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Kentfield, Calif., (March 10, 2008) – The California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) will fund 22 environmental improvement projects at parks statewide as part of the 11th annual Earth Day Restoration & Cleanup. On Saturday, April 19th, volunteers of all ages are needed to help restore the beauty of California's treasured state parks. Now more than ever, community participation is critical due to continuing budget cuts and a variety of threats to state parks throughout California.
Statewide, thousands of volunteers each year plant native trees and community gardens, restore trails and wildlife habitats, remove trash and debris from beaches and parklands and make overdue repairs to fences and boardwalks. Since its inception in 1998, the California State Parks Foundation Earth Day Restoration & Cleanup program has had a tremendous impact -- 60,000 participants have contributed over 250,000 volunteer hours worth more than $5,000,000 in park maintenance and improvements. Including this year's grants, CSPF, with the support of its sponsors, has awarded more than $963,000 to state parks throughout California.
Volunteers will complete environmental improvement and maintenance projects in honor of Earth Day at
22 state and community parks across California, including 18 sites in Northern and Central California:
Eastshore State Park – Alameda County
Mount Diablo State Park – Contra Costa County
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area – Fresno County and Madera County
Patrick's Point State Park – Humboldt County
Stramler Park – Kern County
Angel Island State Park – Marin County
Mt. Tamalpais State Park – Marin County
Samuel P. Taylor State Park – Marin County
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area – Sacramento County
Golden Gate Park – San Francisco County
Caswell Memorial State Park – San Joaquin County
Montaña de Oro State Park – San Luis Obispo County
Año Nuevo State Reserve – San Mateo County
Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park – San Mateo County
Half Moon Bay State Beach – San Mateo County
Natural Bridges State Beach – Santa Cruz County
Shasta State Historic Park – Shasta County
Putah Creek Public Access – Yolo County
"The Foundation's 11th annual Earth Day Restoration & Cleanup events are a fun and meaningful opportunity for volunteers of all ages to get involved in the stewardship of California's parklands," said Elizabeth Goldstein, President of CSPF. "The participation of Californians in the Earth Day program is particularly important this year, as we seek to carry the message that our parklands are important to protect and cherish."
Individuals or groups interested in volunteering on Earth Day can call the Earth Day hotline at 1-888-98-PARKS or register online at www.calparks.org. A complete list of volunteer project sites statewide can be found on the website as well.
Presenting sponsor Pacific Gas & Electric Company, which is hosting 13 Northern and Central California sites, provided a $162,000 grant to CSPF and the participating parks for supplies and materials required to complete the Earth Day projects. Additional grant providers include: Oracle, Chevron, Supervalu, Marin Community Foundation and The Home Depot.
2008 media sponsors include: CBS5 SF and CW Bay Area, CBS13 and CW31 Sacramento, KGPE-TV CBS Fresno, KIEM-TV3 Eureka, KKGN Green 960AM San Francisco, KRUZ-FM, Magic 106.3, Big Country 102.7, MIX 95.1, Power 96.3, Big Red Country 92.3Sports Fan ESPN 101.7AM, Cool 105.5, ESPN 1340AM, KGOE 1480AM, The Mercury News, 7x7 Magazine, Eureka Times Standard, and The Bakersfield Californian.
California State Parks Foundation Earth Day 2008 Restoration & Cleanup events in Northern and Central California include:
ALAMEDA COUNTY
Eastshore State Park
Park Contact: Kathleen Fusek 510.544.2515 or kfusek@ebparks.org
Projects: Non-native fennel and ice plant removal around the beach and trail areas; shoreline cleanup; trail litter abatement.
Time: 10am-12pm
Location: Meet behind Sea Breeze Deli off University Avenue and West Frontage Road in Berkeley.
Volunteers: 175
Bring: Sunscreen, appropriate clothing, non-slip shoes or boots, gloves, pick or shovel
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Mt. Diablo State Park
Park Contact: Ranger Carl Nielson 925.837.6129 or cnielson@parks.ca.gov
Projects: Exotic plant removal, native plant restoration, split rail fence construction, removal of unauthorized trails, trail maintenance, litter pickup, grounds care.
