2021-22 Annual Report

2021–22

Annual Report

Mission

California State Parks Foundation is an independent, membersupported nonprofit dedicated to protecting and preserving the California state park system, for the benefit of all.

California’s state parks comprise the largest and most diverse natural and cultural heritage holdings of any state in the nation. They include beaches, underwater refuges, native Californian cultural preserves, museums, lighthouses, ghost towns, recreation areas, and wilderness areas. State parks’ peaks, deserts, redwoods, and coastlines are some of the most immediately recognizable natural features in the world. For 52 years, California State Parks Foundation has been the leading statewide voice in advocating for a sustainably funded state park system, making parks accessible for all, and enduring park protection.

The organization was founded in 1969 by William Penn Mott, Jr., to be a partner to the California Department of Parks and Recreation in protecting and preserving the California state park system. As director of California State Parks, William Penn Mott, Jr., rallied a core group of friends and park supporters to form California State Parks Foundation. With Director Mott, this group believed that parks needed an independent nonprofit partner to help engage a broader audience of park supporters, access and inspire philanthropy, and better serve more diverse communities. They committed to improving the quality of life for all Californians by expanding access to the natural beauty, rich culture and history, and educational and health opportunities offered by California’s state parks.

Early in its history, California State Parks Foundation helped grow the system by acquiring land for the state, thereby preserving these treasures for generations to come. As California’s state parks were in a period of rapid growth, we were a leader and partner in safeguarding our state’s natural and historical resources.

As the new millennium approached, the California state park system began to show its age with crumbling infrastructure and mounting deferred maintenance. It was also increasingly apparent that many Californians did not have access to their state parks and all the health and wellness benefits they provide. State parks were suffering from the state’s boom-and-bust budget cycle and were a target for development and other threats. California State Parks Foundation needed to increase its advocacy and presence in Sacramento to defend the state park system in the capitol.

Over the course of its first 52 years, the organization built a dedicated community of over 70,000 members and raised more than $300 million to benefit state parks. Today, California has the largest and most biologically diverse state park system in the nation, with 279 park units that are vitally important to the well-being of our state’s environment, economy, and quality of life. California State Parks Foundation continues to fight for our state parks wherever and whenever they need us.

“Parks need a strong constituency to flourish, one that mirrors the true size and diversity of the population that uses them. As the world becomes more crowded, that constituency will become more important.”

WILLIAM PENN MOTT, JR., FOUNDER OF CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS FOUNDATION

California state parks have something for every visitor. We saw that more than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Californians across the state used — and enjoyed — their parks. It was inspiring to see so many first-time park users hiking, camping, birding, or choosing their own adventure. That is what California State Parks Foundation is here for now, as it has been for over 50 years.

We are working every day to ensure visitors forge a lifelong connection to state parks. This means creating a positive and meaningful experience that makes parkgoers want to come back time and time again. That is why we are especially proud of the California State Library Parks Pass that was launched this year. Forged in partnership with California State Parks and the California State Library, it allows library patrons to check out a free vehicle day-use pass for over 200 state parks. California State Parks Foundation was honored to work with California’s First Partner, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, to advocate for Senate Bill 129 and secure funding for this and other innovative pilot programs to increase access to California state parks. After checking out the pass, 44% will visit parks 7+ times per year and 35% for 3-6 times. This is success, and it inspires us to continue to work on new and creative ways to give people transformational experiences in parks.

Over the past year, we have worked to support California State Parks, park partners, and legislators as we continue to build a movement for parks. We have worked to make state parks more climate resilient, protect wildlife and nature, increase equitable access, improve park visitor experiences, honor the history and culture in and around our parks, and ensure parks have the funding they need. We are approaching all of this work with our justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity commitments, which have been infused into every part of the organization.

We are deeply grateful for our board of trustees, staff, and volunteer core leaders, who are committed to the organization and continuously show their passion for parks. In the past year, we have been able to grow out of the COVID-19 pandemic stronger and more adaptable only because of the dedicated champions in our community.

None of this would be possible without the members, donors, conscientious companies, and foundations that give to our work, making parks better places for Californians and visitors’ mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Thank you for your collaboration with and devotion to California State Parks Foundation and our mission to protect and preserve the California state park system for the benefit of all.

Rachel Norton Birt Johnson, Jr. Executive Director Board Chair

California Quail Leo Carrillo State Park

WHAT WE DO: Climate Resiliency

We are building climate-resilient parks and communities so that California state parks can adapt to the impacts of climate change and remain protected and preserved for all Californians.

Climate change and loss of biodiversity pose an existential threat to California’s environment, habitats, wildlife, and people — and are affecting natural landscapes, from ecosystems down to the level of individual species. The evidence is clear: climate change is having detrimental impacts on California’s people and places. As we support California state parks, we help mitigate the impacts of sea-level rise, wildfires, invasive species, drought, and other climate threats.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

WILDFIRES INITIATIVE SEA-LEVEL RISE INITIATIVE

In recent years, Californians have experienced the worst wildfires on record. The 2020 California wildfire season was characterized by a record-setting year of wildfires that burned across the state of California, as measured during the modern era of wildfire management and record keeping.

