Foundation Partners
Sempervirens Fund
Sempervirens Fund has been a strong supporter of Castle Rock State Park since its creation in 1968. They have funded of multiple land acquisitions for the park, helped prevent the park’s closure in 2012, and more recently, contributed to the building and opening of the new Robert C. Kirkwood entrance to the park.
Save the Redwoods League
Save the Redwoods League has long supported Portola Redwoods State Park, including major support in keeping the park open in 2012. In addition, they led the acquisition of the Peters Creek Redwood parcel of old-growth Redwoods which adjoins Portola Redwoods State Park; we hope at some time it will be added to the park.
Peninsula Open Space Trust
Peninsula Open Space Trust supported Portola Redwoods and Castle Rock State parks through significant contributions to keep both parks open in 2012. POST also helped to acquire Peters Creek Redwood parcel, and through collaboration with PCRF and Save the Redwoods League, implemented a plan for sustainability of Portola Redwoods State Park.
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks has proven itself to be a valuable ally to Portola Redwoods and Castle Rock State Parks, including providing valuable staff support onsite
California Native Plant Society (CNPS)
California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a nonprofit with a mission to save California’s native plants and places using both head and heart. Since its inception in 1968, the CNPS Rare Plant Program has been a trusted resource for scientific accuracy and integrity. Today, CNPS staff, volunteers, and collaborators are using data from this program to fight extinction, engage citizen scientists, and inform land use decisions statewide.
CNPS is working with State Parks,San Jose State University, and the Portola and Castle Rock Foundation to manage and conserve Dudley’s lousewort (Pedicularis dudleyii), a rare plant with only ten known extant populations that occurs in Portola Redwoods State Park.
San Jose State University
With funding from Save the Redwoods League, and in collaboration with the Portola and Castle Rock Foundation, we are currently studying a rare redwood understory wildflower called Dudley’s Lousewort (Pedicularis dudleyi). Our current studies focus on the population genetic structure, dispersal ecology and pollination biology of the species. In understanding these basic facets of life history, we’re hoping to provide actionable information to land managers that are working to protect this imperiled species.