Parklands Spring 2024

SPRING 2024

reetings, fellow park supporters! After a wet winter, we hope you can bask in a healthy dose of sunshine in the upcoming months. The transition from winter’s mud, snow, and moss to spring’s wildflowers has already begun.

Spring is a busy time for parks. Throughout the entire month of April, we’re celebrating Earth Day Climate Action at California State Parks Foundation. Maybe we’ll see you at one of the 12 volunteer workdays we’re hosting in state

Mount Tamalpais State Park

parks, or you’ll make a difference in your own neighborhood. Either way, we’re so grateful that you recognize the immense beauty our state holds and honor California’s landscapes not just on Earth Day, but every other day too.

In the coming pages, you’ll read about updates on park access programs, climate work in parks, trails to visit, volunteer efforts at Silver Strand State Beach, and more. Thank you for continuing to be a park champion and making all this work possible!

Dear park lovers,

A LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Between atmospheric rivers this winter, I was thinking about our annual Earth Day Climate Action celebration in April. It is never a bad time to think about climate action, and I’m excited for you to learn about our first-ever report on climate resilience in California state parks later on in this issue. I also hope you’ll join us at one of our volunteer workdays — climate resilience starts with park stewardship!

We received disappointing news in January when Governor Newsom did not include funding in his 2024-2025 budget proposal to renew the popular California State Library Parks Pass program. These passes are one of the most checked-out items in California’s public libraries and are lowering barriers to visiting state parks. We are urging the Governor to restore this funding — $6.5 million annually, a tiny fraction of the state’s $291 billion budget — in his revised budget proposal in May. You’ll learn more about that in the coming pages, including how you can help. If you’ve already filled out the petition, please share it with everyone in your network!

In other news, I’m enjoying visiting park districts around the state this spring to learn about all the great things our dedicated park professionals are doing in the field. Recently, we visited the Gold Fields District, which includes Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, among others. Taking care of California’s irreplaceable cultural and historic resources is a big part of California State Parks’ mission. The team there is doing a fantastic job, and it was inspiring to see the fire buffer zones our volunteers have been helping create around historic buildings at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Park stewardship in action!

Thank you for all you do to support our California state parks.

Until next time,

Rachel Norton, Executive Director

JOIN US: EARTH DAY CLIMATE ACTION 2024

arth Day is a time for people to rally in support of our planet, and it’s now more important than ever. In recent years, we’ve seen beloved places in California and across the world suffer from climate change. This month long celebration of stewardship and climate action will focus on supporting parks by bolstering their climate resilience.

This April, you can fight climate change by joining the Earth Day Climate Action efforts with us! Get involved by:

n Joining an in-person Earth Day volunteer workday: These special events will focus on making California state parks more climate resilient and take place throughout California every weekend in April. We’re hosting a dozen in-person workdays across the state in parks like Half Moon Bay State Beach, Crystal Cove State Park, and Millerton Lake State Recreation Area.

n Following our Earth Day Climate Action hub: Learn how you can make our California state parks more climate resilient and discover what climate resilience means through our online resources. Don’t miss the chance to expand your climate knowledge and win prizes from the comfort of your own home at calparks.org/earthday.

n Tuning in to our blog and social media throughout April: Follow us on Instagram and X at @calparks and California State Parks Foundation on Facebook to learn how you can make our Earth and state parks more climate resilient during Earth Day and every day.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating Earth Day Climate Action throughout April. With your help, we can have a lasting impact and make our California state parks and local communities more climate resilient now and for generations to come. Visit calparks.org/earthday for more information on in-person workdays, donating, learning how to make a difference in your community, and more!

A special thank-you to our sponsors United Airlines and Pacific Gas and Electric Company for helping us make this month of action possible.

PARKS FOR ALL: ACCESSIBLE TRAILS IN CALIFORNIA

t California State Parks Foundation, we’re dedicated to making the state’s parks accessible to all, overcoming barriers like transportation and lack of awareness. Our efforts focus on ensuring that everyone can appreciate the beauty and inspiration these natural treasures offer.

In Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, visitors can explore ADA-accessible trails, such as the Karl Knapp Trail, a 1.19-mile out-and-back wheelchairfriendly trail lined with massive redwoods through stunning redwood forests. The park has benefited from our 2022 State Parks Improvement grants, particularly with the Forests for All project, which aims to connect communities with nature. An electric all-terrain track chair now allows visitors with mobility challenges to experience the park’s old-growth forests more intimately.

