Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/551480
replenish and restore lands through grazing. "Livestock grazing had been stopped for 10 years and grasslands were threatened by weeds," Fischer says. "This is an important pilot program for California. We're bringing a lot of science to it, with botanists actively studying the grasses and how the animals nourish and help keep it healthy." One result is that baby tiger salamanders have recently been seen for the first time in nearly a decade. Another critter the Conservancy has its eyes on is the Tricolor Blackbird. "We're not sure why, but 90 percent have disappeared from California in the last six years," Fischer says. "We're in real jeopardy of losing this species. They're kind of the 'canary in the coal mine' for those who study grasslands." These blackbirds have been spotted returning to the restored Conservancy grass- lands, moving in with nesting materials. The Essentials of Life Water has always been a key concern at the Preserve. "One of our most important concerns was to avoid complicating the water issues of the Monterey Peninsula," says Community Services District General Manager Forrest Arthur. "What you see as conservation measures today we've been doing since day one, such as requiring low usage plumbing, drought tolerant landscaping, car washing restrictions and the like." In 2014, the Preserve saved 40 million gallons of water use. The lion's share of that savings was (Left) Built in the 1920s, the Hacienda is a social hub of the Preserve community. (Below) Membership in the Preserve Golf Club is open to the general public. The Tom Fazio-designed course incorporates a water-capturing system and drought-resist- ant groundskeeping techniques. Photo: Larry Lambrecht Photo: Joann Dost 128 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 5