PLAY THIS SUMMER AT CABRILLO | | |
|
At Cabrillo, we work hard so we can play hard—together.
Every day, hundreds of hours from dedicated volunteers, park staff, and Foundation team members go into preserving this extraordinary place. Cabrillo National Monument is more than a park—it's a unique ecological, historical, and educational treasure. We’re deeply grateful to the supporters who believe in our mission and stand with us to protect and enhance this remarkable site.
Together, we strive to create lifelong connections to Cabrillo through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
Together, we protect one of the last remaining fragments of Southern California’s rare Mediterranean ecosystem—a habitat that covers just 2% of the Earth’s surface.
Together, we safeguard our celebrated tidepools, among the most ecologically rich and visually stunning features of the park.
And together, we preserve the cultural and historical legacy that makes Cabrillo a place of reflection, discovery, and inspiration.
We hope you enjoy this summer edition of the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation (CNMF) newsletter - thank you for your support!
|
| TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR CABRILLO UNDER THE STARS | | |
RAISE A GLASS ON JULY 30
Raise a glass for San Diego’s only National Park! Join us on July 30 at Protector Brewery for a fun night of local brews, national park trivia, door prizes, and hear about the military history at Cabrillo National Monument from three of the park's volunteer historians. Plus, a portion of every drink will be donated to CNMF to support the critical needs of Cabrillo National Monument.
No RSVP needed, just show up and support your park!
| | |
SAVE THE DATE
Save the date for the next Inside the Parks webinar presented by the National Park Foundation!
Date & Time: Wednesday, July 30 from 1:00-1:45 PM ET
Event: Inside the Parks Book Club with Aimee Nezhukumatathil, New York Times bestselling author of World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments.
*Official invitation and Zoom links to follow!
| | | CNMF RECEIVES IMPACTFUL GRANT | | |
We’re excited to share that Cabrillo National Monument Foundation has received a $50,000 grant from the National Park Foundation as part of our ongoing participation in the Collective Campaign for National Parks. The Campaign represents a nationwide movement to elevate philanthropic support of our national parks, ensuring these iconic places thrive for generations to come.
Stretched thin, national parks and their partners are having to do more with less, but thanks to this one-time, flexible grant, the momentum built at CNMF over the past several years continues.
The grant serves as a strategic catalyst to increase and strengthen our fundraising capabilities, revenue-generating activities, address current challenges, and build for the future. With this support, we’re better equipped to grow, innovate, and more deeply serve both our park and the visitors who deserve to enjoy it today and forever.
The award follows Executive Director, Emily Moore's recent participation in "Hill Day" where she joined 116 other national park representatives from the National Park Foundation and the National Park Friends Alliance in Washington D.C. to ask members of the House and Senate to support future funding for our national parks.
"The National Park Foundation is our champion whether it's philanthropic support, sharing resources, or supporting our activities - it's all about the parks and the visitors, no matter what it takes. And when you have this type of support system, you become equally as passionate to do whatever it takes. This is how I view CNMF's relationship with Cabrillo National Monument," said Executive Director, Emily Moore.
| | WHY SUPPORTING NONPROFIT OPERATIONS IS ESSENTIAL | | |
CNMF Upgrades Retail POS System
Cabrillo National Monument Foundation has upgraded its retail store’s point of sale (POS) system to Lightspeed, a modern, cloud-based platform. This change was prompted by QuickBooks ending their service and support in 2024 and CNMF facing aging hardware and ongoing technical issues.
The $7,500 upgrade, approved by the CNMF Board, and three-month transition managed by CNMF Retail Director, Dana Kaminski, involved data integration, staff training, and collaboration with IT and Lightspeed consultants.
"Visitors will benefit with fewer disruptions," noted Executive Director, Emily Moore adding "a more reliable and future-ready solution was needed to operate more efficiently and continue to provide a high-quality experience for visitors and members alike."
Benefits of the new system include:
- Real-time inventory and sales tracking
- Better reporting and customer management
- Scalability for future growth
- Integration with e-commerce
"Supporting nonprofit operations isn't sexy for many donors, but in order to to do mission critical work, we need operations to run smoothly, so we can accomplish more," stated Executive Director, Emily Moore. With support from a National Park Foundation grant, we upgraded our website, so now with new POS system, we can open a new online store. We look forward to sharing it with you in 2026!"
Store sales support key park initiatives like education, conservation, and volunteer programs. This upgrade ensures that these vital contributions are managed with greater accuracy and transparency—ultimately strengthening our ability to serve the park and its visitors.
Thank you to our members and community for making this possible!
| | |
Become a member of CNMF with an annual or monthly recurring gift and receive exclusive member benefits.