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm
Location: Park at Pine Hollow Middle School and take the complimentary County Connection Shuttle to the Mitchell Canyon Day Use site at the base of Mt. Diablo on the Clayton side. The school is located at 5522 Pine Hollow Road.
Volunteers: 150
Bring: Water, gloves, hat and sunscreen
FRESNO/MADERA COUNTY
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
Park Contact: Justin LaMarsh and Mark DeLeon 559.822.2550 or jlmarsh@parks.ca.gov
Projects: Planting native plants and trees in the Grange Grove area of Millerton Lake south shore; trail rehabilitation work at McKenzie Point; replacing old split rail fencing; pruning overgrown trees and plants in the south shore area.
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm
Location: From Los Angeles, take hwy. 41 north to Friant exit. Take Friant Road north 15 miles to Millerton Lake South Shore entrance. From Madera, take hwy. 145 east. Continue eastbound passed hwy 41. Continue for approximately 5-7 miles. Make a right turn at road 206. Continue on road 206 until you intersect with Friant Road. Make a left turn on Friant Road. Take Friant road approximately 2 miles to the South Shore entrance of Millerton Lake.
Volunteers: 60
Bring: Pants, boots, sunscreen, water
Humboldt County
Patrick's Point State Park
Park Contact: Michelle Forys 707.677.3109 or mforys@parks.ca.gov
Projects: Activities include the removal of English ivy, an invasive exotic plant from the Beach Creek Sitka spruce forest and the removal of weeds from meadows and pruning of western azaleas. A BBQ will be held after the restoration activities.
Time: 9:00 – 1:00
Location: 4150 Patrick's Point Drive, Trinidad, CA 95570 – Please meet at the Beach Creek Group Camp. Take HWY 101 to the Patrick's Point Drive exit. This exit is about 5 miles north of Trinidad. Turn west off of exit and head south on Patrick's Point Drive for approximately ¼ miles. Turn right at the Patrick's Point State Park entrance. Someone at the entrance gate will give you a free pass for the day for participating in the event. Then take the first left after leaving the entrance station. Then take your second left into the Beach Creek Group Camp.
Volunteers: Up to 100
Bring: Bring clothing for all weather, including sun screen and rain gear. Gloves will be provided, but feel free to bring your own pair.
KERN COUNTY
Stramler Park
Park Contact: Jim Braudrick 661-246-6061 or braudrickj@co.kern.ca.us
Projects:Tree planting
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm. BBQ lunch and Earth Day Festival to follow at Yokuts Park
Location: 3805 Chester Ave. Bakersfield. Hwy 99 go south (as you near Bakersfield, exit after Olive Drive), then take Golden State Hwy exit off 99. When you see the overpass, you will see a small side road; take that, turn right at the circle, follow it around, then take a right onto North Chester Avenue. Follow that past the clock tower (on your left). At the sign "Blaze" turn left and then make an immediate left into the parking lot for Stramler Park.
Volunteers: 25
Bring: Proper clothing including long sleeved shirt, hat, no open-toed shoes, sunscreen
MARIN COUNTY
Angel Island State Park
Park Contact: James Dexter 415-435-3522 or aivc@parks.ca.gov
Projects: Beach clean up; vegetation management in Ayala Cove; drainage and culvert maintenance; and exotic plant removal.
Time: 9:00 – 1:00pm
Location: Take Angel Island ferry or Blue and Gold fleet ferry to Ayala Cove.
Volunteers: 100
Bring: Adequate clothing, gloves
Mt. Tamalpais State Park
Park Contact: Tom Frazier 415.388.3653 or tfrazier@parks.ca.gov
Projects: Trail maintenance (tread work, brushing, drainage correction, reinforcing walls, installing steps and foot bridges, rerouting trails); campground restoration (install new fire rings, split rail fencing, picnic tables, food lockers); non-native plant eradication; trash and litter removal; install signs and information boards.
Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm. Barbecue will be held after the event.
Location: Take the Stinson Beach/Highway 1 Exit off Highway 101. Drive on Highway 1/Shoreline Highway for approx. 7 miles. Take a right (head west) on Panoramic Highway for about 7 miles. At the crest of the hill take a left into Pantoll Headquarters/Parking Lot.
