Bringing State Parks Equity into the Spotlight

Hi Friends-
 
I’m hoping that this update will shine a little happiness your way in an otherwise odd and challenging time in our lives. Our small team of six here at Parks California holds the beauty of our state’s natural spaces as inspiration to stay focused, knowing that we, too, look forward to the days of consistent access to our state parks.

Given the unpredictability of what we’re allowed to do outside of our homes, we’re turning our attention to a series of Facebook Live events to unite leaders in the outdoor space.
 
Over the next few weeks, I will host three conversations about equity in California State Parks to celebrate progress and continue uncovering inclusive solutions that create meaningful change.
 
We will chat with:

• Los Angeles State Historic Park’s Stephanie Campbell and Luis Rincon on July 15 at 11 a.m.
• Año Nuevo State Park’s Mark Hylkema and Valentin ‘Val’ Lopez on July 29 at 11 a.m.
• California State Parks’ Sedrick Mitchell on August 5 at 11 a.m.

Please mark your calendar and log into the conversation through our Facebook page. We're also happy to share that we’ve awarded 50 grants through our Reopening California State Parks, COVID-19 small grants program. We are proud to support the many nonprofit partners working to make parks safe and welcoming for all, and look forward to telling you more about our grantees shortly.
 
Meanwhile, remember to recreate responsibly during these summer months so that we protect one another and overcome COVID-19 as a community.
 
Wishing you and yours well,

Kindley

P.S. If this work matters to you, please donate to help us continue making our state parks more equitable.

#RecreateResponsibly in State Parks

As you’re making plans for the summer, consider these tips from the Recreate Responsibly Coalition, a community that includes California State Parks and Parks California, brought together by our love of the outdoors and a desire to help everyone experience the benefits of nature safely during this public health crisis. The Recreate Responsibly guidelines offer a starting point for getting outside to keep healthy and to maintain access to our parks, trails, and beaches.
 
Recreating responsibly is about people and places, and when we lead by example, our actions have more impact than you might think. No matter how you like to get outside, we are all united by the love we share for our parks, trails, and waterways. Together we can build a safe and inclusive outdoors.

Join Our Growing Team of Park Lovers

If you share our ambition for State Parks, then we want you to join our wonderful team.
 
We’re looking for a Resource Stewardship Program Manager who will lead the development of an emerging conservation program that works to ensure California’s natural treasures are managed and protected for this and future generations. Check out the full job description, and if you’re looking to be part of a new organization working to ensure that our state’s parks thrive, apply today.

State Park Program Spotlight – Junior Rangers

We love to see children enjoying the outdoors across the State Park system. One program near and dear to us is the Junior Ranger program – which has now gone digital!
 
This summer, kids can explore California State Parks virtually and earn Junior Ranger badges! With more than 70 state parks from the Sierra to the beaches hosting Junior Rangers, there’s something for everyone. Kids from ages 3-12 can enjoy activity areas including geology, ecology, history, safety, plants, wildlife and more until August 6.

If your favorite park doesn’t have a Junior Ranger program, don’t worry, the California Department of Parks and Recreation has you covered. Simply download this Junior Ranger Adventure Guide and take it wherever you go. Check the full list of parks with Junior Ranger programs here.

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