John Muir Land Trust Receives $2 Million Grant from California State Parks for Pacheco Marsh

Contact: Linus Eukel, Executive Director
(925) 228-1130 direct, (925) 788-7525 mobile
linus@nulljmlt.org

Grant Advances Work To Provide Public Recreation

MARTINEZ, CA – John Muir Land Trust (JMLT, jmlt.org) announced that it has received $2,000,000 from California State Parks (parks.ca.gov) toward creating the Pacheco Marsh recreational area in the City of Martinez. JMLT is among 25 recipients of a total $46.2 million investment to build healthier communities by creating and improving recreational facilities in 25 local parks. Funded by Proposition 68 through the Rural Recreation and Tourism and Regional Park Programs, the grants will enhance outdoor recreational facilities such as trails, campgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas.

“We are so grateful to receive this significant grant,” said Linus Eukel, Executive Director of JMLT. “Less than a year ago we breached the levee and allowed tidal waters to flow back into the restored marsh. This new generous $2 million grant advances our work to provide accessible kayak boat launches, picnic tables, trails, interpretive features, restrooms, an entry bridge, signage, and parking lot. Pacheco Marsh will be a marvelous park for visitors in the near future.”

“Congratulations to the 25 communities receiving the grant funding,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “Spending time in the outdoors not only helps us connect with our communities, but it can also support our mental and physical health. A healthier California is good for all of us.”

“These park improvements are an exciting development as we invest in communities across our diverse state,” added California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot. “All Californians deserve access to recreational opportunities, so that they can enjoy the outdoors and the cultural, historic, and natural resources California offers.”

The 232-acre Pacheco Marsh is located along Suisun Bay. The latest $2 million grant brings total funds raised to $26.5 million over the past two decades. The marsh is being restored to a natural state after a century of industrial use. The grant will be combined with $1 million raised by JMLT from individual donors in June 2021 to fund low-impact recreational features such as 2.4 miles of walking trails, elevated vistas, bird blinds, and an educational facility.

About John Muir Land Trust

John Muir Land Trust (JMLT) protects and cares for open space, ranches, farms, parkland and shoreline in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. In a generation, John Muir Land Trust has become one of the leading forces for conservation in northern California. With 3,500 acres protected, many beautiful places in the East Bay are permanently preserved for recreation, wildlife habitat, and spectacular scenic views. JMLT believes that the vitality of our open spaces is essential to the health of our earth, air, water, native plants, and animals — and all of us. jmlt.org

About California State Parks Grants

California State Park’s Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) develops grant programs to provide funding for local, state and nonprofit organization projects. Since 1964, more than 7,400 local parks throughout California have been created or improved from OGALS’ grant funding. Since 2000, OGALS has administered approximately $3 billion in grant funding. parks.ca.gov/grants.