March 2024 Newsletter
Museum Director’s Notes
Debbie Benson
Dear March – Come in, How glad I am, I hoped for you before, Put down your hat, You must have walked, How out of breath you are — Emily Dickenson
As we enter a time of seasonal change, the greening of our hills and the blooming flowers, though somewhat unusual, remind us of the living that has been carrying on all winter. One cannot help but feel that change is now on the move. The early flowers that cannot seem to wait, are giving us the energy to appreciate and enjoy them. I enjoy seeing our gardens come to a greater activity as the lizards spend more days in the sun as the sand and rocks become warmer. The plant life under the care of our garden volunteers, shows us daily how pleasant it is to walk through the paths. The occasional cottontail silent under a creosote and our attendant hummingbird sitting at the very top of a desert willow. The work done by the volunteers is worth so very much and is appreciated by all.
We have work we continue to do, both inside the museum and out, and we appreciate the support and donations from our membership to ensure they happen. We have so many positive irons in the fire right now and it is the membership that makes it happen. We also appreciate the work of the docents and volunteers to put on events to support and encourage families to come visit. This is for our community and its visitors and we are glad to be able to share.
On March 23 at 3 pm we have our Annual Membership meeting. Hope to see you!
Be well, take care, and enjoy the Spring vistas!
Please find our March 2024 Newsletter below
Download the March Newsletter Now
Gene Albitre : Ethnobotany
Ethnobotany
Presented by Gene Albitre on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at 1 pm
On April 7, 2024, Gene Albitre, a retired Native American spiritual leader, will give a presentation on Ethnobotany. Ethnobotany is the study of a region’s plants and their practical uses through the traditional knowledge of local culture and people. What plants were utilized by the Native Americans in this area? Gene will answer this question and others.
Gene grew up on a ranch outside of Bakersfield. Since the age of 14, Gene has worked all aspects of rawhide, using buffalo, elk, deer, and other animal skins. His Native American culture has taught him to work on animals so that nothing would be wasted. He crafts rattles, drums, and cookware, and practices the art of beading. He is a writer and presenter and believes that gaining a better understanding of the past will reflect on our connection with nature and the world at large.
Through his leadership and practice of the arts, Gene helps to preserve the legacy and facilitate connection among the Native American peoples and to educate others on the history and significance of Native American Culture in modern times. He is one of the four Common Ground artists sponsored by the Arts Council of Kern, the Creative Corps, and the California Arts Council.
This presentation is part of our 2024 Wildflower Exhibit.
Kim Schaefer : A Vascular Flora of the Sacatar Trail Wilderness
A Vascular Flora of the Sacatar Trail Wilderness, Southern Sierra Nevada, CA.
Presented by Kim Schaefer on Saturday, April 6 at 2 pm
Kim Schaefer, a master’s student studying Botany at Claremont Graduate University and California Botanic Garden will be giving a presentation on her location of study, the Sacatar Trail Wilderness.
The Sacatar Trail Wilderness (STW), approximately 20 miles northwest of Ridgecrest, CA, occupies a unique ecological transition zone. This part of the southeast Sierra Nevada occurs at the interface of the vast Mojave Desert, Great Basin Floristic Province, and highly diverse California Floristic Province. The 90 mi2 area encompasses a significant elevational gradient from 3,500 to nearly 9,000 feet and supports a diverse array of vegetation communities, from creosote scrub to montane meadows. The STW is a “botanical black hole,” an area with little to no previous documentation of the plants that occur there. The absence of weather stations within the STW makes it difficult to understand the precise microclimates its plants are subject to, especially considering that conditions vary within such a wide elevational range. With more study, this region of the eastern Sierra could potentially serve as a setting for future research on plant migration in response to climate change.
This presentation is part of our 2024 Wildflower Exhibit
February 2024 Newsletter
Museum Director’s Notes
Debbie Benson
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” Helen Keller
There are times I question if February, much like January 2024, will be a bit confusing as to what season it is. After a winter that did not, as of yet, hold us in ice for a time, there are plants that have bloomed and already seeded from the heavy rains last summer. We’re already enjoying waist-high mustard plants that have thick stalks and dark rich leaves. It’s all very interesting but does raise the question of the coming activities of spring growth. We are optimistic about the wildflowers!
Here at the Museum, it is good to see the work done to keep our gardens ready for the coming warmer seasons and many weeds cleared. A great job was done on the last clean-up but the request was made to come to pull weeds when possible or join us on February 2 at 10 am-12 noon to celebrate Groundhog Day and help clear the grounds. Either way, the help is always appreciated!
This is an active time of year when we start planning more outside tours and activities. Please watch our website and check out our events. If planning some outings of your own and would like some ideas on where to go, we have information and books in the Gift Store as well as some great advice. Make sure to have your photo-taking device charged and ready; there is much to see!
March 23 at 3 pm. will be Maturango Museum’s Annual Meeting. We will be meeting in person at the Museum. Next month we will publish more information about this event but we hope to see you there! Thank you for your help and support for these many years and your belief in the importance of what we do and contribute to our community. You make all the difference. We hope you will have a chance to stop by and see.
My best to you all!
Please find our February 2024 Newsletter below
Download the Newsletter Now
January 2024 Newsletter
Museum Director’s Notes
Debbie Benson
“Kindness is the connection that links us all together and strengthens the bonds within our communities, neighborhoods, and families.” Rosalynn Carter
As we leap into 2024 there is that moment of silence when we remember the generosity shown to us. The kindnesses that have helped us through to this day. We open our calendars to see this next year of days. We will fill them with the activities of living with those around us. This year gives us that extra day to fill with care for our family and friends and for ourselves. It may be a walk in the beautiful outdoors or possibly volunteering for something you believe in. It brings up the thought of how to spend that extra 24 hours in 2024. It’s very possible it could be more fun than you think!
Thank you to each person who volunteers for and helps the Museum in any way possible. As a local non-profit who is not supported by any governmental entity, you are the ones to make a difference not only to the Museum but to our community of neighbors.
Happy New Year! Be well, be safe, and take care. Our best to you all!
Please find our January 2024 Newsletter below
Download the Newsletter Now
December 2023 Newsletter
Museum Director’s Notes
Debbie Benson
Traveling for the holidays brings those we care for closer for a time. One of the greatest gifts being the discovery of new adventures. The directions sometimes being as simple as, turn left at the sign and drive until you find peace. The drive itself becomes part of the discovery.
Coming home gives that sense of familiar return and the thought of places one could give a visitor. Directions to exploration, experiences filled with amazement and perhaps unexpected peace.
Our best to you during this final month of 2023. Thank you all for your care. On to a New Year!
Please find our December 2023 Newsletter below
Download the Newsletter Now