History of The Advocates

The Full Story of Our Organization

Early Years

Shortly after the park was formed in 1963, the Nisene Marks Citizens Advisory Committee was formed under the auspices of the State Park Director to provide advice to the California Department of Parks and Recreation on the acquisition, planning and development of the park. The advisory committee was composed of an array of people from across the county committed to helping steward development of the park. 

1990s

Back in the early 1990s state budget cuts were threatening staffing cuts and the potential closure of parks throughout the state including The Forest of Nisene Marks. Because the Citizens Advisory Committee was an official organization mandated by State Parks, there was concern they could not be effective advocating for issues related to the park at that time. State Park staff and the community at large were strong supporters of an independent organization, like the Advocates, that could be a more effective in addressing the important issues facing the park.

In 1992, the Advocates were formed as an independent voice to  promote maintenance  of park staffing levels, keeping  the park open and to address the many issues affecting our local state park. The initial core of the Advocates came from three members of the citizens advisory committee and one citizen-at-large. They were Sandy Lydon, Jim Nee, Jeff Hicks and Margaret Miller (Hicks) and for whom Margaret’s Bridge is named.

2000s

The Advocates also help build and maintain the park’s trails through monthly trail work days that occur on the third Sunday of every month. For the year ending May 2025, the Advocates organized a total of 286 volunteers who provided over 1000 hours to help maintain this beautiful redwood park.

30-Years Strong

In addition to  Margaret’s Bridge, the Advocates have played an important role in designing and funding many other projects such as development of the interpretive  panels you see throughout the park. We advocated for and helped with the installation of trail signs, facilitated the addition of new park property and participated actively in the development of the park’s General Plan. We also built two seasonal bridges that we install every spring across Aptos Creek with the help of community volunteers. And this is just our short list of accomplishments!

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For the past 30 plus years, Advocates for Nisene Marks  State Park have been supporting California State Parks to preserve, maintain and expand this remarkable natural resource for the education, recreation and inspiration of our broad Santa Cruz community and our visitors.