crew (TFC) was one of the first crews to battle the Angle Island Fire. Working with a Marin County fire engine crew, they ignited vegetation to remove it prior to the fire burning the historic structures located on the East Garrison.

TFC continued to battle the blaze and finally were able to place a containment line on the southeast side of the island between the cliffs and Perimeter Road. Fireboats from the Southern Marin and Tiburon Fire Departments shot water to stop the fire as it burned along the cliffs. Aircraft from CAL FIRE dropped water and retardant from both helicopters and airplanes. Over 200 firefighters from throughout Marin County and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection worked throughout the night and the next day to fully contain the fire.

After the fire was contained, the Tam Crew continued to work on the island to fall hazardous trees and make sure the fire was fully extinguished.
 

Eucalyptus Trees-Removal may have saved Historic Structures

By the mid 1980s, there were approximately 86 acres of blue gum eucalyptus on the 740-acre Angel Island State Park. The military had planted small groves, from the 1870s to the 1930s; amounting to 24 acres. These original groves had expanded as new eucalyptus seedlings invaded native plant communities and began to dominate large portions of the landscape.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation has removed several hundred eucalyptus trees. Beginning in 1996, after 10 years of planning for the project, 80 acres of eucalyptus removal was complete.

As seen from fire-scarred stumps throughout the park, the 304-acre fire of 2008 burned through some of the areas where tree removal occurred. Had the trees been in place, the outcome may have been much different.
 

Burning Amongst Historic Structures

Pile burning always involves risk. Risk is managed by reducing the opportunity for flying embers to ignite the forest. Igniting the forest is one issue, igniting a historic structure is entirely another! The piles on this project were located at Camp Reynolds, a preserved Civil War military installation with several structures throughout the work site. Structures include the officer quarters (circa 1867), the mule barn, and the Bake House all stood within feet of the piles.

At first glance, it appeared that this was an impossible task with unacceptable risk. But the Tamalpais Fire Crew worked with the California State Parks to implement a plan that was safe and effective. Weather conditions were closely monitored and a spot weather forecast was prepared daily by the National Weather Service for the burn site.

To ensure safety to the structures, hose lines were put in place to protect them and pre-treat them with water prior to ignition. Next, each group of piles also had a hose line in place to extinguish the pile if the winds suddenly changed direction. Lastly, if the piles were to close for comfort, the Parks supplied an equipment operator and skid steer tractor to move the piles to a safer location.
 

Partnerships Work

This vegetation management project is the perfect example of government agencies working together to lower the cost and loss from wildland fires. A collaboration between the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Marin County Fire Department, California Conservation Corps, and the Tiburon Fire Department, that resulted in a successful implementation of a project that helps protect the island from the next wildland fire!
 

To ensure safety to the structures, hoselines were put in place to protect them and pre-treat them with water prior to ignition.

When piles were to close for comfort, the Parks supplied an equipment operator and skid steer tractor to move the piles to a safer location.

Each group of piles also had a hose line in place to extinguish the pile if the winds suddenly changed direction.

eScrip is a free and easy resource for fundraising where participating business partners will contribute a percentage of your grocery loyalty cards, credit card, and debit/ATM card purchases to the non-profit organization of your choice.There are no receipts to collect, no vouchers or certificates to buy, no hassles and every purchase counts!  Visit eScrip’s family of merchants for a complete list of participants in the program.

eScrip provides online access for easy sign-up. And, your purchases are tracked and available to you online, allowing you to see just how much you are earning for Angel Island Conservancy! You can register to support up to 3 groups!

To register visit www.escrip.com
Select Group Name:  Angel Island Conservancy
or Group ID: 9557294

Escape to Angel Island, enjoy the beautiful surroundings and meet visitors from all over the world!

Volunteering brings together a diverse range of people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Angel Island State Park is looking for volunteers to share the history and beauty of this amazing state park with visitors. Whether you’re interested in hiking, living history, guiding a tour, exploring the island with kids of all ages, or working in the Conservancy’s Information Station, Angel Island State Park has a volunteer opportunity for YOU!

Important Upcoming Dates

• February 28th – Volunteer Sign-Up Day 6:30pm, Tiburon Library
• March 2nd – Volunteer Training Begins

For information, training schedule, or to register for sign-up day call: (415) 789-1384 or email.

