Celebrating Black History Month
Across California’s state parks, history lives in the land — in preserved buildings, cultural sites, interpretive programs and the voices that guide visitors through them. Among these are the stories of Black Californians whose leadership, labor, artistry and advocacy have helped shape our communities and public lands, leaving a lasting impact that continues to inspire us.
Parks California Honors Doug McConnell
Parks California remembers Doug McConnell, longtime host of NBC Bay Area’s OpenRoad with Doug McConnell, KRON‘s Bay Area Backroads and a valued member of our Advisory Council. Doug devoted his life to sharing the beauty, history and stories of California’s parks and public lands, inspiring people across the state to explore and connect with these extraordinary places.
Parks California Awards $1.2 Million to Community Organizations Expanding Access to California State Parks
For Immediate ReleaseJan. 27, 2026 Route to Parks grants support first-time visits, waterway connections and community-led outdoor experiences statewide SACRAMENTO — Parks California and California State Parks today announced the award of more than $1.2 million in grants to 34 community organizations across the state through the Route to Parks program, supporting efforts to reduce […]
Parks California Spotlight: American River Conservancy
California’s parks and protected lands are places where nature, culture and community come together. Through the Arts in California Parks grants program, community and nonprofit organizations bring creative experiences into outdoor spaces, helping people build deeper relationships with the land and with stewardship. One 2024 grantee, American River Conservancy, demonstrates how art and conservation can […]
Parks California Spotlight: Anawakalmekak
California’s parks are more than just scenic destinations — they’re places for creativity, community and cultural connection. The Arts in California Parks grants program, a partnership between State Parks, Parks California and the California Arts Council, supports nonprofits, local organizations and tribal communities in creating art installations and programs that reflect California’s diverse stories. One […]
Confronting Wildfire: California’s Renewed Relationship with Fire
California is confronting wildfire risk head-on. Through a recent executive order, Gov. Gavin Newsom expanded the use of prescribed fire and cultural burns as essential tools for prevention — streamlining permits, boosting funding and partnering with tribal and local fire experts. The directive recognizes something Indigenous communities have known for generations: fire, when used with […]
Parks California Launches $5 Million Effort for Fire-Affected Los Angeles Area State Parks
Public-private partnership enables Parks California to engage donors
on behalf of California State Parks to support priority recovery needs in the aftermath of January firestorm
Parks California’s staffer visits 103 state parks, finds hundreds more reasons to love our state
At Parks California, it’s no surprise that we love our California State Parks. During 2024, the team took up the challenge to use the app OuterSpatial and visit as many state parks as they could schedule. One staff member, Veronica Silva Miranda, led the pack in unique park visits.
Parks California’s 2024 Artist Collaboration Features Andrea Campos
Parks California collaborated with Los Angeles artist Andrea Campos to raise funds and awareness for Parks California’s work to support California State Parks. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, a 2024 art piece entitled Parks For Everyone was released at a reception on September 11 at Los Angeles State Historic Park.
Vehicle Donation Pilot Program for California State Parks
Now, through a unique partnership with Parks California, families can send that vehicle out for one more act of service helping make it possible for other families to enjoy parks, too.