About Us
WHAT WE DO
Photo by Bill Rhoades © CA State Parks
Our Work
Mountain Parks Foundation invests in projects that inspire protection of our redwoods state parks. Our work supports ongoing educational experiences and programs such as field trips for school children, beautiful and informative park signage, naturalist-guided backpacking trips, native plant gardens, and interpreter-led programs. We also fund large-scale capital projects and natural and cultural history events including Nature Museums, the Sandhills Mobile Visitor, and our annual Ohlone Day celebration.
Our Projects
Big Basin Nature Museum & Research Center
We believe the best way to encourage the next generation of stewards to protect the natural bounty of Big Basin is to invite them to interact with it. The beautifully remodeled Nature Museum & Research Center, previously scheduled to reopen in 2021, promised to provide an immersive experience designed to turn spectators into active participants in conservation. Unfortunately, our beautiful new museum was completely destroyed by the CZU Fire in August 2020.
Photo by Danny Halvorson
Photo by Dave Kuty
Ohlone Day
For more than three decades, we’ve celebrated the Ohlone People of the past with those of the present at our annual Ohlone Day. We’ve provided funding for traditional dancers and Ohlone demonstrators to share the history, basketry, songs, stories, tools, musical instruments and language of the Ohlone people. The coronavirus pandemic required the cancellation of this beloved event, but we hope to resume Ohlone Day as soon as possible.
Photo by Danny Halvorson
Interpretive Signage
Trail signs, information panels, books, guides, and maps are just a few of the interpretive tools funded by Mountain Parks Foundation. Click here for a look at an example of our projects - the beautiful Welcome Panel installed near the main parking lot at Henry Cowell. We are currently funding educational signs and maps to support the limited re-opening of portions of Big Basin happening soon.
California State Parks Backpacking Adventures
Who better to lead you through our parks than California State Park naturalists? We are proud to support backpacking trips that range from one to three nights offering options for every experience level. Hike spectacular ridgelines, old growth redwood forests, and sandy shores with a knowledgeable team of backcountry guides. Native plant teas, trail desserts, skills demonstrations, campfire stories and jokes are added bonuses! Online registration begins on Tuesday, March 1st at 9am!
Photo by Charles Jalgunas
Spotting Scope
What pairs perfectly with an Observation Deck? A spotting scope, of course! Our high-powered scope offers curious visitors the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with the wildlife and stunning views on display at Henry Cowell’s Observation Deck
Image from Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
Kids2Parks Program
Kids2Parks is an innovative park-equity program to bring students from Title 1 schools on State Parks field trips. We partner with California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks to increase the number of students visiting Henry Cowell by reducing barriers to access.
Moonlight Madness
Enjoy a special evening of astronomy and galactic exploration offered several times each summer at Henry Cowell. Moonlight guided walks, telescope star viewing, live music, and guest speakers make for an experience you won’t soon forget.
Henry Cowell Visitor Center
The Henry Cowell Visitor Center is usually open year-round and provides a hub of activities and educational experiences. Visit the the center before heading off on the redwood loop trail through the old-growth forest.
Resources for State Park Staff
We provide resources to support the work of interpretive staff in our parks including training materials, books, back country gear, and innovative additions like electric bikes.
Photo by Bill Rhoades
Sandhills Mobile Visitor Center
The Sandhills Mobile Visitor Center gives visitors to the Henry Cowell campgrounds a unique perspective on the remnants of an ancient inland sea that exists nowhere else but here.
Photo by Bill Rhodes
Berry Creek Falls Observation Platform
The platform allowed hikers along the Berry Creek Falls Trail in Big Basin to enjoy a great viewing deck near the base of a tumbling waterfall, with benches that provided a perfect spot for a scenic break. Unfortunately, the observation platform was destroyed by the CZU Fire in August 2020.
Get Involved!
Donate.
Ensure the future of our parks by supporting our work.
Explore.
Experience the magic of the redwoods without getting lost.
Volunteer.
Join our team and make a difference in our parks today.