The Foundation

Our History

Then . . .

The Laguna Foundation was formed in 1989 following the convening of the State of the Laguna conference, which brought together the private and public agencies and interests with a stake in the Laguna's condition and future. Incorporated in 1990 as a tax-exempt 501c3 nonprofit organization, we remained an all-volunteer group until 2002. During those years we implemented small restoration projects, made comments on public policy issues that affected the Laguna, convened Laguna stakeholders to develop a Coordinated Resource Management Plan for the Laguna which identified broad, shared goals and objectives for improving its water quality, habitat value, flood retention capacity and other public benefits, and began a Laguna docent training program and wetland education program serving local elementary schools.

Now . . .

In 2002, the Foundation's Board of Director concluded that its mission could not be advanced rapidly enough without the benefit of staff, and an Executive Director and a Resource Development Director were hired. Since that time, our activities have ramped up rapidly as we've taken on big restoration and research projects, expanded our education programs, and begun the work to create an interpretive center for the Laguna.

Key accomplishments include:

  • Development of our respected and sought after docent training program and environmental education programs serving schools throughout the watershed and beyond. Over the years we have led dozens of educational outings and taught hundreds of community members about the Laguna.
  • We have completed restoration projects to reestablish wildlife habitat by planting over 10,000 native trees on over 50 acres. In 2006 we published Enhancing and Caring for the Laguna, a comprehensive restoration and management plan for the Laguna watershed.
  • Biennially we conduct the State of the Laguna Conference and Science Symposium, bringing together scientists, land owners and managers, public agencies, business and community members for the purpose of sharing our science and creating dialog.
  • We raised the funds for a restoration of the historic Stone Farmhouse which is Santa Rosa Historical Landmark #1 and now the Foundation offices. We secured funding from the CA Coastal Conservancy to build the Laguna Learning Center which is under construction currently.