Cabrillo National Monument Foundation (CNMF) Newsletter | |
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Summertime at Cabrillo National Monument is in a class by itself. There are fewer cloudy days, and the sun seems to dance on the water endlessly while the breeze brings the fresh ocean air along every path and overlook. School is out and we see families and friends from all over the world taking time to recharge here.
We invite you to take time this summer to experience the beauty and serenity the Park has to offer and to Breathe, Move, Discover, and Remember at Cabrillo.
In this newsletter we celebrate the events, milestones and impact that your support helps to provide. We hope you will join us for one of our unique CNMF events. Your membership and these experiences are designed to help you engage with the Park on a personal level and they give insight into one of the world's most biodiverse habitats, right here in San Diego!
Learn about the past, invent the present, and protect our future by making a summer gift to Cabrillo National Monument Foundation (CNMF). Donate today.
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WHAT YOU FUND
CNMF members and donors generously fund Cabrillo National Monument youth programs such as The Ecologik Project, Conservation & Comics, Jr. Ranger Program and field trip transportation along with interpretative programs, installations and services throughout the Park as well as apparel, equipment and supplies for the Volunteers In Parks (VIP) program. In addition, CNMF provides funding for Park interns and apprenticeships, the greenhouse, vegetation and the lighthouse and for special projects such as the construction of the Oceanside Trail.
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BIG IMPACTS FOR YOUNG MINDS | |
CONSERVATION + COMICS - EXPRESSING SCIENCE THROUGH ART | |
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Cabrillo National Monument Science Education Instructor, Samantha Wynns says eight, nine and ten-year-olds are some of the most receptive when it comes to learning science.
"They understand enough about the world to ask questions," she explains adding that interest in science, especially for girls, wanes in middle school "so getting them on that cusp is important."
Fortunately, the national park service offers free passes to all 4th grader's as well as bus funding for Title I schools through grants provided by the National Park Foundation's Every Kid Outdoors program designed to connect kids and their families with wildlife, natural resources and history during these formative years.
National parks are one of the best spaces in which to foster connections to science and nature and this May Wynns guided her last group of the season on an ecological journey through Cabrillo National Monument stopping along the way to observe and discuss individual ecosystems. Alongside her was Alonso Nunez, Director of Little Fish Comic Book Studio. Thanks to funding provided by CNMF, the two have been bringing Conservation + Comics, a free program that marries scientific learning with comic book art, to the Park and it's making an impact.
Joining the group were two 4th grade teachers, Sarah Dunn and Nina Manzo. Dunn came to observe but hopes to apply for her class to participate in the future. She says High Tech Elementary School is a Title-1 school with limited funding for buses and she believes the CNMF-supported program and school bus fee waiver is "a game changer."
"Our students in Chula Vista are not near all of this, " she says as she gestures to the surrounding habitat, "so it's nice to be able to unlock this for them."
Nina Manzo is from Bay Park Elementary School and accompanied her students for the fourth year. She says she loves the integration of art and science and the engagement it sparks. "They have two people who are very passionate," she notes of a program she hopes to repeat every year.
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TIDEPOOL EXPLORATION SCIENCE PROGRAM SPEAKS TO FUTURE CONSERVATIONISTS | |
Taking one more dip into the science and conservation of tidepools before summer break, Cabrillo National Monument Science Education Instructor, Andrew Rosales guided a group of 4th graders from Dailard Elementary through tidepool etiquette, a brief lesson in the science of tides and then an exploration of one of the Park's most fascinating features and habitats. | | |
PARK TRAILBLAZERS UNVEIL LANDMARK ROUTE TO TIDEPOOLS | |
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The convergence of intention around the Oceanside Trail came to fruition on Wednesday, April 24 at Cabrillo National Monument as a group of joyful donors and participants in this colossal endeavor gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony that marked the opening day of this long-awaited route from the Old Pt. Loma Lighthouse to the Tidepools.
Local Congressman Scott Peters, Kerri Kapich of the San Diego Tourism Authority, Jamie Kelley of the National Park Foundation, Emily Moore, Executive Director of the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation, Amanda Gossard, Park Interpretation and Education Manager and members of the Joshua Tree National Park's trail building team presented the half-mile pedestrian route during the celebration at which several media outlets were also present.
Thanks to grants and contributions from donors like the National Park Foundation, Gregory Annenberg Weingarten GRoW @ Annenberg, Buzz and Helen Kinnaird, and the Hervey Family Fund along with dozens of individual philanthropists, the Foundation was able to raise roughly a half-a-million dollars to fund the landmark project.
Habitat mitigation was a prime example of the collective effort that went into the trail project. Greenhouse team, Volunteers In Parks (VIPs) and staff came together to plant over 500 cacti and succulents that had been previously rescued from the trail’s path, before construction began. Plants stored in pots at the greenhouse for over 1.5 years are finally "back home," according to Vegetation Technician Patricia Simpson who says that now, they just need rain to encourage them until they are established.
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OUTREACH CAPACITY INCREASED IN 2024 | |
Recent hire, Adriana Wolf was promoted to Outreach Coordinator in June after quickly establishing herself as a talented social media and marketing professional. The UCSD graduate and former real estate agent was already focused on increasing awareness about the Foundation this spring and coordinated two collaborative booths for local environmental events where she connected with new audiences via social media and email.
According to Wolf these two booths have yielded more than 300 contacts for the foundation.
Wolf, whose work is made possible by a capacity building grant awarded by the National Park Foundation, says outreach is critical for non-profits like CNMF.
"We want to find the balance between strengthening and stewarding relationships with the current donor and volunteer base while simultaneously showing new audiences the programs at the Park," she explains.
"People are excited about the programs, but they don't often know about them. Outreach is important to bring our mission and goals to new audiences who will benefit from them and be inspired to support them."
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Above: CNMF co-hosts booth with Park representatives at I Love A Clean San Diego Sustainable Solutions Fair in June
Below: Park representatives and CNMF staff co-host South Bay Earth Day booth in April.
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Above: attendee using CNMF provided safety glasses to view the eclipse | |
Above: @imperialbeachdad and family reading from the CNMF provided Junior Ranger eclipse booklet
Solar Eclipse photos by Adriana Wolf
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FLEET SCIENCE CENTER - CNMF COLLABORATION ADDED BENEFIT FOR MEMBERS | |
On April 8th, an eager crowd gathered just outside the Fleet Science Center to witness the partial solar eclipse.
Many said they found the cosmic phenomenon deeply moving and CNMF staff were there to help Foundation members make the most of their experience by providing special edition Junior Ranger eclipse booklets and Junior Ranger “eclipse explorer” badges along with eclipse glasses provided by the Fleet.
One family who had had been collecting Junior Ranger badges across the country for months, said they were especially excited to receive their “eclipse explorer” badge because it commemorated this rare event!
In addition to the NASA eclipse viewing glasses, the Fleet also provided CNMF members with free access to the Fleet Science Center Luminary Lounge, and a free day pass to the Fleet Science Center to watch the eclipse livestream and explore the museum throughout the day.
The event marks the second eclipse viewing party to which the Fleet Science Center has extended invitations to CNMF members.
Thank you to the Fleet for partnering with us again so that we could bring another of these stargazing experiences to our members. It was a perfect opportunity to engage not only current members, but new members and dozens of individuals and families who visited the CNMF booth.
Cabrillo National Monument Foundation Members - look for upcoming collaborations!
