California State Parks Foundation Announces 29 Grants to Celebrate California State Parks Week | Cal Parks
Published: June 7, 2023

California State Parks Foundation, the leading statewide advocate for California's state parks, is proud to announce a series of grants to commemorate and support California State Parks Week. This annual event aims to celebrate the diverse natural and cultural heritage preserved within California state parks and highlight their importance to the communities they serve. California State Parks Week provides an opportunity for individuals, families, and communities to come together and enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities offered by California State Parks. The public is invited to celebrate the second annual California State Parks Week, June 14-18, presented by California State Parks, Save the Redwoods League, Parks California, and California State Parks Foundation. 

"This is a great week to participate in fun, active and educational events. Get outside and try something new, enjoy your California State Parks. Thank you to all of our Volunteers, Partners, and State Park staff for making this week so meaningful and connecting with communities in this great state," said Jason De Wall, Northern Division Chief at California State Parks. 
 

The grants, totaling $50,450, will be distributed to various California state parks to fund special community events and in-person and virtual programming. California State Parks Foundation believes that investing in these parks is crucial for the well-being of both residents and visitors, promoting outdoor recreation, and preserving our state's rich natural resources. A complete list of the week’s events and how to participate is available at CAStateParksWeek.org. 

“California's amazing, inspiring, and beautiful state park system is here for all to enjoy. We are honored to support California State Parks in opening the doors a little wider to welcome in new visitors and foster a new generation of park lovers,” said California State Parks Foundation’s Executive Director, Rachel Norton.  
 

Below are the 29 events funded by California State Parks Foundation. For a full list of events throughout the week visit CAStateParksWeek.org. 

 

Wednesday, June 14: Explore New Experiences 

From epic beach days to the magic of ancient redwood forests, there is so much to see, do, and experience in California’s incredible 280 state parks. We encourage everyone to visit a state park and try something new. Interested in camping? Many parks and beaches offer beautiful campgrounds with amenities for first-time campers. How about an interpretive hike to learn about your local history or adventures like surfing, boating, or off-roading? California State Parks Week is your invitation to explore an activity that you just might fall in love with. View all events. 

  • Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park – Kayaking on Lake Tahoe (Tahoma, CA) 

  • Black Miners Bar, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area – Come try Paddling! 10 AM,  12 PM, & 2 PM (Folsom, CA) 

 

Thursday, June 15: Nourish Your Health and Well-being 

There’s a reason why playing outside, having a barbecue or picnic, or taking a walk in the open air feels so good. Studies have shown that time in nature can boost people’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Everyone should have access to these benefits. California’s state parks give us all places where we can find refuge, inspiration, and joy. When we connect with nature, we are connecting with ourselves and boosting our overall health. View all events. 

 

Friday, June 16: Support Climate Resilience 

Did you know that forests, oceans, grasslands, and other ecosystems throughout California’s public lands store huge amounts of carbon, making them some of the world’s most powerful tools in adapting to climate change? That’s one of the reasons why it’s critical that all of us protect lands and waters. On this day, we encourage you to learn about and support state parks and their partners’ efforts to ensure climate resilience across California’s State Park System—from expanding protected lands in state parks and restoring forests to engaging in educational dialogue about climate threats and solutions. View all events. 

 

Saturday, June 17: Celebrate Community and Culture 

California’s state parks are for all people. We reaffirm this truth by elevating the perspectives and experiences of communities that have been historically underrepresented in public lands. On this day and every day, we honor Black, Indigenous, and communities of color and the many ways these communities care for, relate with, and enjoy our shared parks. Join us for celebrations and cultural events at state parks statewide. View all events. 

 

Sunday, June 18: Care for Our Shared Lands 

It takes our full community to care for public lands. Partners and volunteers are vital to keeping California’s state park system healthy, beautiful, and rich in biodiversity. Discover how you can get involved in efforts to protect and steward California’s state parks — as a professional staff member, volunteer, partner, or one of many other opportunities. View all events. 


Through these grants, California State Parks Foundation aims to enhance the visitor experience and encourage increased public engagement with these invaluable resources. 


To learn more about California State Parks Week visit CAStateParksWeek.org. 

To access high resolution images and B-roll video, please visit the California State Parks Week newsroom.