Join us in our mission to protect Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

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. The Foundation is the sole source of funding for the model volunteer program, protects the Reserve’s environmental health and historical integrity by funding work on trails, facilities and vegetation, and continuously strives to improve programs and services for approximately one million visitors each year.

Join us in our mission to protect Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

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. The Foundation is the sole source of funding for the model volunteer program, protects the Reserve’s environmental health and historical integrity by funding work on trails, facilities and vegetation, and continuously strives to improve programs and services for approximately one million visitors each year.

Point Lobos Reserve nesting-black crowned night herons. Photo credit: Susan Lambert

Point Lobos Reserve nesting-black crowned night herons. Photo credit: Susan Lambert.

Preserve

We reduce the impacts on the protected area through strategic planning initiatives.

Photo of Mom and pup seal at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Photo credit: John Drum.

Mom and pup seal at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Photo credit: John Drum.

Protect

We eliminate actions that degrade delicate ecosystems and cultural areas within the Reserve.

Restoration at Sea Lion Point in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

Restore

We restore native habitat.

Photo of PLF Docent helping family at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Photo credit: Scott Whitman.

PLF Docent helps family at the Reserve. Photo credit: Scott Whitman.

Educate

We improve public awareness of best practices to steward the land.

What is a Reserve? The special purpose of a reserve is to forever protect an area of unique natural beauty and ecological significance. Afforded a higher level of protection, visitors are expected to protect this landmark for future generations. Please stay on marked trails, do not remove or collect natural objects and avoid approaching or disturbing animals.

Latest News

  • Photo of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve ocean view in black and white. Photo credit: Manny Espinoza.

2024 PLF Annual Moonlight Walk

July 18th, 2024|

Watch the sun dip into the Pacific Ocean, listen to the barking Sea Lions, and explore the trails by the light of the moon. Guests will be treated to music by Andrea's Fault and have full access to the Reserve's trails during this after-hours event, exclusive to members of the Point Lobos Foundation.

  • whalers cove view from under water

WORLD OCEAN WEEK

June 3rd, 2024|

Let’s Go Scuba Diving for World Ocean Day! – 06/07/2024 09:00 AM   Join the State Parks Dive Team as we explore unique underwater habitats and meet some of the interesting animal species that live [...]

Shop to Support the Foundation

Long considered the “crown jewel” of California’s 280 state parks, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a magnet for nature lovers around the world.

100% of the profit of every sale funds trails and facility maintenance, supports vital education programs and the volunteer docent program at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and helps to strengthen the network of Carmel Area State Parks.

Why the Point Lobos Foundation Matters

We’re preserving the Greatest Meeting of Land and Water in the World.

The purpose of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is to forever protect this majestic peninsula of natural beauty and ecological significance. The Point Lobos Foundation is the sole source of funding for the model volunteer program, protects the Reserve’s environmental health and historical integrity by funding work on trails, facilities and vegetation, and continuously strives to improve programs and services for approximately one million visitors each year.

Rainbow over Whalers Cove. Photo credit: Jan Stewart.