Since 1996, Kenna and Jim Fenton have been loyal and dedicated donors to California State Parks Foundation. But their connection to parks goes back much further and is woven into the story of their lives.
A Lifelong Love for the Outdoors
For Kenna, the roots of her love for nature can be traced back to her childhood, spent camping and exploring the great outdoors. “From before I was born, my parents liked to take trips together. Usually, that meant they went camping,” Kenna recalls. “When I came along, and then my three younger brothers, that didn’t change.” Their family outings, often involving weekend trips or summer vacations, centered around the beauty of California’s state parks. One of their favorites was Calaveras Big Trees State Park, where Kenna’s family would hike the North Grove Trail, fish in the Stanislaus River, and enjoy campfire programs under the stars.
“It always felt natural to be outdoors,” Kenna reflects. “We slept in an 8’x8’ tent, and my dad, being very handy, built a setup in our Volkswagen bus that doubled as seats, storage, and sleeping space. Those memories of being together in the great outdoors shaped my lifelong connection to parks.” Her family’s love for Calaveras Big Trees was so strong that they went on to purchase an A-frame cabin on a lake up the road. It even had a trail they could use to walk into the park for their beloved campfire programs, walking back to the cabin in the moonlight.
A Shared Passion for Parks
Jim, originally from Massachusetts, grew up in a different setting. While his family didn’t camp, he fondly remembers trips to Rutland State Park where he would swim and picnic with his mom. This sense of connection to nature, even in a more casual form, helped Jim appreciate the beauty of California’s parks when he moved to the state.
Their shared love of parks deepened after they were married. One memorable trip took them to Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, where they attended a campfire program that, surprisingly, included a lesson in tying shoes. “The campfire program was fun, of course, but I also learned that I had been tying my shoes wrong my whole life! It’s a bit embarrassing to say that I really learned to tie my shoes at age 35, but that one experience has improved my life ever since,” Jim chuckles. The couple also retraced some of Kenna’s childhood trips, visiting parks she had enjoyed with her family and creating new memories together with their daughter Celeste.
Protecting Parks for the Future
Kenna’s upbringing instilled a deep sense of conservation in her, with her parents being early environmentalists. “They were depression babies and so were more inclined to live simply and conserve resources,” Kenna explains. “That philosophy was passed down, and as we’ve had the ability to give, supporting causes that make the world a better place for all has become a priority.” For the Fentons, that includes California State Parks Foundation, which they support to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy and learn from these special places.
“Our role in supporting the parks is about more than just enjoyment — it’s about preservation,” says Kenna. “We need to protect these natural and historical spaces not only for today but for future generations. Climate change is a big part of that conversation. As someone who grew up hearing about air and water pollution in the '60s and '70s, I’ve always been concerned about the health of our planet. Climate resilience is crucial, and state parks are an important part of that effort.”
As philanthropists, the Fentons are committed to making a measurable impact, balancing their support of both local and national causes. Jim appreciates how state parks provide a unique opportunity to serve a broad audience. “State parks allow us to contribute to something that benefits so many people — Californians and visitors alike — without being self-serving,” he says.
Looking ahead, Kenna and Jim hope their giving will continue to help preserve parks while making them more accessible. “The future of state parks is about more than just maintaining campsites; it’s about making these places accessible to more people and helping them understand why they’re so important,” Kenna says. “We hope our support will help ensure these parks continue to educate and inspire for generations to come.”
Join the Fentons in Supporting California state parks
Kenna and Jim Fenton’s story is one of deep-rooted love for nature, a commitment to preservation, and a generous spirit that will leave a lasting impact on California’s state parks for years to come. Through their philanthropy, they’re helping to ensure that future generations will continue to experience the magic of these extraordinary places.
If you'd to learn more about giving to California State Parks Foundation, please visit our website or reach out to our team at development@calparks.org. Your support will make a lasting difference in protecting the beauty and heritage of California's state parks.development@calpakrs.org. Your support will make a lasting difference in protecting the beauty and heritage of California's state parks.
