Nonprofit San Geronimo Valley organizations offer programs, services, and facilities of all sorts, and testify to the creative diversity and heart of Valley life.

Please note: Every effort has been made to include all relevant nonprofit Valley organizations whose primary focus is to support the welfare, activities, and interests of Valley residents. We apologize for any inadvertent omissions.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

IN SPIRIT

In Support of Paralytics In Really Intense Times
Founded: 1987
2 Grant Avenue, Woodacre
Box 383, Woodacre 94973
President: Aneice Taylor, 415-488-0477
Hours Open 1:00 – 5:00 pm
Monday through Friday
www.inspirit-marin.org

IN SPIRIT is a nonprofit organization that assists quadriplegics in receiving the attendant care and other essential services they need to live independently and safely in their homes. It serves quadriplegics throughout Marin County and provides grants for attendant care, adaptive equipment, peer support and resource information. With grassroots support, it was formed in 1987 by Valley resident Aneice Taylor after she received a spinal cord injury in the storm of 1982.

LEAP – Lagunitas Schools Foundation

Lead, Enrich, Achieve, Progress
Founded: 1980
www.leap4education.org

LEAP is the Lagunitas School District’s non-profit, all volunteer, fundraising foundation. We raise the funds that close the gap between what our district receives from state and federal funding and what our kids truly need for a well rounded education. Our goal is to provide all of the kids in our small, progressive district with access to high quality enrichments; particularly in the areas of art, music, environmental education and sciences. We believe the future of our world is in our classrooms today.

Rotary Club of West Marin

Founded: 2005
Contact: Michelle Clein, Charter President
415-686-8544 or 415-482-3121
info@westmarinrotary.org
www.westmarinrotary.org

Around the world, there are at least 1,200,000 members in 33,000 Rotary Clubs located in more than 200 countries. Its members form a global network of business, professional and community lead­ers who volunteer their time and talents to serve their communities and the world. Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self, exemplifies the humanitarian spirit. Each club is autonomous, non-governmental, non-political and non-religious.

Rotarians enjoy fun and fellow­ship while addressing critical issues locally, nationally and internationally. Rotary is only limited by the imagination of those wishing to make a difference.

Safe Routes to Schools (SR2S)

(A program of the Transportation Authority of Marin)
Founded: 2000
Contacts: Safety issues Wendi Kallins, wkallins@igc.org, 415-488-4101
In-school programs Gwen Froh: gwen@marinbike.org 415-456-3469 x104
www.saferoutestoschools.org

Safe Routes to School is a safe, fun and educational method of encouraging more children to find green ways to school, including walking, biking, carpooling or bus. School volunteers organize regular Walk and Bike to School Days, and are provided materials to run challenges within the school, and to compete with other schools to increase green trips. The Teens Go Green Program empowers middle- and high-school students to foster change in their communities. Trained instructors teach bicycle and pedestrian safety during PE. Safety issues are identified, and SR2S makes recommendations to the local jurisdiction to address these issues.

SGV Affordable Housing Association

Founded: 1983
Box 152, Woodacre 94973
415-488-4890
info@sgvaha.org
www.sgvaha.org

The San Geronimo Valley Affordable Housing Association owns and operates three shared housing units rented to six low-income seniors on Sage Lane and the Forest Knolls Trailer Court with 20 affordable homes. Our mission is to create, preserve and manage affordable housing in the San Geronimo Valley and beyond. We envision a culturally diverse and vibrant San Geronimo Valley community that retains its unique rural and natural qualities while offering housing opportunities for people of all income levels and walks of life. In the future, it is our intention to develop and preserve additional affordable housing in the Valley. We welcome your involvement in our organization and your financial support via tax-deductible contributions or a property donation.

San Geronimo Valley Community Center

Founded: 1969
6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
PO Box 195
San Geronimo 94963
Contact: Dave Cort, Executive Director
415-488-8888 ext. 224
dcort@sgvcc.org

Since its founding, the Community Center has served the four villages of the San Geronimo Valley—Woodacre, San Geronimo, Forest Knolls and Lagunitas—and Nicasio and the surrounding communities in western Marin County. The Center has become a focal point for programs in the arts, youth programming and human services, as well as community events and activities. The Center’s Human Services Program is now the home for the Tina Action Project (TAPS).

