Ohlone Audubon Society: Our History
By Don Emery
This June 2006, the Ohlone Audubon Society will celebrate its 40th year. As a lead up to that event, The Kite Call will run a four installment history of the Chapter, as recorded in the newsletter.
Ohlone Audubon Society
The First Ten Years
As Recorded in The Kite Call
Our history has not been a steady progression from the small
group of enthusiasts who first met in 1966 to its present state of
relative well-being. I hope you will be pleased to have this
narrative, and will join us for our celebration in June. There will be
cake.
The first ten years of Kite Calls were written by lively and
interesting authors. Early editors such as Virginia Thompson, Bill
Hurd, Pat Shumpelt Gordon knew their subject, wrote clearly and
effectively, and recruited good authors. For instance, delightful
and informative articles on conservation and birding were
contributed by Elsie Richey and Dr. Howard Cogswell. Luckily for
us, as one of her first contributions as Editor (acting), Pat
Schumpelt, later Gordon, summarized this period for the newsletter
in preparation for the Chapter’s ten-year anniversary. Her account
is printed below in its entirety:
ONLY TEN YEARS AGO
In an attempt to gather material for a special feature as Ohlone
marks its Tenth Anniversary several articles were of special
interest recalling early Ohlone history. Perhaps briefly reprinting
some of these would be enjoyable and informative to Ohlone
members, particularly new ones, but also older ones. My thanks
to the past editors Virginia Thompson and Bill Hurd for detailing
these events.
The first gathering of people interested in forming a branch of
the National Audubon Society was held on March 8, 1966 at the
Meek Estate in Hayward, followed by the first regular monthly
meeting in April. Bill Hurd writes in the November 1973 KITE
CALL issue,
The first monthly meeting of the Hayward Area Audubon
Society (later to become Ohlone Audubon Society) was held on
April 5, 1966 with Gladys Conklin as President pro-tem; Virginia
Thompson, Secretary pro-tem, read the proposed Constitution
and By-Laws, which were slightly amended and accepted (This
act established April 5, 1966 as our founding date); the matter of
an official name for the organization was discussed, and it was
decided to delay it for more consideration; the first field trip of the
organization, held on March 19, 1966 at the Hayward shoreline
near the San Mateo Bridge and led by Howard Cogswell was
discussed, (32 bird species were logged). It was announced that
Mr. Sennett Heaton would be presenting his program showing
microscopic slides of insects and feathers at the May 3, 1966
meeting. It was announced that all persons joining the organization
by May 3, 1966 would be regarded as Charter Members.
The idea of such an organization in this area had originated
from Gladys Conklin’s Bird Club. Gladys, Al Bruen, Dr. Cogswell,
Jo McLellan, Marshall Stoddard, and Virginia Thompson were the
early organizers. Golden Gate Audubon Society was a great help
in the formation of the original Ohlone branch also. Besides
providing advice on how to organize the branch they gave us our
first $100!
From Virginia Thompson’s Bulletin of May 1966, Virginia
reports on the naming of our chapter. She writes,
The discussion of a name for our chapter resulted in “Ohlone”
as proposed by Mr. Philip Gordon, winning the most votes.
The Ohlone Indians lived in our area at the time the antelope and tule
elk were prevalent. We may regard them as being very early day
conservationists since they respected the land and never took
from it more than they could use.
The October 1966 newsletter was the first named issue of THE
KITE CALL. The name had been voted on at the previous
September meeting. Dr. Cogswell at this time offered a short
resume of the White-tailed Kite, realizing that only a few members
knew the bird. He writes,
The adoption at our last meeting of the name for our bulletin
makes it appropriate to discuss the bird from which it comes. Kites
are one subdivision of the hawk-eagle family (Accipitridae), Four
species of kites occur regularly in North America, all them with
quite specialized habits. Only one, the White-tailed Kite (Elanus
leucurus), is found in California. Its voice, if that is how you
interpret our bulletin’s name, is a high-pitched, querulous,
somewhat nasal and yet delicate peer or peen-r. This is the
ordinary note heard when kites on territory are slightly disturbed.
At times they also give a harsher kek-kek-kek much like other
hawks.
Dr. Cogswell then went on and further discussed the natural
history of the bird.
