108 Monterey County GIVES! 2024 mcgives.com Environment & Sustainability DONate online mcgives.com ronmental stewardship and made them real and tangible for our class. But more than that, they honored the excitement and wonder that each child experienced aboard the boat. As the boat sailed back into the harbor, the class spontaneously collapsed into a group hug. It was incredible to see how much this experience meant to my class. None of this would have been possible without the funding provided. This experience inspires a young person to see a world beyond their own backyard; big dreams were created on that day for a group of small-town kids.” -Cristin Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Year Founded: 2009 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 15 paid, 163 volunteers Budget: $1,513,415 648-5716 pgmuseum.org Big Idea: What do passenger pigeons, Big Sur jade and DNA from an orca tooth have in common? These artifacts come together to tell the story of our amazing natural world via the experts at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. This Big Idea comes to life through a variety of programming, from Wonder on Wheels mobile museum to its thought-provoking Science on Tap lectures. Donations help keep the wonder and exploration coming for visitors of all ages. “Without a doubt, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History has something for everyone: fun exhibits, cool collection items, field trip opportunities and incredible events. Their staff and programs are fantastic, and make learning fun and informative.” -Daniel Lee Point Lobos Foundation Year Founded: 1978 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 3 paid, 297 volunteers Budget: $794,386 (866) 338-7227 pointlobos.org Big Idea: More than a half-million people visited the breathtaking sights of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve last year. Every day, the efforts of the Point Lobos Foundation help ensure these visits are pleasant and inspiring. Help this Big Idea by supporting the ongoing work in trail maintenance, restoration of natural habitats and removing invasive species, all of which contribute to making the trails world-class. In addition, enhanced outreach from docents help educate visitors on the vital wildlife and cultural context of these precious lands. “The dedication to preserving Point Lobos and other nearby public lands is truly inspiring. The ongoing efforts in trail maintenance, habitat restoration and educational outreach have significantly enhanced the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this remarkable area. It’s wonderful to see such commitment to protecting these lands for future generations.” -Sandy Hale, Point Lobos Foundation past president and treasurer (2008-2014) Range of the Condor Year Founded: 2017 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 8 volunteers Budget: $50,000 238-2787 condorrange.org Big Idea: The traditional flight range of the California condor must be protected, which is this nonprofit’s Big Idea. This land trust aims to protect land that can be used for the California condor, as well as other wildlife that lives in harmony with these iconic birds. Range of the Condor seeks funds to buy a 40-acre parcel adjacent to 260 acres the nonprofit already owns near the Ventana Monterey Waterkeeper Year Founded: 2020 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 3 paid, 50 volunteers Budget: $251,204 204-1381 montereywaterkeeper.org Big Idea: Monterey Waterkeeper is focused on protecting and restoring fishable, swimmable and drinkable waters in Monterey County and along the Central Coast. This Big Idea is to advocate to set statewide pollution limits for drinking water to improve health for low-income communities of color in the Salinas Valley who face drinking water contaminated by fertilizer and pesticides. The nonprofit began monthly water quality monitoring for the Salinas River earlier this year to monitor a water source heavily polluted from agricultural runoff. “Monterey Waterkeeper is extremely effective at moving forward progressive water policy that protects residents and the environment. Their work teaches families about our precious water, including our lakes, rivers and ocean. Monterey Waterkeeper’s beneficial work assisting environmental justice communities, such as the San Jerardo Cooperative, in fighting for clean drinking water is invaluable.” -Margie Kay spotlight “Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is not just a local treasure, but a national legacy.” -Leon Panetta, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
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