Tile Art Project at the New Ford House Restrooms

MendoParks and Mendocino Art Center Collaborate with Contemporary Pomo Artists for Tile Art Project at the New Ford House Restrooms, Mendocino Headlands State Park

Featuring Original Artwork by Contemporary Pomo Artists

Pictured (left to right): Contemporary Pomo artists Bonnie Lockhart, Eric Wilder and Meyo Marrufo. Photos by Brendan McGuigan.

The Mendocino Art Center and Mendocino Area Parks Association (MendoParks) are pleased to announce a collaborative tile art project at the new Ford House restrooms in Mendocino, featuring original artwork by contemporary Pomo artists Bonnie Lockhart (Northern Pomo, Kai Poma), Meyo Marrufo (Eastern Pomo), and Eric Wilder (Southwest Pomo).

In 2013, MendoParks began a lengthy planning process with California State Parks to fund the remodel of the only public restroom in the village of Mendocino, the Ford House restrooms at the Mendocino Headlands State Park. The goal of the remodel was to add ADA accessible facilities and increase the number of facilities at the restroom. With support of local architect Debra Lennox, a design for the restrooms was created to complement the historic Ford House Visitor Center and Museum, as well as the aesthetic of Mendocino. The project features space for an original tile art mural as part of the restroom interior, in the quintessential artistic spirit of Mendocino.

In 2019 the remodel plans were approved with significant funding donated from MendoParks and, in 2020, MendoParks and the Mendocino Art Center began collaborating with contemporary Pomo artists for the design of the interior tile art.

Lockhart, Wilder, and Marrufo conceptualized themes celebrating the lifeways of Coastal Pomo people and began a truly collaborative art project with each artist painting different themes and sections of the murals:

“As Native Americans, we need more venues to share our story and for us, it is often through our artwork. Through our art, we show the community that we are still here. We are basketweavers, but we are more than basketweavers. As Native people, we have merged our traditional culture with contemporary art. This project allowed for three different artists from three different Pomo regions to honor the cultural landscape and lifeways of the Coastal Pomo people. Through the creation of six unique murals incorporating land, sea, plants, and animals. The murals were created to share who we are and what we are, instead of having a disconnect of where we are. We hope this project increases the inclusion and recognition of the individuality of the Native American people of Mendocino County.”

As the entire village of Mendocino is surrounded by one of the most highly visited State Parks in the county, the Mendocino Headlands (stretching from Heeser all the way up Big River), and the restroom is the only public facility in the village, this contemporary Pomo art project presents a unique opportunity to enhance both the visitor and community experience through art, and to hold space for inclusion and healing.

We believe in the power of art, and the power of nature, to educate, heal, and nurture our communities, and see this project as one of many steps our organizations and community can take towards supporting the original caretakers of the Mendocino Coast, the Northern and Coastal Pomo tribes. The Mendocino Art Center, MendoParks, and the artists hope you will enjoy viewing this project when you visit Mendocino, and that the artwork will inspire you to learn more about and support the Indigenous people in your home community.

Thank you to our generous funders who made this project possible:

Community Foundation of Mendocino County, George and Ruth Bradford Foundation, Visit Mendocino County, Mendocino Art Center, and MendoParks.

The Mendocino Art Center will host “We Are Still Here,” an exhibit of the personal artwork of Lockhart, Marrufo and Wilder, in May in June in all three of the Art Center’s exhibition spaces.

The Mendocino Art Center, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, has been a haven for professional artists and all levels of students since 1959, when founders Bill and Jennie Zacha first realized the potential of this unique community as an artists’ colony. Today the Art Center is a highly regarded artistic and educational institution, renowned as a premier art workshop destination, offering more than 150 unique in-person and online courses annually in ceramics, fiber arts, fine art, jewelry/metal arts, photography and writing, led by outstanding local and national instructors. The exhibition galleries provide exhibition opportunities to emerging and established artists, and the Gallery Store features handcrafted artwork by accomplished artists. The Artists in Residence and Professional Artists in Retreat programs offer an inspirational and supportive environment, fueling and encouraging artistic growth in the visual arts to artists interested in furthering their practice.

