About Pinnacles Partnership

Pinnacles Partnership ("PIPA") is a collaboration between private citizens and national park staff at Pinnacles National Monument. PIPA's educational programs extend beyond park boundaries. Our outreach encourages stewardship of the unique natural, cultural and historical resources of our area. PIPA's collaborative approach forms a basis for expanding partnerships to renew the economic viability of our region.

PIPA members enjoy special events at the Monument and in our surrounding communities.  PIPA is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization, so membership fees are tax deductible!

 

About Pinnacles National Monument

Established in 1908 and named for dramatic rock formations that are the remains of an ancient volcano, Pinnacles National Monument (“PNM”) preserves a landscape shaped by earthquake, fire, and flood. PNM is rich in plant and animal life that inhabit the park’s chaparral, oak woodland, talus cave, riparian, and rock-and-scree habitats providing habitat for 180 species of birds, 49 species of mammals, 23 species reptiles, 8 species of amphibians, 70 species of butterflies, 41 species of dragonflies and damselflies, nearly 400 species of bees, and many thousands of other invertebrates.  In 2003 PNM was granted a permit by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife as a release site for the California condor, one of the nation’s most endangered species.  PNM is the only unit of the National Park System who has been granted this permit and is one of only three release sites in California. 

 

Condor Report

As of October 31, 2011, the Fish & Wildlife Service reports 29 free-flying Condors released from Pinnacles National Monument plus two wild-fledged Condors. Review the monthly reports on the California Condor population by clicking here. 

 

 

WE HAVE THE BIGGEST BIRDIES!

Birdies for Charity helps non-profits like Pinnacles Partnership raise money through the 2012 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Tournament.  15% of every dollar pledged through this program is matched by Monterey Peninsula Foundation, host of Birdies for Charity.  By pledging just $20 to Pinnacles Partnership, you can:

  • “Guess the Birdies” for a chance to win the GRAND PRIZE: United Airline Tickets, one night stay at the Inn at Spanish Bay and golf at the Links at Spanish Bay, all for two;
  • Qualify as a member of Pinnacles through December 2012; and
  • Help send Pinnacles Partnership to the concourse! (The top four earning charities each host an exhibition booth at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am grand entrance for one day).As a release site for the California Condors, the Pinnacles really does have the BIGGEST BIRDIES.  Help send PIPA to the concourse to spread the word!

 

Pledge online by clicking here.  Don’t delay, the “Guess the Birdies” contest closes on February 8, 2012!

THE RAPTURE OF RAPTORS 

Raptors – birds of prey – are a common and beautiful sight at Pinnacles National Monument, especially during the breeding season from January to August. Raptors are monitored by Monument staff annually during the breeding season, not an easy feat since the ideal nesting locations for many of these birds are located in cliffs and rock formations inaccessible without climbing gear.  To see an amazing video of the park staff in action, click here.

2012 Camp Pinnacles

Preliminary planning for the 2012 Camp Pinnacles is underway. PIPA hopes to convene a preliminary meeting in early December to meet with participating schools to schedule the dates and confirm the location for the Spring camp.

 Upcoming Events

January 31st, 2012. Pinnacles is looking for interns! Opportunities can be part or full time and are available in both visitor services and habitat restoration. See the fliers posted on Facebook for more information or contact Ronni Johnson at veronica_johnson@nps.gov. Apply by January 31st.

 

2012 AT&T PebbleBeach National Pro-Am February 6-12, 2011.  For more information, click here.

 

April 2012. The new West Side Visitor Contact Station is officially open to the public, although some work is still being done in surrounding areas. Come check it out now and join us for the grand opening ceremony in April! Specific date to be determined and announced soon.  Below are two pictures of construction in process shared by Steven G. McHarris, the Community & Economic Development Director of the City of Soledad.  (He took these pics with his cell phone camera!)  Thank you, Steven!

 

 

Our BIRDIES can't tweet, but you can!

We'd like to hear from you. Click your favorite icon below and let us know what you're thinking!  Special thanks to Pinnacles Science Intern, Kim Sawyer, for her frequent and fascinating updates on PIPA's facebook and twitter pages!

  

Read the VOICE 

Pinnacles Partnership's "The Voice" e-newsletter is issued quarterly. To read our past archived issues of the "Voice" go to Newsletters.

CFC Campaign

PIPA is a listed charity with CFC Norcal.  PIPA's charity number is 95105.