Protect + Preserve
We fund programs and activities that protect and preserve Cabrillo National Monument natural, historical, and cultural resources.
Protecting Cabrillo National Monument’s resources is a key funding priority. These fragile ecosystems and historic assets require ongoing investment to ensure their preservation, resilience, and accessibility for future generations.
Philanthropic support helps sustain the places and programs that define Cabrillo’s impact.
Programs We Fund
Why It Matters
Investment in preservation ensures these irreplaceable resources remain protected, accessible, and inspiring for today and for generations to come.
Scroll to see the programs CNMF funds.
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TIDEPOOL EDUCATION AND RESOURCE PROGRAM
Tidepool Protection, Education, and Restoration Program (as known as TPERP) provides invaluable work in preserving and protecting one of CABRs most vulnerable and highly visited areas, the tidepools.
CNMF funds supplies to help protect volunteers and the public while interacting in the tidepools, education materials to enhance the visitor experience, and a shed to house the program’s equipment and supplies.
In addition, CNMF funds the Monumental Conference, which provides expert speakers and in-depth training for NPS staff and volunteers to safely protect and operate the TPERP program.
Visit nps.gov/cabr to learn more.
OLD POINT LOMA LIGHTHOUSE
Did You Know?
In 2026, the park and CNMF are partnering to create a 360 degree virtual tour so everyone can experience the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. Sign up for our newsletter to learn more!
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is one of the few immersive exhibits at Cabrillo National Monument; transporting visitors who step inside back in time to the 19th century. The upkeep of the lighthouse is taken on by a few Park staff and many dedicated volunteers. CNMF funding assists with the upkeep and ensures that the immersive experience is clean, authentic, and memorable.
Learn more at nps.gov/cabr.
Don’t miss the Kitchen Garden while visiting the Old Point Loma Lighthouse!
Located next to the lighthouse and the Assistant Keepers Quarters, this historic replica exhibits some of the herbs and crops the lighthouse keeper’s family may have grown to sustain themselves.
The garden is cared for by dedicated volunteers and proudly funded by CNMF.
GREENHOUSE
Cabrillo National Monument greenhouse program is a volunteer-led effort essential to restoring areas damaged by social trails and preserving the park’s natural landscape. Each year, more than 2,000 native plants are grown on-site to support habitat restoration and enhance the visitor experience.
Using locally sourced Pt. Loma plants is critical, as these species are uniquely adapted to the coastal environment. Growing plants in-house also reduces costs significantly—saving more than $20,000 compared to purchasing from outside nurseries—while avoiding the risks of invasive species and unsuitable genetics.
Supporting this program helps protect one of the world’s rare Mediterranean ecosystems by giving native plants the best chance to thrive in the park.