Mendocino Area Parks Association (MendoParks) is the 501c3 nonprofit organization that supports State Parks in Mendocino County. We fulfill our mission to inspire and ensure stewardship of State Parks through educational activities, park improvements, and visitor services. Since 1984, we have supported more than 12 State Parks and 6 visitor centers, contributing over $1.8 million since 2004 alone – all of which stays locally in Mendocino County. We invite you to join us in keeping parks safe, accessible, and thriving by becoming a MendoParks Member, making a heartfelt donation, or volunteering in parks: MendoParks.org. MendoParks serves State Parks on the ancestral homelands of Northern Pomo, Coastal Pomo, and Yuki peoples, who continue to care for these lands as they have since time immemorial.

Press Release

Mendocino Coast Clinics and Mendocino Area Parks Association Partner to Support Nature-Based Learning for Local Youth

Mendocino Area Parks Association
PO Box 1387/45035 Main Street
Mendocino, CA 95460
www.MendoParks.org

Contact: Elizabeth Cameron, Executive Director
(707) 937-4700
elizabeth@mendoparks.org
Mendocino Coast Clinics
205 South St
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
www.MendocinoCoastClinics.org

Contact: Pediatric Medical Clinic
(707) 964-5696


Fort Bragg, CA, November 11, 2020: Mendocino Coast Clinics (MCC) and the Mendocino Area Parks Association (MendoParks) have teamed up to provide nature-based learning to local youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the summer, MendoParks and their partners at California State Parks Mendocino Sector developed “Backyard Junior Ranger Kits” in lieu of the traditional Junior Ranger programs offered each summer at State Parks throughout Mendocino County. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the kits were created to support nature-based learning, especially for youth without access to wifi or electronic devices. The kits included a Junior Ranger activity book, tidebook, Junior Ranger badge, list of additional online resources for nature-based activities, information on MendoParks, and a MendoParks ballpoint pen- so youth could get started on their Junior Ranger journey right away.

1,500 free kits were distributed, including 100 kits at Mendocino Coast Clinics’ Pediatric Office, 510 D. Cypress Avenue. Says Dr. Chris Robshaw, the Coast’s only Pediatrician, “We are pleased to work with MendoParks to encourage kids to get outdoors and away from their screens.” MendoParks is now working on the next phase of the kits (to be distributed in November 2020), which will focus on park-specific experiences for local youth and families. Their “Park Adventure Kit” will feature an age-appropriate bilingual activity guide with nature-based educational activities, with a strong focus on the mental health benefits of spending time in nature; trail guides and park information; and, healthy, kid-friendly picnic recipes created by MCC’s Registered Dietitian- which older youth can make on their own and take along for their family’s Park Adventures.

The collaboration between MendoParks and MCC will encourage our community to safely enjoy the 17 State Parks in Mendocino County (almost all of which have no day use or parking fees), and, equally important, to support the mental health benefits of spending time in nature. Along with the Backyard Junior Ranger kits, the Park Adventure Kits will also be distributed at MCC’s Pediatric Clinic as well as their Family Wellness Center, across the walkway.

MCC and MendoParks believe that time in nature is essential to the health of our community.

Local youth, Ikaika Wesley, exploring the Mendocino Woodlands State Park with his Backyard Junior Ranger Kit

During these unprecedented times, MCC and MendoParks are pleased to collaborate to support nature-based learning for local youth and families. [The kits will also be downloadable PDF file from: www.MendoParks.org.] To make a tax-deductible donation in support of this program, please visit www.MendoParks.org or Mail-in: MendoParks, PO Box 1487, Mendocino, CA 95460.

