Become a Social Entrepreneur and Join
Central Coast Natural History Association

by Mary Golden

The crisis in State Parks will not end anytime soon.  Our Governor Brown has made it clear that it is time to toe the line and cuts are cuts.    We know that means a $22 million cut to the State Park system in the next two years.  After 30 years of chronic underfunding by the State, these cuts are like pouring salt into a wound.  However the voters have spoken and Prop 21 went down hard.   

The most puzzling part of this picture to me is why does State Parks keep suffering cuts when we generate $6 billion each year?  State Parks generates $2.63 for the general fund for every dollar given to us. California's state parks and are  a top tourist destination for the world?  Many have said the landscapes preserved by State Parks are what makes California, California?  I'm sorry, I just don't get it. 

But we have to face the reality of these cuts which leaves us exactly . . . where? 

More than 600 volunteers serve at and a number of organizations partner with State Parks. Central Coast Natural History Association is one of those partners.  CCNHA is contracted with State Parks to support educational and interpretation efforts in our local parks.  And yes, because of the budget crisis, we occasionally find ourselves buying light bulbs for the museum.  We may be getting asked to do more with these cuts on the horizon.  CCNHA is planning a major membership campaign this year to connect more of our community to State Parks.  Like any good investor, you will want to know where your money is going, so here is a partial list of what he have done recently, and where CCNHA is heading:

Yearly, we support the efforts of 200 volunteer docents whose programs include:

1. 7,000 visits by school groups free of charge to the schools.  Programs taught fit into the state testing standards
2. Maintaining and fixing exhibits including curatorial
3. The Sea Otter Experience trailer at Morro Rock
4. The Monarch Grove in Pismo Beach State Park
5. Libraries at the Museum of Natural History and the Pismo Nature Center
6. Native gardens at the Museum of Natural History, Montana de Oso State Park and Pismo State Beach
7.  30 Adventure With Nature Walks and Talk each month
8. Volunteer training and recognition
9. Publications such as our Nature Notes newsletter
10. Living History at Spooner Ranch House
11. Mindwalks Lecture Series
12. Astronomy Programs
13. Pecho Ranch Day
14. Maintain a website, ccnha.org

• Yearly we support the efforts of Coast Mounted Assistance which patrols trails at Montana de Oro State Park and Pismo State Beach
• Yearly, we provide outreach to the community informing them of programs and issues relating to State Parks.
• In addition , Special Projects CCNHA is working on:

• Renovation of the Spooner Ranch House thanks to the generous funding by The Hind Foundation and the Swift Foundation
• Renovation of campfire centers
• A bilinqual backpack program for families to check out backpacks for the day which will include family activities, guides to local animals and plants, and binoculars
• Along with State Park  staff and docents, programs to encourage kids to unplug and go outside.

Most investors what to know"What's in it for me?"  Instead of returning a dividend, by becoming a member, you have just become a"social entrepreneur." 

In other words, you are investing in the social capital of your State Parks and your children's future education and health.   You do get personal benefits: 20% of any purchase at our five nature stores, free admission to our Mindwalks lecture series, Nature Notes send to your home, and a variety of either free membership events, or reduced cost to events such as Martini De Oro exclusive sunset party at Spooner Ranch House, movie nights at the Museum, campfire talks with the rangers, and wildflower and garden tours. 

Memberships range from $25 for an individual to $1,000 to become a Guardian of the Parks.  To join, go to ccnha.org