About Point Lobos

The history of the Point Lobos Foundation dates back to 1978 as the Point Lobos Natural History Association. As a result of shortfalls from state funding, the Department of Parks and Recreation encouraged each park to establish a Cooperating Association that could accept money to fund importance needs to its parent park. The PLNHA was made up of mostly park Rangers and their spouses with a few non-rangers and formed to support Point Lobos. Money was raised through book sales to develop interpretive materials, trail guides, expand educational literature, and to eventually form the Point Lobos docent program.

As the needs of the Reserve grew, our organization grew to meet them. Today we are a membership organization known as the Point Lobos Foundation. 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 the strengthen the network of Carmel Area State Parks.

The Point Lobos Foundation funds the Point Lobos docent program, fills shortfalls in funding for trail maintenance and repair, funds the restoration of wildlife habitat, maintains the facilities at the Reserve, and funds school outreach, providing opportunities for underserved children to experience the outdoors.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve sunset at Cannery Point. Photo credit: Castel Ortiz.