Santa Monica Mountains Fund
Official Partner to the National Park Service
The Santa Monica Mountains (SAMO) Fund is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that funds habitat restoration, hiking trail improvement, educational programs, and wildlife conservation in the Santa Monica Mountains - our Nation’s largest urban national park, located in the greater Los Angeles area of Southern California
SAMO Fund works to encourage appreciation and understanding of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area by supporting its National Park Service programs
A Message From Our Executive Director
Dear Friends at SAMO Fund,
It’s truly an honor to serve as the Executive Director of the Santa Monica Mountains Fund. I’ve spent 29 years working in non-profit management, and the SAMO Fund holds a special place in my heart.
I’ve always believed that when you’re not sure how to make a difference in the world, you start right at home. Working alongside the National Park Service, I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished and amazed at how much the SAMO Fund has grown in such a short amount of time.
Every day, I’m learning something new—from our partners, from our team, and from the incredible landscape we work to protect. This time of year feels a lot like those days when you finally hike to the highest peak. You take in the most incredible views, breathe deeply, and just appreciate everything around you.
Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited about all the opportunities on the horizon. Preparing for the end-of-year presentation on Zoom gave me a moment to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re heading—and what a journey it’s been. I can’t wait to build on the momentum we’ve created and continue working with everyone who supports the SAMO Fund to make an even bigger impact.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support makes everything we do possible.
Deanna Armbruster, Executive Director
Latest News
WHY DONATE TO OUR PARKS?
National Parks are one of America’s “Best Ideas”, but unfortunately decreases in Federal Funding have left the National Park Service chronically underfunded for the past decade or so, despite their increase in visitor numbers. Almost $12 billion are needed for infrastructure repairs, maintenance and protection of our parks and their iconic and unique vistas, outdoor spaces and natural and historic wonders. (NPCA)
While the Biden administration is investing in modernizing National Parks and responding to conservation needs and climate change programs, there is a need for further investment (NPS). Consequently, many of the large, iconic national parks across the country have entered into partnerships with Non-Profit Organizations, such as SAMO Fund to help towards their annual funding goals.
The Santa Monica Mountains Fund works to encourage appreciation and understanding of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area by supporting its National Park Service programs
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) encompasses homelands of indigenous people commonly referred to as the Chumash people (in the Western SMMNRA) and the Tongva people (in the Eastern end of the SMMNRA).
Paramount Project
Paramount Ranch is a historic movie backlot situated within the boundaries of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
In 2018, the Woolsey fire destroyed most of the ranch. SAMO Fund is working with the National Park Service to restore this unique, historic ranch.
Mountain Lions
The small population of mountain lions in and around the Santa Monica Mountains are under threat. Nearly all our mountain lions tested are shown to be contaminated with anti-coagulant rodenticide and they face problems as they move around our area.
Native Plant Nursery
In 2019, Metabolic Studio awarded SAMO Fund a grant to support the revitalization of the NPS Native Plant Nursery at Rancho Sierra Vista.
