ESSELEN TRIBE OF MONTEREY COUNTY Year Founded: 2018 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 8 paid, 12 volunteers Budget: $546,873 (831) 301-3078 esselentribe.org BIG IDEA: The Esselen Tribe works tirelessly to protect sacred lands. By forging powerful partnerships with government and nonprofit agencies like California State Parks, Big Sur Land Trust and The Wildlands Conservancy, this Big Idea has recently conserved Tularcitos Creek, 387 acres near Camp Pico Blanco and 1,720 acres of the former Rana Creek Ranch in Carmel Valley, which holds deep cultural significance for the Tribe. Donations support these ongoing efforts, and also a new archaeological field school to empower tribal citizens and aspiring archaeologists to understand history. “Being welcomed into the Esselen Tribe has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Witnessing their dedication to reclaiming and stewarding their ancestral lands is both inspiring and humbling. I am grateful every day to walk alongside the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County in their vital work of land restoration, cultural revitalization and building a sustainable future for our children.” -Heidi Park, Esselen Tribe CFO/Treasurer KEEP BIG SUR WILD Year Founded: 2021 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 1 paid, 25 volunteers Budget: $70,000 (562) 480-4439 keepbigsurwild.org BIG IDEA: Having a plan is great, but implementing is what matters. Keep Big Sur Wild applies the Big Sur Land Use Plan, educating the community and local officials on the best ways to maintain Big Sur. Donors to this Big Idea have helped support two successful Highway 1 clean-up days and developed two public service announcements, including a popular social media video about removing invasive pampas grass. For other invasives like jubata grass, this nonprofit used drones to help residents eliminate hard-to-reach plants. “As a longtime resident of the Big Sur coast, I have seen firsthand the increasing pressure on our fragile landscape from overcrowding, overdevelopment and environmental degradation. Keep Big Sur Wild has been a vital voice in protecting what makes this place so special. Their commitment to upholding the Big Sur Land Use Plan is unwavering. They ensure both officials and the public understand the importance of conservation over commercialization. They also advocate for equitable access, working to keep outdoor experiences available to all, not just the wealthy. Their work is smart, strategic and deeply rooted in love for this land. Supporting Keep Big Sur Wild is supporting the future of Big Sur itself.” -Corinne Colen MARINE MAMMAL CENTER Year Founded: 1975 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 138 paid, 1,278 volunteers Budget: $1,300,000 (415) 289-7325 marinemammalcenter.org BIG IDEA: The Marine Mammal Center’s Big Idea nurtures some of our largest neighbors: seals, sea lions, otters and whales. This Center operates yearround to respond to wild animals in trouble (includ116 Monterey County GIVES! 2025 mcgives.com ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM MEARTH Year Founded: 2008 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 7 paid, 180 volunteers Budget: $918,467 (831) 624-1032 mearthcarmel.org BIG IDEA: Greener, kinder, healthier—those are the values of MEarth’s Big Idea. This organization offers a cornucopia of garden-based programs and a robust, free organic produce distribution. Donations support the hands-on education opportunities in every corner of the 10.5-acre Hilton Bialek Habitat in Carmel Valley, from weeklong camps to community cooking workshops. To increase access to nutritious, fresh produce, MEarth operates a mobile farmstand and distributes free organic produce to 200 Big Sur families each week. “I just want to say how much I appreciate our partnership with MEarth. First and foremost, many of our kids wouldn’t have the opportunity to experience something like this otherwise. Everything—from the beautiful campus to the hands-on activities—has been incredible. They’ve had the chance to plant seeds, harvest food and cook meals they might not otherwise be exposed to. It’s been a truly special experience connecting our kids to food, to nature and to amazing instructors in a way that brings so much love and support into their lives.” -Ben Bruce, program director at Community Partnership for Youth SPOTLIGHT “I’ve always known how deeply rooted fishing is in our community. This way of life is too important to lose.” -U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust
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