Native habitats for wildlife and plants in California state parks are preserved.  Everything in nature is interconnected and exists in a Web of Life. The grizzly bear, which adorns the California State Parks Logo and California Flag is a reminder that we cannot take one species for granted. This symbol of strength and grandeur no long lives in our state but serves as a reminder that we must be vigilant to protect the plants and animals so that they do not suffer the same fate.    

California is one of the world’s 25 biological hot spots, places of greatest biodiversity and of greatest threat. The unique geography, climate, geologic history, and size support a multitude of habitats and a staggering array of different species. In fact, some 40 of the California’s 770 native wildlife species and approximately 2,100 of its 6,300 plant species are found nowhere else in the world. We are fortunate to have a network of terrestrial protected lands including CA State Parks, that covers 46% of the state.  

However, despite efforts to protect this rich biodiversity, more than 30% of California’s species are of conservation concern or threatened with extinction. We know ecosystems with higher biodiversity are more stable and resilient to stressors including climate change. Now more than ever we are called to pitch in and do our part to help state parks protect California’s awe-inspiring biodiversity.