April 15, 2008, Pacifica, CA: The spectacular coastal promontory of Mori Point, one of the newest sites in the Golden Gate National Parks, will host a celebration on April 26, 10 am to 1 pm, honoring the ongoing trail work and habitat restoration. We invite the media and the general public to see the community-driven changes and future aspirations at this remarkable site home to the San Francisco garter snake, one of the most endangered reptiles in North America.
The celebration showcases the recreational and ecological improvements to Mori Point envisioned by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and National Park Service (NPS) after the site was transferred to the NPS in 2002. This stunning 110-acre parcel, featuring ocean views from Point Reyes to Pedro Point, has been improved with new trail alignments, a dramatic stairway to the bluffs, and three ponds dug as habitat for the snake's preferred prey, the threatened California red-legged frog.
Community support has been and will continue to be an integral component to the rehabilitation of the fragile ecosystem at Mori Point, as well as to sustainable public use for recreation and enjoyment. More than 1,400 neighbors and friends of the park have volunteered 40,000 hours toward removing invasive plants, salvaging native ones, collecting seed, installing protective fencing, and supporting trail construction.
The April 26 event organized by the Parks Conservancy, NPS, and Pacifica Liaison Committee celebrates the community's achievements through hikes, hands-on activities, and volunteer opportunities. The day also pays tribute to the late Congressman Tom Lantos, who authored pieces of legislation to create national park sites throughout San Mateo County including Mori Point, Sweeney Ridge, and Milagra Ridge.
Restoration at Mori Point is led by the National Park Service, the Parks Conservancy's Site Stewardship Program, and Trails Forever (an initiative of the NPS, Parks Conservancy, and Presidio Trust to improve trails in the Golden Gate National Parks).
The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy's work at Mori Point has been generously supported by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, California Coastal Conservancy, Oracle, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, and the National Park Service Challenge Cost Share Program.
MORI POINT PRESS KIT
For more details on our work, please download the following fact sheets:
ONLINE PHOTO GALLERY
Click here for a photo gallery of images of Mori Point and the volunteer efforts.
