108 Monterey County GIVES! 2023 mcgives.com Environment & Sustainability DONate online mcgives.com ing community preparation, nurturing neighborly bonds and enhancing wildfire resilience. The Fire Safe Council for Monterey County (FSCMC) plays a crucial role in supporting neighborhood leaders interested in the Firewise program. Beyond the initial orientation, FSCMC remains engaged in the progress of the community by identifying and pursuing grant opportunities to tackle specific challenges faced by neighbors. Additionally, FSCMC facilitates collaboration between local fire agencies and neighborhood leaders, forging strong relationships and aligning common objectives. We are delighted to partner with the Firewise program and FSCMC. Together, we inspire our communities to take proactive steps in wildfire preparedness, equipping residents with the tools and knowledge to make a real difference in safeguarding our region against wildfires.” -David Sargenti Habitat Stewardship Project Year Founded: 1994 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 28 paid, 655 volunteers Budget: $537,552 601-0588 csumb.edu.hspmb Big Idea: Formerly known as Return of the Native, the Habitat Stewardship Project mobilizes thousands of volunteers to help restore the native habitat of local dunes, parks and creeks. This nonprofit’s Big Idea seeks donations to continue its efforts, propagating approximately 10,000 native plants (primarily pollinator species) throughout Monterey County. This hands-on experience restoring a treasured habitat helps build responsible environmental stewards of all ages while supporting local plants and wildlife. “Habitat Stewardship Project (HSP) gave learning opportunities during many weekend events, where I learned about different plants and the people in our communities. Growing up, I did not get to experience much of our natural world, and I’ve gained a deep appreciation for it. During 10 months of service as an AmeriCorps VIP fellow with HSP, I experienced the meaning of community. It was through the guidance of HSP staff that I was able to develop a connection with nature. I became aware of white yarrow, twisty coast live oaks, western bluebirds and different swallows. I think everyone deserves to have a feeling of belonging, to love and take care of all the living things around them. HSP makes it accessible for people of all ages to get to know their natural habitats while partaking in an impressive collective effort.” -Bibiana Carrazco Keep Big Sur Wild Year Founded: 2021 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 2 paid, 15 volunteers Budget: $22,100 (562) 480-4439 keepbigsurwild.org Big Idea: One of the newest nonprofits in MCGives!, Keep Big Sur Wild, is already thinking big. This watchdog group exists to defend the unique character and landscape of Big Sur against pressures from development projects. Using the Big Sur Land Use Plan, this nonprofit seeks donations to retain highly regarded legal counsel, land use experts and other professionals to help this group sustain its continued engagement in a number of significant issues to protect the Big Sur coast. “Keep Big Sur Wild is working with State Parks to try and clean up the pampas grass that negatively impacts Big Sur. They have taken classes in how to eradicate pampas grass. They have also produced leaflets to educate the community.” -Marcos Ortega Monterey Audubon Society Year Founded: 1940 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 1 paid, 25 volunteers Budget: $97,475 (208) 520-8794 montereyaudubon.org Big Idea: Do you have a young birder in your life? The Monterey Audubon Society has a Big Idea to establish a new Young Birders Club to provide a welcoming, no-cost environment for curious people to observe birds and connect with nature. Birdwatchers ages 10 to 18 embark on a monthly field trip to various bird hot spots throughout Monterey County, equipped with binoculars and field guides. Plans for this emerging club include leadership opportunities for members, giving youth an opportunity to grow while also learning about birding. “Growing up in Monterey County with a passion for birds, the closest young birders I knew lived hours away. But the limited interactions I had with other young bird enthusiasts had a positive impact on me. Having virtual friends is great, but there is no substitute for the joy and learning opportunities presented by being in person when it comes to birding. Young birders benefit greatly from organized clubs that allow them to find other young birders; they enable young birders to learn from supportive mentors and each other, and they also cultivate a conservation-oriented mindset that can have a lasting impact, with some club members even feeling encouraged to pursue careers in conservation. Creating a Young Birders Club in Monterey County would be a wonderful step forward in supporting the birding community’s newest members who have their whole lives ahead of them to make a difference for the planet.” -Elle Heiser spotlight They rescue juvenile fish that would otherwise perish in drying streams.” Jen Hunter, Carmel River Steelhead Association
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