If you ever need assistance getting your account login set up, or if you just prefer talking to a human, you can always reach out to us at peggy@cnmf.org or call (619) 312-7942.
| | |
A Young Voice for Public Lands: Point Loma Student Wins National C-SPAN Film Award with National Parks Documentary
Daniel Steinhauer of a Point Loma Middle School earned an Honorable Mention in the 2025 C-SPAN StudentCam competition for his powerful short documentary, Preservation of Our National Parks. Featuring interviews with National Park staff and volunteers—including voices from Cabrillo—his film is a passionate call to protect public lands.
| |  | |
Tidepools Under Pressure: How TPERP Volunteers Protect, Educate, and Restore Cabrillo National Monument's Intertidal Zone
The intertidal zone at Cabrillo National Monument is a vibrant, living ecosystem, but it’s under constant pressure. With every step and every touch, the tidepools face growing challenges. For nearly 30 years, the Tidepool Protection, Education, and Restoration Program (TPERP) volunteer team has been on the front lines of protection, education, and safety in the tidepools.
| | |
NONPROFIT ACADEMY CULTIVATES COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS
Development Manager Peggy Junker recently represented CNMF at the San Diego Nonprofit Academy Conference, held at the University of San Diego in June.
This two-day event, hosted by the University's Nonprofit Institute, brought together industry experts and nonprofit professionals for one of many growing initiatives aimed at strengthening the local nonprofit sector.
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, nonprofits are increasingly turning to collaboration rather than operating in isolation. Events like this reflect that shift—bringing together solution-oriented organizations focused on navigating the challenges of modern fundraising and building a more connected, resilient nonprofit community.
| | | TAKING CARE OF OUR MOST PRECIOUS RESOURCES | | (Above: Tidepool Protection, Education, and Restoration Program (TPERP) and Volunteers In Parks (VIP) brave the rocks in search of debris - Photo by Gary Junker. Below left: Ranger Briana snaps a selfie with TPERP Coordinator, Pauline Geisler and TPERP VIPs. Below right: Ranger Briana and TPERP VIP haul debris near the tidepools. Photo by Pauline Geisler.) | | |
On Saturday, June 28 a dedicated 20-person crew collected 490 pounds of trash throughout the Cabrillo National Monument tidepools. For 3-hours park staffers Pauline Geisler and Briana Carmona led Tidepool Protection, Education, and Restoration Program (TPERP) volunteers for a slippery morning of trash removal. An annual event that occurs at low tide and starts at the crack of dawn.
Cabrillo’s tidepools are among the best-protected in California, drawing over 350,000 visitors annually. Because of their sensitivity, the park enforces strict guidelines to minimize human impact—such as prohibiting the collection of organisms, discouraging rock turning, and promoting gentle observation practices. While the Cabrillo tidepools are deemed some of the best protected in California, currents and wind deliver debris into the tidepools that become lodged or beached and must be removed by hand.
"The Cabrillo National Monument Foundation’s support is invaluable to the success of TPERP," noted Pauline. "The majority of our budget comes from CNMF which we use to purchase supplies such as the trash bags and grabbers used during our clean-up. The Foundation is a vital partner in our mission to preserve and protect Cabrillo’s tidepools."
These precious tidepools offer a hands-on learning environment for students, scientists, and visitors. They provide opportunities to study marine biology, environmental science, and the impacts of climate change and human activity on coastal ecosystems. These tidepools also serve as critical habitats for juvenile marine species and act as natural laboratories for studying ecological resilience and adaptation. They also play a role in nutrient cycling and serve as feeding grounds for birds and other coastal wildlife.
Thank you to the dedicated National Park Service staff and volunteers who help care for this precious resource!
| |
DIPLOMACY OF AN UNUSUAL KIND
The park's oldest snake ambassador, Boros, passed away this spring after living out the rest of his 25-year reptile days at the park. Park Education and Interpretation Manager, Amanda Gossard said the California King Snake helped many who were afraid of snakes to become more comfortable with them.
The park's remaining two snake ambassadors, Summer and Wilson continue the work of connecting the public to the importance of snakes and can be seen periodically in the breezeway near the visitor center during public appearances with a park handler.
Amanda noted that the Foundation plays an important role providing support to the snake ambassador program, covering costs such as veterinary care, food and bedding supplies. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Foundation for their steadfast support during Boros’ medical journey and for their continued commitment to our Animal Ambassador program. Their partnership ensures that we can provide the highest quality care and meaningful educational experiences for our community—even through difficult times like the recent loss of Boros."
If you love our snake friends, want to learn more about these special creatures, or for future snake meet and greets, be sure to check the Cabrillo National Monument website here.
(Photo of Boros: NPS/McKenna Pace)
| |
VIP HISTORIAN HIGHLIGHTED AT UPCOMING CNMF EVENT
What do you get when you combine a history degree, decades of teaching and coaching, a military family background, a deep love for Cabrillo National Monument, and boundless mental energy?
If you're Jack Vallerga, you become an indispensable member of the Cabrillo National Monument Volunteer-In-Parks (VIP) team—serving as one of the park’s go-to historians.
Known for his remarkable memory and passion for sharing knowledge, Jack is a familiar and trusted presence at the visitor center desk. If he doesn’t know the answer to your question, you can be sure he’ll find it.