Many thanks from Ohlone should be given to these early
organizers and charter members. In just ten years Ohlone has
grown from the fifty charter members listed on May 3, 1966 to the
present 635 members. Its members have taken part in several
conservation projects in the area, including the formation of the
San Francisco Wildlife Refuge, protection of the Hayward
Shoreline, are currently concerned over the preservation of the
Ridgelands, and many local municipal issues. It has provided
education and enjoyment for its members through field trips,
meetings, as well as the educational kits. May it continue to
expand and do so. —Pat Schumpelt, Editor
We second Pat’s final sentiment, and will continue the
narrative in the next issue. Mr. Hurd left out the fact that Phil
Gordon proposed the newsletter name, “The Kite Call”. Of
personal interest, there were 11 presidential changes and three
newsletter editors in those ten years. I take it as a measure of the
relative difficulty of the two occupations. The record editorial term
belongs to Bill Hurd, almost 6 years. The record presidential term
was two years, held by several. One, Phil Gordon, separated his
two by two years. In an organization of volunteers, it is difficult to
recruit and retain officers. It is a tribute to Ohlone Audubon
Society that it has attracted some that have served in various
capacities for long periods of time. —DE
Ohlone Audubon Society
The Second Ten Years
as Recorded in The Kite Call
In 1976, Pat Schumpelt began her term as editor, and left it as
Pat Gordon in 1985. The monthly meetings had moved to San
Felipe Park in Hayward. Elsie Richey was elected to the first of
two terms as President.
By this time, OAS was offering three or four field trips per
month, unlike the first few years, when one monthly trip was the
rule. Phil Gordon and Dr. Howard Cogswell continued to lead
several trips per year, but now were joined by other local birders,
including Eugene Makishima, Owen Hughes, Gloria Gaylord, Pat
Hayes, Doris Griffin, Lee Main (Ellis), Malca Chall, and Jean
Marie Spoelman
During the decade, we followed with interest a number of
local and regional issues. Garin Woods and Robert’s Landing
were threatened with development. BART announced plans to
plant Tyson Lagoon with native plants. We joined other Bay Area
Audubon Society chapters in their concerns about the Peripheral
Canal, San Pablo Bay State Wetlands Reserve, American River
flows, the Wetlands Preservation Act and the Santa Clara County
super sewer. This is a representative list, it does not include all the
important issues.
The Kite Call reported OAS supported Point Reyes Bird
Observatory, International Bird Rescue, Tri City Ecology Center,
Audubon Camp of the West, and the Fremont Animal Care Center
by donations or memberships. The bylaws were amended to
establish the Publicity Committee. During the decade, Elsie called
for help (6% of members are carrying the load.), Phil Gordon and
Alice Hoch offered birding classes that raised interest in membership
in the chapter. It sometimes seems that things never change.
The presidential roster in the second decade:
Elsie Richey in 1976 and 1977
Pat Hayes in 1978,
John Giguette in 1979 and part of 1980
Pat Hayes in 1980
Owen Hughes in 1981 and 1982
Treet Pelletier in 1983 and 1984
John Page in 1985
Following are two articles from The Kite Call in OAS’s
second ten years. President Owen Hughes wrote the first one in
1981. The concerns and events have changed, but the message
still applies:
“President’s Message
“Ohlone Audubon has achieved mature stature through the
able leadership of its great presidents, board members - and
members. We are looked up to by many other Audubon chapters.
City Councils and the Alameda County Board of Supervisors
know we exist, and in general are glad of our presence. San
Francisco Bay has become a better habitat for all creatures,
thanks, in part, to Ohlone’s efforts on behalf of the San Francisco
Bay Wildlife Refuge and the Hayward Shoreline.
“I am not afraid of this, so long as our motivation is to seek
Audubon’s unique goal: To provide living space for every species.
“However, we have not ducked controversy. Our joining the
Sierra Club’s suit against the City of Hayward possibly caused
some strained relations with Ohlone’s mother city. Our motives
were unimpeachable: Protection of the environment. Our involvement
in the issues of the Peripheral Canal and the Condor program has
probably offended some people, in, and out, of
Audubon.
“We can be faulted if we fail to listen to our membership - so
this is my appeal, as the new year begins: SPEAK UP! BE
HEARD!