San Geronimo Valley Land Trust

Founded: 1997
Contact: David Bernard
415-999-9213

The San Geronimo Valley Land Trust serves the Valley by acquiring parcels of high natural resource or community value to conserve and protect them, in perpetuity. The Land Trust works with Valley property owners who may wish to donate or sell land, or easements over land, and may be able to provide tax benefits to property owners. The Land Trust owns several parcels and is currently focused on the preservation of streamside parcels and Blueberry Ridge.

San Geronimo Valley Lions

Founded: 1958
Contact: Allison Puglisi
415-456-0147
www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/sgvlions

Since 1958 the Lions have helped to make our Valley a better place to live and work by participating in community events and contributing to local organizations such as The Emergency Fund, Valley Toys and Joys, IN SPIRIT, LEAP, Drake Senior Scholarships, West Marin Senior Services, the SGV Community Center and many others. Our projects include annual blood drives, Food Bank donations, Christmas in April, and Recycle for Sight. We raise money by hosting an annual crab feed and auction, and we co-host the Fourth of July Dickson Country Fun Day and Parade. If you are interested in keeping our Valley community vital and strong, please give us a call!

SGV Stewards

Founded: 2009
Box 276
Lagunitas 94938
Contact: Ann Seramin
Email: info@sgvstewards.org
www.sgvstewards.org

The San Geronimo Valley Stewards work to represent property owners in restoring our creeks through collaborative volunteer efforts. The Stewards are working to talk to the entire SGV to develop a clear picture of the residents’ needs, desires, and abilities for creek restoration; build a diverse community coalition as a resource to support Valley residents’ responsible improvement of their properties; rally around individuals so no one feels bullied, or that they don’t have a voice in the future of their home; bring information and resources to the Valley because we trust our neighbors to make wise decisions if they have resources and good information.

San Geronimo Valley Emergency Readiness Group – VERG

Founded: 1974
Contacts:  Michael Bergman, San Geronimo Valley Disaster Coordinator & VERG Co-Chair:  415-827-4920
Brian McCarthy VERG Co-Chair: 415-613-6435
Website:  www.sgverg.org
Email:  sgvalleyer@gmail.com

Under the direction of the VERG Leadership Team and the San Geronimo Valley Disaster Coordinator, we inspire and train Valley residents to be prepared for and respond to a disaster. The program’s strength is based on the social connection of neighbors.  We believe that when neighbors organize and know each other they can help one another and their families when or if disaster strikes.

VERG helps the community by: 

• Organizing Neighborhood Networks.
• Holding classes so residents understand how to prepare for a disaster.
• Mitigating fire risk through awareness and organizing community action.
• Arranging support for Vulnerable residents
• Maintaining a robust radio network.
• Supporting Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and other essential personnel.

Village Coordinators
Arroyo Area     Stephanie Fein  stephanie.verg@gmail.com
Forest Knolls   Mary MacGabhan  MaryMVERG@gmail.com
Lagunitas       Jim Fazackerley jimf.verg@gmail.com
San Geronimo  Greg Reis      gegr.verg@gmail.com
Woodacre        Michael Bergman michaelb.verg@gmail.com

 

Woodacre Garden Club

Founded: 1996
Box 485, Woodacre 94973
pshene@comcast.net or nphanson@comcast.net
Mary Brenner 415-488-9536

Visit our Oval Garden on Park Street demonstrating water-wise gardening and plants suitable for Valley habitat. The Garden Club is open to everyone with an interest in gardening. We landscape and maintain the bus shelters and com­mon areas of Woodacre. You are welcome to join in garden tours, seminars, seed and plant exchanges, and social gatherings. Our volunteer activities are supported by neighbor contributions and donated plants and materials. Please contact us if you would like to help keep Woodacre beautiful by donations, by adopting plants to water, or by joining us for a few hours on monthly workdays at our pocket parks.

Woodacre Improvement Club

Founded: 1940
1 Garden Way Box 405
Woodacre 94973
Contact: Carol Foti, Manager
415-488-0708 Fax: 415-488-0787
Email: woodacrepool@att.net

The Woodacre Improvement Club (WIC), a private membership-supported nonprofit center located in the heart of Woodacre. Facilities include a 60-foot swimming pool, a baby pool, two tennis courts, a ballfield, a small gym, a yoga room, a volleyball sandpit, basketball courts and a children’s playground. A gym trainer and swim/tennis lessons are available. The main hall is a multipurpose space with a stage–excellent for classes, member events and meetings. It is the local polling location and is designated as a community’s emergency disaster center.

HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

Coastal Health Alliance

Founded: 1988
Box 910, Point Reyes Station 94956
415-663-8666
www.coastalhealth.net

Rooted in West Marin, the Coastal Health Alliance (CHA) is committed to providing quality, comprehensive primary health care services to all. CHA operates Community Health Centers in Point Reyes Station, Bolinas, and Stinson Beach (see locations below). CHA provides (bi-lingual) primary care, including medical, dental and behavioral health services; accepts Medi-Cal, Medicare and most major forms of insurance, including Kaiser Permanente; and offers a sliding fee scale for those of limited income.

Locations are:
• Point Reyes Community Health Center
3 Sixth Street, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
• Bolinas Community Health Center
88 Mesa Road, Bolinas, CA 94924
• Stinson Beach Community Health Center
3419 State Route 1, Stinson Beach, CA 94970

San Geronimo Valley Emergency Fund

Founded: 2004
Box 242 San Geronimo 94963
Contact: Zoila Berardi 415-488-1906

The SGV Emergency Fund is dedicated to providing financial respite to qualifying individuals with hardship due to unforeseen circumstances. Our intention is to assist Valley residents with needs that aren’t covered by other county agencies. This fund can cover car repair, pay for a winter tank of propane, or help to subsidize the costs of an illness by paying for adaptive equipment or a medical bill. Our disbursement committee decides awards on a case-by-case basis. This is a grassroots effort to formalize what our community has been doing for so many years.

Valley Toys and Joys

Founded: 1990
President: Barbara Hernandez
PO Box 496, Woodacre 94973
415-488-0454

Valley Toys and Joys is a nonprofit trust created to bring the magic of the holidays to local children. We assist low-income families and those who are in temporary crisis. We are funded by wonderful individuals who are suddenly transformed into holiday elves capable of making all kinds of dreams come true. This is a very personal program. We attempt to fulfill the wishes of the children, whether it be a bike, jacket, book, or Barbie doll. Santa Claus is alive and well in the San Geronimo Valley.

West Marin Community Mediation

Founded: 1997
Call (415) 868-3032
www.westmarinmediation.org

West Marin Community Mediation is an independent non-profit organization of trained, volunteer mediators providing free conflict resolution services to anyone living or working in West Marin.  We can help with conflicts between: neighbors, friends and families, housemates, landlords and tenants, organizations, employees and employers, merchants and consumers and more.

West Marin Senior Services

Founded: 1976
Laura Sherman, C.M.C. Care Manager
Office: 415-663-8148 x102 (Fax: 415-663-1268)
laura@wmss.org
www.wmss.org

For over 40 years WMSS has helped older adults remain safe with dignity in West Marin by providing a range of in-home, assisted living, and community services for persons 60+ years that fosters independence and participation in our community. Services include comprehensive, confidential care management, individualized plans of care, adult social services coordination, caregiver referrals, family member respite, transportation assistance, meals, home care equipment, home-safety repairs, community education and wellness programs. If being cared for at home is no longer the best option, WMSS offers assisted living for up to eight seniors at Stockstill House, a state-licensed residential care home located in Point Reyes Station.

ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

Environmental Action Committee of West Marin (EAC)

Founded in 1971
Website: https://www.eacmarin.org

The Environmental Action Committee of West Marin’s mission is to protect and sustain the unique lands, waters, and biodiversity of West Marin. The Environmental Action Committee of West Marin (EAC) is a local environmental nonprofit centrally located in Point Reyes Station, California, the gateway town to the only national seashore on the West Coast. Since 1971, EAC has remained engaged in the protection of West Marin’s unique lands, waters and biodiversity through advocacy, engagement and education. As one of the only local environmental nonprofits taking on multi-year, and sometimes decade-long campaigns to address environmental threats, EAC provides an essential voice on behalf of the West Marin’s priceless natural resources. EAC accomplishes their work by bringing people, science and policy together to protect vital ecosystems, defend critical legislation, enforce accountability of our leaders and legislators, and rally our members to become stewards of their community.

River Otter Ecology Project

Founded 2012
Contact: Megan Isadore
415-342-7956
info@riverotterecology.org
www.riverotterecology.org
Facebook.com/Bayareaotters
Instagram: @riverotterecology

We began our work to fill in the lack of information about river otters in the Bay Area with a community science project called Otter Spotter. Otter sightings are collected, mapped, and recorded through our website. Our work has added 4,100 square miles to official river otter range. We monitor and field focused research into behavior, prey species, movements, and relatedness of river otters along a 100-mile stretch of Marin waterways, including Lagunitas Creek. Our educational programs for adults and children provide outdoor and classroom study on river otters and their connection to watershed and human health. This is a true community project, and we do all our work with only full-time and one part-time employee, and a superb group of trained volunteers.

Check out our website and social media pages, and don’t forget to input sightings if you see a river otter anywhere at all!

Salmon Protection and Watershed Network (SPAWN)

Founded: 1997
Contact: 415-663-8590
info@spawnusa.org
www.spawnusa.org
SPAWN works to protect endangered salmon in the Lagunitas Watershed and the environment. SPAWN’s approach to accomplish our mission includes grassroots action, habitat restoration, policy development, research and monitoring, citizen training, environmental education, strategic litigation, and collaboration with other organizations and agencies. SPAWN offers walks to view spawning salmon, homeowner consultations on creek restoration and protections, educational seminars, training and volunteer and internship opportunities. Please join us!

San Geronimo Valley Planning Group

Founded: 1972
PO Box 57
Forest Knolls 94933
Contact: Chairperson
Lagunitaslinda@gmail.com
www.sgvpg.org

We are the oldest environmental organization in the Valley serving the community and are all-volunteer. We played a major role in the development of the 1977 Community Plan (updated in 1997) that guides us in advocating our mission to protect and preserve the Valley’s natural resources and village rural character. The annually elected Steering Committee represents the membership. Meetings include county requests for design reviews and open discussions about community projects and programs. We organize educational presentations by experts, host a Speaker Series and work closely with the County of Marin and Marin Municipal Water District. Members receive a monthly agenda and vibrant newsletter. The membership meets at the Wilderness Way Environmental Center, at 1 Lagunitas School Road, the 2nd Monday of the month at 7:30pm from September through June. Membership is required to vote. Valley residents are welcome.

Wilderness Way

Founded: 1999
1 Lagunitas School Road
San Geronimo, CA
Contacts: Paul Berensmeier 415-488-1964
kokopauli@sbcglobal.net
www.sgvwildernessway.org

Wilderness Way is an environmental organization serving the Lagunitas School District, community and other schools. The Valley’s creeks and unique preserves provide opportunities for hands on experiences that create a deep understanding and lifetime connection to the Valley environment that surrounds where students live. Activities revolve around salmon, steelhead trout, native and non-native plants, wildlife, habitat restoration and maintenance. These activities evolve into art, crafts, music, poetry, literature, math, science projects and film documentaries. Ongoing programs include a tracking program in the Larsen Preserve, watershed programs, creating and installing salmon crossing signs and a Native American studies program that includes stories, games, pump drills, cordage, arrowheads, tule boats, flutes and overnights. Wilderness Way recently created a library that includes environmental books and films for all ages including teacher resource materials.

