Newsletter: Summer 2006

Articles

Clover Valley Must Not Be Destroyed

Patience and Hard Work

Whoever coined the term "the lazy days of summer" was not working to save Clover Valley! Although it may seem as if nothing is happening while we await the release of the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR), we are working daily, following leads, writing grants, attending workshops, presenting our issues to officials and public agencies, tabling-staffing booths, and meeting on a regular basis.

The float building for the Rocklin Jubilee parade, and our tabling that same day in 105 degree heat was indicative of the kind of resolve this group has. We have more tabling events planned for many of the upcoming festivals. We hope you will stop by and say hello.

Both our purpose and vision are as strong as ever. Across the country and state, as one large development after another changes our habitat (and wildlife habitat) into endless roads and rooftops, as traffic and air pollution problems increase, the importance of saving Clover Valley for what it is as well as to avoid environmental destruction becomes more obvious.

Saving Clover Valley for Children

New information focusing on the crucial relationship between childhood development and nature is finally receiving the attention it deserves. In Richard Louv's acclaimed book, LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS (Algonquin Press), as well as his recent article in Sierra (July/August 2006), "Leave No Child Inside," the importance of children's interaction with the natural world is proven. In addition to the plethora of health risks attributed to kids spending so much more time indoors, "… by not getting outdoors … kids are missing out on the enormously positive impact of direct natural experience on their cognitive development, creativity, and emotional health."

One study revealed a significant reduction in the symptoms of attention deficit disorder for kids who engage in nature. Other studies indicate a direct correlation between play in natural settings with more cooperation, creativity, and improved scores on standardized tests.

Our vision of Clover Valley as a preserve, an interpretive center, with educational kiosks, wildlife viewing stations, living museum, non-invasive trails, and so much more could provide a wonderful outdoor classroom for the multitude of schools in the region. All it takes is will, vision, and a determined populace to make it happen. As Louv says, "It's up to us …. Just as the light can go out in children's eyes, it can quickly come back on again."

Primary Elections

With the well-publicized primary elections behind us, we saw many candidates reaffirming the benefits of saving Clover Valley. As a non profit we do not engage in politics; however, we do appreciate all candidates whose platforms include the saving of Clover Valley.

Can Clover Valley Be Saved?

Yes, it can, but not without community support. This campaign demands constant vigilance and effort, the likes of which would be impossible for one group to achieve-which is why we need your help.

We must engage professionals to deal with the biological, administrative, legal research and studies that will help save Clover Valley. Even with reduced rates, their fees, plus the mandatory administrative expenses required by public agencies to review documents, is costing tens of thousands of dollars. We are donating our time and resources, but more is needed. Let us be direct in asking: Please help us save Clover Valley by donating as generously as you can. Remember, your donations are tax deductible.

Imagine This:

A family arrives in Rocklin via the new train station to visit downtown historical areas and a pristine 622-acre preserve where children are introduced to nature and pre-historic Native American life.

They visit sites, eat in local restaurants, stay over night in new hotels, and take the shuttle to Clover Valley.

They spend the day walking the valley's footpaths, listening to docents describe early Native American residents of Rocklin (how they built their homes, cooked, made clothing and conducted trade), and learning about the wildlife and biology of the valley. They observe salmon and steelhead during migration in Clover Valley Creek; they rent bicycles and picnic under ancient oaks or on scenic ridges, imagining that they are the people who lived there thousands of years before.

Imagine schools from around the state conducting field trips to Rocklin to educate students about one of the State's most unique sites with over 7,000 years of untouched history. After paying an entrance fee, a docent takes the group through the Native American Interpretive Center, along paths to grinding stones, wetlands, dwellings and a living history museum. After the tour, the children shop for souvenirs of their Rocklin historical experience.

Clover Valley should be considered the greatest asset in the redevelopment of downtown Rocklin and a tourist destination for the region. Can you imagine this? [Inspired by letter to editor, Lisa Loebs, PLACER HERALD, June 22, 2006]

We Need Your Help

"What?" you may be asking, "I just contributed; why are they asking again?" To raise the funds for necessary environmental studies and other critical activities, we need continued monetary support. We are making great progress and are so appreciative of your help; now we ask you to give us names and addresses of family and friends. Do you know other generous folks who you believe might be sympathetic to our cause and be willing to donate to help us save this one-of-a-kind valley?

Please send (mail, call, or email) the names and addresses of people who care and might be willing to contribute to this worthy cause. Our contact information is to the right. Or, we can send you additional newsletters to mail directly to your friends and family.

A Suggestion:

Can't decide on a gift for that dear one who has everything? Please consider a donation in lieu of a gift; acknowledgement will be by letter and special announcement in our next newsletter.

When you donate, in addition to being tax deductible, please remember that there is no paid staff, so 100% of your donation goes toward saving Clover Valley.

In Memory

We gratefully acknowledge recent donations in memory of James W. Volk, Wisconsin's Youngest Eagle Scout in 1927, who passed his love of the woods to his children.

Help Wanted

Individual(s) willing to organize a rummage sale, with proceeds to benefit Clover Valley Foundation and Save Clover Valley Coalition. We provide volunteers on day of sale. See contact information below.

Please send your tax-deductible donations to:

Clover Valley Foundation
P.O. Box 713
Loomis, CA 95650

To donate to "Save Clover Valley," please send your donations to 3031 Stanford Ranch Road, Ste 2-201, Rocklin, CA 95765-5537.

Any amount, large or small, is welcome. Questions, ideas, suggestions? Please email email@clovervalleyfoundation.org or call (916) 652-7005.