Through our Wildfires initiative, we are supporting models and approaches that land managers and state parks are using to prepare for wildfires. This initiative — combined with knowledge of how these models work within specific habitat, environmental, and human conditions — is how California state parks and California State Parks Foundation are making parks more wildfire resilient.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Jen Toy – Test Plot

Rio de Los Angeles State Park, Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

This program establishes longer-term, care-based relationships between local communities and the public lands they engage with by providing an opportunity for deeper engagement with urban parks, which are often under-resourced and in need of care and attention but are also a key aspect to building climate resiliency in urban areas. To view a video on this project, visit calparks.org/testplot.

Nature Nexus Institute

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

This program supports a climate-resilient park system by increasing carbon sequestration, geological stability, native plant and wildlife biodiversity, and aesthetic values through the introduction of diverse species and careful placement of vegetation to enhance the visitor experience and reduce fire risk. To view a video on this project, visit calparks.org/naturenexus.

Our climate is changing, causing warming oceans and melting ice sheets and leading to a global sea-level rise of 3.4 mm per year. By the year 2100, California is projected to experience 1-7 feet of sea-level rise, depending on future rates of global carbon emissions.

For our cherished state parks, modeling indicates that 5 feet of sea-level rise and a 100-year storm would result in the inundation of 593 structures, 150 acres of parking lots, 93 campgrounds and day-use areas, and 65 miles of access roads. This is in addition to potential immense damage to underground infrastructure, bluff erosion, and archaeological losses. It is clear: sea-level rise may be disastrous to California coastal parks if no further action is taken to plan, prepare, and respond to this emerging threat.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Groundswell Coastal Ecology

Coastal State Parks and State Beaches in Northern Monterey Bay and the Central and Southern Santa Cruz Districts

The Monterey Bay Living Shorelines Program is helping build resilient coastal state parks and beaches in the Monterey and Santa Cruz districts by creating a prioritized set of living shorelines projects. This program is designed to protect and enhance state park facilities, infrastructure, access ways, and natural resources. To view a video on this project, visit calparks.org/groundswell.

Yosemite Slough Restoration Project Phase 2A

For the past 20 years, California State Parks Foundation has been deeply committed to restoring the Yosemite Slough portion of Candlestick Point State Recreation Area and opening it to the community for public access, education, and improvement of community health. We have completed Phase 2A, which included installation of native plants along the edge of the tidal marsh. To read more about this project, visit calparks.org/yosemiteslough.

WHAT WE DO: Protecting Wildlife and Nature

We are stewarding native habitats so that wildlife and plants in California state parks are protected and preserved for future generations.

California is one of the world’s 25 biological hot spots, with a representation of great biodiversity that is subject to incredible threats. The unique geography, climate, geologic history, and size of the state support a multitude of habitats and a staggering array of species. In fact, some 40 of California’s 770 native wildlife species and approximately 2,100 of its 6,300 plant species are found nowhere else in the world.

WESTERN MONARCH BUTTERFLY INITIATIVE

The western monarch is arguably one of the most recognizable butterflies in California. Hundreds of thousands of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) rely on the forested groves of the Pacific Coast stretching from Mendocino County, California, to Baja California, Mexico, to overwinter. In the 1980s, an estimated 4.5 million butterflies migrated to the coast annually. However, by the mid-2010s, the population declined to 200-300 thousand butterflies. And in both 2018 and 2019, volunteers counted under 30,000 monarchs less than 1% of the population’s historic size. In 2020, volunteers counted less than 2,000 monarchs that’s less than 0.01% of the historic size. While the 2021 count was overwhelmingly positive, the population has still plummeted from historic numbers.

Through our Western Monarch Butterfly initiative, we been working with California state parks and other partners to restore monarch habitat in state parks, which are home to key overwintering sites and located along important migratory routes.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Volunteer monarch workdays

Natural Bridges State Beach, Lighthouse Field State Beach

We hosted four successful volunteer workdays to protect wildlife and nature. We had 137 volunteers show their support to overwintering monarch butterflies by removing 600 square feet of invasive species and planting 3,519 native plants. This critical work provides food and habitat for the western monarch butterfly population. To view a video on this project, visit calparks.org/monarchvolunteers.

VIEW

Monarch conservation grants

Pismo State Beach, Natural Bridges State Beach, Lighthouse Field State Beach, San Simeon State Park

This grant round provided funding in parks to restore habitat, improve migration corridors, and engage the public in stewardship so future generations can experience the wonder and mystery of monarchs for many years to come.

WHAT WE DO: Equitable Access

We are reducing barriers and expanding access to parks so that all Californians have equitable access to the positive impact parks have on health, happiness, and quality of life.

While California state parks are public spaces, that doesn’t mean everyone has access to them. In fact, due to barriers like lack of transportation, cost of visiting, and lack of awareness of parks or the activities they offer, many Californians can’t or don’t access their state parks.

PATHWAYS TO PARKS INITIATIVE

We believe that equitable access to the benefits state parks provide is a right for all Californians. Additionally, the future of our unparalleled state parks system is at risk. We know that our state parks are only as strong as the people who care for them and protect them from real and potential threats. Current state park visitors are incredible champions today, but we must work to ensure that we foster tomorrow’s champions by increasing state park access.

Through our Pathways to Parks initiative, we are introducing and advocating for solutions that increase equitable access to the outdoors, supporting California State Parks’ Outdoors for All initiative.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

State Parks Library Pass Program

We advocated for the creation of and additional funding for this program. We are currently working with California State Parks to add value when cardholders check out the pass and visit a park, in addition to assessing the program for long-term funding.

Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park

The program will create a “pilot project” that will result in eight twice-monthly special “senior days” being held at the park over a four-month period in the spring of 2023. Seniors will be bused at no cost from Lake County senior centers to spend a day at the park.

Redwood Parks Conservancy

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Redwood National and State Parks

This program will remove barriers keeping people from experiencing their neighboring redwood parks, especially for Latino and Indigenous residents living close to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and the other Redwood National and State Parks. With input from local partners, this program will build inclusive interpretive programming that is culturally relevant for targeted audiences.

Friends of Trione-Annadel Annadel State Park

The addition of an all-terrain wheelchair will provide transportation that will open up access to the multi-use trails at no cost, which will reduce barriers and expand access to Trione-Annadel State Park so that more park visitors with limited mobility have equitable access to the park.

WHAT WE DO: Park Experiences

We are improving parks and innovating programs so that state park visitors have meaningful and relevant experiences while at their parks, leading to a lifelong connection.

To spark a desire to return and keep exploring, visitors must forge a lifelong connection to parks. That first experience must be positive and meaningful. The signage should be clear; the interpreter leading the tour should be welcoming and knowledgeable; the trail should be navigable; the restrooms should be clean; and the vistas, habitats, and natural beauty should be unspoiled.

China Camp State Park

TRAILS FOR ALL INITIATIVE

We believe that the enjoyment of California state parks should be for everyone — and that includes having trails that are of high quality and accessible to all kinds of visitors.

Although many trails are present in parks, they may not be safe or accessible for all. Hitting the trail is also a chance to have a dynamic experience that allows for deeper understanding of a park, and all Californians deserve that opportunity.

Through our Trails for All initiative, we are working to improve trails in both urban and rural settings for people of all ages, interests, skills, and physical abilities. This initiative promotes the enjoyment and appreciation of trails while also encouraging greater public access.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Volunteers provide trail restoration and maintenance China Camp State Park

Five volunteer workdays at China Camp State Park focused on trail restoration and maintenance. In total, we improved 4.75 miles of trails at this site. Volunteers restored the trail width, improved water drainage, and cut back overgrown vegetation to improve visibility on blind curves.

Redwood Trails Alliance

Trione-Annadel State Park

This project addresses the significant challenge of improving park trails by coordinating available resources. Improving trails in this park is vital for visitors to maintain access to the interiors of the park whether they are a hiker, runner, mountain biker, or equestrian.

Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Butano State Park, and Año Nuevo State Park

The fire recovery work will create safe trails for visitors to experience the park and enjoy. Additionally, once these parks are fully reopened, they will provide lasting benefits to local visitors from San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara counties as well as visitors traveling to experience the health and wellness benefits of these parks.

Napa Valley State Parks Association Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

The 2020 Glass Fire caused significant damage, including the loss of the Southfork Trail wooden bridge in a section of the park that had devastating fire damage. This project will rebuild the damaged bridge, which connects the Richey Trail and the Coyote Peak Trail, allowing access to a popular loop trail within the park.

To read more about these grants, visit calparks.org/trailgrants.

READ

To read more about our trail work, visit calparks.org/trails. READ

WHAT WE DO: Honoring History and Culture

We are preserving and honoring sites, artifacts, stories, and ideas that represent and reveal the wisdom, contributions, and experiences of everyone who has called California home.

The stories of California are woven into the fabric of each of our 279 California state parks, with 52 specifically established as state historic parks. These are destinations for students and visitors who want to have a firsthand experience with the history of our state and with the cultures that have made California their home in the past as well those doing so today. With influences from everyone from native Californians to recent immigrants, different cultures bring a wealth of wisdom and connection to the land. Our state parks bring our complex history and important figures from our past to life.

Russian Gulch State Park

SUPPORTING STATE PARKS

We are encouraged by the work that California State Parks has begun through its Reexamining Our Past initiative to review contested park names, interpretation of history, and more. While there is still a lot of work to be done, we have been thrilled to partner with California State Parks on important recent actions to center and amplify the stories of Indigenous peoples.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Challenging Colonialism in California Podcast State Parks Throughout California

This podcast provides education and information to help park visitors better understand California’s extensive colonial history and the hidden and overlooked histories and stories of Indigenous Californians. To listen to this podcast, visit calparks.org/challengingcolonialism.

LISTEN

Friends of Sutter’s Fort

Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park

Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is currently undergoing fundamental changes in order to tell a more inclusive historical narrative in consultation with Indigenous peoples. As a result of this comprehensive overhaul of the interpretive programs at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, more than 100,000 visitors each year will experience a more inclusive and historically accurate interpretive experience. These visitors include students from Title 1 schools for overnight and daylong programs.

MendoParks

Mendocino Headlands State Park, Jug Handle State Nature Reserve, Van Damme State Park, Russian Gulch State Park, Navarro River Redwoods State Park

In this project, MendoParks and California State Parks are working directly with local Indigenous tribes to tell the story of the parks. The relationships built through this project seed future projects to further honor the stories that represent and reveal the wisdom, contributions, and experiences of the Indigenous people who have called California home since time immemorial. Through consultation with local tribes, MendoParks will create content for brochures and identify pro-Indigenous projects and programs within the parks. To learn more about this project, visit calparks.org/mendoparks.

