Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods

Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods (Stewards) is a non-profit organization that partners with the Russian River Sector of California State Parks. The sector includes Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve (outside Guerneville), Austin Creek State Recreation Area (a park Stewards is now operating), Sonoma Coast State Park (from Bodega Bay to Jenner) and includes the Willow Creek watershed. State Parks depends on Stewards to provide funding for the Volunteers in Parks program, educational and interpretive activities, for resource management and stewardship projects, and to assist in the development of interpretive facilities and displays.

The State Parks of Sonoma County's coast and Russian River valley are rich in natural and cultural history, biological diversity and distinctive geology. Our mission is to promote, restore and protect the natural and cultural resources of Russian River area State Parks through interpretation and public stewardship. We do this (with the help of 300 volunteers) by providing park visitors of all ages with a variety of programs and opportunities to experience and explore these exceptional parks. 

With your support, Stewards is operating Austin Creek State Recreation Area with volunteer patrols and stewardship support. In 2012 we reopened Bullfrog Pond Campground and three backcountry campsites. We also handle all visitor service functions for both Armstrong Redwoods SNR and Austin Creek SRA and collect fees at the entrance station for both parks. In 2014, we launched our Mobile Marine Education Center (Steward Ship) with interpretive displays, an LCD screen to show nature videos and engaging activities to teach the public about our coastal natural resources and how we can protect them into the future. The Steward Ship is available for school visits, is available on certain days on the coast and attends many events in the county. We will continue to support efforts to secure a sustainable funding source for your state parks. All donations help us achieve our goal of keeping YOUR parks open and thriving!

Our vision is to be the link between people and their parks.