Zen of Weeding

Samuel P. Taylor State Park Volunteer Habitat Restoration Program
Weeding the Woods since 2010
Contact: Nancy Hanson, Volunteer coordinator 415 488-4202
nphanson@comcast.net

We do relaxing, restorative weeding the second Friday and second Sunday of every month at our neighborhood state park. Easy work in a gorgeous setting. Enter the park at the main gate by the Camp Taylor sign on Sir Francis Drake. Tell the kiosk staff you are a volunteer to get your parking pass. Inquire at the kiosk to find our location if you come late. Meet our group at the far end of the main picnic area a little before 1pm. We finish at 3pm. Zen Mission: To improve the health of our redwood forest and enhance the enjoyment of native riparian habitat for every park visitor, including the fish, birds and insects, by eradicating invasive weeds.

FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

Gan Halev, the Jewish Congregation of the San Geronimo Valley

Founded: 1992
PO Box 280
Woodacre 94973
Contact: 415-488-4524
shalom@ganhalev.org
www.ganhalev.org

We come together in community to celebrate Jewish life, to worship, educate, and socialize, and to share and explore our religious and cultural heritage. Membership in Gan Halev involves a desire to participate in a vital community and a commitment to make this unique community continue to thrive and grow. We gather for High Holidays, Shabbats and Jewish holiday celebrations throughout the year. Gan HaLev is a member of the Marin Interfaith Council and the Marin Organizing Committee. Our members are active participants and volunteers for local Valley nonprofit and social service organizations.

St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, Lagunitas, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Nicasio

Founded: 1912, St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, Lagunitas; 1867, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Nicasio
Contact: Father Phan 415-488-9799
www.stcecilia-lagunitas.org

Our mission: to be Nurtured by Christ’s Word, Supported by a Faith Loving Community, and to Serve the Needs of Others as Called to Minister.

Operating as one parish, St. Cecilia’s of Lagunitas and St. Mary’s of Nicasio each serve their own community in many ways. Both have Sunday, holy day, and week­day Masses, religious education classes, and participate in local food and Christmas toy drives. There are also many special events throughout the year that provide opportunities for fellowship. Sunday Mass at St. Cecilia’s is 9:30 am and at St. Mary’s is at 11:15 am.

San Geronimo Community Presbyterian Church

Founded: 1931
6001 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Box 98
San Geronimo 94963
Contacts: Pastor Kate Clayton 415-488-9318;
Office 415-488-1757
sgpchurch@sbcglobal.net
www.sgpchurch.org

We offer peace, joy and fellowship for you to explore your faith and spirituality. We also offer support for your family, we share love and forgiveness, and we provide opportunities to put your values into action, such as helping with Valley food distribution. We meet every Sunday at 11am for worship and Christian nurture. We host special services for the entire Valley at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. We welcome everyone into our church family and have a special love of children. We support local and regional hunger programs, a community benevolence fund, preschool scholarships, and other Valley activities like 12-step programs. Our choir invites everyone who loves to sing harmoniously!

Spirit Rock Meditation Center

Founded: 1988
5000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Box 169, Woodacre 94973
415-488-0164 ext: 234
www.spiritrock.org

Spirit Rock Meditation Center is dedicated to the teachings of the Buddha as presented in the Vipassana tradition. The practice of mindful awareness, called Insight of Vipassana meditation, is at the heart of all activities at Spirit Rock. One does not have to be a Buddhist to practice mindfulness meditation. We offer a range of ongoing classes, daylong and residential retreats.

SAN GERONIMO VALLEY PRESCHOOL ORGANIZATIONS

Garden’s Nest

Director: Liz Vial
Location: Woodacre
www.thegardensnest.com

San Geronimo Childcare Center

Director: Sharon Dahme
Location: San Geronimo Valley Community Presbyterian Church
www.sangeronimopreschool.com

West Marin Montessori

Co-Directors: Alyssa Gleason and Lhasa Yudice
Location: San Geronimo School Campus
www.westmarinmontessori.com

YOUTH SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS

CYO Basketball

Founded: 1976
Contact: John Beckerley
415-488-0558
jbeckerley@comcast.net

St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Lagunitas sponsors the CYO basketball programs for the San Geronimo and Nicasio valleys. The program is open to boys and girls in the 4th through 8th grades. Practices start the first week of November. Games begin the first weekend of January and end the second week of March. St. Cecilia’s also offers an Instructional League for 3rd grade boys and girls. St. Cecilia’s CYO Basketball has been entering teams from the Valley for the last 40 years.