Honoring the First People, the Kumeyaay

Borderfield State Park, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

We sponsored and attended Old Town San Diego State Historic Park’s opening ceremony for the new Iipay~Tipai Kumeyaay Mut Niihepok, or Land of the First People, and Border Field State Park’s 50th anniversary, which featured a special event on Monument Mesa — a part of the park that is right along the border between the United States and Mexico. The 50th-anniversary event was also the launch of the Divided Together podcast, sponsored in part by California State Parks Foundation. The vision for this project came from Kumeyaay consultation as well as public input at meetings to capture the community’s vision for the Border Educational Plaza. To learn more about this event and view a video, visit calparks.org/kumeyaay.

READ VIEW

WHAT WE DO: Park Funding

We are advocating so that California state parks have the necessary funding to reach their full potential.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen Californians use their parks more than ever before, flocking to these outdoor refuges for peace and happiness during a time of extreme stress. However, with increased park usage comes a greater need for park staffing, visitor services, resource management, cultural preservation, historic interpretation, and more. Without increased resources, our state parks cannot keep up with the needs and expectations of Californians.

Crystal Cove State Park

CALIFORNIA’S 2022-23 STATE BUDGET

California State Parks Foundation has worked throughout our history to advocate for park funding through the state budget, state legislation, and bonds. Funding for parks has always been a challenge, but it is important to keep advocating for this critical need for parks. California and its parks must meet the needs of the state’s residents. And for that, state parks need steady sources of funding to achieve stability and to provide good, consistent services to the public. Together, we fought to keep parks funded in California’s 2022–23 state budget.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Funding for California State Parks

We advocated for California’s 2022–23 state budget to support the California Department of Parks and Recreation, resulting in approval of $766 million for parks.

Funding for capital projects

We fought for $18 million to improve park experiences and increase park funding with capital outlay projects, including the construction of La Sage Bridge Replacement at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, low-cost accommodations at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, an entrance kiosk at Pismo State Beach, and a water treatment system at MacKerricher State Park.

Funding for deferred maintenance

The signed state budget has a significant $185 million down payment on the park system’s estimated $1 billion deferred maintenance backlog. We will continue to advocate to ensure parks are funded and urgent needs can be addressed.

HOW WE DO IT: Policy Champions

No matter what is happening in Sacramento, we always make sure parks have a seat at the table. Parks generate revenue for California; protect open space; help fight climate change; and create health, recreational, and educational opportunities for people throughout the entire state. We continuously fight for parks because the benefits they provide are necessary for the well-being of all Californians.

Our team is active in the capitol and has a finger on the pulse of what is important to policymakers every year. We work to create legislative champions to protect and preserve state parks.

California State Parks Foundation Park Advocacy Day

Each year legislation is introduced and referred to appropriate committees to be discussed and analyzed by elected officials. California State Parks Foundation works hard to identify priority legislation, going through thousands of bills and focusing on those that support the protection and preservation of California state parks, for the benefit of all. The following is a list of priority bills that were successful in the 2021 legislative session:

n Assembly Bill (AB) 148 established the California State Park Adventure Pass, a three-year pilot program that waives day-use entrance fees to 19 state parks for fourth-graders and their families for a full year.

n Senate Bill 129 legislation included $5.6 million to fund the new State Park Adventure Pass as well as $3 million to establish the State Library Park Pass, a new two-year pilot program that allows library cardholders to check out state park passes and gain free day-use access to state parks.

n Successfully halted AB 434 (R. Rivas), which circumvented California State Parks’ authority to allow for 20-year grazing leases on state park land with minimal oversight.

n Senate Bill 266 (Newman) expanded Chino Hills State Park by transferring three adjacent properties into the state park system.

Additionally, California State Parks Foundation educated over 50 park supporters through our legislative priorities and strategies webinar. Our staff, along with our Sacramento-based lobbying firm, provided an update about what is going on at the capitol, information on our legislative priorities, and tactics to influence the legislative process.

HOW WE DO IT: Partner Champions

California State Parks Foundation builds trust-based partnerships through deep collaboration with state park staff and affiliate nonprofit organizations. We activate a statewide network of champions to address state parks’ most critical needs, create model solutions, and provide immediate help during crises. Through strategic grantmaking, convening of cohorts, and exchanging of lessons learned, we amplify key strategies and solutions to maximize our collective statewide impact.

Crystal Cove State Park

SPOTLIGHTS: FUNDING TO PARKS

We provide direct grant funding to park partners and other nonprofit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, parks units or districts, state and local governments, and organizations, all to benefit one or more state parks. When we support local state park and community partners with grants, we can amplify and maximize the impact of their work and grow our diverse network of state park advocates. We have the ability to infuse resources based on the needs and growing issues at the time. We invest in model programs that we can then scale statewide and advocate to get funding to make them a reality for all parks.

