Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation

Since 1988, the nonprofit Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) Foundation has worked in partnership with the City of San Diego to preserve and protect Mission Trails and provide educational and recreational opportunities. In addition to funding major capital projects, including the Visitor Center and Field Station, the MTRP Foundation provides significant funding to park initiatives.

Education and Access: Each year, the MTRP Foundation educates more than 3,000 children through a free field trip program, most of whom visit the park to learn about its Kumeyaay history. Foundation educators also provide enriching programs to teens and pre-K children to cultivate the next generation of environmental stewards.

Park Maintenance and Improvements: With two million annual visitors, the park needs regular maintenance including on the trails. An endeavor is underway to build a “Bridge for Max” over the San Diego River, in memory of a young man who drowned attempting to cross the swelled river.

Habitat Restoration and Invasive Plant Removal: Two multi-year programs that are underway will create and restore wildlife habitat, reduce fire fuels and expand endangered native plant populations.

Land Acquisition: This year, the MTRP Foundation acquired and donated land to the City of San Diego to add to the park and is purchasing additional parcels as funding is available.

Mission Statement

In partnership with the City of San Diego, preserve and protect the natural environment of Mission Trails Regional Park and provide and promote educational and recreational opportunities.

Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation History

The Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) Foundation was formed in 1988 as a 501(c)(3) non- profit organization to preserve, improve, develop, and maintain the park and to foster public appreciation and understanding of Mission Trails. The organization was founded by Jean Hatton, Dorothy Leonard, and Michael R. Pent. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors in accordance with the State approved Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and has paid staff led by the Foundation’s Executive Director.

In 1991, the City of San Diego and MTRP Foundation entered into an agreement regarding their relationship which included the approval of the Foundation’s annual work program. Regular MTRP Foundation activities reflected in the work program include soliciting funds (private donations, grants), publicizing the park, maintaining a gift shop, sponsoring programs such as the park’s annual Arbor Day, hiring and maintaining MTRP Foundation staff, purchasing supplies and equipment for Foundation and City use, funding exhibits, films, and construction projects, and coordinating activities with City staff. Federal Tax ID 33-0285093.

• Read the Summer 2024 newsletter

Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation

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