What Sequoia Parks Conservancy does

Sequoia Parks Conservancy (SPC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1940 (originally as the Sequoia Natural History Association) and reorganized into its current form on October 1, 2015, through the merger of the Sequoia Natural History Association and the Sequoia Parks Foundation. Headquartered at 47050 Generals Hwy Unit 10 in Three Rivers, California, with a staff of 11-50, SPC operates as the official nonprofit partner of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (under agreement with the National Park Service) and Lake Kaweah (under agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). The organization raises and deploys funds for park conservation, wildlife management, trail maintenance, fire recovery, education, and search and rescue across 865,257 acres of parkland that draw nearly two million visitors annually.

SPC operates a diversified revenue and program portfolio built around six primary streams: tax-deductible donations and "Become a Friend" memberships, retail sales of branded merchandise through five park visitor center stores and a global e-commerce storefront at store.sequoiaparksconservancy.org, the Sequoia Field Institute guided-experiences business (Crystal Cave tours, Sequoia Guided Hikes, private Adventure Tours, stargazing and Full Moon programs, Pear Lake Winter Hut backcountry stays, and the MAYFLY fly-fishing event), corporate sponsorships (including Delaware North and the 2026 Zuke's cause-marketing partnership), planned giving vehicles, and grants. Pricing is unit-based across Field Institute offerings (e.g., $11-$22 standard Crystal Cave tickets, $240 Wild Cave tours, $300-$900 private group experiences, $495 MAYFLY tickets, $75/night Pear Lake Hut) with a $70 annual park pass; retail and donation pricing varies by item and designation. The organization also runs flagship annual events including the Dark Sky Festival and Christmas Bird Count, and operates the 24/7 Lake Kaweah webcam via Pixelcaster.

The underlying technology stack is intentionally lean and standard: FareHarbor for tour booking, PayPal and GiveCloud for donation processing, Google Analytics/Ads and Facebook for digital marketing, reCAPTCHA for site security, and Google Maps for location. There is no proprietary technology, no AI/ML capabilities, and no mobile application. Governance is provided by a 27-member board chaired by Matthew Macia, with executive leadership comprising Executive Director Savannah Boiano and functional directors for Philanthropy, Retail, Finance, Marketing, and the Field Institute. The organization holds GuideStar Platinum Transparency recognition (2021) and is a member of 1% For the Planet.

Name

Sequoia Parks Conservancy

Legal name

Sequoia Parks Conservancy

Website

https://sequoiaparksconservancy.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1940

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Sequoia Parks Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1940 that serves as the official fundraising, retail, and education partner for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Lake Kaweah, generating revenue from donations, memberships, visitor-center retail, and the Sequoia Field Institute's guided adventure programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

National Park Conservation and Support Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Conservation Parks & Private Nature Reserves (Visitor Operations) (THAAAFAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Rainforest, Jungle & Canopy Experiences (THAJAIAE), Citizen Science & Conservation Volunteer Tourism Programs (On-Site) (THAAAFAH)

Keywords

• National park conservation
• Environmental education programs
• Guided outdoor tours
• Nonprofit fundraising
• Wildlife preservation

Headquarters

HQ city

Three Rivers

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Donations and Memberships: Tax-deductible contributions from individuals supporting park preservation, including monthly donor programs, tribute donations, and the 'Become a Friend' membership program. At least 90% of donations support park projects.
2. Retail Operations: Park stores within visitor centers selling apparel, gear, maps, books, games, collectibles, and trip planning materials. Every retail purchase directly supports park projects and programs.
3. Field Institute Tours and Adventures: Revenue from guided experiences including Crystal Cave tours, hiking tours, stargazing programs, and specialty adventures. Proceeds reinvested directly into park stewardship.
4. Corporate Sponsorship: Partnerships with brands for cause-marketing sponsors, strategic partners, and corporate donors to promote awareness and support the mission at local, regional, statewide, and national levels.
5. Planned Giving: Bequests through wills or living trusts, charitable gift annuities, retirement account assets, life insurance beneficiary designations, charitable remainder trusts, and stock/bond donations.
6. Grants: Funding from foundations and organizations supporting conservation, education, and park programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Sequoia Parks Conservancy is the official 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Lake Kaweah. It supports the parks through fundraising (donations, memberships, planned giving, corporate sponsorships, grants), operates retail stores at visitor centers and online, runs the Sequoia Field Institute offering expert-guided adventures (Crystal Cave tours, hiking, stargazing, backcountry stays), and hosts educational events and festivals. At least 90% of donations directly fund park projects including conservation, wildlife recovery, trail maintenance, search and rescue, and youth education.

Product overview

Sequoia Parks Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the official nonprofit partner of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Lake Kaweah. It operates a multi-channel product portfolio encompassing fundraising and donation tools, retail e-commerce, guided outdoor education, and visitor services. The core fundraising platform allows donors to contribute to designated programs (fire recovery, conservation, wildlife, trails, education) or a general fund. The Sequoia Field Institute runs expert-guided programs including Crystal Cave tours, Sequoia Guided Hikes, private Sequoia Adventure Tours, stargazing programs (naked-eye astronomy and telescope experiences), Full Moon on Moro Rock, and Pear Lake Winter Hut backcountry stays. The online Park Store (store.sequoiaparksconservancy.org) and physical visitor center stores sell branded apparel, gear, maps, books, and collectibles, with all proceeds reinvested in the parks. The Lake Kaweah Webcam provides 24/7 live views powered by Pixelcaster. Annual events include the Dark Sky Festival, Christmas Bird Count, and MAYFLY fly fishing fundraiser.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sequoia Field Institute: The field institute offers expert-guided experiences including guided hikes, snowshoe walks, educational programs, Crystal Cave tours, astronomy programs, and custom adventures in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
• Crystal Cave Tours

