Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods (Stewards), formerly known as Stewards of Slavianka, is a non-profit, environmental and interpretive organization that works in partnership with California State Parks in the Russian River District to support volunteer, education and stewardship programs. We are comprised of an active 10-15 member Board of Directors, Executive Director, Administrative Director, Programs Director, administrative staff, Field Operations staff and a membership of over 550 supporters. There are approximately 90 other associations like Stewards throughout the State of California. Each association has a contractual relationship with State Parks and operates on State Park property to fulfill their mission.
Stewards was launched in the early 1980s with grassroots environmentalists and State Parks staff working together. The Russian River District Cooperating Association, Stewards of Slavianka, was incorporated as a non-profit public benefit corporation in 1985. Stewards began with two programs, Seal Watch and Whale Watch on the Sonoma Coast State Park (SP) beaches. By 1987, volunteers had organized themselves at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve (SNR) where they opened a small visitor center and began leading nature walks. In 1990, the volunteers saw their dream of a new visitor center become a reality when a trailer was purchased for this purpose. In 1992, Stewards funded a new visitor center at Salt Point State Park overlooking spectacular Gerstle Cove. In 1997, Stewards began operating the visitor center in Jenner, overlooking the Russian River estuary. In 2003, Stewards’ members voted to change the name in order to increase funding and volunteer support through greater name recognition.