Volunteers: 100-150
Bring: Water, snack, work boots/sturdy shoes, gloves, sunscreen and weather-appropriate clothing
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
Park Contact: Damien Jones 415.488.0291 or dajone@parks.ca.gov
Projects: Trail repair and exotic plant removal
Location: From 101 exit Central San Rafael. Take 3rd Street west to Miracle Mile to Sir Francis Drake. Follow Sir Francis Drake west past Lagunitas. Enter the park at the Camp Taylor sign on the left.
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm (check-in begins at 8am)
Volunteers: 100
Bring: Rain boots for creek clean up, layered clothing, rain gear if appropriate, sunscreen, bug spray
SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Park Contact: Terri Lopez 916.988.0205 or tlope@parks.ca.govProjects:
Projects: Install aluminum signs and posts for new "Adopt a Trail" program on the American River Parkway from Hazel Avenue to Beals Point; this will include digging the holes and setting the signs in concrete. Lopping overgrown brush away from the American River Parkway multi-purpose trail. Implementing a shaded fuel brake behind the new Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park visitor center by cutting down small trees and clearing brush. Litter removal from the shores of Lake Natoma and along the American River Parkway multi-purpose trail.
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm
Location: From Hwy 50 Eastbound take the Folsom Blvd exit. Continue approximately 3 miles and turn left on Greenback lane. Take your first left into the Negro Bar unit of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. The street address is 9875 Greenback Lane.
Volunteers: 100-150
Bring: Water, gloves, pants, boots, hat, sunscreen
SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY
Golden Gate Park
Park Contact: Kristin Bowman 415.831.6330 or Kristin.bowman@sfgov.org
Projects: Pruning/invasive plant removal, mulching, weeding, planting, habitat restoration.
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Speedway Meadow, Stow Lake, Rhododendron Dell
Volunteers: 400
Bring: Closed-toed shoes, long pants and layers; water; rain gear if it looks like inclement weather.
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
Caswell Memorial State Park
Park Contact: Mike Whelan 209.599.9485 or 209.599.3810
Projects: Native rose and California blackberry planting; removal of non-native plant species; building and installation of information kiosk and mounting of oak tree round; spreading decomposed granite at Ox-Bow Overlook; litter pickup on main park trails.
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm
Location: Take Highway 99; use the Austin Road exit from North or South 99. Head SW on Austin Road, which will dead end into Caswell Memorial State Park.
Volunteers: 200
Bring: Work gloves, water bottle (one you can carry), sunscreen, bug and mosquito repellant, layered clothes, rain gear (if necessary), sturdy shoes, a large brimmed hat and a fun heart.
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
Montaña de Oro State Park
Park Contact: Phil Gross 805.772.4006 or pgross@hearstcastle.com
Projects: Build ADA pathways to existing restrooms at Horse Camp; trail maintenance
Time: 8:30 am-1:00pm
Location: Take Los Osos Valley Rd. to Montaña de Oro State Park
Volunteers: Unlimited
Bring: Water, gloves, pants, boots, hat, sunscreen
SAN MATEO COUNTY
Half Moon Bay State Beach
Park Contact: Joanne Kerbavaz 650.726.8805 or jkerb@parks.ca.gov
Project: Remove non-native plants at one of four beaches that make up Half Moon Bay State Beach. Targeted plants include poison hemlock, iceplant, wild radish and wild mustard.
Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Exit Hwy 280 or 101 to West 92 towards Half Moon Bay. At the intersection of 92 and Hwy 1, turn left and go one block. Turn right at the light, Kelly Street. Follow all the way to the end of the street and turn right into the park entrance. Proceed to kiosk.
Volunteers: Unlimited
Bring: Layered clothing, closed-toed shoes, water, sunscreen, and hat
Pigeon Point Lighthouse State Historic Park
Park Contact: Rose Blackburn 650.726.8819 or rblackburn@parks.ca.gov
Project: Habitat and grounds restoration: remove non-native ice plant in high priority areas; replace mariner rope used for keeping visitors off of native re-vegetation areas; replant native plants from one-gallon pots.