China Camp State Park combines cultural history with natural beauty. It features the Turtle Back Nature Trail, an accessible 0.70-mile loop with bay views and interpretive signage, including tactile features for the visually impaired. An audio tour available on the park’s website further enriches visitors’ understanding of its history and ecology. Find the audio tour at parks.ca.gov/?page_id=26081.

Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park, located in the Santa Ynez Mountains, is home to ancient rock art from the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. Thanks to our 2022 State Parks Improvement grant, CyArk developed a 3D virtual tour of the park, making its rich cultural heritage accessible worldwide. This initiative is especially important due to the physical inaccessibility of the location, ensuring the park’s story reaches a broad audience. Take the digital tour at cyark.org/ projects/chumash-painted-cave/overview

To discover more about California’s accessible state park trails and our efforts to enhance them, visit our blog: calparks.org/exploreaccessibletrails.

Ancient redwoods at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Trail signage at the entrance of the Turtle Back Nature Trail

Digital scan of the Chumash Painted Cave at Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park

PIGEON POINT LIGHTHOUSE REHABILITATION HAS BEGUN

tanding as one of the quintessential symbols of the Central California coast is a 115-foot-tall lighthouse just south of Pescadero. Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park has long been a beloved road trip stop, photo opportunity, and even hostel. Its lens — the most powerful of its time — was a marvel of high-tech design when it was first lit in 1872.

At 151 years old, the lighthouse has fallen into disrepair and has been desperately in need of major restoration for decades. Visitors have been unable to go inside the lighthouse since 2001 due to the risk of collapse.

In 2021, Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park was awarded over $18 million in state funding, which is finally making the restoration project a reality. This will make it possible for visitors to safely visit the lighthouse once again. Construction began this January and is expected to be completed within two years!

For the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, the contractors will refurbish or replace all the ironwork throughout the building. Masonry elements will also be repaired or replaced as needed. A major focus of the project will be the upper belt course or cast-iron ring where two large pieces broke away in late 2001, compromising the building’s structural integrity.

Randy Widera, our Director of Programs, and Samantha Joseph, our Director of Development, toured

the construction at the start of February. “I am so thrilled to see this project begin and am thankful for all the supporters who have stood with us through the years to make this project possible,” Randy shared.

California State Parks took particular care in finding the right contractor to rehabilitate the lighthouse due to its age and fragility. Sustainable Group and their subcontractor ICC Commonwealth have extensive experience in lighthouse rehabilitation and restoration in the United States. They have worked on nearly 100 lighthouses together in areas like Oregon and North Carolina.

California State Parks Foundation is excited to work with California State Parks and our fellow park partners to see this project through to completion and gave a grant of over $850,000 to help with the final phase of work.

Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park

HOW DO WE BUILD CLIMATE-RESILIENT PARKS?

alifornia state parks are facing growing threats from climate change, from increasing megafires to rising sea levels. These unprecedented threats require a bold response and the reexamination of a critical question — what is a climate-resilient state park?

Climate resilience is often thought of as a single issue. However, climate change impacts almost every aspect of state parks, and climate resilience can no longer be only one component of park management. Instead, we must adopt a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates climate resilience across park divisions, from stewarding nature to expanding clean energy to public outreach. This comprehensive approach creates parks that protect natural and cultural resources, preserve park

access, incorporate resilient infrastructure, minimize their carbon footprint, and more.

Here are a couple of examples of how we can build more climateresilient state parks:

RETHINKING DEFERRED MAINTENANCE PROJECTS

Many parks have deferred maintenance needs, such as crumbling staircases and damaged infrastructure. However, maintenance operations can no longer mean just rebuilding or upkeep; they must also anticipate and prepare for future climate threats. For example, staircases that provide coastal access may be undercut by increased coastal erosion from rising sea levels. However, if the stairs are simply repaired or rebuilt, they will again be compromised by erosion. To rebuild

The unprecedented storms at Seacliff State Beach in 2023 showed that we will have to change the way we use and manage coastal state parks.

smartly and ensure continued public access, the placement and design of these access points may need to be reconsidered to make them more climate resilient.

STRATEGIC LAND ACQUISITION TO ANTICIPATE CLIMATE IMPACTS

Land acquisition is important for protecting ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and increasing access to nature. However, strategic acquisition can proactively address climate threats. For example, California State Parks can anticipate how habitats may shift due to climate impacts and then acquire land to protect those new areas. California State Parks can also acquire land to maintain access to areas affected by climate change, such as coastal parks where eroding cliffs and disappearing beaches will threaten public access.

