Aren Scardaci has spent many hours observing wildlife and dedicating his volunteer efforts while out at the Cache Creek Nature Preserve. He recognizes its presence as a valuable gift to society.
Cache Creek Storytellers
Ann Scheuring was a commissioner on the Yolo County Planning Commission during the time that the gravel mining plan was being developed. In an interview conducted several years later, Scheuring reflected on the cooperation that went into managing Cache Creek and shared her ideas on how to embrace a greater scope of people and ecosystems.
Working for years on a mercury monitoring project in the beautiful Cache Creek has well acquainted Darell Slotton with both the ecological and mercury concerns resulting from extensive gravel mining in the area. As a mercury researcher, community member, and friend to the creek, Slotton is deeply concerned for both human and environmental health. Ultimately, he envisions more habitat restoration, namely wetlands, coupled with mercury mitigation strategies along Cache Creek.
Tom Stallard has been a member of the Yolo County community since his days as County Supervisor. He is dedicated to forging trusting alliances between Yolo residents, industry members, and the land itself.
Mary Stephens Dewall comes from a family lineage that herded sheep along the Cache Creek during the turn of the 20th century. Her first job was sheep herding as a kid for 50 cents an hour and she looks back on the creek with fond nostalgia.
To this day, she finds peace and solace while visiting the Cache Creek Nature Preserve.
John Sterling is an independent wildlife biologist whose clients include The Nature Conservancy, The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, Audubon Canyon Ranch, Kern Water Bank, and the California Rice Commission. His activities include leading international tours, wildlife photography, teaching classes on bird identification, surveying birds, and writing environmental reports. His website is www.sterlingbirds.com.
Max Stevenson works at the local irrigation district and manages much of the water that irrigates the crops in Yolo County. Cache Creek not only supplies this area with irrigation water but is directly linked to your drinking water. Mr. Stevenson makes sure everything works smoothly so you don’t have to worry.
Rob Thayer is a retired Professor of Landscape Architecture at UC Davis. He served on the Board of Directors of the Cache Creek Conservancy from 1999 to 2005.
Fred Vanderwold is the education specialist for the Cache Creek Conservancy, a member of the Board of Directors, and currently serves as the treasurer. In an interview, Vanderwold explains his role in the education programs run at the Cache Creek Nature Preserve. His experience with the children that he teaches gives insight into the educational value of the Cache Creek Nature Preserve.
Gil Walker was an environmental activist in the “gravel wars” in which a group of local residents fought back against the destructive mining practices of Cache Creek. Gil became involved with the Friends of Cache Creek and found ways to help try and preserve Cache Creek by regulating the gravel mining practices.