Volcan Mountain Foundation

Sunday, October 13, 2013 marked 25 years in the Volcan Mountain Foundation’s efforts to conserve and protect Julian’s backyard treasure, Volcan Mountain!  To celebrate, VMF hosted it’s first-ever Founders’ Day Celebration in the viewshed of Volcan Mountain at Menghini Winery.  The entire community was invited for the free event with music, historical speaker presentations, art, nature crafts, local food, beverage, and cake!

Mother Nature graced the celebration with a beautiful fall Julian day full of sunshine, light breezes, fall color and apples!  Local musicians, Haywire (Kathleen Beck, Jeff Holt, Jim Lydick, Maril Parker, and John Raifsnider), got the day started with a variety of folk and nature-inspired tunes.  Founding Board President, Peter Bergstrom (of what was originally the Volcan Mountain Preserve Foundation), along with long-time supporter, Ken Wright, and 17-year Past-President, Greg Schuett, reflected on the early days of the volunteers and supporters that worked toward the cooperative arrangement that was formed with the County of San Diego Department of Parks & Recreation, and the seller of the property that would become the start of the County’s Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve.  The look back brought a few nostalgic tears of happiness at the win-win-win situation for which so many people worked so passionately.

The (supremely talented) Human Jukebox, Glenn Smith, kicked the party back into gear with his amazingly varied repertoire, followed by a look at the accomplishments, current projects and the future of the Volcan Mountain Foundations’ continued work, presented by VMF Board President, Michael Pinto, Ph.D. and Executive Director, Colleen Bradley.  VMF’s 2013 Guardian Award was presented to local residents, and entrepreneurs with Julian Hard Cider and Apple Lane Orchard, Keith & Priscilla Webb, for their significant support of VMF’s Education-Outreach program and the Volcan Mountain Nature Center.  Dr. Pinto & Ms. Bradley were honored to be able to express the gratitude of the Volcan Mountain Foundation for the contributions of supporters like the Webbs, and the countless other contributors and volunteers that have helped bring VMF through its first quarter century.

While the rarely-heard Volcan Mountain Boys (Lenny Boles, Harry Joe Reynolds and Ken Wright) treated guests to a special command-performance of their fabulous bluegrass tunes, the much anticipated cakes, so beautifully crafted by Chef Charles Scott at the Candied Apple Pastry Company, were cut and served to guests that had already been enjoying picnic fare purchased to support Julian CERT, as well as the local art and craftwares of John Raifsnider, Bettie Rikansrud, and the Grant Family/Cedar Creek Teas & Honey.
The old-time stylings of the Volcan Mountain Boys were a perfect lead-in for long-time local rancher Willie Tellam and his wife, Eileen, to reminisce about the early decades of Julian ranching on and around Volcan Mountain by the families that have been such able stewards of Volcan Mountain and the backcountry for generations.  Ed Huffman, President of the Julian Historical Society, shared his extensive research on how Volcan Mountain may have gotten its name.  His presentation reflected on even earlier area history of the local Native American peoples—the first stewards of the land—and the eventual creation of Spanish/Mexican ranchos and settlement by European immigrants.

As afternoon breezes started to pick up, and the sun was getting lower in the sky, guests were presented with a final special musical treat.  Paul Cruz & Jason Postelnek of local favorite, Grand Canyon Sundown, shared their impeccable musicianship and well-tuned harmonies to close out an amazing day of celebration.  Many thanks go out to Toni & Mike Menghini for hosting the event, Julian CERT for their tremendous support, and all the musicians, artists, volunteers, vendors and guests that joined in the celebration, and helped make it a really special day.

The Volcan Mountain Foundation is looking forward to the next quarter century as ambassadors to respectfully and sensitively introducing visitors of all ages to the secrets of Volcan Mountain, and to why this natural treasure needs to be protected.  Mark your calendars for VMF’s annual Dinner Dance fundraiser on Sunday, March 30th, 2014.  If you’re interested in learning more, please visit www.VolcanMt.org for updates and more information.