“If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, then let us allow them to love the earth before we ask them to save it. Perhaps this is what Thoreau had in mind when he said, “the more slowly trees grow at first, the sounder they are at the core, and I think the same is true of human beings.” — David Sobel, Beyond Ecophobia

“Nature breeds curiosity; it helps to grow explorers rather than robots. It reminds us that we are part of something bigger. It grounds us, calms us.” — Ben Palmer-Fry

About the Mendocino Coast Clinics: MCC is a non-profit, patient-centered medical home providing whole-person care in medical, dental, behavioral health and complimentary services from Westport to Elk and inland to Comptche. By removing the barriers to care through our financial services support, MCC accepts all forms of insurance. Our commitment is to provide access to essential care without discrimination toward anyone for any reason. With deep and widespread roots in this community, MCC has delivered quality, compassionate health care since 1994.

During the current health crises, MCC provides drive-thru Flu clinics, and appointments are offered via video, telephone or in person. Call 964-1251 to schedule. Executive Director, Lucresha Renteria states “Stay healthy with routine medical care for your entire family. Childhood vaccines are available at our Pediatric Clinic at 964-5696.”

About the Mendocino Area Parks Association: MendoParks is the 501c3 nonprofit organization that supports State Parks in Mendocino County. Started in 1984, MendoParks’s purpose is to support State Parks with educational programming and park improvement projects that are beyond the scope of our budget-strapped district, and by operating State Parks Visitor Centers (the Ford House, MacKerricher, Van Damme, and Greenwood/Elk). MendoParks is an entirely self-sustaining organization--- we do not receive any government funding or tax dollars for operations, and all the money we raise stays local. Since 2004 alone, MendoParks has contributed over $1.4 million in support of State Parks in Mendocino County.

The Executive Director of MendoParks, Elizabeth Cameron, is available for interviews regarding the Backyard Junior Ranger Kits and Park Adventure Kits programs.
Contact: Elizabeth Cameron | elizabeth@mendoparks.org | 707-937-4700

Press Release

Mendocino Area Parks Association adds Navarro River Redwoods State Park to their Cooperating Association Agreement with California State Parks Sonoma Mendocino Coast District

On September 1st, 2020, the Partnership office of the California Department of Parks and Recreation completed an amendment to the Mendocino Area Park Association’s (MendoParks) cooperating association agreement, adding the Navarro River Redwoods State Park to their list of supported park units. Since 1984, MendoParks has supported State Parks in Mendocino County with park improvements, educational activities, and operations of visitor centers and park units. Navarro Redwoods State Park comprises 660-acres along a 14-mile contiguous river corridor, preserving an intricately connected web of aquatic and terrestrial plants and wildlife, two historic structures from the original town of Navarro, and the Paul M. Dimmick campground. The park extends from the mouth of the Navarro River near Highway 1 and Highway 128, then upstream 14 miles along Highway 128. Day use is free and open to the public. Navarro Beach Campground is located at the mouth of the Navarro River on the Pacific ocean. The access road is located on the south side of the Navarro River Bridge. Navarro Beach Campground is open on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Paul M. Dimmick Campground (closed until further notice) is on Highway 128, 6 miles east of Highway 1.

Since 2001, Navarro-by-the-Sea Center for Riparian and Estuarine Research (NSCR), a 501c3 nonprofit, has been working with California State Parks Sonoma Mendocino Coast District to save the historic Captain Fletcher’s Inn (ca 1865) and the Mill Superintendent’s House (ca 1864) from the original town of Navarro at the mouth of the Navarro River, and reopen them for public education, interpretation, and research. Thanks to major grants from the California Cultural and Historical Endowment, Mendocino County, the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, California State Parks Foundation, Savings Bank of Mendocino County, and other generous private and public donors, NSCR has been able to navigate the complex 10-year permitting process and the expensive construction process to stabilize the Inn. This has included the preparation of comprehensive management guidelines for the Navarro-by-the-Sea area, securing National Register Nominations for both the Inn and Mill House, and preparation of architectural drawings to stabilize the historic Inn. In 2012, NSCR initiated the critical stabilization work on the historic Inn, including installation of a new foundation, earthquake retrofitting, residing, repainting, and restoration of the original front porch, among other important tasks.

