Do you believe everyone should have access to nature, history, and the joy of the outdoors? The Sierra Gold Parks Foundation (SGPF) invites passionate community members to join our Board of Directors and help shape the future of Western Nevada County’s three beloved state parks — Empire Mine, Malakoff Diggins, and South Yuba River. As a board member, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring these treasured places remain open, welcoming, and thriving for generations to come — supporting programs that educate, inspire, and preserve our region’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
About State Park Cooperating Associations
Cooperating associations are non-profit charitable 501 (c)(3) organizations dedicated to enhancing the educational and interpretive programs in California State Parks. Collectively, the network consists of 89 associations and serves most of the 280 state parks. These associations, with more than 34,000 members and donors, provide critical funding for educational and interpretive needs that are impossible for state parks to meet.
Associations contribute more than 17 million dollars annually to fund critical staff positions, exhibits, visitor center developments, junior ranger and nature walk programs, living history demonstrations, special events and many other exciting projects.
Facilities – Associations help the state to build, restore or furnish visitor centers, museums,
historic buildings and exhibit shelters.
Programs – Cooperative associations support a variety of programs including guided tours,
nature walks, Junior Rangers, special events, living history and environmental living programs. Hundreds of special events that occur annually are due to the dedicated partnership between cooperating associations, department staff and volunteers.
Publications – Books, brochures, newspapers and videos about the natural and cultural history of local units are funded by most, if not all, associations. As parks become more popular and interpretive needs increase, many associations are expanding or upgrading sales areas to offer a wider assortment of quality educational and interpretive materials.
Each cooperating association is independent and annually submits financial and activity reports. This special relationship is authorized pursuant to Public Resources Code 513.
There are some particulars about serving on the SGPF Board:
● Term of service are 2 years. Per the bylaws, a director may not serve more than 3 consecutive terms.
● Meetings are held monthly on the third Thursday of the month at the Docent Room at Empire Mine SHP, unless otherwise noted.
The Board Expectations include:
● Attendance at 75% of monthly Board meetings.
● Participation in one or more Board / event committee(s).
● Make a gift at a level which is meaningful to you and demonstrates SGPF is a top giving priority.
● End of year self-assessment report card
Criteria/Expertise Needed
As SGPF looks to 2026 and beyond, there is a continued focus on membership growth, expanded services and continued park advocacy. With that in mind, the Nominating Committee is particularly interested in folks with expertise or background in
● Finance or legal background
● Development, particularly in Philanthropy Advocacy
● Membership growth strategies
● Grant writing
● Event Planning
If you are or someone you know might be interested, please contact Board President Jesse Locks at sierragoldparks@gmail.com. Deadline is December 15, 2025.