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JOIN US IN WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS
from April 1 to June 31, 2024
Joe Da Rosa
Eric Lawrence
Valerie Kind
Benjamin Geyer
Gwenn Abrams
Priscilla Kowalsky
Sage Tellew
Scott Hinkle
Ann Chamberlin
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CABRILLO UNDER THE STARS SWINGS | |
(Above left to right: saxophonist, Dominic Negrin; Drummer, Teo Lhote; trumpet player and Young Lions Jazz Conservatory Artistic Director, Gilbert Castellanos, upright bassist - Dahlia Robinson and pianist, Malik Minert photo by Gary Severt) | |
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Music for the 2024 Cabrillo Under the Stars delivered jaw-dropping performances by some of San Diego's youngest jazz proteges performing alongside local jazz legend, Gilbert Castellanos. Ranging in ages from 11 to 18-years old, members of the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory played before a crowd of 250 who turned out to raise money for the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation and its mission to fund vital conservation, preservation and education projects at San Diego's national park.
Feedback from post-event surveys confirmed "the music" and "the setting" were highlights and guests applauded participating local vendors who donated outstanding desserts and beverages served with a generous helping of hospitality.
"The camaraderie" and "visiting with others who support the Park," were sentiments that best summed up the reasons attendees keep coming back. Coordinators for the soiree see this as a powerful way to connect both newcomers and long-time supporters to a place they feel passionate about.
With rallied support from individuals and businesses in the community, the foundation was able to produce a profitable event, but planners say there is still work to be done before this event is a significant source of funding for the Foundation and in turn the Park.
Thank you to our community supporters: Jensen's, Barons Market, O.B. Water Store, Trader Joe's Pt. Loma, Crumbl, Bethlehem Baking, Co., Fallbrook & Westfall wineries and Bay City Brewing Co. and Freeman for donating their products, time and talents.
This year's Cabrillo Under the Stars was possible with the support from generous sponsors: National Park Foundation, Wild Tribute, GCLA Landscape Design, and Good Point Community, Inc.
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RALPH'S COMMUNITY REWARDS
Simple and costs you nothing, just create a digital account and link it to your Ralphs Shopping Card so that all transactions apply to Cabrillo National Monument Foundation. For more information go to www.Ralphs.com and check out their Community Contribution Program.
Ralph's Community Contribution Program - Ralphs
SAN DIEGO GIVES COMING SOON
Look for our San Diego Gives Campaign launching July 25th on our website, social media, and email! San Diego Gives is a 6-week community-driven fundraising campaign culminating on September 5th, 2024. It aims to unite San Diegans in support of local nonprofits addressing critical issues. Join us in celebrating San Diego philanthropy and show your support for CNMF by donating on September 5th through our San Diego Gives Campaign.
NEW DONATION PLATFORM COMING SOON! LOOK FOR CNMF UPDATES
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WHAT'S NEW:
Working to keep the selections interesting, the Cabrillo National Monument retail team collaborated with creators at Wild Tribute to develop new artwork unique to our store with the latest addition, gray whale graphic t-shirt and sweatshirt (pictured left).
FUN FACT:
Proceeds from the Cabrillo Store inside the visitor center account for 70% of the Foundation's income each year and contribute more than $50,000 annually to park programs at Cabrillo National Monument. Without our support, these programs would not exist.
OUR DEDICATED TEAM:
A special thanks to several of the team who had work anniversaries this quarter: Gigi Simmons - 3 years: Zoe Vertiz - 1 year and Rebecca Murphy – 1 year.
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FOUNDATION SAYS GOODBYE TO LONGTIME STORE TEAM MEMBER | |
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After 18 years as part of the store's retail team, Andrea Carney said "goodbye" to fellow CNMF employees and Park staff and "hello" to retirement on June 7.
The former schoolteacher turned sales staff in 2006 has seen the store through the pandemic, government shutdowns, visitor center restoration and relocation to the auditorium as well as staff and system changes.
Andrea will be missed and forever be part of the CNMF family. We wish her a joyful retirement!
(Below, left: The Park's Interpretation and Education Program Manager, Amanda Gossard presented Carney with a commemorative keepsake and co-workers listened to priceless stories from her time at the Park. Below, right: CNMF, Executive Director Emily Moore poses for one last staff photo with Carney.)
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Please stop by the Foundation office or the Park Store to say hello. We appreciate our Members support of over 20 park programs that help to protect and preserve the park's resources and enhance the visitor experience. THANK YOU.
Sincerely,
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