ity and a lasting connection to the natural world.” -Araceley Zavala-Ramirez, school counselor, Oak Elementary School, Greenfield MILPA Year Founded: 2013 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 24 paid, 5 volunteers Budget: $2,000,000 (831) 676-3079 milpacollective.org BIG IDEA: MILPA is focused on the future. The organization develops the next generation of leaders through spiritual practices and land-based learning, building on the intergenerational work of its Chicano and Indigenous elders. Its Future Makers program uses storytelling, workshops and guided outdoor activities to connect youth with the spiritual power of nature. Donations will help launch MILPA’s Future Center, where young people will learn how clean air, water and access to green spaces matter to physical, mental and emotional health. “My favorite moment being outdoors was the laughs me and my friends had just playing by the river. It felt so good.” -Program participant, 16 MONTEREY AUDUBON SOCIETY Year Founded: 1940 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 2 paid, 113 volunteers Budget: $349,935 (760) 420-9299 montereyaudubon.org BIG IDEA: Have you heard about the Heermann’s gull in Seaside? If you have, that’s the work of Monterey Audubon Society. One initiative last year was to get the word out about these fledgling birds, at risk in busy Seaside, encouraging public awareness. Over the last year, this nonprofit has welcomed more bird lovers (and bird-lovers-to-be) than ever, experiencing record-breaking engagement at the annual Point Pinos Seawatch and promoting a successful community-wide effort to monitor the Heermann’s gull colony. Donations will help this nonprofit take flight, from expanding scientific research to adding a conservation director to the team. “Since 2015, I have volunteered to monitor the same two black oystercatcher pairs on the Monterey Peninsula during their breeding season, coming to know behaviors unique to each pair—including one unforgettable season watching chicks hatch, grow and take their first flight. I talk with locals and visitors alike, most of whom expect to see whales or otters until I point out the oystercatchers instead. That spark of discovery is contagious—people become invested stewards of this beautiful coastline and its oystercatchers. I’m proud to contribute my time to helping this species of concern.” -Stephanie Turcotte Edenholm ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM mcgives.com Monterey County GIVES! 2026 117
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