September 2008 - Major Program Accomplishments

Stewards is the primary support for the Russian River District "Volunteers in Parks" (VIP) programs and provides much needed funding and staffing for the recruitment and training of over 300 docent/volunteer participants.

During the 2007-2008 school year, Stewards served between 5,000-6,000 school children with reservations for school group programs on the Sonoma Coast SP and at Armstrong Redwoods SNR. Of those, Stewards scheduled docent-led experiences for about 2,000 children. Through our School Group Education Programs they studied: the magnificent old-growth redwoods; the fascinating intertidal zone; the life cycle of salmon; the cultural groups who lived and worked on the lands of the Sonoma Coastal area.

In 2008, Stewards launched their Docent and Community Education Program. It has been an outstanding success with over 300 participants. This effort aided in recruiting about 80 new docent/volunteers for the "Volunteers in Parks" programs. Even though all program needs were not met, some programs were functioning at capacity.

In 2007, Stewards supported the creation of a new volunteer trail crew for Sonoma Coast SP. With training from State Parks staff and funding for equipment, this new program has been a huge success. This dedicated group of volunteers is coordinated by Bill Bambrick and meets monthly to assist state parks with trail maintenance, bridge projects, and invasive plant removal and other special needs.

Stewards has allocated funding for a Natural Resource Management Plan and a Trails Plan for Armstrong Redwoods SNA and Austin Creek SRA. Funding was secured for the 2nd Bridge Project in the Willow Creek watershed and an Historic Fence Assessment project for Armstrong Redwoods SNR, Austin Creek, Sonoma Coast SP and Willow Creek.

In 2007, Stewards was most fortunate to receive a generous donation from Betty Riess, who funded the construction of a magnificent redwood interpretive display for the Armstrong Redwoods SNR Visitors Center. The display highlights the historic events that have occurred place during the life of a 1,000 year old redwood on one side and the flora and fauna native to a redwood forest on the other side. This wonderful addition to the park is enjoyed by park visitors of all ages.

2008 Fiscal Year End Report

Stewards is primarily supported through resale of educational materials in its visitor centers, sale of firewood at State Parks campgrounds, memberships, grants, donations from individuals and corporations, and other fund development activities. A breakdown of how funds were expended is as follows:

Program Expenses - $299,451 (84%)
Administrative Expenses - $27,134 (8%)
Fundraising Expenses - $31,716 (9%)

Financial Statements and Annual 990 and 1023 are available upon request. Email mluna@mcn.org

Major Donors (2007-2009)

Foundation Grants
California State Coastal Conservancy - Ocean Safety Signs (2007) $21,925
California State Coastal Conservancy - Willow Creek 2nd Bridge Project (2007 & 2008) $141,035
California State Coastal Commission - Whale Tail Grant - Sonoma Coast Tidepool Program (2009)- $8,208
California State Parks Foundation Earth Day Projects (2007) $5,000
California State Parks Foundation - Docent Recruitment and Education Program (2007) $2,000
California State Parks Foundation - Environmental Education Programs (2009) $5,000
Charlotte and Arthur Zitron Foundation - General Operating (2007) $3,000
Community Foundation Sonoma County/ Russian River Community Trust - Equipment (2007) $1,500
Community Foundation Sonoma County - Historic Fence Assessment Project (2007) $14,300
Dean Witter Foundation - Docent Recruitment and Training Program (2008) $16,500
Fisherman's Festival Sonoma Coast Programs (2007, 2008) $1,800
Medtronic Foundation - Docent Recruitment and Training Program (2007) $6,000
Save the Redwoods League - Docent Recruitment and Training Program (2007) $5,000
Save the Redwoods League - Redwood Ecology Programs (2008) $4,000
Sonoma County Fish and Wildlife Commission (2007), Willow Creek 2nd Bridge Project $13,500
Westamerica Bank - Education grant (2009), $500

Corporate/Business Donors & Sponsors ($5,000 or more)
Exchange Bank
Pacific Gas and Electric
Russian River Getaways - Camille LeGrand

Corporate/Business Donors & Sponsors ($3,000 or more)
Christopher Queen Galleries

Corporate/Business Donors & Sponsors ($1,000 or more)
Barefoot Wines
Chevron
Clark Wolf Productions
Cresco
Guerneville Graphics
Mendocino Redwood Company
Whole Foods

Corporate/Business Donors & Sponsors ($500 or more)
Bohemian
Earthworks
Fern Grove Cottages
Frank Howard Allen
Gene Gaffney Insurance Services
Korbel California Champagne
KRCB
Russian River Monthly
Russian River Times
Russian River Travel
Sonoma Uncorked
State Farm Insurance
Washington Mutual Bank
Watermark
West County Gazette
Westamerica Bank

Individual Donors ($10,000 or more)
Betty Reiss

Individual Donors ($5,000 or more)
Camille LeGrand

Individual Donors ($500 or more)
Lisa Bacon
Lisa Brom
Sarah Burkdoll
Art Carter
Ann Chambers
Terry and Joanne Dale
Terry Grant
Ron Hemmerich
Tina Kelly & Mark Quattrocchi
Lanny and Joann Keyston
Carolyn & Jim Losee
Kathie Lowrey
Fred & Michele Luna
Leah Mahan
Dennis Martino
Carol and Clark Mitchell
Jan Randall
Warren & Janis Watkins
In memory of Emmet Crisp
Michael and Elaine Von Der Porten
William Zavora