Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
You don't have to be a transplant from Detroit like Val to appreciate the natural beauty of our area. Consider that 20% of all land and 50% of all coastlines in Santa Cruz is State Park. 75% of Santa Cruzian's asked in a recent survey said that our scenery and geography are the main reasons for their high quality of life. The more than 325,000 visitors to our 21 State Parks each year adds significantly to our local economy.
Unfortunately, the outlook for the California State Park system is bleak. There's only barebones funding for operations and services and no funding at all for programs or restoration projects. The good news: we have Friends! $500K per year is raised and 400 volunteers (including John Caldwell, Tom Rohlf and Rob Morse) come together for educational and outreach programs and major projects such as the restorations of the historic Meder house at Wilder Ranch and the current project to restore the Castro Adobe.
Learn more about Friends at their website (www.ThatsMyPark.org) and discover ways you can contribute to the health and beauty of the many Santa Cruz State Parks we all enjoy so much. There will be occasional opportunities over the coming months for our club to participate in projects, the first of which is on January 10th. We are also planning an offsite meeting in March at the Castro Adobe. Details will be announced.