Fundraising begins for Año Nuevo visitor center

The California State Parks Foundation has begun a three-year fundraising effort to build a $3 million visitor center at Año Nuevo State Reserve, with a $350,000 contribution from the California Coastal Conservancy. The Reserve is located on the southernmost coast of San Mateo County. The Coastal Conservancy’s contribution came from Proposition 50, a parks and water bond approved by voters in 2002.

From December until the end of March, the largest mainland breeding colony of northern elephant seals in the world takes over the park. Nearly 50,000 people visit the Reserve during the breeding season, guided by more than 200 volunteer docents. Reservations are required and are booked weeks in advance. According to the Contra Costa Times, more than 22,000 schoolchildren came on tours of the park, but an equal number were turned away because space is limited.