Earth Day Across California
Earth Day is always a special time for us at Parks California. It’s when we join with communities, partners and supporters from every corner of the state to celebrate and care for the public lands that connect us all. But Earth Day is about more than just one day. It’s a reminder of the ongoing […]
New Analysis Shows Ecological Restoration in California’s State Parks Creates Good-Paying Careers
Study finds restoration projects generate hundreds of jobs and more than $140 million in regional economic benefit each year SACRAMENTO — A new economic analysis of large-scale ecological restoration projects in state parks on California’s North Coast shows that investments in public lands do more than restore ecosystems — each year they create hundreds of good-paying, accessible jobs, […]
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 and California State Parks Announce up to $2.5 Million Available through Grants Programs for Nonprofit, Community and Tribal Organizations
For Immediate ReleaseFeb. 9, 2026 Arts in California Parks and Santa Cruz Community grants programs are accepting applications until March SACRAMENTO – California State Parks and Parks California today announce the opening of two grant programs designed to support nonprofit, community and tribal organizations in strengthening connections to California’s state parks through art, culture and […]
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 […]
Goodbye 2025: Milestones that Shaped Parks California’s Year
As we say goodbye to 2025, we’re grateful for the partners, tribal nations, community leaders, grantees and supporters who made this year one of meaningful progress for California’s parks.
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 […]
More than $2.6 Million Invested to Bring Art into California’s Parks
For Immediate ReleaseOct. 21, 2025 California State Parks, California Arts Council and Parks California continue partnership to bring creativity and community connection to local parks SACRAMENTO — California State Parks, the California Arts Council and Parks California today announced more than $2.6 million in community grants to organizations statewide as part of their Arts […]