This Land is Our Land and So Much More

By Local Writer, Photographer and Contributor Steve Tabor

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (Conservancy) hosts Outdoor Volunteer Days every Saturday at selected locations across the Peninsula to rehabilitate the land by planting local native plants and removing invasive plants to provide refuge for birds, pollinators, and important wildlife.

According to Megan Wolff, Stewardship Coordinator, “The Conservancy is focusing its efforts at Abalone Cove Reserve to introduce native plants throughout the thirteen acre project area. At the reserves at Lunada Canyon (Agua Amarga Reverse) and Alta Vincente in Rancho Palos Verdes, as well as the White Point Nature Preserve in San Pedro, volunteers help with weeding, watering, and mulching.”

Volunteer shifts are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and no prior experience is required. Karen Oda and her daughter, Leila, volunteer as many Saturdays as possible. Oda states, “We feel that we are helping out the community and adding to the beauty of the Peninsula.”

Caishako and Jim Adair along with one of their three daughters, indicate they have been Conservancy members for over a decade, but this was the first time they ever got involved in any of the volunteer projects. They indicate that they enjoyed their experience and plan to return in the near future.

David Lipschultz and his daughter Lizzy pitched in with planting and water activities. Lipschultz says, “It is about caring for the land in our community.” Lizzy was quick to add, “I like doing things with my dad.”

According to Kim Hassett, her son Colin, participated in the event because of Colin’s interest in the Peninsula’s native environment.

Wolff points out “Many of the volunteers participate in a number of Volunteer Days throughout the year. Often the events are attended by teenagers from local high schools and community organizations, such as local scouting groups, who are interested performing and earning community service hours. Other volunteers join us because they have an interest in the Conservancy’s work and want to lend a helping hand.”

Wolff says that the Conservancy has adjusted its Volunteer Day activities because of the lingering effects of COVID beginning with reducing the number of volunteers participating in each event. Additionally, volunteers are asked to socially distance themselves from volunteers outside of their household and wear a mask while involved in the activity.

Wolff states that the Conservancy conducted a “Day of Service” on Monday, January 17th, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the White Point Nature Preserve (1600 W. Paseo del Mar, San Pedro). Activities include planting native shrubs, removing invasive weeds, and watering native plants.

The Conservancy has many other ongoing volunteer activities include the Rapid Response Team, which helps care for trails in the Peninsula open space land, Adopt-A-Plot program, and Cactus Wren Monitoring Training which assists with monitoring the Cactus Wren populations in the Conservancy managed Preserves.

To sign-up for volunteer activities or learn more, visit the Conservancy’s website at www.pvplc.org or call at 310.541.7613.

Steve Tabor Bio

This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. Steve began with photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve has expanded his photographic talents to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics. Steve serves as a volunteer ranger for the Catalina Island Conservancy and uses this opportunity to document the flora and fauna of the island’s interior as well as photograph special events and activities.

Watch for Steve Tabor Images on the worldwide web.