ABOUT

Friends of Olompali Cooperating Association was founded to help California State Parks interpret, preserve, protect, enhance, and develop the natural, cultural and aesthetic values of Olompali State Historic Park. What makes Olompali so unique is its 8,000-year continuous human history and its changing land use over time. Pick any point in history, and there are stories to tell at Olompali!

When Friends of Olompali started out in 1982, we were a small group of nature education guides who were inspired by noted naturalist Elizabeth Terwilliger to open this remarkable site to the public. Since then, Friends of Olompali has matured into a community-based nonprofit cooperating association whose objective is to see through the implementation of Olompali’s General Plan and support educational programming at the park.

Through Friends of Olompali’s efforts, funds were raised and the Olompali general plan was created in partnership with California State Parks, which led to the opening of the park to the public in 1990. Friends of Olompali is dedicated to preserving and restoring the cultural and natural history of the park, as well as to enhancing educational and interpretive programs. Friends of Olompali’s goals include the rehabilitation of the Mary Burdell Victorian Garden, restoring historic buildings at the park, sustaining the recreated Coast Miwok village and its Ethnobotanical Garden, and partnering with State Parks on events and programs that showcase the park’s 8,000 year human history.

Land Acknowledgment ~ Olompali ~ South People or Place

We respectfully acknowledge that Olompali State Historic Park is within the land and territory of the Coast Miwok, who have occupied these lands for time immemorial. Today, the Coast Miwok are represented by the federally recognized tribe the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, which also includes Southern Pomo people. Friends of Olompali is committed to diversity and inclusion and supports California State Parks in its role as steward of sites of cultural and spiritual significance to living Native people through educational offerings, partnerships, and community service.

We strive to be respectful of the tragic colonial history that took place throughout California and is represented at Olompali SHP, and we acknowledge that colonial pressures still exist today. We are dedicated to listening, learning, and supporting the Coast Miwok presence at Olompali.

Volunteer Opportunities

We're always seeking volunteers, for everything from staffing our Visitors Center to patrolling trails. Click below to use the form to learn about all the opportunities--and how you can join our volunteer team.