Big Changes for 2022

*Aspen Logan and Scott Lewis at MendoParks 2021 Coastal Clean Up Day*

Big Changes for 2022

2022 brings new Board Members and staff, and also brings a teary farewell to a long time MendoParks board president and volunteer.
Join us in saluting the fantastic people who make our organization run!

*Scott Lewis and past-president Marilyn Boese at the California State Parks Foundation Parks Advocacy Day 2019*

Thank you to outgoing Board President Scott Lewis!

Scott Lewis has a long history with MendoParks: volunteering, serving on the board of directors and being all around all involved. He had one solid goal for his 3 years as President of the board: To help MendoParks become stronger and more prosperous. He achieved that goal and we will always hold deep gratitude and appreciation for Scott and his contributions to the organization.

"My wife Pam and I retired from the City of Santa Rosa in 2005. We started into the world of full time RV-ers in our 32 ft. fifth wheel. At the end of the summer of 2006 we decided to volunteer at MacKerricher State Park and then at the Ford House Museum. In 2007 we were asked to run Hendy Woods State Park for the summer so along with another couple, we ran the entire park that summer. There was no other support that whole summer.

In 2015 the Head Ranger asked if I would like to join the board of directors for Mendocino Area Parks Association (MendoParks) because of my working knowledge of the Parks system. I became the liaison between State Parks and the camp hosts.

*Scott and wife Pam volunteering in our State Parks.*

In 2017 I was elected to be MendoParks Vice President and in 2019 I became the Board President. At this time we lost our main fundraiser, the Abalone Festival, which put MendoParks in great distress. I set a goal to help MendoParks become stronger during these challenging times.

After my 3 years as President, I have seen my goals come to fruition. While my time on the board has come to an end, I am looking forward to the new ideas and further improvements to MendoParks under the guidance of Aspen Logan."

Incoming Board President: Aspen Logan

Aspen Logan joined the MendoParks Board of Directors in 2019 and is thrilled to have served as Scott's vice president for these last 3 years. She joined MendoParks to share her love of parks and the outdoors, and to support a meaningful, purpose-driven organization. She looks forward to taking the torch from Scott and helping drive MendoParks forward!

"I'm really excited about this next phase for MendoParks. Under Scott's leadership, we achieved so much and now we have a very solid foundation to jump off of. This makes my job as President so much fun as now we're really going to dig deep into making MendoParks a household name in Mendocino County. Everyone should know all the great things we achieve!"

Aspen owns the Color Mill, a graphic design and printing studio in Fort Bragg. She loves to grow vegetables, read mystery novels and bring her 2 teenagers to volunteer at MendoParks events. Her favorite park is Van Damme State Park where she loves to bird watch and ID the vast array of wild plants along the hiking trail.

Welcome New Board Members: Crispin Cain and Tamar Kaye

Tamar and Crispin have been a part of the historic Navarro Inn at Navarro River Redwoods State Park for many years. They are extremely committed to this park and to all outdoor spaces in Mendocino County so it was a natural fit for both of them to join the board to further that support.

Tamar: "I love the parks for so many reasons, growing up in Mendocino County I have gotten a lifetime of joy from exploring nature here. We have long had a relationship with Navarro Beach as Crispin and I have been donating to the Navarro Inn restoration for years, and we are thrilled to help continue its care and protection."

Crispin: "I have lived in Mendocino County since 1985 and many of the parks have been the setting for hikes, visits, life events, and just plain fun. From Montgomery Woods to Van Damme to the Navarro Redwoods and beyond, MendoParks has it all."

Tamar and Crispin are the founders of Mendocino Spirits a distillery in Redwood Valley, CA where Crispin creates exceptional spirits that embody the spirit of Mendocino County. Mendocino Spirits created Captain Fletcher's Private Reserve Rye Whiskey in support of the historic preservation the Navarro Inn:

"We are excited to collaborate with the historic Navarro Inn restoration [at Navarro River Redwoods State Park] and to bring support and attention through our efforts."

A percentage of the private reserve sales directly supports historic preservation of the Navarro Interpretive Center (Captain Fletcher's Inn) which will be opening to the public this spring.

Meet Our Visitor's Center Coordinator: Naomi O'Donnell

Naomi is a Truckee/Tahoe native who recently returned to California. Her favorite outdoor activities include mushrooming, hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the beach. Naomi joins MendoParks with a strong background in hospitality and volunteer management. We're thrilled to have Naomi on the team!

"I feel so blessed to be back home, watch the sunsets, and listen to the ocean every night!"