“The board welcomes you at all board meetings and committee
meetings. Chapters of National Audubon are run by their
boards; however, boards carry out what they believe to be the
wishes of the membership. We seek your input. Give me a call or
drop me a note. Owen Hughes, President”
The second article is an example of the educational material
published in the Kite Call. In 1979 Phil Gordon wrote:
“MEET OUR STATE REPTILE DESERT TORTOISE
“Gopherus agassizi is still around as a 200,0,000 year old
descendant perfectly adapted to its desert habitat. This flowerpicker
starts looking for “munchies” when warm springtime
temperatures bring the tortoise out of its 4-5 foot burrow, home of
the past 6 months. Body fat and water, which are stored in a
special bladder just under its shell top, are soon replenished after
the long hibernation. When temperatures become too extreme the
desert tortoise escapes into the moderate world of its burrow.
After 15-20 years a bachelor tortoise may be mature enough to
mate some spring or summer. Three to 14 eggs are laid and buried
in the sand. After hatching, a baby tortoise may live off the
remaining shell until the following spring.
“I recall once holding a baby tortoise in the Mojave Desert. It
was quite delicate with a very flexible shell, quite vulnerable to
predators. When placed on the ground beside a couple of owl
pellets that had been collected, it proceeded to eat almost all of
the bones and fur of one pellet - what tenacity! I no longer pick up
any wild tortoise since a frightened tortoise will sometimes
discharge its entire water supply possibly leading to death by
dehydration.
“Since 1961 a California State Law prohibits removal of
tortoises from any natural habitat. The declining population had
been affected by competing cows and sheep which ate the same
food or crushed burrows with their feet. Cars and motorcycles
also crushed burrows and tortoises when off-loading. Where
minerals such as oil and gas, iron or salts were mined, man and
his machines destroyed tortoise habitat. This called for the above
legislation and recently a six mile by eight mile (14,500 acres)
Desert Tortoise Natural Area with a 29 mile fence against
livestock and vehicles has been established by the Bureau of Land
Management in Kern County. This progress in doing something
about a serious problem in wildlife management is most encouraging
and gives one hope that understanding of natural balances
and concern for plants and animals living with us on our planet
can lead to wise actions. Hopefully tortoises born this year will all
still have a natural home in their old age - 80-100 years from
now! (Phil Gordon)”
During the second decade The Kite Call benefited from
excellent contributors and editing. In the next issue the saga of
Ohlone Audubon Society will continue with a summary of the
years from 1986 to 1995.
Ohlone’s Third Decade:
1986-1996
In 1986, our chapter was in good health, offering three or more
trips per month and existing on a minimal budget. Our President
was John Page. Terry Preston was the editor of the Kite Call.
The Presidential Parade:
1985-1986 John Page
1986-1988 Anna (Willie) Wilcox
1988-1989 Debbie Viess
1989-1991 Pat Gordon
1991-1992 Dave Moyles
1992-1995 Bette Wentzel
1994-1996 Marie Grubbe
If my notes and memory are correct, editors progressed from
Terry Preston to Candace Crane to Don Emery.
As any organization with a volunteer staff may encounter
periods of leadership crisis, so did Ohlone Audubon during this
period. It is always difficult for such organizations to find people
willing to expend a little effort to fill leadership posts. Those who
are willing should be honored and admired. Those who serve a
long time should be highly praised. Ohlone has been blessed by
several long-standing leaders, some of whom have already been
given official recognition.
The dynamics of any organization favor the long tenures of a
few. However there are dangers for the organization that should
be guarded against. The first danger is that the membership
becomes comfortable with the fact that the few are keeping the
organization running and feel no responsibility to help. The
second is that the vigor of the organization wanes, making it less
and less attractive to potential members and board candidates.
There was an early modification of our charter that inserted a
three-year limit on board membership. The wisdom of this rule is
that it would encourage periodic renewing of chapter leadership.
It can be a very difficult rule to follow, and that is why it has been
tacitly suspended.
It may be that my perceptions are colored by the facts that I
have observed the operation from early in the decade presently
being discussed and that have only read about earlier periods.
My impression is that the early organization was more vital and
enthusiastic, and had a larger proportion of younger, more active,
members. I should be grateful, perhaps, that there is a place for
old folks like me, but I feel wistful for the excitement of the early
years. Honesty forces me to confess that I am part of the problem,
not the remedy.
Notwithstanding, Ohlone Audubon suffered through crises of
leadership and poverty while maintaining a strong program of
monthly membership meetings, sending a deserving individual to
the Audubon Camp of the West annually, participating in local
conservation efforts, and sponsoring regular field trips, many of
which were lead by Howard Cogswell, Phil Gordon, and Elsie
Richey. I believe Elsie was trip chair for most of the decade. She
recruited many leaders from other organizations as well.