Products and services

• Online Donation Platform Web-based donation system allowing donors to make one-time and monthly contributions, tribute donations (honorarium and memorial), and designate gifts to specific fundraising priorities. For individual donors and organizations committed to national park preservation.
• Park Store (E-commerce) Online retail store selling Sequoia and Kings Canyon branded merchandise including apparel, outdoor gear, maps, books, multimedia, games, collectibles, and trip-planning materials. All proceeds directly support park projects and programs. For park visitors and online shoppers worldwide.
• Sequoia Field Institute (Guided Adventures) Expert-guided outdoor programs including Crystal Cave tours, Sequoia Guided Hikes, private Sequoia Adventure Tours, stargazing programs, and Pear Lake Winter Hut backcountry ski experiences. All proceeds reinvested into park stewardship. For active individuals and adventure seekers.
• Crystal Cave Tours Guided tours of Crystal Cave, a marble cavern in Sequoia National Park, operated for the National Park Service. Includes a half-mile round-trip hike with steep terrain and 50-minute cave exploration, with a Wild Cave Adventure variant offering a 6-hour challenging underground experience. For park visitors.
• Dark Sky Festival Annual astronomy and night-sky conservation festival held across Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, featuring presenters, telescope viewing, and educational programs about dark sky preservation. For park visitors and astronomy enthusiasts.
• MAYFLY Fly Fishing Event Annual conservation fly fishing event in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks including casting clinics, guided fishing sessions, conservation talks, and dinner. Proceeds benefit park conservation efforts. For fishing enthusiasts and conservation supporters.
• Christmas Bird Count Annual citizen-science birding event at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Participants count bird species across designated areas, contributing data to the Audubon Society's long-running Christmas Bird Count database. For birders and citizen scientists.
• Become a Friend Membership Program Annual membership program for individuals supporting park preservation, providing benefits such as merchandise discounts and the satisfaction of supporting park stewardship. For philanthropic individuals committed to national park preservation.
• Annual Park Pass Annual park pass for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks priced at $70 per year. For park visitors.
• Sequoia Adventure Tour (Private Custom Group) Private custom group guided experiences in Sequoia National Park, priced by duration from $300 (2 hours) to $900 (6 hours) for groups up to 8 people. For small groups and private tour bookings.

Quantifiable outcome

• At least 90% of donations support park projects
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core, major and moderate.

• Zuke's Dog TreatsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 July 2026Limited-edition park-specific treat packages supporting conservation at three national parks including Sequoia. Company matches consumer donations up to $25,000 per park through December 31, 2026. Packages available at Target, Petco, Pet Supplies Plus, and Meijer.
• National Park ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2015Official nonprofit partner of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. SPC funds and enables projects and programs that protect, preserve, and provide access to park resources. The organization supports NPS priorities through fundraising, visitor services, and educational programs.
• U.S. Army Corps of EngineerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Lake Kaweah reservoir operations. SPC assists interpretive staff by staffing a small store at the lake and providing seasonal interpretive services. Lake Kaweah provides flood control and recreational opportunities.
• Delaware North Companies Parks & ResortsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides lodging, dining, and park experiences at Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park and John Muir Lodge in Kings Canyon National Park. They sponsor free programs offered by the Sequoia Field Institute.
• Friends of AcadiaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with Zuke's Dog Treats for the national parks conservation initiative.
• Shenandoah National Park TrustminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with Zuke's Dog Treats for the national parks conservation initiative.
• 1% For the PlanetmoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerEnvironmental giving network member. SPC participates in this network of businesses committing to donate 1% of sales to environmental causes.
• Candid (GuideStar)moderateGTM or Marketing PartnerNonprofit transparency platform providing platinum-level transparency recognition for SPC's financial and operational disclosure.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Yosemite Conservancy: The official nonprofit partner of Yosemite National Park, operating the same model of fundraising, retail, and guided experiences in support of an NPS unit — making it the closest functional peer to SPC.
• Yellowstone Forever: Official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, combining donations, retail stores, and Field Institute-style educational programs — directly comparable to SPC's NPS-cooperative structure.
• Grand Canyon Conservancy: Official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, funding conservation, education, and visitor services — analogous in mandate, scale, and revenue mix to Sequoia Parks Conservancy.
• Zion National Park Forever Project: Official nonprofit of Zion National Park supporting conservation, education, and visitor experience through donations, retail, and programs — directly mirrors SPC's structure and mission.
• Great Smoky Mountains Association: Nonprofit supporting Great Smoky Mountains National Park through retail, publications, and education — analogous NPS-affiliated revenue model centered on visitor centers.
• Rocky Mountain Conservancy: Nonprofit partner of Rocky Mountain National Park running field seminars, retail, and grant programs for the park — same NPS-affiliated operating model.
• Friends of Acadia: Private nonprofit partner of Acadia National Park, fundraising for trails, ecology, and education — already co-markets with SPC via the Zuke's partnership, evidencing direct peer overlap.
• Shenandoah National Park Trust: Official philanthropic partner of Shenandoah National Park, fundraising for conservation and education — also a co-marketing peer with SPC through the Zuke's national initiative.

Broad incumbents

• National Parks Conservation Association: Larger national advocacy and fundraising organization for all U.S. national parks; competes for the same donor pool and public attention, though not tied to a single park.
• National Park Trust: National nonprofit focused on land acquisition and youth engagement in parks; competes for philanthropic dollars in adjacent park-conservation causes.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/SequoiaParksConservancy
• Facebookfacebook.com/SequoiaParksConservancy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sequoia-parks-conservancy
• Instagraminstagram.com/sequoiaparksconservancy

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sequoia Parks Conservancy