Hello, again
We hope that you are well.
We’d like to share some news about Martha.
And there is this matter of May.
There is important news to share with you about the acquisition of the Martha property.
Let’s begin with a brief review of where things stand: with Measure M and previous bond proceeds, commitments from Marin County and the Town of Tiburon, and $4.3 million raised from private foundations and individuals, Tiburon Open Space (TOS) and Trust for Public Land (TPL) are closing in on the $42.1 million needed to buy Martha. They are working now to leverage this strong showing of local support - 80% of funds in hand or pledged - to secure significant additional public funding from state conservation agencies. It’s stunning, really. This is a great achievement and moves us so close to keeping Martha open, forever.
But we have more work to do. The goal is within sight but we very much need your help to reach it.
There is this matter of May. That’s our deadline to lock in all of the funding for Martha. That's less than 100 days to get this done: we must still secure at least $1 million in additional private philanthropy to complete the transaction.
Are you able to help us do that? Do you know someone, or some entity like a foundation or family office, that can consequentially impact the acquisition of this irreplaceable landscape? How might we help you do that? Want to know more about Martha? Click here for a link to an insightful piece that TPL has prepared. Help set up a conversation or walk on the land with Jerry or our friends at the Trust for Public Land. Share this newsletter! Tiburon Open Space holds a fund at the Marin Community Foundation where tax-exempt donations are accepted here. We need you.
Oh, one last thing. When you are out this week, may we suggest that you stop, take a breath… and have a long look up at Martha... at the ridge above Tiburon... at that wonderfully open space. She has been soaking up rain and is returning it in lush, green, nearly spring splendor; there is rainwater to hear as it trickles down gullies. Right in front of our eyes, she is providing for deer feasting, birds preparing nests for new families, and she is providing sustenance to red-legged frogs, falcons, her rare grasses and flowers; and, yes, she is preparing her trails that await grateful footfalls. You will be looking up at a forever gift sitting right there. You will be looking up at our majestic neighbor.
A forever open Martha is the goal that is, literally, within our sight. Let’s please not take one thing about her presence for granted. Help if you can. Or help us find someone who can.
As ever, thank you for your time and thoughtfulness.
Tiburon Open Space
Contact Jerry Riessen, TOS at j.riessen@comcast.net
Trust for Public Land
Contact Erica Williams, TPL at erica.williams@tpl.org