Program areas at PLF
Visitors ServicesEducate visitors to enhance their appreciation, understanding, and support of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve through various channels including magazines, newsletters, website, digital app, multilingual brochures, public events, and meetings. In 2023, we served 2,573 students by funding the Docent-led School Outreach Program which provides guided walks to schools in the Monterey and Salinas Valley area. Total expenses $183,305.90, restricted funding of $42,836.94Including the following for 2023: Supported the interpretive materials and program needs of the School Outreach Committee at Point Lobos including funding the transportation and entry costs of Title 1 students and families from CHISPA to Point Lobos, interpretive materials and equipment for virtual and in-person learning, and bookmarks and posters given to out to Title 1 students visiting the Reserve. Funded a portion of Summer Adventures. Supported public bird walks led by CA State Parks at San Jose Creek. Funded (2) issues of the Point Lobos Magazine available to visitors (to purchase) and as a membership benefit. Funded and hosted (4) virtual member events featuring speakers of many different topics pertaining to Point Lobos, as well as the Moonlight Walk event in September which allows members to experience the Reserve at sunset. Co-hosted an event at First Theatre with Monterey Historic State Parks Association (MSHPA) in support of the re-opening of Californias First Theatre of Monterey and the ongoing support and maintenance of the facility.
Docent SupportTo enhance the visitor experience by supporting Point Lobos Docents, State Park volunteers who greet visitors, interpret the natural and cultural resources and lead walks for visitor groups. In 2023, the number of long-term Docents increased to 203 and their volunteer hours totaled 30,120 hours. Total expenses $82,829.98, restricted funding of $27,868.97Continued to fully-fund the docent program for the year, including administration and support expenses, docent training and continuing education, interpretive materials and maintenance of location-based services at the Reserve (Information Station, MINT Van, Whalers Cabin).
Reserve Stewardship, including natural and cultural resource protection and public use improvements to enhance visitor experience and safety, and support of the Carmel Area State Parks General Plan. Total Expenses $179,898.15; restricted funding of $113,572.38Including the following for 2023: Important trails maintenance and restoration at the Reserve. Important improvements and repairs to the restroom lift station at the Reserve. Continued to support the migration of our current archive of historical items to an online database to be used as a future teaching resource for the Docent Corps and public and continued to support the maintenance of historical Whalers Cabin and the museum. Supported the removal of invasive species, habitat restoration, and research within the Reserve Supported habitat restoration at Carmel River State Beach by funding the purchase and installation of (6) wildlife-proof trash and recycling receptacles around Carmel River State Beach, and providing supplies for the volunteer coordinator and volunteers. Continued our commitment to funding Park-It; a community-based initiative to improve traffic safety and sustainability and parklands access on the Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur.