In December of 2004, Friends of Pajaro Dunes kicked off the fundraising campaign. With the initial goal of funding the construction of the Nature Gallery, the target was $15,000. Thanks to contributions of many residents and friends, Friends of Pajaro Dunes raised over $21,000. A generous contribution of $7,500 kicked off the effort and contributions were received from over 80 individuals or families.

The funds allowed the completion of the Nature Gallery by May, 2005 but also start other restoration and interpretive projects around the Last Mile. Thank you to all who made this fundraiser a tremendous success.

The 2005/6 fundraiser was targeted at purchasing additional computer equipment for the Wetlands Educational Resource Center and raising additional funds for restoration and outreach activities. This successful fundraiser enabled Friends of Pajaro Dunes to purchase nine new computers for WERC.

Because of the success of the 2004 and 2005 fundraising campaigns, the Friends of Pajaro Dunes made three contributions to local organizations in 2005. This sharing of resource was viewed as a positive way to help organizations that share our interest in wetlands preservation and restoration.

• $925 to the Wetlands Educational Resource Center (WERC). Working with John Vernon, Friends of Pajaro Dunes President, and Hewlett Packard Gifts-In-Kind Program, this contribution purchased a desktop computer, laptop computer, and printer. The total dollar value of this gift, with the HP contribution, was over $4000. This gift helped launch the WERC team to begin operations towards a fall opening (see story below).
• $1000 to the Elkhorn Slough Reserve. As a result of the state budget crisis, the Elkhorn Slough Reserve has almost no operating budget currently and must seek state approval for basic operating expenses. The $1000 contribution, which was matched dollar for dollar by the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, will help the Reserve continue to operate the Nature Center and Trails throughout this year.
• The fundraising campaign of December 2005 was focused on raising over $6500 to purchase 9 additional computers for WERC. Thanks to generous contributions, the Wetlands Educational Resource Center opened in January 2006 with these nine computers installed and operational.

Construction of the Wetlands Education Resource Center on the new Pajaro Valley High School campus is yet to begin. The wetlands center is a collaboration between the city, Pajaro Valley Unified School District and the nonprofit Watsonville Wetlands Watch. It is expected to provide an environmental learning environment at the new school. The 2,300-square-foot wetlands center will include a classroom, laboratory, a visitor area, greenhouse and office space.

Rachel Garrett has recently been hired as its new director. Starting from the grass roots, the WERC staff needed computer equipment to help establish its office. John Vernon used his employer's, Hewlett Packard, Gifts In Kind Program to obtain discounted computer equipment. The Friends of Pajaro Dunes donated the funds required to outfit the new center with a desktop PC, a laptop, and printer as a house-warming present to the new staff.

The Friends of Pajaro Dunes expects years of partnerships between both groups.