Sales of late naturalist's artwork benefit Portola Valley open space

by Nancy Lund

Portola Valley's history of open space protections dates back to the Town's incorporation in 1964. Town residents, landowners, the Peninsula Open Space Trust, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, and Committee for Green Foothills have together preserved some 1900 acres of open space within the Town's boundaries.

The Portola Valley Open Space Acquisition Fund, overseen by the Town Council, plays a key role in the protection of additional open space. The Fund includes monies accrued from a special 2% utility tax, as well as many private donations and the proceeds of the annual town celebration of community and preservation, Blues and Barbecue.

The Fund is now selling high quality reproductions of the wildflower paintings of late, beloved naturalist Herb Dengler, who -- among many other things -- helped found the Portola Valley Conservation Committee. Thanks to the generosity of Bill and Jean Lane, who have underwritten printing costs, sales of the prints directly support both Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve (where Herb created the paintings) and the Portola Valley Open Space Fund, which has already benefitted by several thousand dollars as a result.

Those interested in purchasing a print can view the collection or contact Tor Lund for more information at (650) 851-1072 or thelunds@ix.netcom.com.

CGF members and Portola Valley residents Tor and Nancy Lund are among several people responsible for sharing Herb Dengler's artwork in a way that would make Herb most proud.