SUPPORT

All donations made to SGPF stay in the parks for the benefit of present and future generations.

There are multiple ways for you to contribute to our efforts.

Donate Become A Member Volunteer Sponsor

Sierra Gold Parks Foundation

Sierra Gold Parks Foundation is dedicated to the sustainable stewardship of Empire Mine Historic State Park, Malakoff Diggins Historic State Park, and South Yuba River State Park now and for future generations. Working in collaboration with California State Parks, we support educational programs and projects that enrich the visitors’ experiences and protect our parks.

MEMBERSHIP

Why Join?

Membership Benefits

  • Personalized membership card

  • Logo sticker/decal

  • Newsletter

  • Discount on merchandise sold in our three sales centers

  • Invitations to special membership events

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Business/Organization Benefits

  • Personalized membership card

  • Logo sticker/decal

  • Discount on merchandise sold in our three sales centers

  • Co-host of our special membership events

  • Logo on the website and included in our newsletter

  • Social media shout outs throughout the year

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Why Join?

Education

Each year thousands of fourth-graders across California travel to Western Nevada County’s three historic state parks to learn about California History. They, along with their teachers and parents, are not only exposed to California’s rich mining history and the pioneer way of life, but to the rich biodiversity that makes up each of the parks. For many, the experience is life-changing; inspiring a life-long love for history and nature, and instilling a need to protect and preserve these unique places.

Annual Memberships

$35     Welcome to Parks (10% merchandise discount)

$50     Parks Supporter (10% merchandise discount)

$125   Parks Kin (10% merchandise discount)

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Recurring Memberships

$10/month     Wildflower

$20/month     Buckeye

$50/month     Oak Tree

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Quality of Life

Our State Parks offer 365 days of access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of California. They are places where both residents and visitors go to relax, recharge, and reflect. The parks also protect critical animal habitat and our watershed.

Community

Our state parks build community. From robust volunteer groups such as the Over the Hill Gang and docent-led wildflower walks to community events such as the Miners’ Picnic and Humbug Day, our state parks bring people from all walks of life together around their love of these special places. Together we learn, share, and work together to celebrate our community’s history and future.

Business/Organization Annual Membership

$500/year 

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Legacy membership notes

Legacy lifetime members from Empire Mine Park Association, South Yuba River Park Association, and Friends of North Bloomfield and Malakoff Diggins are automatically folded into the newly formed Sierra Gold Parks Foundation. We encourage our past supporters to continue to give in order to sustain a viable organization.

Economic Resilience

We would be remiss not to mention the economic significance our state parks bring to the local economy. These three parks attract hundreds of thousands of visitors who come for the day or stay for the weekend to enjoy what our parks have to offer. They contribute to our economy by supporting local businesses.

Pride

Generations before us had the foresight to set aside these culturally significant and naturally beautiful places for our generation to enjoy. With that comes great responsibility and pride. We have the honor to continue this legacy of protecting and preserving our state parks for future generations to find the same joy we have known and experienced.

Why Join Sierra Gold Parks Foundation?

  • We support educational programs for school-aged children and learners of ALL ages.
  • We support environmental living programs, and state history school curriculums
  • We help build, restore, and maintain visitor centers, museums, and historic structures
  • We help present information and experiences for the public through living history, guided tours, nature walks, and special events
  • We support the printing and presentation of parks publications, including books, brochures, videos, and social media platforms
  • We support natural resource management activities and stewardship at each of the three parks in the Sierra Gold Sector of the Sierra District of California State Parks.
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Volunteer

Become a California State Parks volunteer and BE the difference!

For more than a century, volunteers have enhanced, maintained and restored our state parks. They interpret our treasured resources, keep facilities clean and trails in good repair, spearhead special events, and offer a welcome face in our campgrounds and visitor centers.

Join us to become part of what makes California State Parks magnificent. 

Why Volunteer?

  • Learn new things and share with others
  • Help preserve the natural environment
  • Experience history
  • Spend time in nature
  • Meet new people and make new friends
  • Have fun!

What Can You Do?

  • Help operate the visitor center
  • Conduct tours and explain park history
  • Help build and maintain trails
  • Participate in living history demonstrations

How To Volunteer?

Empire Mine State Historic Park

Please contact the Visitor Center at (530) 273-8522 for information about Volunteer Training Dates.