Biodiversity--in Summary

Biodiversity in San Luis Rey Watershed is rich and plentiful.  The multiple micro-climates have created many habitats for a large number of plants and animals.  However, the watershed is being invaded with invasive plants and trees.  They are difficult, and expensive, to eradicate as they are fast growing and have adjusted quickly to the environment.  The animals are also struggling due to the housing developments and other urban growth taking over their natural habitats.  

The most critical problem facing this watershed is the shortage of freshwater.  It is being drained faster than it can be replenished.  Water is being shipped from the Colorado River and this water shortage affects all aspects of life in general.  Fortunately there are many non-profit organizations in the watershed that are working hard to disseminate and educate the public on water conservation.  I think the more we understand the importance of water, the better likelihood of us in sustaining the current biodiversity.

 Alternatives to Starting a Non-Profit Organization

If you are looking to participate in conservation efforts and starting a non-profit is too big of a commitment, then here are five alternatives to starting a non-profit.

1. Volunteer for a program

Committed volunteers are always in high demand, and if you are prepared to be a good volunteer, you can make a tremendous difference, while broadening your knowledge of nonprofits and other skills. Even if you can’t find an organization that exactly matches your passion, volunteering will give you a wealth of behind-the-scenes knowledge to running your own.

2. Raise funds for a program

Any nonprofit would be thrilled to have a high-quality event set up and run for them, as events take a lot of time and energy. This frees up the organization to focus on their mission.

3. Develop a business to benefit a cause

You don’t have to set up a nonprofit organization to be charitable. Setting up a for-profit business to make money with your skills might be a great option. Starting a business is much simpler than starting a nonprofit and gives you a lot more flexibility. You can promote your donations as part of your sales pitch.

4. Fiscal Sponsor

Once you have nonprofit experience but haven’t found an existing program providing the services you see a need for in the community, you can take the step of finding a fiscal sponsor. A fiscal sponsor allows you to use their 501(c)(3) status, agreeing to oversee your work and ensure it is a well-run project. Your first step is to find an organization that closely aligns with your mission. When you go to talk to them, you’ll need to be prepared to explain how your new project will benefit their existing organization. Expect to answer a lot of questions about your plans, and that the organization will need to charge you a fee to cover the added costs they will have for overseeing your project. It may seem like an extra cost, but in reality, a fiscal sponsor will save you quite a bit of time and money over starting your own organization.

5. Start a chapter or affiliate of a national nonprofit organization

Some organizations have chapters throughout the country, but there might not be one in your state or community yet. The national group will have stipulations about what you can and can’t do, but they also bring huge advantages like already created marketing materials, policies and procedures, and name recognition, so you start out with many people already knowing what you do.

How to Start a Non-Profit Organization in California for Natural Resources Conservation

Starting a California nonprofit isn't that hard to do if you have a sound plan, the right team, and sufficient startup funds. The bad news is that running a successful nonprofit is not easy. You'll need to think through how you will bring value to the public, obtain funds, attract staff and/or volunteers, build a board of directors, and comply with the various laws that regulate nonprofits. 

 1.    Determine the name of the Corporation. A nonprofit is typically formed as a corporation and its name can be a valuable asset. A corporation’s legal name must be registered with the state of California.

 2  Draft and file the Articles of Incorporation. A corporation is legally created with the filing of the Articles of Incorporation. Articles of Incorporation typically identify:

a. The organization’s name;

b. Its purpose or purposes of the non-profit;

c. The agent for service of process -- that is, a person who can receive lawsuits and   other official correspondence and other matters, which can be an individual whose name and address are identified or a corporate agent registered with the California Secretary of State for such purpose;

d. Limitations on the corporation’s operations, consistent with its tax-exempt status;

e. The corporation’s street address and mailing address, if different; and

f.  Appropriate dedication and dissolution clauses.

 3. Appoint the Board of Directors. If the initial directors are not named in the articles of incorporation, the incorporator can and should appoint the board through a written action.

Under California law, a nonprofit board may be composed of as few as one director, but the IRS may take issue with granting recognition of 501(c)(3) status to a nonprofit with only one director. It is commonly recommended that nonprofits have between three and 25 directors.

These directors – board members – should understand their legal duties and responsibilities to act with reasonable care and in the best interests of the organization while providing direction and oversight over the organization’s activities, finances, officers, and legal compliance.

