2023.10.31 | Bidding Farewell to Board Members and Seeking to Fill Positions

After 18 years on the board of Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve (FFRP), including service as Chairperson, head of the Education Program, Publicity Chair for numerous events, and many other duties, Joyce Renshaw is retiring from the board in January 2024. Joyce has guided FFRP with a steady purpose wrapped in grace and elegance.  Her long-term vision of the organization helped orient new board members and gave her a perspective that will be missed.

Mark Larsen joined the board in 2017 and soon served as Chairperson and then Secretary, as well as a regular Wednesday Weeder. Mark’s legal experience has been invaluable to the board as it faced some complicated issues over the years. Personally, I very much appreciated his guidance during my first year on the job. He will also end his service in January 2024.

Serving for only a short time, Barbara Bronson Gray brought her keen eye to FFRP which will have a lasting impact on fundraising. With other pressing responsibilities, Barbara has left the board.

FFRP thanks them all for their service.

Starting in January 2024 there will be three positions open on the FFRP board. We are especially seeking those who have skills and experience in the fields of law, conservation, and events. Diversifying the board is a continuing goal.

Board terms are three years long with the option to renew up to three times for a total of nine years of service. The board consists of 12 members and meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 4pm. Officers are the Chairperson, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary. Members are covered by Directors and Officers Insurance. FFRP committees are Education, Executive, Finance, Outreach & Development, Nominating, and Ranch.

FFRP has a working board which means members have operational responsibilities. Each board member is expected to serve on at least one committee and contribute time to the organization. For example, some board members volunteer on the invasive plant removal, restoration, and trail programs. Some organize and oversee educational programs. Others direct finances, fundraising, and events. Board members average 100 hours of volunteer time per year, including attending required board meetings. In addition, each board member must be a member in good standing of FFRP.

The board is congenial and collegial, sharing a deep affection for the Ranch and a commitment to our mission of protecting the beauty of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve and sustaining its diversity of life for everyone to enjoy. A mutual love of the Ranch pulls everyone together.

If you are interested in board service, please write to ranch (at) fiscaliniranchpreserve.org or call 805-927-2856.

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