Your Donations Help!
The Woodlands’ primary source of funding comes from user fees paid by camping groups. This money pays for the operation of the Woodlands in the form of staff, supplies and routine maintenance. However, over the years, individual donations to Friends of the Woodlands (FOW) have helped fund many special projects and improvements. Remember, we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and your donations are tax deductible.
Restoring a National Treasure
After years of preparation, study and surveys (many thanks to State Parks’ Historic Preservationist Mike Cabaniss for his valuable input), we are proceeding with the restoration of buildings and infrastructure of the Woodlands. With 70 years of use—along with cold, wet winters—many of the buildings are in very poor condition. It is imperative that we move right along with major restoration—before deterioration ruins this historic place, possibly making it unsafe and unusable. Unthinkable!
Under our agreement with State Parks, all of these upgrades and repairs are their financial responsibility. Fortunately, State Parks has finally received some funding to address deferred maintenance issues. This has helped us to leverage our fundraising dollars and accomplish some much-needed restoration work. But State Parks still doesn’t have all the monies needed for restoration, so we’ll still have to pick up the ball to insure that the Woodlands stays operational and is not shut down for health or safety violations.
Recently Completed Projects
After almost 70 years of fun and festivities, we had almost literally danced our way through the original floor of the Dance Hall in Camp One. The Dance Hall is the cornerstone of Camp One, special to all the groups that come here to celebrate. Thanks to the generosity of our campers, we were able to reach our goal last Fall of raising enough money to replace the vertical-grain fir flooring and repair the dry-rot damage in the supporting structure. This is now completed, and was the first project in what will be the total restoration of the Mendocino Woodlands State Park. We are pleased to report that we have completed the work with our money going to pay the contractor who did the construction work; State Parks provided the materials. This partnership allowed us to accomplish something that neither entity could have done alone.
Upcoming Restoration Projects
There is a great deal left to do in the immediate future to ensure good, healthy water sources, save buildings from further deterioration, and restore structures for campers’ safety and usability. State Parks’ available funding is not enough to complete restoration. We have received a grant from Save America’s Treasures. It is for $400,000 and will go towards fixing the dining hall in Camp One.
In addition, we are actively pursuing the Federal government for appropriations to bring the Woodlands up to modern standards, while maintaining our historic fabric. We are also addressing larger issues, which include: reintegrating the original 5,426 acres of the Mendocino Woodlands and putting it into State Parks’ control (see STA page); getting a permanent, paved road into the Woodlands; preparing a timber plan to manage the surrounding forest; and addressing the issues that contribute to the lack of sun and excessive moisture around the structures in the park.
But we still need your support to accomplish the many projects that are on the table, many of which need to be done in the near future to ensure continuation of this wonderful campground. Please look deep within your heart and give freely to preserve this special piece of our unique American culture.
Surrounding Area
We also need help in our efforts to protect the Special Treatment Area. Please go to the STA page for more information.
In 2002, we were able to lend our support to the Big River acquisition and make it a reality. FOW contributed in excess of $30,000 to that cause, thanks to our generous campers!
Your Ideas are Welcome
Let Executive Director Don Taylor know if you have suggestions for other improvements. Your generosity will help these projects become reality.
Please Donate
Help us preserve and sustain this special historic campground and its environs.
•Volunteer. Come join us for a fun-filled weekend at the FOW’s Stewardship Weekend.
•Contribute. Your financial support is invaluable. Please find your level:
Donor $25 Benefactor $500
Contributor $50 Patron $1,000
Sponsor $100 Other $_________
•Donate. Let us contact you regarding donations of lumber, tools, hardware, materials or services. Please send us your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
Thank you!
You can donate online using your credit card via a secure link to PayPal. There, you can designate which fund if you wish.
Or, you can send a check payable to Friends of the Woodlands.
Send to: P.O. Box 267, Mendocino, CA 95460
Estate Planning
For more information on this method of contribution, go to our Planned Giving page.
Mendocino Woodlands Camp
Friends of the Woodlands are an invaluable asset for preservation and improvements.
Campers with Mendocino Folklore Camp have been enjoying the Camp One Dance Hall since 1962.
