When Angel Island was declared surplus by the federal government, MCL formed the Angel Island Foundation to save it rather than let it go on the auction block for private development. MCL underwrote police and fire service for the island to delay the auction until the State Park Commission would accept the first deed to a portion of the island. State acquisition began in 1954 and with the final purchase there is a 740-acre island in San Francisco Bay preserved for all time. The island’s mountaintop was renamed Mount Caroline Livermore in honor of the MCL’s founder who led the campaign to create Angel Island State Park. Total cost in dollars, gifts and grants: $824,335.

Angel Island State Park, photo courtesy Angel Island Association

View of Marin from Angel Island, photo Tim Rosenfeld

MCL continues to work on preserving important natural features of Marin. Projects have included the San Rafael Shoreline, Corte Madera marshes, Bahia, Rush Creek in Novato, Bel Marin Keys and other creeks, wetlands and ridges.