About Us

WHAT WE DO

In partnership with State Parks and through the support of members and generous donors, MAPA supports the activities of six docent councils and the visitor centers at MacKerricher, Van Damme, Greenwood/ Elk, and Hendy Woods State Parks.

These groups present historic and nature displays, school field trips, and various learning opportunities, such as whale walks in February, wildflower walks in the March and April, the Mendocino Heritage Days, co-sponsored by the Ford House, in late May, and Tidepool walks in May and June.

MAPA provides for summer naturalists and a State Park Interpreter, who offer local school and public educational programs.

Income:

MAPA is a membership organization, with about 400 members scattered throughout the Western United States and beyond. 

MAPA is also supported by generous donors, who help us to provide year-round educational exhibits and activities, free to the public.

Additionally, MAPA garners income from retail sales in several park visitor centers and from the management of wood and shower concessions.

These funds support interpretive staff in local parks, serving over a thousand school children each year, as well as providing campfire circles and Junior Ranger programs throughout the summer season.

MAPA holds two fundraising events each year: the bi-annual Arts for the Parks held in May, and the Abalone Cook-off & Festival on the first Saturday in October. We welcome vendors, cook-off judges and abalone cooks.

To learn more or to participate, contact us: mapa@mendoparks.org.

Board of Directors:

Board Chair: John R. Reddiing

Board Vice President: David O Plummer

Board Treasurer: Stan Anderson

Board Member: Patricia Marien

Board Member: Debra DeGraw

Board Member: Kevin Williams

Member-at-large: Jenny Heckeroth, Ford House Manager (Recording Secretary)

Member-at-large: Wallace Conroe, Greenwood/Elk Museum

CA State Park Liaison: Tim Quandt, CA State Park South Sector Supervisor, Mendocino District

Executive Director: Carolyne Cathey

Volunteers:

The heart and soul of MAPA is a group of marvelous volunteers who make up the Docent Councils in several State Parks, and community supporters who keep MAPA going with special events, bulk mailing, gardening, exhibits, and more. To learn more about volunteering, Volunteer Page, or email MAPA at mapa@mendoparks.org