News and Views

Summer 2006

Tri-Valley Conservancy

Preserving Land for Future Generations

by Nichole Gehmlich

Bullfrog Busters

Most tri-valley residents probably dont know alien carnivorous bullfrogs were lurking on the beautiful banks in Sycamore Grove Park. These bullfrogs were taking over the land, making it harder for the native California Red-legged frog to survive. In the fall of 2002, the Livermore Area Recreation & Park District (LARPD) adopted the Sycamore Grove Park Resource Management Plan (RMP). This plan set a goal to promote healthy populations of common and special-status wildlife species through adaptive management practices that enhance the parks ability to support these species.1 The plan identied the California redlegged frog as one of those species.

bullfrog, tadpole and sunsh quantities between the rst and second phases. As future phases are completed, we hope to see continued declines in the invasive species populations, coupled with increased sightings or signs of California Red-legged frogs. So next time you are in the area, take some time and see if you can spot a California Red-Legged Frog. And if you happen to see a bullfrog instead- you know who to call!

The LARPD conducted two phases in the Bullfrog Control Project. In phase one, park rangers temporarily lowered the water level in a pond. Brave rangers caught the almost unwieldy bullfrogs by net or by hand, disposing of them and removing over a thousand tadpoles. Native species such as the California Red-legged frog and the Western Pond turtle were preserved while inltrators such as the bullfrog and the sunsh were disposed of. Two years later, when phase II was conducted, scientists observed only Bull Frog Photo provided by LARPD Ranger Sta half as many bullfrogs, and less than a dozen tadpoles. The sunsh had completely disappeared and another 1. Sycamore Grove and Veterans Regional Park Resource positive sign: our red-legged friends seemed larger on average. Management Plan, Adopted November 13, 2002. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service has labeled Sycamore Grove as one of the core areas that has the potential and capacity to allow for long-term population of our red-legged friends. The Bullfrog Control Project was carried out expressly for that purpose. Patti Cole, LARPD park ranger comments, We are very pleased with the results of this project so far. We are also very intrigued with the dramatic negative impact on 2. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon, viii + pp.

Whats the use of a house if you havent got a tolerable planet to put it on?
Henry David Thoreau

Tri-Valley Conservancy

Preserving Land for Future Generations

Holding History
There are special sites here in Livermore that are steeped in history; places that announce their importance at rst sight. One of them is the prominent stone arch emblazoned with the word Olivina located at the intersection of Arroyo and Wetmore Roads. The arch is not only an entrance and a symbol of the past, it is also a monument to the man who created Olivina and brought his vision of the future to the Livermore Valley. That man was Julius Paul Smith. J.P. Smith was born in Wisconsin in 1842. At the age of 19, he joined the Wisconsin Volunteers and fought in the Civil War. At the end of the war he returned home and married Miss Sarah Barker, daughter of a New York businessman. Around 1872, the Smiths headed west. J.P. joined with his brother Francis on a borax mining claim in Nevada. This venture became the world famous Twenty Mule Team Borax.
Olivina Entrance provided with permission from Bill Nale

In 1881, J.P. came west and purchased more than 2000 acres in the south-west portion of Livermore which he named the Olivina Ranch. Soon, the Olivina estate boasted hundred of acres of vineyards, olive and fruit trees, a distillery and, of course, the four-story winery itself which was one of the most modern in the state. In 1904, J.P. died and his wife, Sarah, imported several Italian stonemasons to construct the Olivina arch as a tribute to her husband. In 1970, Livermore Area Recreation and Park District acquired a portion of the estate and established Sycamore Grove Park. A second section of the estate, including the old winery, was added to the park in 1992. This upper section is protected by a TVC conservation easement. Holding history in our hands and protecting it for future generations is part of what TVC does best. Join our eorts to continue to preserve and protect the beautiful lands in the Valley, and the history in them, for our children and our childrens children. Sharon Burnham, Executive Director

Bill Thomson, Chair At large

Board of Directors

Rik Hansen At large

Jim Perry, Vice-Chair Alameda County Mark Eaton, Secretary At large Jean King, Treasurer City of Livermore Harriet Cole Friends of the Vineyards

Jon Harvey City of Pleasanton Michael Princevalle At large Karl Wente Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association

Staff
Sharon Burnham Executive Director Laura Mercier Barbara Graham Associate Director Oce Manager
To permanently protect the fertile soils, rangelands, open space and biological resources and to support a viable agricultural economy in the Tri-Valley area.

TVC Mission Statement

Printed on recycled paper

Tri-Valley Conservancy

Preserving Land for Future Generations

Experience Livermore Valleys Wine & Food

This summer celebration co-presented by Tri-Valley Conservancy and Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association showcases the Valleys vintners and growers with leading area chefs to highlight locally produced wines and foods. Nineteen teams of chefs and winemakers will create signature dishes using fresh, local produce that complements the wines. There will also be guided tastings of the regions olive oils.

Dont miss out buy your tickets now!

$55 per person 6 to 9 pm Thursday, July 27, 2006 Palm Event Center 1184 Vineyard Avenue, Pleasanton Call 925-449-8706 for more information
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY: PONDEROSA HOMES US FOODSERVICE DIABLO MAGAZINE TRI-VALLEY HERALD
Chevron Hawthorne Suites Courtyard by Marriott Palm Event Center Fantasy Sound Mitchell Katz Winery at Ruby Hill PW Markets Emerald Nuts PCFMA Farmers Markets ImageSetters

TVC 3rd Annual Bar-B-Q to benefit Local Legacy Fund

Come join us for an afternoon of food, wine, and friends at Jim and Cheryl Perrys Home in Livermore.

Local

Legacy
Fund

Sunday, September 17, 2006 from 2:00 pm 5:00 pm $40 Per Person

During the Bar-B-Q there will be a rae for items such as a signed football by John Madden, 3.0 L 2003 Charles Wetmore Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and many more. You do not need to be present to win. Tickets are $5 each or 12 for $50. Tickets will be available in July. Contact TVC at (925)449-8706 or info@trivalleyconservancy.org for tickets.
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