Board of directors will focus on nonprofit’s efforts at
monument
This weekend at Pinnacles National Monument, a nascent group
will be making its debut. It’s not a new species of bird or
reptile, though they may be there as well, but a group of private
citizens and national park service staff aimed at making the
national park the best it can be.
Board of directors will focus on nonprofit’s efforts at monument
This weekend at Pinnacles National Monument, a nascent group will be making its debut. It’s not a new species of bird or reptile, though they may be there as well, but a group of private citizens and national park service staff aimed at making the national park the best it can be.
That is the goal of the Pinnacles Partnership. The focus of the group is to preserve the educational elements at the park while enhancing the stewardship and visitor experience for now and in the future, according to Pinnacles Superintendent Eric Brunnemann.
This weekend the Pinnacles Partnership will hold a barbecue at the Pinnacles. During the event, members will be asked to elect the first full board of directors for the Pinnacles Partnership. After lunch, attendees will have the option of selecting one of four special “behind the scenes” looks at the Pinnacles.
Choices include a nature walk with herbologist and insect specialist Ranger Paul Johnson, who will be leading a butterfly walk.
A hike with Educational Specialist Ranger Michelle Armijo is the second offered program. The hike will be to Moses Springs and the talk will focus on the web of life in and around the Pinnacles. Ranger Scott Forrester will be hosting a similar walk that same day and nature enthusiast and birder Mark Paxton will host the fourth session complete with spotting scope, perfect for checking out the migratory birds that call Pinnacles home.
“The afternoon should really offer guests an introduction to some of the services that are offered at the park,” said Carl Brenner, a park ranger who oversees supervision and education.
Pinnacles National Monument was established in 1908 and is one of the oldest national parks preserving the unique Pinnacles rock formations and the remnants of an ancient volcano.
After 98 years, several local citizens recently established a friends group to support projects at Pinnacles that are critical to protecting and restoring parklands. These projects range from sustaining the California condor reintroduction project, celebrating the park’s centennial anniversary in 2008, and supporting schools’ abilities to use Pinnacles as an outdoor classroom. This fledgling organization exists because of caring contributors in the community. The group is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit.
Saturday’s event is free to member’s of the Pinnacle Partnership as well as anyone else who is interested in learning more about membership. Lunch will be served from noon to 2 p.m. at the campground and the different programs will start around 2 p.m. Rangers suggested that for the hike to Moses spring, hikers should pack a pair of sturdy shoes, a flashlight and as much water as they need.