Angel Island Conservancy is thrilled to announce we have been selected as a participant of Patxi’s ”52 Weeks of Giving” community fundraising program!

”52 Weeks” is Patxi’s way of partnering with local causes to raise money and awareness while sharing a tasty meal together. Every week, all year long, Patxi’s hosts neighborhood fundraisers to strengthen our community. So far, they’ve raised over $200,000.

Our fundraiser is for 10% of all sales, the entire day, at the below Patxi’s location!

Please support Angel Island State Park by having lunch or dinner at the restaurant, ordering pick-up or delivery, or purchasing a gift card for another occasion.

We also encourage you to ask your friends, family and colleagues to order pizza the day of our fundraiser!

A conceptual illustration – “brainstorming” Ayala Cove, the Islands’ main point of entry

A “reprinted” article
written by GRETCHEN LANG
glang@thearknewspaper.com
Permission granted by THE ARK Newspaper

Your ferry has just docked at Angel Island. You head down the gangplank, beguiled by beautiful, sleepy Ayala Cove. You stroll around the cove for a half hour, buy a drink at the Cove Cafe and then you are ready to move on — but where to? The cove is hemmed in by steep, thickly wooded hills, and what lies beyond isn’t visible. You know the island is full of historic sites, but how do you get there and what will you do there? Can you rent a bike? A kayak?  Where can you eat on the island? What is a good hiking destination, or the best place to picnic out of the wind? How do you get to the top of Mt. Livermore, and what will you see?

Angel Island, the 740-acre state park in the middle of San Francisco Bay, is a potential treasure trove of historical, environmental and recreational opportunities, but rough terrain, poor infrastructure and lack of information often stymies visitors.

Now the California Department of Parks and Recreation, in cooperation with the Angel Island Conservancy, has proposed a new visitor orientation center in Ayala Cove, phase one of an ambitious 20-year master plan to open the island’s historical, environmental and recreational riches to the public.

“Our goal is to create an awe-inspiring visitor experience on Angel Island by bringing to life the cultural, historical and natural attributes of the island,” says Gail Dolton, Board President of the Conservancy.

The state parks service has already discussed designs for the orientation center with architects, although the final shape of the project remains undecided. The center would provide a sheltered area with maps and interpretive displays, as well as park staff and concessions counters where visitors could rent a bike, book a tram ride or plan a hike.

“We want a comfortable welcoming area for visitors to get an idea of where they want to go and what they want to do, to give people the opportunity to see all that Angel Island has to offer,” says Amy Brees, Angel Island State Park Superintendent. Brees says she hopes that once donors are found for the project and plans are finalized, groundbreaking can begin. She hopes to have the center up and running within three years, she says. The scale of the structure will depend on how much money can be raised, with $1 million the goal. The plan also includes digital tools, like applications that visitors can download on smartphones that would provide for self-guided exploration of the park.

An improved Ayala Cove is the first phase of an ambitious Interpretation Master Plan, published last month by California State Parks and the Angel Island Conservancy, the park’s fundraising wing.

The 175-page plan provides a roadmap for new and improved interpretive facilities, educational programs and recreational opportunities on the island, the conservancy announced in a press release.

The plan envisions a future Angel Island far more accessible than it is today, with directional signs, orientation kiosks at sites like East and West Garrison, trail signs and interpretive signs explaining the history of places like the Nike Missile site and the Immigration Station.

Signage and displays at the island’s major sites would bring the human stories of the island to life, including stories of the Native Americans, soldiers and immigrants who lived on the island at different times in its history.

The plan envisions an environmental education center and new teaching curriculum for school-age children, connecting them to Angel Island’s marine and terrestrial environments. It even envisions a garden where kids can learn about the food grown a hundred years ago on the island.

It proposes to partner with companies to expand the recreational opportunities on the island, including kayaking that would allow visitors to explore the island by boat.

Other partnerships with local museums and wildlife organizations could enhance learning programs. While not all of these wonders may come to pass, the publication of the plan has already helped the conservancy net $450,000 in Proposition 84 funds to finance an island wide interpretive sign project. The signs are due to be completed in time for the 34th America’s Cup in September 2013, Dolton says.

