2023.04.26 I FFRP Volunteers Support the Ranch and the Community

     The Cambria Wildflower Show will be open at the Veterans’ Memorial Hall on Saturday, April 29, from noon to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Admission is $5 at the door; students are free.

     Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve (FFRP) is fortunate to have retired Executive Director Jo Ellen Butler eager to take the lead in presenting this year’s Wildflower Show.  Ms. Butler has years of experience with this event and a real passion for it.  Walt Andrus and Marcella Bakula play vital behind-the-scenes roles in preparing the show. In addition, volunteers under the leadership of Suzy Siegler, will offer delicious treats for sale during the show at the “Wildflower Café”.

     The show has a dedicated corps of experts and enthusiasts who devote hours to planning, collecting, identifying, presenting, and staffing the show.  Special recognition goes to the collectors:  Elizabeth Appel, Ollie Appel, Mark Brunschwiler, Jo Ellen Butler, Julie Coogan, Harry Farmer, Joanne Freeman, Cindy Gustafson, David Krause, Mark Markwort, Tim McCurdy, D.R. Miller, Al Normandin, Loree Parral, and Peggy Phillips.  Without them, there would be no flowers to show. 

     In so many ways, the amazing FFRP volunteers make an annual donation of more than 5,000 hours to support the Ranch.  That was equal to nearly two and a half full-time employees.  More than half of that time is invested directly on the Preserve.  “Ranch Hands” help out Cambria Community Services District’s Facilities and Resources Department by grooming trails, pulling weeds, hauling ice plant, removing diseased plants, and restoring native habitat.  Education volunteers organize and lead programs for adults and students, introducing them to the natural and cultural wonders of Cambria.

     Off the Ranch, FFRP volunteers clean Main Street four times a year, put in the equivalent of ten weeks organizing and presenting the Cambria Wildflower Show, march in the Pinedorado Days parade, and staff the FFRP shop and outreach events, including the recent Earth Day Festivals and the upcoming Wildflower Show.

Article first published in https://cambriaca.org/