Santa Monica Mountains rich in history

Second of two parts



By Stephanie Bertholdo

Acorn Staff Writer

Second of two parts

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is rich with history. At the recent 25th anniversary gala at SMMNRA’s Thousand Oaks headquarters, 25 "Fascinating Facts" plaques—representing each year of history of the national park area—were displayed (and still are) for visitors to enjoy. Following is a summary of some of the SMMNRA’s history from the Fascinating Facts display and other sources.


In the 1950s, protection of open space was getting national attention. In 1953, Leo Carrillo State Park opened, and in the mid-1960s, California acquired land for three additional parks—Point Mugu, Topanga and Malibu Creek state parks.


The grassroots movement toward incorporating the mountain area just minutes from Los Angeles took further shape by the work of three noteworthy women. Jill Swift engaged in educational campaigns, and her "Sundays in the Santa Monicas" hikes became popular excursions.


Margo Feuer took a legal approach to the movement by defending the protection of open space at Los Angeles County meetings. She was asked to co-chair the Sierra Club task force as chief lobbyist and made headway in the slow-growth movement with city, county, state and national officials.


The late Sue Nelson waged awareness campaigns through political activism. "By 1977, Nelson was working with Congressman Anthony Beilenson to include the Santa Monica Mountains in a parks bill working its way through Congress, one that would create 15 national parklands," said Park Ranger Jack Gillooly.


"And though this mighty oak sprouted from many acorns, three in particular stand out: the pioneering women of the Santa Monica Mountains," he added.


The strength and conviction of these three women helped make the SMMNRA a reality on Nov. 10, 1978.


Another stand-out in the history of the Santa Monica Mountains is Ralph Stone, who formed "Friends of the Santa Monica Mountains." In just a few short years, the organization blossomed to 2,000 members. Nelson was elected president and pushed for open space protection through petitions and neighborhood associations. Stone set lofty goals. Initially, efforts were made to gain new state parklands, but Stone ran with a bigger plan—the creation of a national park.


Although the SMMNRA was established in 1978, it would be another two years before the National Park Service would own public parkland. A partnership between park rangers on the local, state and national levels helped promote unique recreational programs. The Outdoors Calendar of Events and Programs is still operating today as a result of these partnerships.


Zuma Lagoon was transformed from a dumpsite into a home for 108 species of birds, "a living wetland," according to the one of the 25 fascinating facts.


Another interesting aspect is how volunteers built a native plant nursery in 2002. These plants, from the common Ceanothus to the Lyon’s pygmy daisy, an endangered plant, are grown in the nursery and help restore damaged habitat.


According to Fascinating Fact No. 17, "The world’s rarest, most threatened ecosystem is not a rain forest. Mediterranean climate regions are found in only five regions worldwide. Only 18 percent of the original acres in these climate regions remain undisturbed. The threat of urban encroachment in Southern California, Chile, the Mediterranean Basin, South Africa and Southwest Australia is a concern to scientists worldwide. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is working with these scientists to protect the local ecosystem for the health and wellbeing of all world communities—plants, animals and people."


The hereditary chief of the Chumash tribe, Charlie Cook, whose Native American name is Tiq Slo—Eye of the Eagle—helped transform 85 acres in Newbury Park into Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwap in 1980 to honor all Native American cultures. This area was the first land that was purchased by the recreation area.


The National Park Service in Thousand Oaks has a wealth of information on the history of the Santa Monica Mountains and volunteer and recreational opportunities. Call (805) 370-2301.





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