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Refurbishing the Pigeon Point Fresnel Lens Pedestal

As you know, the Pigeon Point Light Station restoration project is in full swing and much progress has been made this year. The primary goal is to stabilize the historic structure after weather and time have compromised the structural integrity. This process is going well. It has also been a goal from the start to return the first-order lens to its proper location on the top of the lighthouse, but this was not guaranteed. However, with help from the California State Parks Foundation, CSPA was able to approve funding for a crucial step to return the lens: restoration of the lens pedestal and chariot. This complicated and unique mechanism supports the massive lens and allows it to rotate in the lantern room. It has been in disrepair, and, if the lens is to return, this is foundational work that needs to be done first. In May of 2025, this work was given the go ahead.

Repairing the Pigeon Point Lantern Deck

From the beginning of the PPLS restoration project, it was assumed there would be unforeseen issues that would be discovered as reconstruction continued. One major issue found was an abundance of rust and corrosion on the lantern deck. This is the uppermost deck of the lighthouse that holds up the extremely heavy lens, pedestal and chariot. While it sometimes feels like two steps forward and one step back, we are committed to making sure this project is done in the most sustaining way possible. The restoration is not only for current visitors, but for the next several generations of visitors. The entire project is by far the largest that CSPA has been involved in, and we know how important this is to our donors.

Bringing Solar to Año Nuevo State Park

Part of the beauty of Año Nuevo is its remote and wild location. But this also means that it is susceptible to frequent and long-term power outages. As one of the most visited and cherished parks in California, we felt a responsibility to help keep the lights on for both visitor services and safety reasons. One option was the installation of commercial, diesel backup generators, but we felt this was not consistent with our goals of environmental stewardship. Instead, CSPA funded a complete solar and battery solution to make sure that, regardless of the weather, Año Nuevo could function independently from the power grid. This budget request was brought to the board in the beginning of the year. We are happy to report that the system is now fully installed and operational.

Upgrading the Docent ‘Roost’ 

The Año Nuevo docent program is one of the most important aspects of ANSP. Hundreds of dedicated and inspiring volunteers spend hours in the park in some of the most challenging weather imaginable. In moments between tours, the docents can rest and warm up in a small portable building near the staging area. But this unit was in desperate need of an upgrade. Thanks to a significant donation, CSPA was able to approve funding to improve both the interior and exterior including painting, skirt and ramp repairs, a new sink, stove, cabinets and functional furniture. It was a long overdue project and will ensure that our incredibly valuable docents can continue to do their fantastic work.

New Camera at Año Nuevo Island

The Año Nuevo Island is an incredible place teeming with history and wildlife. When the house on the island was built it was lived in by lighthouse keepers, but now the only residents are seals and sea birds! Except for researchers, no one is allowed on the island, which is why a camera is needed to view this amazing place. Over the years, the weather had taken a toll on the webcam. State Parks asked us if we could help with funding a new camera that would provide much better images. We were able to say yes. Now if you want to study this interesting part of our coast, you can do so with just a click! Take a peek here!

Montara Staircase

With your help as a supporter, CSPA donated more than $60,000 to fund the complicated design plans to build a new, sustainable and permanent staircase in an existing gully just south of the parking area, which has become the de facto trail since the stairs became unusable. The new design is safer, lower angle, and more attractive. Read full story here

New Año Nuevo Staging Building

If you have ever been on an elephant seal tour at Año Nuevo, you have seen the very small, and leaky, staging building where visitors and rangers gather before leaving for the walk. The building had a useful life, but was showing its age and could no longer serve the docent and ranger needs or handle the scores of visitors that enjoy the park. Sparked by a very generous docent donation, CSPA raised the necessary funding to replace the building. Construction started fall of 2024, and it was officially opened in December of 2024 for visitors before the year's winter season. Please book a tour and come see the building that your CSPA donations help to create.

Pigeon Point Light Station Restoration

The biggest project in CSPA's history — kicked into high gear as restoration started on the tallest lighthouse on the west coast. This project, funded by California State Parks, started construction in January 2024. The work so far has included repairs to the lantern room, deck, railings, interior and exterior iron work as well as the oil house. We plan to furnish the Keeper's office and the fuel room, refurbish the pedestal on which the lens sits, and move the crown jewel — the first order Fresnel lens — back up to its rightful place in the tower. It will be a fantastic day to see it lit again! And you can be proud to know that you helped us get there.

Signage at McNee Ranch at Montara Mountain

At the northern end of our Coastside State Parks is McNee Ranch at Montara Mountain. The trails wind their way up the mountain through grasslands and forest providing spectacular views. Hearty individuals that hike all the way up to the summit are rewarded with both bay and the ocean views at the same time! For those that visit often, finding your way around is easy, but first-time visitors need a little help. Our supervising ranger approached us with the old signs that were faded, hard to read and covered with graffiti. Before starting the process of replacement through the State, she came to us to see if CSPA could fund the signage. We were happy to help and within a short period of time, new way-finding signs were created and installed in 2024. If you have donated to CSPA, you have helped visitors find their way!

Replacing the Fog Signal building roof at Pigeon Point Lighthouse

The historic Fog Signal building at Pigeon Point protects the invaluable Fresnel lens, serves as a museum, and, of course, houses the old foghorn. The extreme winter storms this year damaged the roof shingle by shingle until leaks began to develop. The rangers asked for help in replacing the roof and CSPA was able to provide 100% of the funding. In October 2023, a brand-new high-quality roof was completed which will protect the building for decades to come.

Año Nuevo Trail Bridges

In 2019 State Parks asked CSPA to fund the trail bridge project. Placing permanently fixed bridges allows the trail to be open as soon as the breeding season is over.  These fixtures also help the UCSC researchers navigate through the reserve year-round when tracking, monitoring, and testing the elephant seals for their research. The two bridges were installed on the North Point trail in November 2021.

Pole bridge installed over failing levée. Photo: CSPA archives
Pescadero State Beach and Marsh

CSPA funded the repair of a failing levée by installing a pole bridge. The project was completed early in 2020 and re-opened the Audubon Trail after three years of closure.

Restored Pigeon Point Fog Signal Building.
Pigeon Point Light Station SHP

CSPA funded an architechural firm that specializes in historic restoration projects to assess the work necessary to preserve and restore Pigeon Point’s Fog Signal Building.  Restoration work was completed in 2020 that restored the exterior of the building including restoring function to windows and stabilizing the exterior fog horns.

The Butano road bridge during repair construction
Butano State Park

The bridge connecting the park entrance to the campground had become unsafe and, in April of 2020, CSPA funded the replacement of the bridge decking and realignment with the connecting roadway.

Pescadero Marsh North Pond Foot Bridge installation
Pescadero Marsh North Pond Foot Bridge

CSPA coordinated donations and funding for the installation of the pedestrian bridge near the northern end of the preserve and close to the highway. This bridge is approximately 120 feet long and required the use of heavy equipment to put it in place. The bridge connects a trail that parallels the highway to a trail between two of the marsh’s larger ponds. It was installed January 2011.