In addition to grantmaking, we hold endowments and funds for specific parks and for specific uses, including:

ENDOWMENTS

Margaret Donner Spencer Endowment Fund: For grants that protect and preserve California’s state parks

Ranger Lane Volunteer Enhancement Fund: Dedicated to volunteer work in California state parks

Año Nuevo Steele Ranch Endowment Fund: Dedicated to the maintenance and protection of habitat for the San Francisco garter snake and the California red-legged frog at the Steele Ranch property, Año Nuevo State Park

Chino Hills State Park Endowment Fund: Dedicated to the operations, maintenance, improvement, and administration of Chino Hills State Park

FUNDS

Candlestick Point State Recreation Area: Supports restoration and completion of park infrastructure of the Yosemite Slough unit of Candlestick Point State Recreation Area

Silver Strand State Beach Expendable Fund: Supports park operational needs, helps enhance the visitor experience, and protects the resource values at Silver Strand State Beach

San Onofre State Beach: Protects San Onofre State Beach

Adopt-A-Beach Program: Supports activities related to California Coastal Cleanup Day and programs that seek to educate the public about the coast and ocean and engage the public in coastal stewardship activities

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park: Supports the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Interpretive Fund

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park: Supports the reforestation of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, including reestablishment of native conifer trees, prescribed burns, seed storage, and reforestation

Best Family Fund: Funds volunteer Earth Day projects in Marin County state parks

GRANTMAKING

n Earth Day Climate Action $48,756

n Building Climate-Resilient Parks $111,462

n Western Monarch Butterfly Conservation $41,071

n State Parks Improvements $182,303

n Trails for All $20,000

n Other $16,408

ENDOWMENTS AND FUNDS

n Endowments $130,589

n Funds $591,465

HOW WE DO IT: Volunteer Champions

California State Parks Foundation’s year-round volunteerism program organizes over 100 workdays annually to protect and preserve state parks across California. In partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation, California State Parks Foundation generates high-quality workday service projects to attend to unmet needs and engage Californians with their local parks. We recruit, train, and support individuals to do hands-on volunteer work to restore and improve parks and build current and future park stewards. Workdays throughout the state are made possible by Volunteer Core Leaders who take their involvement to the next level by helping plan and lead our events.

Our volunteers provide consistent, sustainable support for park staff, and help with critical projects such as planting native plants, removing invasive species, repairing trails, and clearing brush to reduce wildfire risk.

Volunteer at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park

SPOTLIGHTS: PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Candlestick Point State Recreation Area: Yosemite Slough restoration Volunteers removed invasive species and planted native plants to support the living shoreline we constructed at Yosemite Slough. Living shorelines are effective nature-based solutions that use plants, sand, rocks, or other natural elements to address problems of sea-level rise and stabilize the coast. They are an innovative, cost-effective technique that can enhance the quality, beauty, and biodiversity of a shoreline as well as reduce flooding and coastal erosion.

Los Angeles Urban Parks: Removed invasive species and planted California native plants We provided consistent workdays at Los Angeles State Historic Park and Rio de Los Angeles State Park. Volunteers removed invasive species such as cape ivy, hemlock, mustard, thistle, fennel, red stem filaree, and cheeseweed. These removal projects helped stop the spread of invasive species at our state parks. Invasive species negatively impact our parks’ ecosystems, as they threaten native plants and prevent wildlife from thriving. During the winter months, volunteers also planted California native plants such as coyote bush, woolly blue curls, California bay laurel, and grapevines. Restoring habitat for park visitors in urban spaces helps bring the beauty and history of our native landscapes to urban audiences. The native species planted are beneficial to wildlife that call the park home or stop by when migrating along the Los Angeles River.

BY THE NUMBERS

VOLUNTEERS

2,422

volunteers working on project in parks 103 volunteer workdays in 26 state parks 7,941.75

volunteer hours for parks, a total value of $282,408.63*

*Using the 2021 volunteer rate for California from the Independent Sector, the value per hour is $35.56.

IMPACT

10,260

plants planted by volunteers 563,340 square feet of invasive species removed 27,975 square feet of fire buffer zones created 477

recycling and trash bags collected

VOLUNTEER WORKDAYS

MAKING AN IMPACT FOR PARKS

n Climate resiliency: 58

n Honoring history and culture: 3

n Protecting wildlife and nature: 82

n Park experiences: 22

Note that workdays often are connected to multiple goals. Totals do exceed total number of workdays due to this overlap of goal areas.

IMPACT FOR VOLUNTEERS

84% of respondents felt that their workday experience(s) increased or greatly increased their feelings of connection to state parks. 89% of respondents felt that their workday experience(s) increased or greatly increased their feelings of being part of a community of park supporters.

IMPACT FOR PARK STAFF

100% of respondents felt that our workday impact was high or very high quality.

100% of respondents felt supported in the planning and execution of our workdays, with 75% feeling extremely or very supported.

Justice, Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity

At California State Parks Foundation, our mission is to protect and preserve the California state park system, for the benefit of all. We believe that California’s state parks are essential to the health, happiness, and quality of life for all Californians. If we truly are to benefit all, we must address justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity (JEID) in our work. While the process of integrating JEID may not be easy, we are full of hope regarding our vision for a future California state park system that engages a broad audience and is welcoming and accessible to all.

California State Parks Foundation staff out for a day in a park.

If we do not intentionally address systems of oppression such as racism, sexism, ableism, and homophobia, which have perpetuated historic and current injustices, then we will fall short on the “for all” part of our mission work. While parks are often thought of as being for everyone, in practice, that is not a universal experience. This reality compels us to engage in intentional and long-lasting JEID work.

Our commitments:

To bring our JEID values to fruition, we are committed to acting in all areas of our work. Specifically:

n We commit to fostering an organizational culture that celebrates learning and growth, leans into difficult conversations and feedback, values connection to each other, and sustains staff and board members’ well-being and sense of belonging.

n We commit to centering and amplifying the needs, values, and voices of marginalized communities, specifically Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples, communities of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ communities, in our advocacy work and in our programming.

n We commit to building trust-based partnerships, especially with Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples, communities of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ communities.