The plan is the first step in fundraising for these projects. The conservancy also plans to hire an executive director, sometime in the coming year, to handle fundraising full time, Dolton said.

Angel Island has a wealth of historic sites including the remains of Miwok Indian settlements, former U.S. military barracks at East and West Garrison and the eerie Nike Missile site, which housed anti-aircraft missiles for seven years during the Cold War.

It also boasts beautiful hiking trails with panoramic views and quiet coves for picnicking and play. But as described in the Interpretation Master Plan document, the island also presents problems for visitors wishing to access these sites, including rough terrain and a lack of amenities like restrooms, restaurants and covered visitor centers at several sites. Many of the historic buildings are in disrepair and are a safety hazard.

With state funding at a historic low, Dolton and Brees say they are hoping for private donors to come forward to contribute to whichever aspects of the plan that inspires them.

“The (Interpretation Master Plan) has a project for every budget and a project for every passion,” Brees says.

Environmental reporter Gretchen Lang, a Belvedere native, spent 15 years of living and writing for newspapers abroad, including the Boston Globe and the International Herald Tribune.

Angel Island State Park is accepting applications for the 2013 summer season. First round of hiring starts mid-January with the first round of jobs starting February 1, 2013. Other opportunities available throughout the year depend on funding. Most jobs are 1500 hours or 9 months of work from March thru November.

How to Apply

Please complete the standard State of California application, form-STD 678, which can be downloaded at: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=847

Please be sure to indicate on the application which job(s) you are interested in.

Email to: sschory@parks.ca.gov

Or mail to:
Angel Island State Park, Seasonal Hiring
Post Office Box 318
Tiburon, CA 94920

Positions

Dock Aide ($9.98-$12.37)

Make someone’s day by welcoming them to the island on the bay!  Work outside on the Angel Island dock talking to visitors all day.

Duties include: Greeting visitors, handing out maps, answer visitor questions, provide trip planning for visitors, control boat loading and queuing, collect boat fees, collect remittances, camper check-in, monitor restrooms, minor maintenance and clean up, intermittent deck hand shifts, maintain visitor center, support emergency response, maintain dock office.

Uniform required. Dorm housing available on island. Driver’s license optional. Drug testing required if participating in the USCG deck handing program. Lead position also available, must have commensurate experience.

United States Immigration Station Interpretive Park Aid
($9.98-$13.17)

Guide visitors through the National Historic Landmark. Lead visitors through the footsteps of a pacific immigrant in a historic house museum.

Duties include: staffing USIS, answering visitor questions, school group tour guide, monitor building, monitor restrooms, minor maintenance and clean up, open and close building, collecting fees, intermittent dock shifts, intermittent deck hand shifts, support emergency response.

Uniform required. Dorm housing available on island. Driver’s license optional. Drug testing required if participating in the USCG deck handing program.

Maintenance Aide ($9.98-$12.37)

Work outside in a beautiful park making it even more beautiful for all the visitors!

Duties include: Cleaning restrooms across entire park, answering visitor questions, drive to work stations, clean campgrounds, trash pick up, light landscaping including mowing and weeding, assist Maintenance Worker I with complex projects including construction, plumbing, and road work.

Uniform required. Dorm housing available on island. Driver’s license required. Drug testing required if participating in the USCG deck handing program.

Seasonal Lifeguard I ($13.90-$14.99)

Provide EMR support for recreational activities. Great training in diverse areas for park work!

Duties include: Integrate with dock aids, meeting and greeting visitors, orienting and explaining options and resources to visitors, check-in campers, describe rules and regulations, collecting fees, maintain restroom supplies and general cleanliness, patrol campgrounds, organize EMR supplies and maintain island readiness for EMR response, respond to medical emergencies across island, participate in deposits and ROCs with administrative assistant.

Uniform required. Dorm housing available on island. Driver’s license required. Drug testing required if participating in the USCG deck handing program.

Admin/ Volunteer Program/ Special Event Support
($9.98-$12.37)

Support the 2013 special programs we have going on. Both outdoor and computer work. Great training in diverse areas for park work!

Duties include: Administrative duties for program support with data entry, form compliance, email and calendar support for volunteers and special events. May lead volunteer groups on their tasks, coordinate work and organize projects involving all departments on island. Support dock operations for special events. Coordinate site visits.

