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WAYS TO GIVE

Photo by Bill Rhoades © CA State Parks

There is no single way to love a place. Some people show up with their boots on, ready to volunteer. Some visit again and again, bringing their children and their friends. Some give financially, knowing their gift will fund the programs and experiences that make these parks extraordinary. All of it matters. All of it is stewardship.

Since 1973, the generosity of our donors has helped Mountain Parks Foundation educate and inspire millions of park visitors each year. Your support funds student field trips, nature museums, visitor centers, trail signs, books, guides, and the programs that turn a single visit into a lifelong connection to these remarkable places.

There are many ways to give. Find the one that feels right for you.

Every gift helps these parks thrive for generations to come.

Ways To Give

There are as many ways to give as there are redwoods in the forest. Okay, maybe not quite that many, but we have options to choose from. Your tax-deductible donation will help ensure that the legacy of our majestic redwood forests is preserved for generations to come.

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Annual Membership.

One of the best ways to support our parks is by becoming a Mountain Parks Foundation Annual Member.

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Photo by Danny Halvorson

Monthly Giving.

A monthly donation of any amount provides reliable support for educational programs at Henry Cowell and Big Basin Redwoods State Parks. 

Photo by Danny Halvorson

Photo by Danny Halvorson

Planned Giving.

Including Mountain Parks Foundation in your financial planning is an easy way for you to make a significant impact on the future of our state parks and create a legacy that lasts.  

Photo by Danny Halvorson

Photo by Danny Halvorson

Sponsor a Tree.

Become a tree sponsor in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and support a living legacy in memory of a loved one, as a unique gift, or to celebrate a special occasion. 

Photo by Danny Halvorson

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Volunteer.

Mountain Parks Foundation is powered by our amazing volunteers!  Our volunteers are young people, families, seniors, working professionals, and people with disabilities.  We are extremely grateful for our dedicated volunteer team.

Mountain Parks Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

  • The simplest planned gift. Including a charitable bequest in your will establish a lasting fund that benefits Big Basin and Henry Cowell and may result in significant estate tax savings.

  • Make a gift of cash or property now, receive immediate tax benefits, and ensure fixed income payments for life for you or a loved one. A generous gift that gives back.

  • Place cash or property in a trust that pays annual income to you or a named beneficiary for life. When the trust ends, the remainder transfers to Mountain Parks Foundation to benefit our parks in perpetuity.

  • Support the parks now while preserving assets for your heirs later. A charitable lead trust pays out a fixed amount over a term you select, with remaining assets transferred to your named beneficiaries when the term ends.

Sponsor a Tree

Sponsor a living legacy in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. A tree sponsorship is a meaningful way to honor a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or simply deepen your connection to a place you care about.

When you sponsor a tree, Mountain Parks Foundation creates a personalized Legacy Packet including information about your tree, a photo, GPS coordinates, and a memorial keepsake. Any species of tree in Henry Cowell or Fall Creek can be sponsored.

Sponsorship Levels

  • Sponsor any trail-accessible tree within the main Redwood Grove at Henry Cowell.

  • Sponsor a tree that holds a significant place in the park's history, such as the Roosevelt Tree at Henry Cowell or Big Ben at Fall Creek.

  • Sponsor one of the named trees on the Redwood Loop Trail Guide, such as The Giant or The Fremont Tree.

Corporate Matching Gifts

Many employers offer matching gift programs that can double or even triple the impact of your donation. Check with your employer to find out if your company participates. It is one of the easiest ways to increase your impact without spending a single extra dollar.

Mountain Parks Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Our donors support Mountain Parks Foundation because they appreciate the important role environmental education plays in preserving our magnificent redwood state parks. 

We Partner with Our Community

With the support of our community, we invest in educational experiences that inspire protection and enjoyment of our local redwood state parks. Since 1973, our donors have helped us to educate and inspire almost 2 million park visitors each year, enriching their appreciation of the natural and cultural heritage of Big Basin and Henry Cowell (including Fall Creek!). 

The generous contributions of our donors help provide the resources to educate more than 200 student groups a year; renovate nature museums; enhance visitor centers; host natural and cultural history events; create new trail signs and information panels, and publish books, guides, and trail maps.

Corporate Matching Gifts 

Did you know there is a fast and easy way to double your impact when donating to support our parks? Many companies offer a matching gift program, and, in these uncertain times, matching gifts are more important than ever. Please check with your employer to see if you can double your impact by asking them to match your charitable donation.