Santa Monica Mountains Fund

Programs

1. HABITAT RESTORATION AND TRAILSThe Fund supports projects and programs that preserve the SMMNRA for public access and ecological resilience. The Seed Farm at Rancho Sierra Vista continues to serve as a vital site for ecological restoration, workforce development, and learning opportunities for local youth. In 2025, the nursery continued expanding its capacity to produce native plants used in habitat restoration and climate resilience projects across the mountains and surrounding communities.The nursery program includes the Oxnard Youth Ecologists (OYE) workforce program and the Monarch and Milkweed initiative. The OYE program provides youth with job skills and hands-on experience in ecological restoration, native seed collection and propagation, and conservation leadership. Youth participants helped cultivate tens of thousands of native plants and supported the distribution of milkweed plants across Los Angeles and Ventura counties to strengthen pollinator habitat and regional wildlife corridors.The Liberty Canyon nursery continued operating at full capacity to support restoration work associated with the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing and surrounding habitat connectivity…

   $2,524,957 spentof which $222,860 as grants
   62% of program spending

2. EDUCATIONThe Fund delivers strategic education and workforce development programs that create pathways into conservation careers. The Fund provides funding for programming, transportation, and field-based learning experiences that connect young people to the Santa Monica Mountains.The Open Outdoors for Kids program continues to connect youth with the natural world. This program brings approximately 25,000 fourth graders to the park each year to learn about plants, animals, ecosystems, and Native American heritage.For college students and young adults, the Fund provides opportunities to work alongside National Park Service staff and conservation professionals. Youth workforce programs place students and interns in seasonal roles that support interpretation, restoration, science, and education programs while providing hands-on experience and mentorship that prepares participants for careers in environmental stewardship and public lands management.

   $792,224 spent
   20% of program spending

3. WILDLIFE RESEARCH AND PROTECTIONThe Fund supports wildlife research and monitoring programs conducted in partnership with the National Park Service, California State Parks, and collaborating scientists. Research initiatives include long-term studies of mountain lions, mule deer, and federally listed California red-legged frogs.Interns and field technicians assist with wildlife monitoring through satellite tracking, camera traps, and field surveys that help scientists better understand wildlife movement patterns, habitat connectivity, and the impacts of urban development on native species.Community education programs also support wildlife protection through initiatives such as the Nature Neighbor program and the Break the Poison Chain campaign, which raise awareness about rodenticide impacts on wildlife. The Fund also supports volunteer programs and cultural interpretation activities at the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center, where youth and community members participate in educational and cultural events that celebrate the regions Indigenous heritage.

   $389,507 spentof which $200,000 as grants
   10% of program spending

4. OUTREACH AND OTHER SPECIAL INITIATIVESThe Fund provides annual support for volunteer programs that assist the National Park Service, California State Parks, and partner park organizations throughout the Santa Monica Mountains. These programs include the Mounted Volunteer Patrol, Mountain Bike Unit, National Trails Day events, habitat restoration volunteer days, and other stewardship activities that engage community members in caring for public lands.The Fund also supports cultural preservation and public engagement initiatives, including archaeological research projects and educational programming at the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center developed in collaboration with Indigenous community members. These initiatives help ensure that the cultural, historical, and ecological significance of the Santa Monica Mountains is preserved and shared with future generations.

   $334,484 spent
   8% of program spending

The 4 programs described on its FY2025 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $4,041,172.