The Pickett Fire destroyed the Darby Lodge and the Olive Tree house at the Cleary Reserve. These structures, built in 1940 and 1920, were our cabins used for environmental education and were used as bunk houses, storage for our equipment, a place for scientific specimens, study, and a place to cook (we had a kitchen). The fire also burned our entire water system (tanks, water line, etc.).
The Cleary Reserve was established in 1963 and is managed by the Biological Field Studies Association. Our goal is to maintain the site for environmental education and scientific study—the mission given to us by the original owner of the site, Ernest Cleary. The site is regularly used by Pacific Union College, University of the Pacific, California State University East Bay (formerly Hayward), and local groups and schools.
- The current challenge is the Napa County will require us to clean up the site, including removing the stone walls and concrete floor. Our current funds are depleted from the cleanup for the Glass Fire (burned the site in 2020). Neither fire was our fault, but we are exceedingly challenged financially by these fires, not to mention the loss of our facilities.
The Biological Field Studies Association was Established after Ernest Cleary donated the land for a preserve. From the donation the Biological Field Studies Association (BFSA) was born. The BFSA is registered with the State of California as a State registered charity and the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)3. We are a small organization that works entirely on volunteers.
Any funds acquired will be used for clean-up of the site (removal of rock walls, metal roofs, asbestos material, and foundation). Remaining funds will be used to replace the water tanks, water line; and still remaining funds will be used to support a rebuild that will be dependent upon funds available.
Organizer
Jeff Alvarez
Organizer
Sacramento, CA