Certifications, Declarations, and Affiliations
California Point of Historical Interest
The Sylvia Park Country Club Clubhouse—now called The Mountain Mermaid—was officially declared a California Point of Historical Interest by The State Historical Resources Commission (SHRC) in 1993. California Points of Historical Interest are sites, buildings, features, or events that are of local (city or county) significance and have anthropological, cultural, military, political, architectural, economic, scientific or technical, religious, experimental, or other value. This certification not only honors California’s heritage but also provides landmarks with certain protections and recognitions, promoting a culture of preservation and education around the state's rich historical narrative.
California State Parks Historical Resource
The Mermaid is listed as a Historical Resource by California State Parks. It is surrounded by state, federal, and county parklands. California's historical resources represent the contributions and collective human experiences of a diversified population spanning 10,000-12,000 years of occupancy in California. This rich heritage is embodied in the cultural and historical landscapes of California as evidenced by archaeological remains, historic buildings, traditional customs, tangible artifacts, historical documents, and public records extant in California. All these evidences of the past contribute to the sum total of California's history. Such historical resources provide continuity with our past and enhance our quality of life.
Los Angeles County Historic and Cultural Resource
In 1993, the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission voted to approve the submission of the Mermaid to become a California State Point of Historical Interest. Historic and cultural resources in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles include historic buildings, structures, artifacts, sites, and districts of historic architectural, archaeological, or paleontological significance.
Certified Wildlife Habitat, with National Wildlife Federation
The National Wildlife Federation, America’s largest and most trusted conservation organization, works across the country to unite Americans from all walks of life in giving wildlife a voice. The Federation has been on the front lines for wildlife since 1936, fighting for the conservation values that are woven into the fabric of our nation’s collective heritage. The Mermaid is committed to providing the necessary elements such as food, water and cover to support a Certified Wildlife Habitat. Go to NWF.org for more information.
American Public Gardens Association
The Mermaid has been a member of the American Public Gardens Association for over 20 years. The APGA champions and advances nearly 600 public gardens in North America and internationally. Together, they lead, advocate and innovate in the conservation and appreciation of plants.
Certified Monarch Way-station with Monarch Watch
Monarch Waystations are places that provide resources necessary for monarchs to produce successive generations and sustain their migration. Without milkweeds throughout their spring and summer breeding areas in North America, monarchs would not be able to produce the successive generations that culminate in the migration each fall. Similarly, without nectar from flowers these fall migratory monarch butterflies would be unable to make their long journey to overwintering grounds in Mexico. The need for host plants for larvae and energy sources for adults applies to all monarch and butterfly populations around the world.
Topanga Chamber of Commerce
For the Mermaid’s contributions to community, owner Bill Buerge has been elected Citizen of the Year on two occasions by the Topanga Chamber of Commerce. The Topanga Canyon community resides in a mountainous enclave in Los Angeles surrounded by Topanga State Park, the largest wilderness area within a major city in the U.S. The Topanga Chamber has its focus on “Destination Topanga” — a program that encourages visitors to enjoy all the wonderful things this business community has to offer. While Topanga Canyon (population approximately 10,000) is a scenic, recreational and natural resource accessible to all, it is also a tight-knit community. Topanga’s diverse businesses offer a wide range of services, many of them home-based in addition to store frontages.
Topanga Canyon Docents
Every year, volunteers from the Topanga Canyon Docents manage the butterfly house on Butterfly Day at The Mermaid. The Mermaid is the site of their annual holiday dinner. The Topanga Canyon Docents are volunteers who provide guided nature walks and other activities for the Topanga State Park visitors. They have studied the fauna, flora, history and geology of Topanga State Park and are eager to share their knowledge with park visitors. It is a group of dedicated volunteers who have been working to protect and preserve the Park for over 50 years. The Docents were formed in 1971 shortly after the park was established and incorporated as a nonprofit, charitable organization in 1981.