Parks California

Parks California We're working to ensure California's state parks are more welcoming, inclusive and climate-resilient.

Happy National Trails Day 🥾🌿 California’s trails connect us to some of the state’s most incredible natural and cultural ...
06/06/2026

Happy National Trails Day 🥾🌿

California’s trails connect us to some of the state’s most incredible natural and cultural landscapes — from coastlines and redwood forests to deserts and historic places.

Today’s a great reminder that trails are so much more than just paths. They invite us to explore, learn, care for the land and connect with each other and the world around us.

At Parks California, we’re all about helping more people get outside and experience these special places, together.

✨ Got a favorite California trail? Share it with us below or drop a boot emoji if you’re hitting the trails this weekend!

# NationalTrailsDay

06/04/2026

June is Great Outdoors Month 🌲☀️

From the coast to the mountains, California’s parks, trails and open spaces invite us all to get outside, explore and connect with nature and each other.

At Parks California, we believe everyone deserves to feel welcome in the outdoors. Whether you’re just starting your adventure or you’re a seasoned explorer, there’s a spot outside waiting for you. 💚 We’re Caring for California, Together by helping protect and connect people to the places that make our state special.

How are you getting outside and caring for our outdoors this month? Share your favorite outdoor moments with us below!

: Funding opportunity for community and tribal organizations! Parks California and California State Parks are accepting...
06/02/2026

: Funding opportunity for community and tribal organizations!

Parks California and California State Parks are accepting applications for the 2027 grants program. Approximately $1.2 million in funding is available to help connect more people to state parks by reducing transportation and access barriers.

Since launching in 2020, Route to Parks has supported community-led experiences that help underserved communities build meaningful connections with nature and public lands, connecting more than 28,000 people to experience nature and public lands — many for the first time.

🗓️ Applications are open through Friday, July 31, 11:59 p.m.
🔗 Learn more: https://parkscalifornia.org/parks-california-opens-applications-for-2027-route-to-parks-grants/

This Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Month, we’re highlighting how small, daily habits can support your mental health. S...
05/29/2026

This Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Month, we’re highlighting how small, daily habits can support your mental health.

Simple actions like movement, breathing and spending time outside enjoying our beautiful public lands can help reduce stress and improve your mood over time.

Try visiting a local state park and share your experience with others.

Find more resources at moveyourbodycalmyourmind.org

05/28/2026

Save the date! Honored Elders Day is returning to the State Indian Museum for its 47th year on Saturday, June 6th, from 9am to 4pm!

This annual event is held to recognize the contributions and lived experiences of Native American Elders in our communities. Elders are invited to the State Indian Museum for lunch, gifts, and a cultural dance program. In addition to recognition, California State Parks, the California Indian Heritage Center Foundation (CIHCF), and our HED planning partners hope to provide a safe place for families and friends to connect and share joys and memories together.

Native American Elders are encouraged to join! To help ensure a smooth event, please let us know beforehand if you plan to attend this year’s event. Early registration helps our planning efforts to provide enough gifts and meals for participating Elders.

Additionally, the governor’s office will present an official proclamation celebrating the contributions of California’s Native people.

Please help spread the word! Family, friends, and the public are all welcome to attend! Registered Elders who check in on the day of the event will receive special gifts of appreciation from the community as well as a catered luncheon.

Pre-registration is HIGHLY encouraged.

Please register online by calling the State Indian Museum directly at (916) 324-0971 or by registering online.

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/HonoredEldersDay

Who is an Elder? A person may be identified as an Elder by their Tribe or, more generally, be age 60 or older and carry important teachings, traditions, and responsibilities within their community.

Preservation is more than just caring for places. It’s about honoring the stories, cultures and communities that make th...
05/28/2026

Preservation is more than just caring for places. It’s about honoring the stories, cultures and communities that make them special 🌿

This , we’re celebrating Los Angeles State Historic Park — a place shaped by generations of care, advocacy and community connection in the heart of the city.

From its beginnings as the ancestral homeland of the Kizh, Tongva and Gabrielino peoples to its days as a rail depot and industrial hub, this park is full of California history that still shapes Los Angeles today.

Now, the park serves as a vibrant community space for reflection, gathering, art, recreation and connection. It’s a living example of how preservation can stay alive, welcoming and rooted in community.

Read more: https://parkscalifornia.org/preserving-place-in-the-heart-of-los-angeles/

Photos: California State Parks

: A Walk with Yáamay at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park ✨ Presented by our Arts in California Parks grantee New Villag...
05/26/2026

: A Walk with Yáamay at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park ✨

Presented by our Arts in California Parks grantee New Village Arts, this immersive art walk brought together poetry, storytelling, visual art and performance, inspired by the voices and experiences of Indigenous women from across California.

With site-specific art and live performances by Indigenous artists and curators, participants explored the landscape, reflected on identity and resilience and deepened their connection to nature.

Events like this remind us that parks are more than just places to visit — they’re spaces where culture, community and stories come alive.

Help support more accessible arts and cultural experiences in California’s public lands: ParksCalifornia.org/Donate

Photo 1: Alexis Munoa Dyer of Payómkawichum Tribe with her original art
Photo 2: Jovanny Perez of Quimbaya Tribe shares an original poem in front of an art piece framing the impact of colonialism on native communities.
Photo 3: Hezekiah Santiago of Ipai Kumeyaay, San Pasqual, in front of his graffiti creation.

: Parks California and California State Parks welcome our newest grantees. These 13 community and tribal organizatio...
05/21/2026

: Parks California and California State Parks welcome our newest grantees.

These 13 community and tribal organizations will provide paid training opportunities that help prepare the next generation of park leaders and stewards. Together, the new Career Pathways grants are expected to support approximately 380 participants across California.

Through hands-on learning, mentorship and career guidance, participants will gain experience in areas like wildfire resilience, trail building, habitat restoration and visitor services.

Learn more: https://parkscalifornia.org/california-state-parks-and-parks-california-award-2-4m-in-career-pathways-grants-to-prepare-next-generation-of-park-leaders/

Calling all young artists: the California State Parks Week is open for TK–12 students across California. Let’s celebra...
05/18/2026

Calling all young artists: the California State Parks Week is open for TK–12 students across California. Let’s celebrate our parks together! 🎨🌲

Show us what inspires you about California’s state parks. Create your own original artwork for a chance to be featured during California State Parks Week.

✨ Open to California students in grades TK–12
✨ Multiple age categories
✨ Drawing, painting, collage and digital art accepted
✨ Entries due Sunday, May 31 at 5 p.m. PT

Share your vision and help inspire others to love our parks, too: CAStateParksWeek.org/Poster-Contest

California State Parks Foundation Save the Redwoods League

Honoring AAPI history at Angel Island 🌉 This AAPI Heritage Month, we’re reflecting on the stories woven into Angel Islan...
05/15/2026

Honoring AAPI history at Angel Island 🌉

This AAPI Heritage Month, we’re reflecting on the stories woven into Angel Island State Park. This special place keeps memories alive of both hardship and incredible resilience from those who passed through its historic immigration station.

Inside the Detention Barracks, more than 200 Chinese poems carved into the walls. These words — full of hope and strength — were left by people who waited days, months or even years for a new beginning.

Stories like these remind us that California’s history is built on courage, community and connection. The lessons from Angel Island continue to inspire us to care for each other and the places we share.

Read more: https://parkscalifornia.org/honoring-asian-american-and-pacific-islander-history/

Photos: California State Parks

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