Ways to Get Involved in Earth Day Activities
Each year, I look forward to the month of April. Wildflowers burst with beauty along hillsides and trails. Poppies pop throughout the neighborhoods where fellow wildflower lovers have tossed seeds out into alleys and their front yards year after year. Longer days give way to more outside time after work to fit in longer walks or make a quick drive out to a park for a sunset […]
Highly-Acclaimed ParkSpeak Series to Make 2021 Debut at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
Free virtual guided tour goes behind-the-scenes at one of California’s first African-American settlements
Meet the Women Leading Natural Resource Stewardship Across State Parks
For Women’s History Month, Parks California is proud to feature California State Park’s Program Managers and the Senior Environmental Scientists across the state who are managing programs and projects to preserve California’s unique biodiversity and habitats. These women stand on the strong shoulders of trailblazers who have knocked down barriers, opening up doors for more women to lead in the stewardship of our treasured landscapes. Click the map below […]
Top 5 Things We Learned About Protecting California State Parks from Jay Chamberlin
Everyone – from sustainability experts to casual visitors – can practice caring for our natural spaces to ensure California State Parks continue to thrive! California Natural Resources Chief Jay Chamberlin shared this invaluable piece of wisdom during a recent chat with our President and CEO Kindley Walsh Lawlor. They talked about California’s extraordinary natural resources – from redwood forests to deserts, beaches, mountains and the largest alpine lake in North America – and how each one […]
Breaking Nature’s Glass Ceiling
When we think about people in nature, we often see images of rugged men in solo expeditions. Dirt on their face. Scuff facial hair. If we read their stories, it’s often a narrative of proof. Their solo backpacking adventure was a way to prove to themselves they could accomplish such grueling quest. Sure, that’s admirable but when this narrative becomes the story of what it means […]
Broadening access and opportunities for careers in natural resources
Environmental stewardship comes in many forms. You may be practicing these daily and not even know it. It’s as simple as picking up litter while hiking along a trail. It’s sharing powerful stories and traditions of a familiar landscape through multiple generations. It’s volunteering to plant native plants at your local park. It’s bringing your family back to a favorite trail, picnic spot, or beach to build more cherished memories and connections to our landscapes. […]
Making History, Staying Hopeful
In January, our nation witnessed history. We watched as Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first Black, South Asian, and woman vice president of the United States. We listened as the first National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman, recited an inspirational poem, “The Hill We Climb.” At Parks California, we feel hopeful that the […]
Bag Packing and Safe Trail Use
Before you head out to your favorite California State Park, there may be a few more things you should look into and consider bringing with you. Below we have compiled a short packing guide and safe trail–use resources to help you plan your next trip to a California State Park or Beach. California State Parks – Visit, Packing and Trail Guide Bring a personal set of PPE and cleaning supplies. Physical activity can […]
Planning Your Trip – Before You Go!
Are you a trip planner or do you go with the flow? I am definitely the planner type (even though most things never go according to plan). A trip to a local State Park or Beach these days may take more planning than a hop in the car, so we have compiled a short trip–planning guide and resources to make it easy. Stay at home if you […]
Visiting State Parks During the Pandemic: A Blog Toolkit
While the pandemic has temporarily taken away in-person classes, work, and social gatherings, but it hasn’t taken away our hope or the outdoors. California has a wealth of outdoors spaces that can still be enjoyed safely by the community. Here at Parks California, the team welcomes the renewed interest in California’s outdoor spaces as a place for health and healing. As California State Parks welcomes visitors, new and returning, we have collected a series of tips and resources that may help you enjoy State Parks safely. First, […]