West Marin Little League

Founded: 1983
Box 1168, Fairfax 94978
Phone: 415-721-1910
www.westmarinlittleleague.com

West Marin Little League offers an exciting and fun co-ed instructional league for kids ages 5 to 14 with both a Spring Season (March-June) and a Fall Ball Season (July-August). The goal of the program is for kids to develop a love of the game, make new friends, learn new baseball skills, and experience the rewards of being on a team. The League welcomes players throughout West Marin from San Anselmo to Pt. Reyes. Board members and committee leaders organize all families in the league to help maintain and improve the fields, operate the snack shacks, manage the registration process, coach, cheer on the teams, and have fun!

West Marin Youth Soccer League

P.O. Box 84
Fairfax 94930
Contact: Dylan Arroyo
Email: dyarroyo@yahoo.com

WMYSL is the designated California Youth Soccer Association affiliated League for the San Anselmo/Fairfax, San Geronimo Valley/Nicasio, Point Reyes/Inverness, and Bolinas/Stinson Beach areas. Teams in our League come from West Marin communities that have wonderful soccer fields and great local support. Our teams are divided by age and skill levels, and coaches evaluate players in each age group and seek to achieve team balance by selecting players from all skill levels. Regardless of skill or past playing experience, all players receive significant playing time, and sportsmanship is emphasized throughout our program.

Nicasio Organizations

Halleck Creek Ranch

Founded: 1979
Molly Scannell, Interim Executive Director
mscannell@halleckcreekranch.org
415-662-2488
P.O. Box 159
Nicasio 94946

For nearly 40 years Halleck Creek Ranch has used the powerful therapeutic benefits available through horseback riding in nature to create a better quality of life for children and adults with disabilities, and for the people who care for them. As one of the largest and oldest weekly therapeutic riding programs in the Bay Area, Halleck Creek Ranch is a pioneer in the field.

For more information visit: www.halleckcreekranch.org/

The Nicasio Design Review Board

For information on Development and Design Guidelines, Horse Management Guidelines, and Membership, visit www.nicasio.net/ndrb

The Nicasio Design Review Board (NDRB) is a committee appointed by the Nicasio Land Owners Association. Its purpose is to review development proposals in Nicasio from the perspective of the Nicasio Valley Development and Design Guidelines. The NDRB provides comments to the Marin County Community Development Department as part of their public comment process, and often works with applicants to modify projects to bring them into conformance with the Design Guidelines.

Nicasio Disaster Council (NDC)

Contact: Kirby Wilcox, Leader (kirby_wilcox@yahoo.com)
www.nicasio.net/ndc

Like other communities in West Marin, Nicasio has a disaster plan; it has been developed by the Nicasio Disaster Council in conjunction with the Nicasio Volunteer Fire Department and West Marin Emergency Services.

The Plan establishes 17 geographic neighborhoods in Nicasio, as shown on the Site Map page on our website: within each are two volunteer “Neighborhood Liaisons” whose role is to help prepare for a disaster by keeping a neighborhood record of properties, their residents and any emergency skills and equipment.

To download a copy of the Current Disaster Plan, and for information on how to be included, trainings, and useful links, visit: www.nicasio.net/ndc

Nicasio Historical Society

Museum on the Nicasio Town Square
Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 – 3:00pm or by appt.
P O Box 111, Nicasio 94946
Contact Elaine Doss, President, eddoss@mac.com
or Martha McNeil 415-662-2307
www.nicasio.net/nhs

We are a non-profit, public benefit California Corporation that already has significant archives consisting of photographs, documents, and written and recorded material relating to life in Nicasio during the past century and a half. Our entire Board of Directors is a dedicated group of unpaid volunteers who are devoted to pursuing our Mission: Researching, documenting, preserving, sharing, and celebrating the rich history of the Nicasio Valley.

