Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/934374
future trail and coastline campaigns in the reserve. Patterson's recent promotion from development and communications director to executive director further solidifies the organi- zation's commitment to the destination. "We want to increase our impact and make sure that Point Lobos remains the crown jewel in the state park system, as people often say it is. As we provide financial and inter- pretive suppor t, we also want to ensure that this reserve still offers an incred- ible experience for the hun- dreds of thousands of peo- ple who visit each year," says Board President and Monterey Bay Aquarium Chief Operating Officer Cynthia Vernon. She lists docent development and expanded school programming, including a focus on intro- ducing underserved students to Point Lobos, among the projects that make her most proud. In an effort to reach new audiences, the foundation has created a Discover Point Lobos mobile app with games, photographs, information and inter- active features. The group also supported the planning and construction of trails that better accommodate wheelchairs, strollers and individu- als with limited mobility, and leaders are working with local partners to manage vehicle access and parking issues related to record visitor numbers. Between 750,000 and one million guests explore Point Lobos annually. "It's really become a must-see, must-do expe- rience for tourists," Vernon says. "It's a beautiful, historic piece of public land that lets those of us who live here recharge and reconnect with the ocean and the coastline." "There's no other place like it, really," agrees Point Lobos Foundation vol- unteer Reid Woodward. "Up and down the California coast, the Sierras and Yosemite, they're all wonder- ful in their own way. But this place is truly spectacular. It's well preserved, and it's small enough that you don't have to walk 20 miles to see all the features. There's not another place I'd rather be, and I think most of us who work out there feel that way." To volunteer with the Point Lobos Foundation, or to make a donation or become a member, please visit www.pointlobos.org. Local students visit as a part of the School Walk program. (Above) Executive Director Anna Patterson. (Below) Point Lobos Foundation volunteer Reid Woodward received one of only two California Poppy Awards for exemplary volunteer service. Founded in 1978 as the Point Lobos Natural History Association, the 40-year-old nonprofit supports interpretive programs, educational outreach and preservation projects at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. 198 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 8 Photo: John Drum Photo: Fred Brown