HUNTINGTON BEACH : Conservancy Seeks Gifts to Buy Gear

The Bolsa Chica Conservancy, a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to wetlands research and education, announced a drive Tuesday to raise $2,000 to purchase scientific-testing equipment.

Phil Smith, administrative coordinator of the conservancy, said the drive has been launched with a $500 “challenge grant” from Rainbow Disposal of Huntington Beach. The company is asking other businesses to donate the remaining $1,500, Smith said.

Volunteers working for Bolsa Chica Conservancy have collected and recorded data on water quality and wildlife for the past two years at the state’s Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve on Pacific Coast Highway, near Warner Avenue.

“All of the conservancy’s equipment is used or borrowed,” Smith said. “With the $2,000, the conservancy will acquire an oxygen meter, which is critical for collection of scientifically valid data, and a pH/temperature probe to replace the old one, which has broken beyond repair.”

The research director of the conservancy, Louann Murray, has presented results of the monitoring program at scientific meetings and supervises graduate students who are working on wetland-research projects.

“We need this equipment to produce accurate data,” Murray said. “We are thrilled by Rainbow’s generosity and hope that others will rise to the challenge.”

Ron Shenkman, marketing director for Rainbow Disposal, said: “We like to participate in educational and environmental projects, and this project meets both of our criteria. We’re glad to help. We hope that this challenge gift will stimulate other businesses to donate to this worthy cause.”

Smith said those interested in contributing to the drive could contact him at the conservancy office at (714) 960-0262.