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Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/samo

Organization Type:
Government

Mission:
The mission of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is to protect and enhance, on a sustainable basis, one of the world’s last remaining examples of a Mediterranean ecosystem and to maintain the area’s unique natural, cultural and scenic resources unimpaired for future generations. The SMMNRA is to provide an inter-linking system of parklands and open spaces that offer compatible recreation and education opportunities that are accessible to a diverse public. This is accomplished by an innovative federal, state, local, and private partnership that enhances the region’s quality of life and provides a model for other parks challenged by urbanization.

Contact:
Woody Smeck, Superintendent
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
401 West Hillcrest Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Phone: (805) 370-2301
Fax: (805) 370-1851

Geographical Focus:
Local, Regional, State, National, International

Counties Served:
Los Angeles, Ventura

Activities:
Research, Education, Recycling, Enforcement, Policy, Conservation, Tourism, Recreation, Commercial, Restoration, Regulation, Water Monitoring, Resource Management

Topic:
Wetlands, Aquaculture, Cultural History, Kelp Forest, Islands, Beaches, Rocky Intertidal, Wildlife, Energy, Watershed Hydrology, Habitat Restoration, Endangered Species, Water Quality/Storm Water Runoff, Bay & Estuary Habitats, Coastal Access, Open Ocean/Oceanography, Coastal Processes

Educational Resources:
Curriculum, Activity/Learning Kit, Posters, Maps, Outreach Programs, On-Site Programs, Guided Walks, Field Trip, Nature Trails, Publications, Newsletter, Brochures, Guidebooks, Exhibits/Displays, Multimedia, Library/Lending Materials, Speaker/Lecture Series

Education Programs:
Five NPS Programs include:
•  Parks as Laboratories (PAL) Studies of Land, Water and Air
•  National Parks Labs-Studies of Wild Land Fire Ecology
•  Biological Diversity Program: The Chumash, A Changing People, A Changing Land
•  Cultural Heritage Program: One Land, Many People, Many Ways
•  Geography and History Education Outreach Program: National Park Legacy

Target Audiences:
K-12, Adult, Teacher, Non-Formal Educator, University Student, General Public

Other Languages:
Official Map and Guide to the Santa Monica Mountains NRA in Spanish, wayside exhibits, visitor center exhibits, and books for sale.

Volunteer Opportunities

  Program:
Volunteers in Parks
  Description:
Removal of invasive plants, planting native plants, plant nursery support, trail maintenance, mountain bike patrols, mounted equestrian patrols, visitor center operations, administration, cartographic mapping, and more.
  When Needed:
Year-round
  Qualifications:
Desire to commit to rewarding experiences with the National Park Service
  Commitment Required:
8 hours per month
  Application/Training:
Contact Volunteer Manager
  Community Service Documentation:
Yes
  Contact:
Mike Malone
(805) 370-2317
Mike_Malone@nps.gov


Internship Opportunities

  Description:
Removal of invasive plants, planting of native plant species, native plant nursery support, visitor center and interpretive operations support, wildlife research support, plant ecology research support, geographic information system operations support, and park planning and design project support, to mention only a few.
  When Needed:
Year-round
  Qualifications:
Desire to commit to rewarding experiences with the National Park Service
  Application:
Sheila Braden
  Housing Provided:
Please inquire
  Paid:
No
  Stipend:
Transportation Reimbursement
  Credit:
Yes
  Contact Name:
Sheila Braden
(805) 370-2394
Sheila_Braden@nps.gov


Videos:
For use on site, for loan, and for purchase
•  Touring America's National Parks ($14.95)
•  Firefight, Stories from the Frontlines ($19.95)
•  Return to Limuw ($13.95)
•  Mountains, Movies, & Magic (park video available for viewing at the main visitor center)

General Services:
Restrooms, Picnic Area, Bookstore/Gift Shop, Telephone

Parking Availability:
Free at all National Park Service sites

Disabled Access:
Disabled access at all visitor centers and ranger stations, and several interpretive trails. Call 805-370-2301 to check on the degree of accessibility of specific trails.


This Resource Directory is a product of the California Coastal Commission's Public Education Program

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