When President Obama designated the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument in 2014, he recognized our coalition as the driving force behind the effort to protect the region. As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the national monument, our message is simple: the work of San Gabriel Mountains Forever continues!
Since the monument designation one year ago, San Gabriel Mountains Forever efforts have been focused on:
- Making a difference on the ground, with projects to improve the forest, rivers, and foothills
- Engaging with diverse communities to make sure the management plan protects the region and serves its communities
- Connecting people to their public land and working to provide access to all
advocating to seek further protections for the region, with a larger vision in mind
Here is a Top 10 list of what we have accomplished with our member organizations in the National Monument and surrounding region:
2,100—petitions and signed postcards of support taken with us to Washington, D.C. on a trip to advocate for further protections of the San Gabriel Mountains, rivers, and foothills
1,129—community members, including 450 students, we led on 69 hikes
650—community members we led on bike rides
486—native trees and shrubs we planted
186—community members who attended public meetings to discuss the monument’s management plan, as a direct result of our engagement and outreach efforts
150—volunteers who helped open up 2.6 miles of trails
75—community members who volunteered to help paint 14 recycling bins and trash cans for 2 Convert-A-Can events
25—community members who we were able to engage in the management planning process using interpreters for 3 languages (Spanish, Mandarin, Korean)
24—students who graduated from our San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy, with 15 projects launched
24—community and student groups we led on tours inside the National Monument
There’s more—and much more to come. You can stay updated on our work and find about ways you can be involved by signing up for our newsletter and following our progress on Facebook and Twitter.