Furthermore, added lands can create large, continuous areas of habitat that are less susceptible to climate disturbances and increase species’ resilience to climate impacts.

To learn more about climate resilience and California state parks, read our full report: Building a Climate-Resilient California State Park System — Preserving Parks for Future Generations. View it at calparks.org/climatereport.

In 2021, over 17,500 acres of land were added to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

PRAIRIE CREEK REDWOODS STATE PARK

Check out three waterfalls along the California Coastal Trail, a two-mile round-trip hike. After this winter’s rains, the 80-foot, slender Gold Dust Falls should be flowing, and the ferns and other greenery along the trail should be in full verdant display. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to spot a Roosevelt elk, or if you visit later in the spring, you could see a calf!

MOUNT DIABLO STATE PARK

In California, winter showers bring spring flowers! Mount Diablo is home to 13 endemic species — meaning they’re found nowhere else on Earth — including the Mount Diablo birds-beak flower. Fun fact: if you hike, bike, or drive all the way to the top on a clear day, you can see 40 of California’s 58 counties!

Share your adventures with us!

STATE PARKS TO VISIT THIS SPRING

his spring, we’re featuring a wide range of what state parks have to offer. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, an avid outdoor adventurer, or a geology nerd, state parks have something to suit your interests!

AHJUMAWI LAVA SPRINGS STATE PARK

This remote park in northeastern Shasta County can only be reached by boat. Its stunning aqua pools, clear waters, bird-watching opportunities, and views of Mount Shasta all make it worth the trek. Rent a kayak and pack an overnight bag to spend the night at one of the dispersed boat-up campsites.

CALIFORNIA STATE MINING AND MINERAL MUSEUM PARK PROPERTY

The California State Mining and Mineral Museum Park Property features over 13,000 objects, including several rare and culturally significant artifacts to California’s history. Interestingly, it is only a state park because of the minerals housed on the property, not due to the land itself, so anywhere the minerals go, the state park follows!

WATTS TOWERS OF SIMON RODIA STATE HISTORIC PARK

These towers were built over the course of 34 years by Sabato “Simon” Rodia, who worked as a concrete worker and tile setter by day. He worked on the towers at night, embedding bits of colored glass, seashells, tiles, pieces of pottery, and other household and found materials in concrete spires. This unique artistic and architectural display can be found just south of Los Angeles in the town of Watts.

PROTECT THE CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY PARKS PASS

n 2021, California State Parks received funding to create pilot programs providing free access to state parks, including the California State Library Parks Pass. This program provides free day-use entry to California state parks to anyone with a library card in California. It has proven integral in creating a more accessible park system as the cost of entry with fees can financially burden residents, deterring people from visiting state parks.

Unfortunately, the funding this popular and impactful program relies on is expiring at the end of this fiscal year. If new funding is not identified, libraries will not receive new passes for checkout after December 31. It is integral to voice our support now to support park access for all.

Last year, we released survey data highlighting the success of the program so far. The survey yielded these key insights:

n A majority of respondents (63%) previously considered cost to be their main reason for not having visited state parks previously.

n Thanks to the park pass program, a staggering 90% of respondents now plan to visit state parks over seven times a year.

n Nearly 70% of the survey’s respondents indicated an income level of $60,000 or less.

n Over 63% of respondents indicated that they are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).

Tell Governor Newsom and legislative leaders to restore funding for this popular and effective park access program!

ADVENTURE PASS EXPANDS TO 54 STATE PARKS

n 2021, California was able to bring the California State Park Adventure Pass to life. The pass provides free state park access to fourth graders and families for the entire fourth-grade year, plus the following summer.

When the pilot program first launched, only 19 state parks were on the list of participating locations. Now, 54 state parks are available for fourth graders to explore with their families. This includes parks across the state, such as Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, and Big Basin Redwoods State Park, to name a few.

This pass program was the first time California was able to create an innovative access program for children and families to explore their state parks. More diverse communities now have a better opportunity to become part of California’s landscape, enjoy the physical and mental benefits of connecting with nature, and be inspired to take care of these treasured places for future generations.

Any fourth grader who lives in California is eligible for the California State Park Adventure Pass, no matter how they attend school or how old they are. If they are a fourth grader or fourth-grade equivalent,

they qualify. The pass is also good for California fourth-grade teachers who bring their classes to participating park units for field trips.

Obtaining a free pass online is simple. Visit parks.ca.gov/ adventurepass for all the details on signing up.