Time: 10:00am-1:00pm (please register at 9:45am)
Location: Exit Hwy 280 to West 92 towards Half Moon Bay. At the intersection of 92 and Hwy 1, turn left and drive south approximately 30 miles. Turn right into the lighthouse drive, following brown sign for Pigeon Point Hostel. Follow to the parking lot entrance on the left.
Volunteers: Unlimited
Bring: Volunteers should expect mild to moderately strenuous work removing non-native plants species. This involves bending at the knees and lower back at least once every minute, carrying materials up to 20 pounds, using gardening tools such as a shovel, sheers or a hoe, and being on your feet for up to three hours. Please wear appropriate clothing; long sleeves and pants are recommended and closed-toed shoes are required. The weather can vary, so layer clothing, and bring a hat, sunscreen and refillable water bottle. We work rain or shine, so be prepared for rain if it is predicted.
Año Nuevo State Reserve
Park Contact: Ranger Ziad 650.879.2025 or Gary Strachan 650.879.2028 or gstrachan@parks.ca.gov
Project: Landscaping around Marine Education Center including trail, steps and patio construction, native tree and flower planting.
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm
Location: Hwy One, 25 miles south of Half Moon Bay and 20 miles north of Santa Cruz.
Volunteers: 30
Bring: Gardening tools such as post hole diggers, shovels, rakes and gloves
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Natural Bridges State Beach
Park Contact: Randy Widera 831.429.1840 or randy@ThatsMyPark.org
Projects: Upgrade irrigation system on the west side of the grove to include previously planted Oaks and Coffee Berry plants. Contain major clump of ivy that is killing large cypress tree and threatening new plantings. Install irrigation system on the east side of the grove. Plant 100 Coast Live Oak trees on both the west and east side of the grove, connect to irrigation system. Provide GPS coordinates for all newly planted trees.
Time: 9am – 1 pm
Location: Take Swift Avenue west from Highway 1 (Mission Street), or follow West Cliff Drive north along the in-town bluffs until it ends at Natural Bridges
Volunteers: 50
Bring: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes, long pants, garden gloves, cap/hat, sunscreen and water bottle.
SHASTA COUNTY
Shasta State Historic Park
Park Contact: Lori Martin 530.225.2065 or lmartin@parks.ca.gov
Projects: Trash and invasive, non-native plant species removal, removal of non-contributing structures, grading, and application of temporary ground cover at recently acquired property as an addition to Shasta State Historic Park. Trash and invasive, non-native plant species removal, and trail restoration work on trails leading up to the Historic Cemetery at Shasta SHP.
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm
Location: From I-5, take highway 299 west from Redding, California. The courthouse museum at Shasta State Historic Park is located 5 miles west of Redding at the intersection of Hwy 299 west and Trinity Alley in Shasta, CA.
Volunteers: 50
Bring: Sturdy shoes, pants, long sleeves and gloves
YOLO COUNTY
Putah Creek Public Access
Park Contact: Dimitrios Georges 530.406-4884 or dimitrios.georges@yolocounty.org
Projects: Plant native California trees, grasses and shrubs; install irrigation system; pick up trash and other debris along creek edge.
Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: I-80 to Interstate 505 north exit, north on I-505 for 11 miles to the Winters/Lake Berryessa/Hwy. 128 (west) exit, west on Hwy 128 past Winters for approximately 7 miles, turn south (left) at public access site #1, signs will be posted along Hwy. 128.
Volunteers: 100
Bring: Gloves, hat, sunscreen, bug repellant, hand trowel, shovel, fishing gear to go fishing afterward
About CSPF
With its 95,000 members, the California State Parks Foundation is the only independent nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting, enhancing and advocating for California's magnificent state parks. For more information about California's state parks, visit www.calparks.org
Editors, please note: Media interested in attending, covering or volunteering for the California State Parks Foundation Earth Day 2008 Restoration & Cleanup should contact Kristi Brakken at (415) 606-7620 or at stellabluebrakken@comcast.net or Erika Pringsheim-Moore at (925) 284-5069 or at epringsheim@earthlink.net. Images are also available. |
