Calaveras Big Trees Association (CBTA) can trace its roots to the original Calaveras Grove Association organized in 1926 by a group of individuals intent on preserving the historic groves for future generations. Through their efforts Calaveras Big Trees State Park was born on July 5, 1931.
The Calaveras Big Trees Association was founded in 1974 by a new group of interested people with a revised purpose: as a private, non-profit, charitable 501(c)(3) corporation toto create, fund and deliver inspirational educational and interpretive programs, as well as inspire visitors to help preserve and protect the Giant Sequoias and all the Calaveras Big Trees State Park’s natural resources. These programs enable visitors to understand, appreciate, conserve, enjoy and explore Calaveras Big Trees State Park. CBTA uses membership fees, donations and fundraising to accomplish this mission. Membership is open to all. The board members are all volunteers.
Our Mission
As the non-profit partner of Calaveras Big Trees State Park, our mission is to create, fund and deliver inspirational educational and interpretive programs, as well as inspire visitors to help preserve and protect the Giant Sequoias and all the Park’s natural resources.
Our Vision
We envision vibrant and healthy Giant Sequoias in a premier state park, with access for all, inspiring body, mind and spirit and generating the motivation to protect and preserve its natural, cultural and recreational resources.
What We’ve Accomplished
Since its creation in 1974, CBTA has taken on many projects, including construction of the present Visitor Center, building a permanent footbridge at Beaver Creek, sponsoring many interpretive programs such as: Cubs, Junior Rangers, school tours, the warming hut and snow shoe walks, seminars, campfire programs, summer interns, scholarships, interpretive staff and printed materials, park publications, trail maps, the Big Trees Adventure Summer School and the Family Day Festival that attracts thousands of visitors every August.
The Association’s main focus has been the construction of a new interpretive center at the Park. Now that the new Visitor Center has been completed and open since November, 2013, new projects are in the planning stages. Another major project being implemented by the association is the Thematic Unit Project. Through class visits, teaching materials left at the school, and field trips to Big Trees, we are providing extended learning about the Park to 2nd-5th grade students in Calaveras County.
The Visitor Center is operated by CBTA and staffed by State Park Docents. All profits from sales items sold by CBTA at the Visitor Center are reinvested in Calaveras Big Trees State Park where they fund long-term capital projects and ongoing interpretive programs.
California State Parks has a valuable relationship with more than 80 cooperating associations authorized pursuant to Public Resources Code 513. These non-profit charitable organizations are dedicated to enhancing the educational and interpretive programs in California State Parks. Associations are related to, but independent of the state parks they serve.
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TAX ID # 23-7405964