To learn more about why we engage in this work, our process, and our role, visit calparks.org/jeid2022.

WHY WE’RE COMMITTED TO JEID: OUR PROGRESS

WE CREATED A STAFF JEID COMMITTEE, MEETING SIX TIMES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES MET WITH AVARNA GROUP TO DISCUSS THEIR COMMITMENTS TO THIS WORK.

THE STAFF AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBERS COMPLETED OUR JEID PLAN.

WE PARTICIPATED IN FIVE LISTENING SESSIONS WITH AVARNA GROUP, OUR CONSULTANT, TO HELP WITH THIS WORK.

OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES ADOPTED A VISION STATEMENT TO GUIDE THEIR WORK TO INCORPORATE JEID INTO THE ORGANIZATION.

ALL STAFF MET TO REVIEW OUR JEID PLAN AND CULTURE ASSESSMENT.

OUR JEID PLAN IMPLEMENTATION IS UNDERWAY.

Events

All In For Parks

Over 100 park supporters came together to celebrate California’s state parks. This virtual event honored the achievements of exemplary park champions and brought together the community of park supporters throughout the state. We recognized the people who are the ultimate park champions behind our work: those who, through their actions, are fully committed and “All In” to protect and preserve our parks for the benefit of all Californians.

Legacy Award Recipient: First Partner of California, Jennifer Siebel Newsom

This year’s recipient, California’s First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, has been an ambassador for our Pathways to Parks initiative, which highlights the importance of increasing access to the outdoors as a public health solution.

Golden Poppy Award Recipient: Connie Lurie

This year’s recipient, Connie Lurie, has been involved with California State Parks Foundation since the early 1980s, as a trustee and then as an advisory trustee for over 30 years. We are deeply grateful for her partnership and generous support of Candlestick Point State Recreation Area and the Yosemite Slough area.

Grassroots Champion Award Recipient: Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath

This year’s recipient, Assemblymember Boerner Horvath, worked tirelessly to champion the passage of Assembly Bill 1426. Together, through legislation, we have made it law that no transportation agency or governmental agency can build new infrastructure at San Onofre State Beach and Richard H. and Donna O’Neill Conservancy.

To read more about the event and the awardees, visit calparks.org/allin2022.

Earth Day Climate Action and DIY Earth Day

Throughout the entire month of April 2022, our staff fanned out across California to host volunteer workdays every weekend. We were thrilled to have the support of so many eager volunteers, who came out to our 12 workdays and put in a total of 2,544 hours of service toward our beautiful parks. In addition to our in-person volunteer workdays, we again hosted our DIY Earth Day Climate Action cleanup so anyone in California could participate in preserving their community. We had 6,080 participants pick up 745 bags of trash, total, all over the state.

You can also revisit Earth Day Climate Action month through our video series highlighting ways you can get involved. See all five videos now at calparks.org/climateaction2022.

READ

California State Parks Week

This first annual California State Parks Week was presented jointly by California State Parks, Save the Redwoods League, Parks California, and California State Parks Foundation. Through special community events and in-person and virtual programming, this inaugural event celebrated California’s state parks and the people who visit and help protect these iconic places. Highlights included: n Tuesday, June 14: Land Acknowledgment Day

n Wednesday, June 15: Kids Career Day n Thursday, June 16: Health and Wellness Day

n Friday, June 17: Stewardship Day n Saturday, June 18: Partnership Day/ Volunteer Day

You can sign up for 2023 California State Parks Week updates at castateparksweek.org.

State Parks Fair

On Park Advocacy Day, California State Parks Foundation also hosted a State Parks Fair on the Capitol lawn. This event brought parks to life, allowing around 400 visitors to interact with and learn more about the value of California state parks. California State Parks showcased their Outdoors for All initiative at a booth and their Reexamining Our Past initiative work at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park at another booth. Park partners, such as Groundswell Coastal Ecology, featured the monarch butterfly conservation work they are doing in state parks, which included native plant displays to highlight how plants help with monarch butterfly conservation.

To read more about the State Parks Fair and Park Advocacy Day, visit calparks.org/ padrecap2022.

Park Advocacy Day

California State Parks Foundation hosted our 20th-annual Park Advocacy Day in May. As part of Park Advocacy Day, more than 65 park advocates traveled to the Capitol to show their support for state parks. Park Advocacy Day is a valuable opportunity for Californians to connect with legislators and share priorities for state parks. Advocates walked the halls of the state capitol to meet with legislators and drive awareness of park-related issues. The day was filled with inspiring perspectives, and everyone had a unique park-related story to share. When we come together as a state parks movement and tell our stories, the advocacy we all do in our parks and communities is amplified. We also had a Rise Up for Parks rally speaking on park issues with Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, Senate Majority Leader Mike McGuire, and many other legislative park champions. The day ended with our award ceremony for the Legislative Champion Award.

2022 Legislative Champion Award: Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris represents the Orange County communities of Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, and Newport Beach. Her district includes three state parks — Corona del Mar State Beach, Huntington State Beach, and Crystal Cove State Park — which total 4,260 acres of parklands. Since Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris’ election in 2018, she has worked tirelessly to defend our state beaches and the California coastline while promoting climate-resilient strategies to adapt to sea-level rise. She has truly risen up for our coastal parks to protect and preserve them for future generations.

