Protect + Preserve
Protecting and preserving our natural, cultural, and historical resources are what make Cabrillo National Monument so special. Our rich tidepools filled with marine life, iconic lighthouse, and educational greenhouse each offer a unique glimpse into the region's diverse ecosystem and heritage. In addition to preserving these treasures, we are committed to fostering learning and research opportunities. CNMF proudly supports internships that contribute to ongoing research efforts, providing valuable resources that inspire and educate future generations.
An example of how we protect and preserve is our park goal to have native landscaping that doesn't need watering. Seeds collected at the park are grown and planted at the park in areas of non-native plant removal and damage (e.g., social trails and erosion). This efficient system is funded in-part by CNMF! The Park’s Weed Warriors Program spent over 4,000 hours removing 1,458 bags of non-native plants from the park, and Patricia hosted over 100 seed collection outings and the Greenhouse Crew planted over 800 native plants. CNMF provided supplies for Greenhouse efforts, and funded intern Marinielle Cabacang (former UCSD intern and current NCPE intern) to help with non-native plant removal for a month period bridging her internship terms.
Scroll to see the programs CNMF funds.
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TIDEPOOL EDUCATION AND RESOURCE PROGRAM
The Tidepool Protection, Education, and Restoration Program provides invaluable work in preserving and protecting one of CABRs most vulnerable and highly visited areas, the tidepools. CNMF funds supplies to help protect volunteers and the public while interacting in the tidepools, education materials to enhance the visitor experience, a new shed to house the program’s equipment and supplies, and more.
OLD POINT LOMA LIGHTHOUSE
Old Point Loma Lighthouse is a focal point of Cabrillo National Monument's legacy. This iconic structure, the highest lighthouse in the U.S., symbolizes the enduring spirit of exploration and preservation in California. Constructed in 1854, the lighthouse once served as a guiding beacon for sailors navigating the Pacific Coast. Equipped with innovative Fresnel lenses, it stood as a testament to technological advancements in maritime safety.
Over time, the lighthouse has experienced multiple transformations, serving as a radio and signal tower, an Army post-exchange, a tea house, a visitor center, and more. A significant restoration project from 1933 to 1935, following Cabrillo National Monument's integration with the National Park Service, revitalized the lighthouse, preserving its important history.
GREENHOUSE
Cabrillo National Monument (CABR) greenhouse program is volunteer-led and critical to revegetation of social trails which damage the quality of the natural resources at the park and by nature of their use are almost always very visible to visitors. More than 2,000 native plants are grown, many used to re-establish native plant communities around the park and to beautify the CABR visitor center. Growing native plants from Pt. Loma stock is critical as the genetics of these plants are uniquely adapted to our coastal environment.
Bringing in plants from outside growers brings in unknown genetic characters along with potential invasive seeds and insects. Furthermore, it is highly cost efficient to grow these plants in-house. The comparable cost of purchasing 2,000 plants from a local nursery is more than $20,000.
Occupying only 2% of the earth’s surface, our rare Mediterranean-climate ecosystem can use all the help it can get when it comes to surviving habitat encroachment and climate change! Funding for this project will go to our efforts in the greenhouse; where we help grow and nurture baby plants before placing them in the park, to give them the very best chance of survival!
Become a member to learn more about supporting projects such as the greenhouse and other critical Park programs and projects. Receive invitations to Member-only events such as the Greenhouse Tour. Join Now!
SNAKE AMBASSADORS
Beyond the breathtaking vistas and historical landmarks, we're also home to some rather unique scaled ambassadors. Though they tend to keep a low profile, nestled behind the scenes, our resident snakes play a pivotal role in the ecosystem and our educational outreach. Entrusted to the care of our dedicated park biologists, these snakey co-workers serve as an important link between the natural world and our visitors.
Each of our snake ambassadors is native to the San Diego Region, brought to us through rescue efforts coordinated by the San Diego Herpetological Society. These rescues occur for many reasons, but they all share a common purpose: to educate and inspire a deeper appreciation for the rich biodiversity that thrives in this area.
SUPPORT INTERNSHIPS
Cabrillo National Monument Foundation is proud to fund the internship program at San Diego’s only National Park. These internships are supported through your generous donations! Interns perform essential functions at the Park such invasive plant removal, project planning, research, and scientific discovery. The interns come from organizations including the NPS Scientists in Parks, local universities, and Ecologik alumni.
We introduce you to intern Virginia Javier.
Her video won accolades at a film festival and truly shows the impact that one intern can provide to the Park and to the future of preserving and protecting these public lands.
With your gift to CNMF, you support Cabrillo National Monument’s intern program and help provide opportunities to talented youth and students like Virginia. Without your support of CNMF, programs like this would not exist.
Show your love for developing the next generation of park stewards, click here to donate.
Thank you.
