New Executive Director Announcement!
MendoParks Announces New Executive Director!
Mendocino, CA. (August 2, 2024)
MendoParks (previously Mendocino Area Parks Association) has named Sid Garza-Hillman the new Executive Director.
As race director of the yearly sold-out Mendocino Coast 50K trail ultramarathon (bringing runners, friends, and families from over 15 states, UK, Canada, Japan, and South Africa), and in his previous position as the Winesong event coordinator during two highly successful events, Garza-Hillman is uniquely positioned to promote and support Mendocino’s local state parks. “Sid comes to us with loads of experience in both the non-profit and business sectors, giving him a broad perspective and fresh ideas for programs that will support our local State Parks," says Cally Dym, MendoParks Board President.
“As a long-time trail ultrarunner and Mendocino coast resident, I am thrilled to lead MendoParks and bring more attention and care to the Mendocino Coast’s unparalleled natural, rugged beauty. The coastal parks are truly a treasure, and my aim is to engage visitors and locals alike in forging a sustainable and ‘light-touch’ relationship with our breathtaking coastal parks.” says Garza-Hillman. “With the help of the wonderful visitor center docents and volunteers, I am confident our team can expand on the existing MendoParks programs with additional events and educational opportunities.”
MendoParks
In 1984, funding was being cut for educational programming in our state parks. To ensure that quality educational programming would continue, local park rangers set out to establish MendoParks (previously known as Mendocino Area Parks Association MAPA) and a defining value: “Appreciation, through Education, leads to Preservation.” MendoParks raises funds for ten coastal state parks, which go directly to seasonal interpreters (naturalists), events, equipment/infrastructure, publications and exhibit panels. More information at www.mendoparks.org
As a 501c3 non-profit organization (EIN#68-0049014), MendoParks receives no government funding or tax dollars for operations. Since 2004, MendoParks has donated over $1.4 million dollars in support of State Parks in Mendocino County - all of which remains local.