The Nicasio Historical Society welcomes anyone who has an interest in Marin history.

Nicasio Land Owners Association

Contact Stephen Lewis, NLOA Board President
NicasioLandOwnersAssociation@gmail.com

When the Nicasio Land Owners Association, Inc. (NLOA) was founded in 1961, it stated the following key goals in its Articles of Incorporation:
To aid in the preservation of the beauty of the Nicasio area
To study the possible future development and planning of the Nicasio area so as to take advantage of the natural beauty and topography of the area
To assist so that the Nicasio area may develop in a pleasing, well-planned and orderly manner
While recognizing that the development of the Nicasio area is inevitable and while not desiring to impede progress, to aid so that the future development is accomplished in a manner that will enhance the value of the community and preserve as much as possible its natural beauty.

Nicasio Land Preserve

www.nicasio.net/nlp

The Nicasio Land Preserve (NLP) is a charitable corporation under the umbrella of the NLOA. The NLP is the vehicle through which the NLOA conducts specialized efforts of land and land rights acquisition. The NLP gives the NLOA and the Nicasio Valley a focused tool for preserving key features of Nicasio.

Community members created the NLP when they determined that the town needed a more active way to preserve the ambience of the community. In special cases, written standards were insufficient to preserve unique characteristics of the town atmosphere and landscape. As such, the NLOA spearheaded a community-based effort to purchase key properties whose development could disproportionately affect the ambience of the community.

Nicasio School District

Tom Lohwasser, Superintendent, superintendent@dixieschooldistrict.org
Barbara Snekkevik, Principal, bsnekkevik@nicasioschool.org
www.nicasioschool.org

Nicasio School serves approximately 50-60 students in grades TK-8. Students learn in multi-grade classrooms with highly skilled teachers and support staff who prepare them for transition to high school and life outside of Nicasio. While many graduating 8th graders attend Sir Francis Drake High School in San Anselmo, many others attend private high schools in Marin County and San Francisco.

Nicasio School belongs to one of the few remaining single-school public school districts in Marin. The district itself was established in 1866 with the first Nicasio schoolhouse constructed in 1867.

Nicasio School Foundation

Contact: Mark Burton, President
PO Box 543
Nicasio, CA 94946
415-237-3218
info@nicasioschoolfoundation.org
nicasioschoolfoundation.org

The Nicasio School Foundation (NSF), an all-volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 1996 by a group of parents who were committed to maintaining essential enrichment programming that had disappeared out of California public school budgets. Driven by the belief that children deserve a well-rounded and complete education, these parents started the Foundation to seek charitable donations to bridge the gap between what the state sees as acceptable for children and what our community believes is best for children.

Nicasio Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD)

Contact: Eric Blatz, Chief, eblatz@nicasiofire.org

Established in 1946, the Nicasio Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD) is the only all-volunteer fire department in Marin County. The NVFD supports the Marin County Fire Department on emergency calls within the Nicasio response area and, because most of our ten members live in the community, we are often first on-scene to help those in need. Our diverse membership includes long-time residents as well as newer transplants, men and women, hi-tech professionals and professional firefighters, young and, well . . . less young. In addition to our training for medical and fire related emergency-response what unites us is our shared commitment to serving the Nicasio community and to helping those in need. If you might be interested in becoming a volunteer, or wish to learn more about the NVFD visit www.nicasiofire.org

Nicasio Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary

Co-presidents: Mimi Lewis mimi.r.lewis@gmail.com
and Madeleine Sloane madeleine94946@gmail.com
www.nicasio.net/nvfdla

An important part of the NVFD responder team is the NVFD Ladies Auxiliary, the organizational engine for a range of important fundraising and community-building activities.

The Auxiliary first convened in 1959 to raise funds, feed and otherwise support our firefighters. The Auxiliary has since evolved into a major community-building organization. The group provides an opportunity for new neighbors to get acquainted and involved; and for founders to share and inform community history and tradition.