Financials

REVENUE BY CATEGORY 2021-22

For our work, California State Parks Foundation’s revenue for the fiscal year was $9.5 million. California State Parks Foundation received significant support through gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.**

EXPENSES BY CATEGORY 2021-22

California State Parks Foundation’s expenses for the fiscal year were $8.1 million. Expenses reflect the work of California State Parks Foundation throughout the year to protect and preserve parks broken down by programming, fundraising, and administration.

n Individuals 63% n Planned Gifts 3% n Foundation 6% n Government Grants* 6% n Corporate Gifts 11% n In kind 12%

n Program 73% n Fundraising 20% n Administration 7%

This does not include California State Park Foundation’s PPP Loan forgiveness and deferred revenue for our Yosemite Slough Restoration project. Contribution data is unaudited. California State Parks Foundation’s 2021-22 audited financial statements will be posted online when available at calparks.org/financials, where you can also find financial and annual reports from previous years.

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES

FOR YEAR ENDED IN JUNE 30, 2022

REVENUE

Individual Contributions $ 1,592,194

Member Dues Contributions 4,350,407 Corporate Contributions 1,030,691 Planned Gifts 306,006 Donated Professional Services 255,591 Gifts in Kind 859,966 Foundation Grants 553,902 Government Grants 1,162,431 Investment, Net -784,734 Earned Revenue 210,849 Total Revenues $ 9,537,303

EXPENSES

Program 6,056,450 Fundraising 1,542,169 Administration 562,902

Total Expenses $ 8,161,521

Change in Net Assets $ 1,375,782

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

FOR YEAR ENDED IN JUNE 30, 2022

ASSETS

Current Assets Cash and Equivalents $ 6,062,527.01 Restricted Money Market Accounts 2,492,722.67 Receivables 141,119.85 Inventory 80,618.14 Prepaids and Other Current Assets 437,711.25 Current Assets $ 9,214,698.92

Long-Term Assets Investments $ 6,884,845.13 Property Plant & Equipment, Net 100,102.58 Due to/from Other Funds 0.07 Other Long-Term Assets 61,293.78 Long-Term Assets $ 7,046,241.56

Total Assets $ 16,260,940.48

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

Liabilities

Current Liabilities

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses $ 417,852.71 Deferred Revenues 49,672.50

Current Liabilities $ 467,525.21 Long-Term Liabilities 1,049,884.27 Total Liabilities $ 1,517,409.48 Net Assets $ 14,743,531.00

Total Liabilities and Net Assets $ 16,260,940.48

Champions for Parks

FOUNDER

William Penn Mott, Jr. (1909-1992)

OFFICERS

Birt Johnson, Jr., Chair

Bob Walter, Vice Chair

Diane Ross-Leech, Secretary

Donald Robinson, Treasurer Rachel Norton, Executive Director

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Angel Barajas

Douglas Beebe

Ben Cipollini

Michon Coleman William G. Doolittle

Jason Glickman

Carol A. Hart Virginia Chang Kiraly

Elizabeth Lake James Lau Leslie Leonard

Andrew Liang Christi Light

Antonio Maneschi

Cynthia McClain-Hill

Rosalind Nieman

Gina Orozco

Robert E. Patterson Keith Pettus

Dan Skopec

Darry Sragow

Mukund Srirangapatnam

Ryan T’Kindt

Joshua Wood Emily Young

ADVISORY TRUSTEES

Lee Black

Michael J. Brill

Donald E. Cooley, Trustee Emeritus

William T. Duff

William Randolph Hearst III

Gail E. Kautz

Asim Khan

Patrick T. Lee

Connie Lurie Maidie E. Oliveau

Everything we accomplished this year was achieved through the energy, passion, ideas, and generosity of committed park champions. We couldn’t complete the work we do in state parks without the support of such dedicated people! Together, we can ensure our incredible parks capture the imaginations of countless generations to come. California State Parks Foundation is deeply grateful to those who make this work possible:

STAFF

Patricia Alger

Amber Baldwin Kaitlin Donnelly

Josh Drewes

Beth Ebiner Haley Gonzales

Travis Hattori

Samantha Joseph Deanna LaTour-Jarquin Shakaylah Leonard Sydney Little Cassandra Liu Kathleen McCurdy Alex McCutcheon Rachel Norton David Pierce Melissa Potts Adele Rios Ashley Tittle Randy Widera

VOLUNTEER CORE LEADERS

Joyce Abrams

James Andersen

Charlotte Bergheimer

Holly Brett Charles Buchanan

Kristina Campa-Gruca Milton Castro Thomas Chung Daniel Doran Liana Engie Catherine Foster Adam Godzik Aanya Gupta Rashmi Gupta Tanisha Gupta Vijay Gupta Pete Heller Brian Hembacher Andrew Kives Cade Klem Stephanie Klem Lisa LaFlame Andrea Lee David Littlejohn Sarai Lomeli Saundra Holloway Robert Lydecker Rick McGarrity Helen Ogden Eduardo Peraza

Jonathan Salcido Randy Shannahan

Suzanne Siegel Matthew Todd Stephen Van Lydegraf Kaitlin Ward Michelle White Tom Wishing Kevin Greco

