needs of the biodiverse Elkhorn watershed, from reducing fire risk on the coastal prairie to improving water quality in tidal wetlands. Last year, MCGives! donations helped construct and restore three freshwater ponds for federally protected amphibians, such as the endangered long-toed salamander. “In working to restore ponds for amphibians, I fell in love with the Elkhorn Slough Foundation and the elementary schoolers. There was something incredibly special about being able to see students’ eyes light up when a plant or critter captured their attention and their passion. I hope their memories of our days together last forever, because mine will.” -Alexandria Cuellar Brown, CSUMB student FRIENDS OF SEASIDE PARKS ASSOCIATION Year Founded: 2014 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 175 volunteers Budget: $25,000 (831) 915-4873 friendsofseasideparks.org BIG IDEA: There’s a buzz in the parks of Seaside. It may be the 20-30 neighbors who gather every Saturday to care for nine Seaside parks. Or it may be the lively ecosystem of pollinators cultivated through the Big Idea of Friends of Seaside Parks Association (FOSPA). These volunteers nurture native plants at these parks, developing beneficial pollinator habitats and doing their part to increase climate resilience. Donations will support educational events and increase native plants in Seaside parks. “I am the wife of a career U.S. Army soldier with a 4-year-old daughter. We have moved numerous times and finding a local community proves to be hard. We moved to Seaside a little over a year ago. Shortly after moving into our new home, I happened upon two of FOSPA’s volunteers and learned what they are all about. That meeting sealed my beautiful fate as a regular volunteer. This group of loyal volunteers warmly embraced me into the group. It amazes me how many volunteers join us every Saturday and how much work we do in just two hours.” -Judith Coyle HABITAT STEWARDSHIP PROJECT Year Founded: 1994 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 12 paid, 700 volunteers Budget: $410,000 (831) 582-3326 habitatstewardshipproject.org BIG IDEA: The Habitat Stewardship Project believes the best way to build a relationship with the natural world is by getting your hands dirty. Its Big Idea supports the growth and planting of up to 15,000 native plants, distributed to local parks and wildlands with the hands-on help of volunteers and students. Habitat Stewardship Project also organizes community cleanups, resulting in the removal of thousands of pounds of trash from creeks and streams each year. “One of my first memories experiencing nature was in 2011 on a field trip to Fort Ord National Monument, through Habitat Stewardship Project. I remember learning from student staff about a plant known as ‘sticky monkey.’ This memory stuck with me because I touched the leaves of the plant and they were sticky. I thought it was cool that students were able to work in nature and knew that’s what I wanted to do. Fifteen years later, I have now been a student worker for the Habitat Stewardship Project for one year. I was excited to work for the same organization that helped me realize my passion for the outdoors. I am thankful for the opportunity to get people excited to go outdoors and feel the sunshine.” -Noah Martinez 112 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM “I am thankful for the opportunity to get people excited to go outdoors and feel the sunshine.” -Noah Martinez, Habitat Stewardship Project COMMUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABLE MONTEREY COUNTY Year Founded: 2005 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 850 volunteers Budget: $121,000 (831) 200-3533 sustainablemontereycounty.org BIG IDEA: Have you heard of the Salinas Tree People? This grassroots Big Idea has a goal to plant 60,000 trees in Salinas by 2064. That is enough to reach the 25-percent tree canopy coverage recommended for cleaner air, climate resiliency and increased health. Donations through MCGives! will support tree-planting plans, including purchasing trees and equipment and providing tree care education to the community. This is a longterm goal, but Communities for Sustainable Monterey County is starting now. In 2027, the organization aims to plant 300 trees at homes, businesses and public spaces in Salinas. “It’s great to be part of the Salinas Tree People. The dedication to improving our city today and for generations to come is truly remarkable.” -Gabriel Sacher SPOTLIGHT
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