FEMEF operates under the auspices of  Small  Wilderness  Area  Preservation. SWAP was incorporated in 1971 by Emily Polk with a board of directors including Ansel Adams, Margaret Owings and Edgar Wayburn. It was founded as a means to raise funds to acquire lands for environment education, recreation, and sanctuaries for wildlife.

Los Osos Oaks State Reserve was SWAP's first acquisition . SWAP sponsored some 20 chapters throughout California. Many were successful in procuring properties for public use. Only the Los Osos/MorroBay Chapter, is still in existence and has now merged with SWAP, Inc. Because "SWAP" is not a good description of what we do, as of 2020, we are now Doing Business As, Friends of El Moro Elfin Forest (FEMEF).