Click Here to Donate Online & Support Willow Creek
Despite the recent closures of many State Park access points and campgrounds - and more closures on the way - Willow Creek remains open - thanks to you! With public funds increasing scarce, it is clear that we need another solution to keep our local parks open and cared for. To combat the ‘closed park blues’, we need ‘People Power.’
Check out our recent press coverage of a "Cure For Closed Park Blues":
- Press Democrat Close to Home
- Sonoma County Gazette, January front page
- Go Local Sonoma County - featured news item
LandPaths has two primary goals at Willow Creek:
1. Keep Willow Creek accessible and stewarded in 2011 and beyond by continuing the Willow Creek permit, Trail Watch, and volunteer stewardship programs.
LandPaths want to ensure that the unparalleled hiking, biking and horseback riding available on this beautiful property is not put at risk.
2. Improve park access and circulation through partnerships with neighbors such as Mendocino Redwood Company.
3. Build the foundation for a more sustainable "People-Powered Park" - one that will cost less over time and that can serve as a model for other budget-strapped parks.
We need your help to build this program in 2011!
To those of you who supported the park in 2010, THANK YOU! To those who have already donated for 2011, ANOTHER HUGE THANKS!
IF YOU HAVEN'T DONATED IN 2011, NOW'S THE TIME!
Through People Power, we have already lowered the annual budget for this project from over $100k to only $60k. We're already over half way to our 2011 goal. We need your support to raise an additional $25,000.
"The enthusiasm for this model is fantastic," said Caryl Hart, the new Sonoma County Regional Parks Director, while attending a recent Taylor Mountain permit orientation along with 100 other
hikers, bikers and horseback riders. "It's going to have tremendous influence on the future of how we open new parks."
Barefoot Winery Co-Founders and long-time conservation supporters Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey also received their permits for use. Houlihan commented, "By giving people a stake in the land, LandPaths provides open access where public budgets have fallen short." This approach engages users in a new paradigm of increased personal and community investment and ownership.
Gary Abreim, committee chair at the Grove of Old Trees (another People Powered Park), is enthusiastic about the role he plays in providing access, upkeep, and support. "Neighbors and communities have to take a bold step and come together to protect our parks. We can't count on Washington and Sacramento anymore," he says.
With People Powered Parks, LandPaths provides public agencies and private landowners not only with volunteers to reduce management costs, but also with the professional oversight and insurance to reduce liability costs. "In my estimation it's the cheapest date in government; they're running parks for pennies on the dollar," says Rick Ryan, Jenner resident, businessman and Willow Creek Park permit holder.
This "cheap date" is quickly garnering attention around the region and state. "We are looking at the public adoption of open space work that LandPaths is pioneering as a model for to help shape the future direction of land trusts statewide" says Bill Leahy, co-chair of the California Council of Land Trusts.
Most of us would like nothing more than to see our park agency budgets restored to functional levels and will continue to work toward that goal. In the meantime, however, we can keep the ‘closed park blues' at bay with a strong dose of ‘People Power.'
If you have ideas to share, comments or questions, please contact me.
Thank you for your support. I look forward to seeing you on the trails at Willow Creek.
Jonathan Glass
Willow Creek Project Manager
LandPaths
Volunteers contribute tens of thousands of hours each year to parks throughout Sonoma County—from inventories and trail building to habitat restoration. 
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