4. Draft the Bylaws and conflict of interest policy. Bylaws should provide guidance to the board and reassurance of sound governance practices to government authorities, funders, and other interested stakeholders. 

 

5. Take the initial board actions at a board meeting or by unanimous written consent of the directors. The board should take the following actions:

(a) Adopt the bylaws and conflict of interest policy;

(b) Set the exact authorized number of directors if the bylaws provide for a range for the size of the board;

(c) Adopt a fiscal year (such as a year ending December 31 or June 30);

(d) Approve establishing a bank account;

(e) Approve applying for federal and state tax-exempt status;

(f) Approve reimbursement of startup expenses (if applicable); and

(g) Approve the compensation of the president (CEO) or the treasurer (CFO) and anyone performing the functions of such officers, like an executive director (if applicable).

6.   Obtain an employer identification number (EIN). An officer or authorized third-party designee may apply for and obtain an EIN online. 

7.   File the initial registration form (Form CT-1) with the California Attorney General’s Registry of Charitable Trusts. The initial registration must be renewed annually, is required for the majority of nonprofit public benefit corporations, and must be filed within 30 days after receipt of assets. The CT-1 Form and Instructions are available online.

8.   File the Statement of Information (Form SI-100) with the Secretary of State. The Statement must initially be filed within 90 days of the date of incorporation. This biennial filing requirement, which identifies the organization’s address, principal officers, and agent for service of process, can be filed online or by mail.

9.   Apply for federal tax exemption with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and receive a determination letter from the IRS. Completing the Form 1023 application for exempt status under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3) may be the most challenging part of the startup process. It is a legally-driven and comprehensive inquiry covering 10 Parts and 8 Schedules.

The filing fee for Form 1023 is currently $600. The filing fee for Form 1023-EZ is $275. Fees are paid online here. 

10.   Apply for California tax exemption with the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) and receive an affirmation of exemption letter from the FTB. Organizations with a 501(c)(3) federal determination letter can request California recognition of tax exemption under California Revenue & Taxation Code section 23701d from the FTB by filing Form 3500A along with a copy of the IRS determination letter.

 Source:

https://calnonprofits.org/resources/starting-a-california-nonprofit

Non-Profit Organization Overview

Background: Mission Resource Conservation District is a non-regulatory unit of local government committed to helping property owners conserve natural resources on their land. The District advises and assists private landowners and public agencies in the conservation and use of soil and interrelated resources including water, plant materials and wildlife.

Dendrology--The Scientific Study of Trees A rich variety of trees can be found in this area due to its micro-climates. However the non-native trees are becoming more invasive and are crowding out local trees. Additionally the fresh water shortage in this area has caused many trees to be cut down, including the avocado trees which in the past had made Fallbrook, CA the Avocado Capital of the World. That distinction is no longer applicable as groves are being cutback due to high water costs.

 Plants Identification Apps Review 

• Free Version: The basic application allows the user ten identifications per day after which the gallery can be explored only. The ads are annoying, frequent, and can be as long as 30 seconds.
• $2.99/month or $19.99/year: Premium version which has No advertisements, Unlimited daily snaps, 24/7 access to botanists, View every photo taken on the map, Access to PlantSnap on the web.

Pros:

• Identify 90% of all known species of plants and trees. 625,000+ plants in its searchable database.
• It is translated into 37 languages!
• Community Tab allows you to upload pictures of your plants and have other gardeners oohs and aahs over them.  It is fun to see all the pictures of uncommon flowers and plants discovered by fellow gardeners.
• Explore Tab allows you to zoom in to areas of interest and Arboretums, Botanical Gardens, Parks and Preserves in that area would appear along with visitors information.

Cons:

• The quality of the camera on your cellphone might make the identification inaccurate due to insufficient light or clarity
• The angle and distance of your pictures might also make identification difficult
• Weak or no cell signal would make this app not usable.

Star Rating:  I would give this a 4 Stars out of 5. I don't seem to take good pictures and the identifications are inaccurate probably 30% of the time.

 Invasive Plants

An abundance of plants can be found in this area due to the varied climates. Unfortunately that also includes an abundance of invasive plants that have made their homes here.  I see them everywhere, particularly the more prevalent ones with millions of seeds such as pampas grass and the pepper tree.