Volunteer Core Leaders at Chino Hills State Park

Work in State Parks 2022

VolunteerWorkdays

EarthDayClimateActionEventsandGrantRoundWesternMonarchButterflyConservationGrantRoundBuildingClimate-Resilient ParksGrantRoundStateParksImprovementsGrantRoundTrailsforAllFunds Endowments

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park n

Angel Island State Park n n

Año Nuevo State Park n n

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook n n n n

Big Basin Redwoods State Park n n n

Bolsa Chica State Beach n

Bothe-Napa Valley State Park n

Border Field State Park n

Butano State Park n

Candlestick Point State Recreation Area n n n

Carmel River State Beach n

China Camp State Park n n n

Chino Hills State Park n n n

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park n

Crystal Cove State Park n n n

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park n

Ed Z’Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park n

Empire Mine State Historic Park n

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area n n

Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park n

Fort Ord Dunes State Park n n

Garrapata State Park n

Half Moon Bay State Beach n n

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park n n n

Henry W. Coe State Park n

Humboldt Lagoons State Park n

Jug Handle State Nature Reserve n

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park n

Leo Carrillo State Park n

Lighthouse Field State Beach n n n

Los Angeles State Historic Park n n

Malibu Creek State Park n

Manresa Main State Beach n

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park n

Mendocino Headlands State Park n

Montaña de Oro State Park n

Monterey State Beach n

Moss Landing State Beach n

Natural Bridges State Beach n n n

Navarro River Redwoods State Park n

New Brighton State Beach n

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park n

Palomar Mountain State Park n

Pismo State Beach n

Plumas Eureka State Park n

Portola Redwoods State Park n n

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park n

Redwood National and State Parks n

Rio de Los Angeles State Park n n

Russian Gulch State Park n

Salinas River State Beach n

San Bruno Mountain State Park n

San Simeon State Park n

Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park n

Seacliff State Beach n

Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area n

Silver Strand State Beach n n

South Yuba River State Park n

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park n

Sunset State Beach n

Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park n

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve n

Trinidad State Beach n

Trione-Annadel State Park n n

Twin Lakes State Beach n

Van Damme State Park n

Wilder Ranch State Park n

Zmudowski State Beach n

Parks throughout CA (Challenging Colonialism Podcast) n

Ways to Get Involved

We could not accomplish any of our work without the support of our members, donors, and volunteers. They make an enormous difference in helping us carry out programs and projects for the benefit of state parks and the millions of Californians who use them. Learn more about the many ways you can help support our work.

CONTRIBUTE

Our donors enable us to continue our steadfast support of California’s state parks. We welcome and appreciate gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations, as well as estate gifts and in-kind donations. For more information on ways to donate, visit calparks.org/donate

DONATE MONTHLY

Monthly giving is an easy way to make a big impact. Your reliable monthly support will ensure we have the resources to protect, improve, and advocate for all of California’s state parks — today and in the future. To set up your monthly gift today, visit calparks.org/monthly.

MATCH YOUR GIFT

You can double your donation to California State Parks Foundation when your employer matches your gift! Many employers will match donations made by their employees to support an organization of the employee’s choice. To find out whether your workplace has a matching gift program, visit calparks.org/matchyourgift.

JOIN THE CALIFORNIANS LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

As a member of the Californians Leadership Circle, you can help shape the future of our magnificent parks as one of their most valued leaders. Membership begins with a donation of $1,000 or more, and benefits include invitations to special events, a California Explorer annual parks pass, and more. Visit calparks.org/leadershipcircle

GIVE THROUGH DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS (DAF)

DAFs are the fastest-growing giving method and a tax-efficient way to manage your charitable donations. They allow donors to make a contribution and receive an immediate tax deduction. To learn more, visit calparks.org/DAF

LEAVE A LEGACY

Many people like to leave a gift to charity in their will or trust because they care about the causes that are important in their lives. To learn more about making California state parks a part of your enduring legacy, contact Randy W. Widera, Director of Philanthropy, at 831-334-0372 or randy@calparks.org

SPONSOR

California State Parks Foundation has over 50 years of experience collaborating with companies. Our goal is to provide brands, corporations, foundations, and small businesses with a philanthropic opportunity that will create meaningful and recognized impact around our mission and their stake in protecting and preserving California state parks. To learn more, contact Samantha Joseph, Associate Director of Philanthropy, at 415-262-4404 or samantha@calparks.org

VOLUNTEER

Volunteers are critical to the work we do taking care of state parks. Together, we can accomplish so much to make our parks safe and enjoyable for visitors and their natural inhabitants. To sign up for a volunteer day near you, visit calparks.org/ volunteer

PARTNER

California State Parks Foundation builds partnerships through deep collaboration with leadership and staff at California State Parks, California Natural Resources Agency, and the Legislature. We partner with California State Parks staff working in parks, as well as park partners and other nonprofit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations. To partner with us, contact Haley Gonzales, Partnership Program Manager, at 415-262-4430 or haley@calparks.org

SPEAK UP

Your voice matters! Speak out for parks online, to your legislators, or at our annual Park Advocacy Day. To learn more about our ongoing advocacy efforts and how you can take action, visit calparks.org/ advocacy

CONNECT

California’s 279 state parks need you! Please visit them to be inspired, learn, relax, and have fun. To stay up to date on our projects and programs, park events and activities, and more ways you can support parks every day, visit our blog at calparks. org/blog and connect with us on social media: /calparks @calparks @calparks

Humboldt Redwoods State Park