Dr. Howard Cogswell began his three-year term as Conservation
Chair, during which we were thoroughly briefed on local litigation
over Mono Lake. The Endangered Species Act was
under attack. The Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center was
opened. Senator Cranston was pushing for desert protection
(without the support of Governor Wilson.) Contra Costa County
started discussing a large reservoir to be called “Los Vaqueros”.
There were big fires in the Sierra and Siskiyou ranges. Kesterson
sink was killing migratory birds. The EPA rejected both the
Marathon and Shorelines developments. Dr. Cogswell was
instrumental in preserving the Hayward shoreline, as Audubon
member and East Bay Regional Park Director. Dave Moyles
proposed that EBRPD name the restored tideland south of Mount
Trashmore, “Cogswell Marsh.” Conservation news wavered
between good and bad.
Bette Wentzel, sadly, met an untimely death in May of 1995,
before she was inducted for her fourth term. She died in a place
she loved, outside Yosemite Valley. She was a forward-looking,
energetic and dependable Ohlone leader. She was intellectually
inquisitive and had a strong conservation ethic. She was a major
contributor to The Kite Call.
Marie Grubbe stepped into the presidential shoes for the next
two years. She served ably through the end of the decade. During
her terms, we decided to create a demonstration garden in
Fremont’s Shinn Historic Park in Bette Wentzel’s honor. We used
the memorial donations in her name as the seed money for this
project. It has grown with the aid of the Fremont Garden Club, the
leadership of Phil Gordon, and the efforts of a few members and
friends. —DE
Ohlone History
This last installment of the Ohlone Audubon History begins in
1996. Marie Grubbe was President. In June of that year, Viola
Saima-Barklow was elected to the first of four terms as President.
She was followed by Helen Sowers (two terms) and then Evelyn
Cormier since 2003.
The demonstration garden commemorating Bette Wentzel was
approved by Fremont, and construction began in 1997. Under the
direction of Phil Gordon, a small army of volunteers placed the
boulders of the dry stream, cleared out the weeds, and started
planting. Since it was dedicated in July, 1999, the garden has
grown. A gazebo was installed and changes were made to
accommodate Fremont’s changes in the park. Ongoing maintenance,
has fallen on Phil and a very few other OAS members plus
kind assistance from the Friends of Heritage Flowers. The Friends
have long been the heart of the rest of the gardens in the park.
In 1998, Vi led the board to a planning retreat at the Baywood
Retirement facility. The day of discussion resulted in an ambitious
list of goals: website, new-member brochure, office space, among
them. Some goals were met, notably the fortuitous appearance of
Bill Scoggins who was willing to produce the website.
The company then operating the largest number of windmills
proposed replacing a large number of the original mills with fewer,
larger, units that were designed to reduce known risks to birds. A
long list of ensuing maneuvers resulted in the present status of
the county’s approval of a 20 year permit with inadequate wildlife
protection.
Plans were announced in 2001 to develop Patterson Ranch,
which has provided a comfortable buffer between the residential
and retail developments and Coyote Hills Regional Park. Park
lovers and concerned citizens of Fremont have been working ever
since to ameliorate, if not to defeat, development of the area.
May, 2004 saw the first mention of West Nile Virus in the Kite
Call. That avian pandemic moved quickly from its introduction on
the East Coast to California. The state has been lucky so far,
seeing only a few human fatalities.
In its forty years, Ohlone Audubon Society has offered the
Sandi Gamble Scholarship yearly, except when appropriate
programs or candidates were not available. Our membership
meetings have been educational, amusing and inspirational. We
have established a library with the books of Bette Wentzel and
expanded by the generous donations of members and friends.
Upwards of 35 classrooms were supported with subscriptions to
Audubon Adventures. We published Of Marsh and Mud, A
Guide to Shoreline Life, an educational booklet based on Dave
Riensche’s master thesis. We have promoted environmental
causes by participation in various cleanups, festivals and Earth
Day events, and by supporting conservation projects and issues.
Our field trips have taken us to find birds locally, nationally and
internationally. The Hayward-Fremont Christmas Bird Count has
found numbers of species ranking near the top. Very importantly,
during these activities, firm friendships have blossomed.
The adventure which began with the dozen or so bird enthusiasts
in 1956 has led us to our present status. This is a tribute to
the active folks who have kept the organization alive by serving
on its board and to the birds, the source of the incentive and
enthusiasm. —DE