After spending three summers in the Teacher-Ranger-Teacher program at Cabrillo, Jack built strong relationships with park staff. Upon retiring, he returned as a dedicated volunteer, leading weekend tours and offering expert insights into Cabrillo’s military history—especially its roles during World War I and II.
Last year, Jack served as one of the Foundation’s military hosts during the “A History of Service” lecture series which highlighted the Park's roll in the wartime efforts. He and fellow VIP historians Ken and Gary will return for the upcoming Military Talk & Beers event at Protector Brewery on July 30, hosted by the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation. See event information above.
CNMF proudly supports volunteer activities at Cabrillo National Monument.
| |
🌿 LEAVE A LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
Imagine a future where generations of visitors continue to explore the tidepools, learn from the exhibits, and feel inspired by the sweeping views at Cabrillo National Monument—all because of a gift you planned today.
By including the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation in your will or estate plan, you become a steward of this treasured place. Your legacy gift helps preserve the park’s natural beauty, support educational programs, and ensure that our shared history continues to be told.
Joining our Legacy Circle is simple, meaningful, and deeply impactful. Whether it’s a bequest, a beneficiary designation, or another form of planned gift, your generosity will echo through time.
👉 To learn more about planned giving opportunities, visit https://www.cnmf.org/cabrillo-legacy-circle or contact the Executive Director at emily@cnmf.org
Together, we can protect the past and inspire the future.
| |
REMEMBERING THOSE WHO LOVE CABRILLO
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and family members who have shown such generous support following the passing of Mary Williams this past Spring. Your tribute gifts have been a powerful reminder of the lasting impact that will forever reflect her love for nature and Cabrillo National Monument.
| | |
PARK LUMINARIES
Cabrillo Park Luminaries welcomes all donors who contribute $1,000 or more annually to the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation. These donors are dedicated to making a lasting investment in the Foundation and the Park.
- One-year Cabrillo Park Pass
- 15% discount instore
- Unlimited tickets to member events
- Early bird invitation to fundraising, appreciation + exclusive events
- Two tickets to an exclusive Park Luminaries event
| | | OLD TOWN SAN DIEGO POLLINATOR PATHWAYS PLANTING PARTY | |
On May 10, CNMF and Cabrillo National Monument park staff joined the Pollinator Pathways Planting Party in historic Old Town San Diego! Hosted by Old Town San Diego, Dwelling on Carbon, Caterpillar Chow, Wild Ones, and Great Ecology, this event celebrated the second phase of “Greening Old Town” with native plantings, music, vendors, giveaways, and more.
We were thrilled to table at the event—connecting with community members, sharing upcoming CNMF events, and spreading the word about ways to give back to Cabrillo National Monument. It was a beautiful day to celebrate native plants, pollinators, and the power of community partnerships.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello and learn more about how you can support San Diego’s only national park!
| I LOVE A CLEAN SAN DIEGO SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FAIR | | |
CNMF and Cabrillo National Monument returned for our second year tabling at the I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) Sustainable Solutions Fair in Encinitas. This community event brings together sustainability-focused organizations, local makers, and local speakers to share practical solutions for a greener future.
We were proud to represent San Diego’s only national park, sharing how CNMF supports conservation, science education, and community engagement at Cabrillo National Monument.
Thank you to ILACSD for another great event—and to everyone who stopped by to connect with us!
| | The Foundation is already seeing the fruits of these partnerships due to your participation. Thank you! | |
1% FOR THE PLANET: FORGING CORPORATE CONNECTIONS
We’re excited to announce that Cabrillo National Monument Foundation is now an official 1% for the Planet Environmental Partner!
| | |
1% for the Planet is a global network that connects businesses committed to giving back with environmental nonprofit organizations. Business members pledge to donate at least 1% of their annual sales directly to vetted environmental nonprofit partners like CNMF. This partnership creates exciting new opportunities to amplify our mission, connect with values-aligned businesses, and build a stronger network of corporate supporters dedicated to protecting San Diego’s only national park.
This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without a little help from our friends. A huge thank-you to National Park Geek, who nominated us and became our first official 1% for the Planet supporter. Their early commitment is already helping CNMF provide direct support for key park projects and initiatives at Cabrillo National Monument.
| | OUR SUSTAINABILITY PLEDGE | | |
Did you know that San Diego is a leader in sustainable business practices? According to reports from the San Diego Tourism Authority, our airport, convention center, and many of our hotels and attractions have green certifications and even our very own Padres baseball team have achieved a waste diversion rate of more than 95% at Petco Park.
CNMF wants to do our part, and we are focused on creating greener events and business practices that prove it. Last year's Cabrillo Under the Stars featured compostable serving dishes and reusable glasses along with water stations and we were able to eliminate water bottles entirely. This year we will bring those practices to all of our member events!
| | |
Thank you for reading our Summer 2025 newsletter. We appreciate your engagement, dedication, and support. We couldn't do this important work without you. Hope to see you soon at San Diego's only National Park, Cabrillo National Monument!
Sincerely,
| | | | |