In 2014 the Inn Stabilization Project received the 2014 Preservation Award from the California Preservation Foundation the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation. These are the two highest honors in historic preservation given in California, and the only award in historic preservation awarded by the State. They were given in recognition of the important preservation efforts in saving part of California’s history, and the strong grassroots effort and partnership with State Parks during challenging financial times that made saving the Inn possible. Considerable work has continued in completing the renovations of the Inn, including replacement of the electrical system, rebuilding the fireplace as the major source of heat in the building, lead paint abatement, ADA access improvements, progress on the floors, doors and other hardware, and installation of exterior and interior displays.

MendoParks will continue to work closely with NSCR and California State Parks to support historic preservation, interpretation, and the ecological restoration of this unique park unit and its vibrant local history. MendoParks would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to NSCR for their 20-years of volunteer-led initiatives which have saved the irreplaceable historic structures at Navarro River Redwoods State Park.

For more information on the Navarro-by-the-Sea-Center for Riparian and Estuarine Research, please visit: http://www.navarro-by-the-sea-center.org/ or visit their Facebook page “Navarro-by-the-Sea Center.” The Navarro River Redwoods State Park is open year-round and free of day use and parking fees. For park information, please visit: https://www.mendoparks.org/navarro-river-redwoods

About Navarro-by-the-Sea-Center: NSCR is an all-volunteer, 501c3 nonprofit organization that formed in 2001 to support California State Parks and share the rich cultural and natural histories of Navarro River Redwoods with the visiting public. The primary focus has been on saving and renovating the historic Inn and reopening it for visitor use and interpretation. As work has continued on the interior renovations of the Inn, NSCR has hosted annual events including Navarro-by-the-Sea Day in summer, an Earth Day Cleanup and volunteer barbeque in the spring, and for the past three years a King Tide Open House in the winter to share information on climate change and sea level rise. The Inn has been open to the general public on a limited basis for docent-lead tours, other special gatherings and private events. NSCR is working with California State Parks in preparing a Safe Reopening Plan to ensure the safety of volunteer docents and public visitors to the Inn, and looks forward to working with MendoParks to expand interpretive services at Navarro River Redwoods.

About the Mendocino Area Parks Association (MendoParks): MendoParks is the 501c3 nonprofit organization that supports State Parks in Mendocino County. Started in 1984, MendoParks’ purpose is to support State Parks with educational programming and park improvement projects that are beyond the scope of our budget-strapped district, and by operating State Parks Visitor Centers (the Ford House, MacKerricher, Van Damme, and Greenwood/Elk). MendoParks is an entirely self-sustaining organization--- No government funding or tax dollars are used for operations, and all monies raised to support State Parks stays local. Since 2004 alone, MendoParks has contributed over $1.4 million in support of State Parks in Mendocino County.

Visitor Center DOCENT POSITION AVAILABLE

MendoParks seeks Docents to work at our supported State Parks Visitor Centers to provide tours, dispense local information, sell items in the gift shop on a point-of-sale system and perform light housekeeping, as well as provide support for seasonal events and displays. Host sites are available at the California State Parks Mendocino District yard at Russian Gulch State Park. Water, electric (50 amp), and sewer hookups are provided.

As needed, Hosts may be asked to work at any visitor centers operated by MendoParks (Ford House Visitor Center and Museum at the Mendocino Headlands State Park, MacKerricher State Park, Van Damme State Park, Greenwood Museum at Greenwood State Beach, and Navarro River Redwoods Visitor Center and Museum at Navarro Beach).

Please contact Elizabeth Cameron at (707) 937-4700.

Remembering Ken Tallman

Ken Tallman

The World Championship Abalone Cook-Off and Festival was the major fundraising event for the Mendocino Area Parks Association for many, many years. Due to the closure of the Abalone fishery, 2017 was the last time this MendoParks event was held. MendoParks is creating the Abalone Archives to tell the story of this very special and much beloved event. We want to honor the memory of Ken Tallman who started the event in the parking lot of his dive shop, Subsurface Progression in the early 1990's. We will compile a photo archive of all the hard working volunteers, the divers and the cooks who made this event possible through the years. This was truly a unique event and will not be soon forgotten.