Our mission is to protect and nurture Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, to educate and inspire visitors to preserve its unique natural and cultural resources, and to strengthen the network of Carmel Area State Parks.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel River State Beach, and Ishxenta State Park are treasured coastal sanctuaries where breathtaking nature, remarkable culture, and astounding history converge.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors annually mean we must continuously protect the land, water, and wildlife. With your support, we will steward these parks for generations to come.
Our work includes:
1. Trail Maintenance & Access – Clearing, repairing, and reinforcing trails to ensure safe, sustainable access.
2. Habitat Restoration – Replacing invasive species with native plants and protecting sensitive ecosystems.
3. Climate Resilience – Strengthening infrastructure to recover from winter storms and rising sea levels.
4. Inspirational Education – Empowering visitors through knowledgeable docent-led talks, wildlife interpretation, and cultural storytelling.
5. School Outreach – Facilitating visits, especially from underserved schools, so students experience the wonder of Point Lobos and grow as environmental stewards.
Together, we can ensure these iconic places remain protected for all.
Point Lobos Foundation serves all of Monterey County by protecting cherished public lands and expanding access to nature for youth and families. In the 2024–2025 school year alone, 4,131 students from across the county participated in “Experience Point Lobos,” our free, docent-led outdoor education program. Nearly half were from Title I schools, with additional students from alternative and migrant education programs.
We also provided transportation and scholarships for summer camp and guided walks, ensuring more youth from underserved communities could connect with the outdoors—many for the first time. Our ADA-accessible “Easy Access Adventures” program enabled over 200 visitors with mobility challenges to explore the Reserve’s beauty safely.
Our programs inspire environmental awareness, support classroom learning, and ensure that everyone—regardless of background or ability—can experience and help protect Monterey County’s natural heritage while remembering that these lands belong to us ALL.
Every time I walk the trails of Point Lobos, I’m reminded why this place matters—not just for its breathtaking beauty, but for what it gives to all of us. It’s where children feel the ocean for the first time, where docents spark curiosity and wonder, and where native species still have a chance to thrive. As a board member, I’ve seen firsthand how your support directly protects these lands and opens the doors for others to experience them. Whether it's restoring a trail after a storm or making sure a school bus arrives with eager young explorers—every gift makes a difference. Please join us. Your generosity ensures that Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel River State Beach, and Ishxenta State Park remain resilient and welcoming for generations to come. ~Board Member, Point Lobos Foundation
- Betty Maurutto, Carmel