Uniform required. Dorm housing available on island. Driver’s license required. Drug testing required if participating in the USCG deck handing program.

Maintenance Aide, Service Project Lead ($9.98-$12.37)

Work outside in a beautiful park making it even more beautiful for all the visitors!

Duties include: Organizing and leading volunteer work projects across island. Lead skilled and unskilled workers in projects including set up and take down, creating projects and coordinating with rest of staff. When not involved with volunteer projects: Clean restrooms across entire park, answer visitor questions, drive to work stations, clean campgrounds, trash pick-up, light landscaping including mowing and weeding, assist Maintenance Worker I with complex projects including construction, plumbing, road work.

Uniform required. Dorm housing available on island. Driver’s license required. Drug testing required if participating in the USCG deck handing program.

How to Apply

Please complete the standard State of California application, form-STD 678, which can be downloaded at: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=847

Please be sure to indicate on the application which job(s) you are interested in.

Email to: sschory@parks.ca.gov

Or mail to:

Angel Island State Park, Seasonal Hiring
Post Office Box 318
Tiburon, CA 94920

Please feel free to forward far and wide! Applications accepted all year.

Discover the many states of California - www.parks.ca.gov/angelisland

November 29th Angel Island supporters braved the elements to celebrate Angel Island Conservancy’s (AIC) 7th annual “Angel Lights” event, held at the exquisite Mill Valley hilltop home of supporters Robert Eves and Marcine Engel. From this stunning vantage point guests celebrated the island, enjoyed live music, gourmet delicacies, libations, and the excitement of live auction offerings of one-of-a-kind adventures, available only at this event.

Emceeing the evening once again was Bay Area Backroads and OpenRoad TV personality, Doug McConnell, who was joined by professional auctioneer, Keith McLane. Together the duo offered guests the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind auction packages, like the fabulous Fourth of July overnight stay on Angel Island, including a gourmet East Indian multi-course dinner prepared by AIC Board member and internationally acclaimed designer Sudha Pennathur, fireworks, and tour by Doug McConnell. This year a few new exciting auction items were added, including a package titled an “Insider’s Visit to the Land of Giants” which included two amazing Field Club level seats to a Giants game – courtesy of the San Francisco Giants, with the high bidders arriving in style in an exotic chauffeur driven car – courtesy of San Francisco Motorsports,  pre-game viewing of batting practice from down on the field, hanging out in the dugout, and schmoozing with players and coaching staff!

As in past years, the evening wouldn’t be complete without the traditional countdown to the first lighting of the “Angel Lights“ on top of Mt. Livermore. The group gathered as Park Superintendent Amy Brees began the countdown and made the call to flip the “switch” bringing the lights to life. In spite of the inclement weather the night allowed for a breathtaking view of the glowing lights. Throughout the month of December, the “Angel Lights” shine from the top of Angel Island. Supporters can “adopt” an Angel Light as a thoughtful thanks to family, friends, or a mentor; as a remembrance of a loved one; to celebrate a special occasion; or as recognition of someone who has done something significant for you, in turn providing support for the work of Angel Island Conservancy.

Thanks to the of generosity our community of supporters, the event raised over $100,000, including contributions made toward the transformation of Ayala Cove, the gateway to the island, and in support of AIC’s Student Service-Learning Scholarship Program, which provides students from under-served schools with field trip grants to visit the island, giving these children firsthand learning experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.

A special “thank you” to our event hosts, Partners, In-Kind Partners, auction high bidders, guests, the Angel Lights Event Committee, Park Staff, and volunteers who together made the evening a successful, memorable, and inspiring tribute to the future of Angel Island State Park.
 

‘Adopt‘ an Angel Light

‘Adopt‘ an Angel Light

 
Throughout the month of December, the “Angel Lights” shine from the top of Angel Island. Those lights may be “adopted” providing support for the work of Angel Island Conservancy.

Please consider adopting a light. A commemorative certificate will be sent on your behalf as a thoughtful thanks to family, friends, or a mentor; as a remembrance of a loved one; to celebrate a special occasion; or as recognition of someone who has done something significant for you.

 
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