Two land preservation examples are Boordy Vineyards in Maryland, which donated a 240 acre conservation easement to the Maryland Environmental Trust, and Jayson Pahlmeyer of Pahlmeyer Winery, who donated 57 acres of his Napa Valley vineyard to the Land Trust of Napa County, California. Given the unique nature of vineyard land, some landowners are placing conservation easements specific to agriculture on their land, to ensure the land can be used for growing by future generations. The donor may get tax benefits, but comments from vintners indicate that their prime motivations are environmental preservation and protection from development. This urbanized region is host to one of the richest varieties of amphibians and reptiles in the U.S., and includes several species protected by state and federal laws. The field guide's species inventory has color photos, scientific and common names, size and distinguishing characters, information on juveniles and differences in sexes, and additional notes.
Visitors can click on links to compare species that are similar in appearance.
The field guide also contains links for lists of the species, a quick index, illustrations of tadpoles and technical terminology. Introduced species are included in the field guide if they are widespread and have self sustaining natural populations. It was amazing. Last September, volunteers from the University of Puget Sound, Pacific Lutheran University and staff members of the Pierce County Emergency Management Department worked with FEMA hazard mitigation officials to make sure the daycare center was safe in the event of an earthquake. Mitigation measures included bolting cribs to the walls and strapping water heaters, television sets and computers in place.