About us

Redwood Parks Conservancy (RPC) is the official nonprofit partner (or “cooperating association”) of the National Park Service, California State Parks, and the U.S. Forest Service. We were established to foster understanding, enjoyment and stewardship of our public lands through educational outreach, visitor services and support of our partners entrusted with the care of public lands along California’s north coast. 

Proceeds from sales at our park stores and online store, along with donations from individuals and foundations, are used to fund essential projects throughout our redwood parks and public lands.

Sales in RPC’s Park Stores

Redwood Park’s Conservancy operates seven park stores within state and federal visitor centers, stocked with hundreds of educational and interpretive products for park visitors to enjoy. Sometimes the key to reliving an extraordinary journey is as simple as looking at a souvenir. We work closely in partnership with California State Parks and the National Park Service to develop and offer products designed to spark those special memories. Every item we sell is reviewed by a professional panel to assure it addresses an interpretive theme in the parks. We don’t sell ‘just anything’; we concentrate on educational books, maps and souvenirs specifically chosen to bring enjoyable memories of your visit.  

When you donate or shop with us online or at our park stores, you contribute directly to stewardship of our ancient redwood forests.

Conservancy History

On January 1, 2011, a merger of North Coast Redwoods Interpretive Association, established in 1976, and Redwood Park Association, established in 1985, became effective to create Redwood Parks Association. 

These two nonprofit associations were formed as cooperative associations with state and federal partners who manage public lands on California’s far-north coast. The two cooperating associations concentrated on book sales in park visitor centers.

In March 2016, the Board of Directors met and changed the organization name from Redwood Parks Association to Redwood Parks Conservancy (RPC). The name change better explains the expanding possibilities to support our public lands through grants, fund raising activities, events and becoming a partner in recreation and resource restoration. RPC will continue its mission of supporting our partners in ways we have traditionally - by funding interpretive positions, programs, educational material, by providing visitor center services, educational programs, and sales of a wide variety of interpretive and educational gifts. We provide much-needed support throughout our partnership lands, including Smith River National Recreation Area, Tolowa Dunes State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Crescent City’s National Park Service Information Center, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Kuchel Visitor Center, Sue-Meg State Park, Humboldt Lagoons State Park, and Fort Humboldt State Historic Park.

Redwood Parks Conservancy is governed by a Board of Directors who are committed to maintaining our public lands: