Santa Monica Mountains Fund to Host Mountain Lion Fundraiser

The following press release was provided by the National Park Service.

The Santa Monica Mountains Fund, official fundraising partner of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, will host a fundraiser to support mountain lion research at King Gillette Ranch on Sunday, May 19 from 2-5:00 p.m. 

All proceeds will support the decade-long mountain lion study currently conducted by the National Park Service. Park biologists are currently tracking eight mountain lions in an effort to understand how mountain lions survive in such a fragmented, urban landscape and how best to conserve them.

“The good news is that advances in technology like remote cameras and GPS collars have allowed researchers to learn more about the behavior of mountain lions,” said Arthur Eck, executive director of the Santa Monica Mountains Fund. “Unfortunately, GPS collars average about $5,000, so it’s increasingly difficult for the park to cover the cost of the research.”

In addition to educational displays and a brief presentation by mountain lion experts with the National Park Service, the event will feature a live mountain lion, interactive tracking trail, silent auction, live music and food and wine. Nationally acclaimed artists Fred Stone and Joe Weatherly, as well as National Geographic photojournalist Steve Winter, have donated pieces for the silent auction. 

The Santa Monica Mountains Fund requests a donation of $100 for adults and $25 for children under 12. Reservations, as well as general donations, can be made at http://www.samofund.org/UrbCarn.htm. The deadline to RSVP is May 12.

For more information, call 818-292-5920.