The California State Park Adventure Pass program was made possible by Assembly Bill 148. California State Parks Foundation advocated for this bill, and it was signed by Governor Newsom in July 2021. Since 2018, California State Parks Foundation has worked to learn, educate, activate, and ultimately influence legislation and the state budget to pilot programs like this that increase access to state parks for California’s youth. To learn more about the steps it takes to make these programs a reality, check out calparks.org/ pathwaystimeline

A COMMUNITY OF VOLUNTEERS AT SILVER STRAND STATE BEACH

olunteers continue to make lasting impacts in parks across California! A recent highlight is our ongoing habitat restoration at Silver Strand State Beach. Every first Saturday of the month, volunteers help remove an invasive species called ice plant. Originally introduced to stabilize soil along railroad tracks, ice plants have spread and dominated coastlines. They suppress the establishment of native plants and cover important habitat areas for wildlife. In recent years, the park has led efforts to remove ice plants and has started to see native vegetation return to the bayside. Ground-nesting birds like the horned lark and killdeer plover, as well as rare dune plants like Brand’s phacelia and Nuttall’s lotus, are now thriving.

Our volunteers have a simple but time-consuming task to continue this work. They use hand picks to pull out the plants, then transport them to dumpsters using burlap tarps. Ice plant can be heavy, so volunteers often work in teams to

carry them. This work will improve and expand coastal strand habitat over time and provide enhanced resilience to climate threats like rising sea levels.

After a day of hard work in February, volunteers got to know one another over lunch and enjoyed a homemade cake that one of our Volunteer Core Leaders provided for the group to celebrate a fellow leader’s birthday. And surprise: the cake was ice plant-themed, too!

“It’s been great to see how these consistent workdays give folks the opportunity to build lasting community connections. We welcome new and returning volunteers each month!” Melissa Potts, our Volunteer Program Manager, shared. “Groups from nearby naval bases and high schools, and employees from United Airlines and California Conservation Corps have contributed to this ongoing project.“

Want to get to know your community while giving back to the parks you love? Find an event near you at calparks.org/volunteer.

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS WEEK 2024

Mark your calendars! This year, California State Parks Week will take place from June 12 to June 16. The weeklong annual event celebrates the amazing diversity of California’s state park system and the people who visit and help protect these iconic places. This year’s tagline is “This is where you live.”

Through special community events and in-person and virtual programming, California State Parks, California State Parks Foundation, Save the Redwoods League, and Parks California invite Californians like you to celebrate the communities and cultures that make our state

special, explore new adventures and activities, and discover ways to deepen your relationships with parks. Each day focuses on a theme:

June 12: Explore New Experiences

June 13: Nourish Your Health and Well-Being

June 14: Support Climate Resilience

June 15: Celebrate Community and Culture

June 16: Care for Our Shared Lands

Get the latest information on events and how to participate at castateparksweek.org.

PHOTO CONTEST: YOU COULD BE OUR NEXT PHOTO OF THE MONTH WINNER!

Share your best park photos using #MyCAStatePark and tagging @calparks on Twitter and Instagram, and California State Parks Foundation on Facebook and Flickr! Each week, one lucky photographer will be featured on social media. On the last Friday of each month, one grand prize winner will receive a special membership that includes a free California State Parks Annual Pass! Post your photos now for your chance to win.

This photo is of the Eel River at Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Taken by our December Photo of the Month winner, Erin Treat (@ sparkturnflame), via Instagram.

PRESERVE CALIFORNIA’S PARKS TODAY AND FOR THE FUTURE

Write the story of your legacy and make it one of love for the stunning natural beauty and fascinating history in California’s state parks. You can keep your vision alive in perpetuity — to protect and preserve the California state park system for the benefit of all — by including California State Parks Foundation in your will, trust, or other legacy plan. In doing so, you’ll make an impact that lasts forever. You will join a group of passionate California state parks supporters in the William Penn Mott, Jr. Legacy Society which is dedicated to protecting the parks during and beyond their lifetimes. Benefits of membership include invitations to our popular Insider Tours, our Brief newsletter, plus the other benefits you already receive as a member.

Learn more at calparks.org/legacy.

33 New Montgomery Street Suite 520

San Francisco, CA 94105 members@calparks.org

California State Parks Foundation is an independent, membersupported nonprofit dedicated to protecting and preserving the California state park system, for the benefit of all.

Stay Connected Visit us online at calparks.org and follow us on social media: @calparks @calparks /calparks

Front cover photo: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park