Top Ten Reasons to Support Guadalupe River Park Conservancy (in no particular order) We rely on you to help us: Connect children to nature by providing field trip destinations, with environmental education activities tied to state standards. Produce excellent events -- Pumpkins in the Park and Spring in Guadalupe Gardens – that get people into the park and enhance the quality of life in San Jose. Advocate for the expansion and upkeep of the downtown trail - the backbone of the city’s trail network. Leverage private resources - grants, major gifts, and corporate sponsorships - to support the completion and programming of the park and gardens. Sponsor hands-on learning programs for children and adults. Maintain a presence with civic leaders and City of San Jose elected officials and staff to champion a vision for the park and appropriate maintenance and security levels. Provide leadership for the planning and creation of Guadalupe Gardens. Give tours for children and adults, supplying information on flora and fauna, history, and public art. Pay for the ongoing operating costs of the Visitor Center, freeing up city resources for other projects. Coordinate the upkeep of the Heritage Rose Garden, Historic Orchard, and Courtyard Garden, providing useful projects and a fulfilling experience for individual and corporate workday volunteers. As you make your year-end gifts, please consider Friends of GRPG so that we can continue to enhance the quality of life in San Jose. Thank you and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2009! Leslee Hamilton Executive Director