California State Parks Launches Digital Passport Program to Broaden Access and Deepen Engagement Across Nation’s Largest State Park System

SACRAMENTO, Calif., -- California State Parks today enters a new era with its new digital Passport Program, driven by OuterSpatial, designed to increase access and engagement with the state’s 280 parks. The digital Passport Program invites people - whether they’re lifelong park lovers or first-time visitors - to compete and gain social status from collecting badges. No more carrying around paper passports to get stamped at the visitor center. The new Passport Program augments the existing features of the OuterSpatial-designed California State Parks App, which included park closures, directions, and wayfinding in one place.

Division of Boating and Waterways Begins Control Efforts in the Delta for Aquatic Invasive Plants

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) announced today its plans for this year’s Aquatic Invasive Plant Control Program in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and its southern tributaries. Starting tomorrow, March 1, DBW will begin herbicide treatments to control water hyacinth, South American spongeplant, Uruguay water primrose, Alligator weed, Brazilian waterweed, curlyleaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, hornwort (aka coontail), and fanwort.

TWELVE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AWARDED NEW GRANTS TO HELP FOURTH GRADERS AND THEIR FAMILIES EXPERIENCE CALIFORNIA’S STATE PARKS

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California State Parks, and Parks California are thrilled to announce the 12 non-profit organizations to become the first-ever recipients of the Adventure Pass Grants Program, enabling them to provide meaningful and relevant outdoor experiences for fourth graders. Too often, transportation and other challenges prevent young people from taking advantage of the California State Park Adventure Pass, which gives free entry for fourth graders and their families at 19 participating state parks.

NEW STUDY: Network of 111 Nonprofit Organizations Provides Immense Value to California State Parks – the Largest and Most Diverse State Park System in The World – and their Visitors

February 27, 2023 – A recently released study shows that a vast network of more than 100 nonprofit organizations play an indisputably critical role in supporting California’s state parks.

The study, Creating Impact: A Study of Nonprofit Partnership in California State Parks, examines the contributions made by nonprofit, community-led organizations in the wake of the California’s fiscal crisis of 2011–2012 that threatened to close dozens of state park sites, and the efforts to bolster public-private partnerships to foster innovation and bring additional expertise, capacity and resources to the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) system.

California State Parks K-9 Rex Receives Body Armor Donation

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks Gold Fields District’s K-9 Rex has received a bullet and stab protective vest, thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K-9 Rex’s vest was embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”

Office of Historic Preservation Accepting Nominations for 2023 Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— Are there any unique or creative projects in your communities that are helping preserve or interpret California’s history? Nominations are currently being accepted by the California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) for the 2023 Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards for projects, organizations, agencies or individuals demonstrating excellence in historic preservation in California. Nominations, which are being accepted until May 8, 2023, should demonstrate creative solutions to the preservation of the Golden State’s historic and/or prehistoric resources. The awards program seeks to recognize community-centered, often grassroots efforts going on throughout California to preserve our collective heritage. 

California State Parks Provides Seacliff State Beach Update

APTOS, Calif.— California State Parks today announced several key updates related to the cleanup and recovery at Seacliff State Beach, following recent historic storms that severely impacted communities across California. The damage to the public-serving infrastructure is extensive and has impacted the ability for State Parks to provide the standard recreational opportunities visitors have experienced in the past. The most extensive damage within the state beach is at the pier, campground, and seawall. State Parks is working with a contractor to eliminate or mitigate public safety issues, including the demolition of the pier. Crews will begin positioning equipment this week with work expected to commence next week.

2023 Spring Season May Bring Spectacular Wildflower Blooms—and Crowds—to State Parks

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – With spectacular wildflower blooms expected this spring that may attract thousands of people into the outdoors, California State Parks is providing visitors with tips on how to explore the blooms safely and responsibly. In the interest of safety and conservation, visitors are asked to understand the area they plan on visiting, check the weather, respect the landscapes and know their body limitations. Following these simple tips can positively increase the experience for all wildflower bloom enthusiasts.

California State Parks Announces $2.8 Million in Grants to Protect, Restore and Enhance Wildlife Habitats

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California State Parks today announced the selection of 12 local park projects that will receive grants totaling $2.8 million from the California Habitat Conservation Fund Grant Program. This competitive program, funded by the California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990 (Proposition 117), aids local agencies for the protection, restoration and enhancement of wildlife habitat to maintain California’s quality of life.

California State Parks Announces $4.68 Million in Grant Recommendations for Local Recreational Trail Projects

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In support of expanding recreational opportunities to California’s communities, California State Parks has recommended $4.68 million in federal grant funding for seven local non-motorized trail projects. Cities such as Glendale, Napa and Riverside applied for the funding in hopes to improve the quality of life for their communities by enhancing access to the outdoors.