SAMO FUND’s Impact is thanks to you! With your help, we can do even more in 2023!
Some of our accomplishments in 2022, working together with the National Park Service, are detailed below, as well our plans for 2023. Your gift will help us to support the NPS in these initiatives in the Santa Monica Mountains for 2023
Wildlife Research for Mountains Lions and other Wildlife
One of SAMO Fund's roles in supporting the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is to continue to fund research to provide the data that scientists need for wildlife conservation. P-22 was one of the greatest wildlife ambassadors of our times, being the inspiration for the crossing. Let's honor his legacy by helping other local animals stay safe.
Wildlife Crossing Project Nursery
SAMO Fund is working closely with the National Wildlife Federation, Living Habitats LLC, National Park Service and other core partners in the development of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing Project Nursery. This nursery is propagating plants that will cover the crossing creating habitat and providing a seamless transition between the mountains for wildlife using the crossing. Your funding will help SAMO Fund staff this nursery.
P-22 with his radio collar
SAMO Youth
In 2023, SAMO Fund is set to fund approximately 30 students in summer and longer term internships with the National Park Service. Working with youth at-promise, through intense mentorship programs, opens new trajectories for them at university and in their future careers. This opportunity only exists thanks to donors like you.
Open Outdoors for Everyone
We want even more 4th graders than before to experience the Santa Monica Mountains. SAMO Fund introduces thousands of children from Title I schools around the greater Los Angeles area to the ecology and wildlife of their local mountains. For most, it's the first time these kids have hiked in their surrounding National Park. Your donation can help us get more kids in the Park.
ADA Bridge at Cheeseboro
We want everyone to enjoy the Santa Monica Mountains, so SAMO Fund is working to fund the construction of an ADA compliant bridge to allow even more people to experience the outdoors at one of the Park's most popular trails. To date, we have one-half of the funds secured to complete this project. Your donation could help us finish the bridge and open our Park to more people.
Maintaining Trails
We don't often think about trail maintenance when we're enjoying hiking, but our trails don't just take care of themselves. SAMO Fund's Trail crew works with NPS to plan maintenance to assure the trails are safe for all. The importance of trail maintenance cannot be overstated in areas throughout the Park; Some of our trails have historical significance, whereas other trails may affect areas critical to the history of the Indigenous people and/or natural areas vital to the survival of endangered species. If you enjoy exploring the mountains on foot or bike, please help us keep our over 500 miles of trails safe and pristine.
Promoting Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
SAMO Fund is committed to fighting racism, standing in solidarity with all communities and providing space for open dialogue and taking action as informed allies. We are building a curriculum and a traveling educational exhibit to complement a film we funded in 2022 about John Ballard, the first Black homesteader in the Santa Monica Mountains whose family faced unrelenting racism. We need funding to succesfully open this dialogue about injustice in outdoor spaces; please help us.
OYE! Oxnard Youth Ecologist
Created by SAMO Fund's staff at Rancho Sierra Vista Nursery, this program immerses high school students from Oxnard in a hands-on experiences learning about native plants and careers in ecological restoration. This program has become so popular, we hired a new part-time Manager to keep it going. Dozens of more youth are slated to participate in 2023, but only with your support.
Rancho Sierra Vista Native Plant Nursery and SAMO Fund's Restoration Crews
It's hard to keep track of these two crews as they are so busy. The nursery crew is growing tens of thousands of plants for the restoration crew to work with community volunteers to plant for habitat restoration in the mountains. These staff also grow and give away milkweed, run Career Training Panels for Young Adults from diverse communities, host Monarch in Action Days to educate the public about butterflies, collect seeds, and are also building a herbarium for the Santa Monica Mountains, as well as multiple other projects. This vital work is really at the heart of everything SAMO Fund does, but it requires ongoing funding.
Santa Monica Mountains Fund is special ~ an incredible intersection of people, wildlife, and stunning beauty offering hope, inspiration, and a place for everyone. You are an integral part of making a difference.
Your Gift Goes A Long Way. Thank you for helping us.
