The first annual California State Parks Week starts on June 14 and goes through June 18. This exciting new event will highlight some of the most beautiful open spaces we have here in California and spotlight the many projects California’s park champions work on every day. There are over 100 individual events happening throughout the week, here are a few you can get involved with: 

JUNE 14: LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT DAY 

The week starts on June 14 with Land Acknowledgment Day, where we will honor the many Indigenous people whose homes the state parks now occupy. Events are occurring across the state, from a land acknowledgment at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, to an interpretive hike at Ed Z’Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park. These events are free and open to the public, and you can find one near you at https://castateparksweek.org/events/category/land-acknowledgment-day/ 

JUNE 15: KIDS CAREER DAY 

June 15 is Kids Career Day, which will focus on creating the next generation of park stewards. Join the Junior Ranger program at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park or log in to the Virtual Career Day. Find an event near you at https://castateparksweek.org/events/category/kids-career-day/ 

JUNE 16: HEALTH AND WELLNESS DAY 

During the height of the Coronavirus pandemic, we saw how parks acted as spaces for health and wellness when other areas were deemed unsafe. You told us how much parks meant to you during this time at Park Advocacy Day, and you’ll have another opportunity on June 16, Health and Wellness Day. This is another day packed with events across the state, from morning tai-chi at Huntington State Beach, to a Redwood Relaxation session at Pfieffer Big Sur State Park. Check out https://castateparksweek.org/events/category/health-and-wellness-day/ for more information. 

JUNE 17: STEWARDSHIP DAY 

Friday, June 17 is Stewardship Day. This day will celebrate the work our many park champions do to keep our parks beautiful and ecologically rich, and you will have an opportunity to get your hands dirty with some volunteer stewardship. Make some seed balls at San Clemente State Beach or learn about historic site preservation at Monterey State Historic Park. See the full list of events at https://castateparksweek.org/events/category/stewardship-day/. 

JUNE 18: PARTNERSHIPS/VOLUNTEER DAY 

California State Parks week culminates in Partnership Day/Volunteer Day on June 18. This day celebrates amazing volunteers and park supporters throughout California who assist in keeping our parks open and accessible for all. California State Parks Foundation will be hosting a special workday at Fort Ord Dunes State Park. You can also attend a garden party at William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park or take a walking tour at Benicia State Recreation Area. See the full list at https://castateparksweek.org/events/category/partnership-volunteer-day/ 

We will also be posting several blogs throughout the week, so be sure to follow us on all our social media channels. If you can’t make any of these events or still feel more comfortable with a smaller group, simply get out in one of our amazing 280 state parks and show us how you are celebrating California State Parks Week by tagging us! 

We hope to see you out there!