REI Grant Supports Restoration and Trail Work!

REI presented Santa Monica Mountains Fund with a check for $15k at their Northridge Store this week.  This grant money will be used towards the purchase of Cocoons, a groundbreaking new technology from the Netherlands that supports the growth of newly-planted trees in arid areas.  The money will also contribute towards the acquisition of tools for trail maintenance in the Santa Monica Mountains.  Great to meet such friendly staff members at Northridge! 

REI was one of many donors whose contributions made it possible to complete the Backbone Trail, the newly-opened 67 mile through hike which runs the length of the Santa Monica Mountains from Los Angeles to Point Mugu.  It has taken 40 years and millions of dollars to complete this incredible trail which offers city, wilderness and ocean views - often from a single overlook.  

The innovative Cocoon Planter promises the ability to establish plants under the harshest conditions. The Santa Monica Mountains Fund is helping the NPS evaluate its restoration potential at Santa Monica Mountains NRA.