In This Issue
3 Outdoor education empowers youth stewards
4 You’re invited! Earth Day open houses
5 High school student leads friends to volunteer
6 Governor Newsom’s park-related priorities
7 Your favorite places to experience wildflowers
Celebrating moments of joy
I started 2019 asking myself a simple question: when did I feel most joyful last year? The answers – a road trip to state parks with my mom and sister, a visit to Mendocino state parks with my daughter, three days in the Channel Islands with friends – quickly revealed a common thread.
With that in mind, I set my 2019 intention: remember the great joy I find in nature and explore more of California’s amazing natural spaces this year, especially state parks. A few months into the year, work and my personal life have already offered me many opportunities for this joy.
One trip brought me to Jack London State Historic Park, where I visited the newly-renovated and recently re-opened House of Happy Walls Museum. Our friends at Jack London Park Partners did an excellent job updating and adding interactive exhibits to tell the story of Jack and Charmian London in a way that’s modern and relevant, in the hope it inspires people to tell their stories like the Londons did. A vintage typewriter connects to a tablet and a mini-printer, asking visitors to answer, “what’s your story?” and post it on a wall to share. A panel titled “lasting legacies to live a life” poses thoughtful questions to visitors, such as, “What is it to be brave and daring today?,” “How do you live your own story?” and, “What makes you feel like a flower in rapturous bloom?”
I realized that last question was just another, more beautiful way of asking myself what made me feel most joyful. Like flowers require water, sunlight and soil to bloom, my joy is nourished by friends, family and time spent outdoors.
I suspect that time spent outdoors nourishes your joy, too. I’m so grateful for your support ensuring our state parks can be a part of all of our stories, and a part of stories to come.
Rachel Norton, Executive Director
ABOUT CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS FOUNDATION
California State Parks Foundation is an independent, member-supported nonprofit that mobilizes a diverse network of Californians to protect and improve our state parks and expand access to their natural beauty, rich culture and history, and recreational and educational opportunities for all, now and in the future.
Students experience nature through discovery-based learning
Every fall and spring, among the acres of towering redwoods, students embark on a five-day adventure of wonder and discovery. They sleep in cabins and study in small field groups, learning about everything from the salmon lifecycle to how to use a compass. For many, it’s their first time ever seeing the ocean or a redwood tree.
Mendocino Outdoor Science School (MOSS) is rooted in environmental stewardship and discovery-based learning, tailored to the needs of each school it hosts. It takes place in the lush landscape of Mendocino Woodlands State Park, hosted in the oldest group camping facility in the United States (Mendocino Woodlands State Park was planned and constructed as one of 46 Recreation Demonstration Areas under President Roosevelt’s New Deal, and is one of only two remaining today).
in the city, we want them to know these are their parks. We want them to feel the empowerment and sense of responsibility that Californians have to take care of their natural environment,” said Elizabeth Cameron, development director at Mendocino Woodlands Camp Association.
“The program goes beyond facts and figures to include a sense of community and trust. Who knows what information can change a life for the better?”
JEANNE COLEMAN SMITH, EDUCATION DIRECTOR, MENDOCINO WOODLANDS CAMP ASSOCIATION
with fellow campers and the environment. Over the five days, they participate in activities such as studying old growth redwood trees, exploring tide pools and watching birds. Educators take turns transforming into the “Waste Wizard” each night after dinner, sharing facts about food and water waste. “Students learn the importance of being accountable for what they take and that it has a direct impact on the environment,” said Elizabeth.
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Mendocino Woodlands Camp Association, the nonprofit operator of the park, is dedicated to keeping MOSS low-cost, so students from different income levels have the opportunity to attend. Participants come from all kinds of schools across Northern California – rural to inner city to home schools, usually while in fifth or sixth grade. More than 1,000 students attend MOSS every year. “Even if they’re seven hours away or
With a $20,000 grant from California State Parks Foundation, MOSS “can continue to do this powerful work, remain accessible to all youth and ensure this experience is around for future generations,” said Elizabeth. The funds specifically pay their environmental educators, a crucial component of the program. Groups of no more than 12 students each stay with the same educator all week, building a strong sense of community.
MOSS aims to create good citizens for the planet and, of course, have some fun along the way. The entire trip is screen-free to maximize connection
By the end of the trip, students reduce their waste by 78 percent, gain a greater appreciation for nature and strengthen their communication and problem-solving skills. The trip gives kids a chance to be themselves, explore the world around them and try new things. Elizabeth agrees: “That one experience in the outdoors really changes you. It’s those types of experiences that made me so invested in caring for our natural resources.”•
You’re invited! Celebrate Earth Day at open houses at five parks across the state
This year’s Earth Day celebration will focus on increasing climate resiliency — and we’re starting our celebration one week early on Saturday, April 13! For the first time ever, we’re expanding our annual Earth Day volunteer program to include family-friendly open houses at five state parks throughout California. In addition to volunteering your time to improve and protect state parks, open house sites will offer guided park explorations, arts and crafts and much more:
China Camp State Park
China Camp State Park will offer a bilingual natural history hike, a beach cleanup, traditional Chinese games (with prizes!) and a scavenger hunt. Park-goers will also have the opportunity to learn more about plastics and the environment.
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
At Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, attendees will have the chance to decorate reusable tote bags to take home, plant herbs in recycled containers, view a fish tank and learn more about water conservation and animal habitats. Visitors can also discover how to engage with a variety of local community organizations hosting info tables.
Half Moon Bay State Beach
Visitors can take part in a variety of activities including nature-themed arts and crafts, children's games and a coloring contest. There will also be guided interpretive walks and performances by local musicians and dance groups.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
The park will offer a wide range of interpretive activities such as tours about native plants and the Kumeyaay Nation, basket-making, potting a special plant to take home, building bird feeders and other environmentallyfocused arts and crafts.
Rio de Los Angeles State Park
Activities will include guided walks of the Los Angeles River, a seed-bombmaking station, walking tours of the native plant garden and a waterharvesting and mulching workshop. Attendees will also be able to participate in a climate change workshop focused on making green space accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists.
RSVP for an open house near you or register to be an Earth Day volunteer at 15 other parks across the state. Visit calparks.org/earthday for registration and up-to-date information. •
Special thanks to our climate resiliency and community engagement partner, PG&E.
Celebrate Earth Day by giving to the parks you love! United Airlines has generously offered to match all gifts made by April 12, up to $50,000, which means your donation can be doubled. Your gift will help provide twice the critical resources we need to protect and advocate for parks on Earth Day and every day.
$25 becomes $50
$50 becomes $100
$250 becomes $500
Donate online at calparks.org/earthdaymatch
From student leader to Core Leader
Thanks to senior Cade Klem, Bonita High School is home to the onlyknown Park Champions Club.
“I wanted to help students get out to the state parks and see the importance of them,” said Cade. “They preserve the environment and the organisms that live there, all the while acting as green spaces for people.”
Cade grew up visiting Chino Hills State Park, near his home in San Dimas, and taking family vacations to state parks across California. His mother Stephanie has made sure her family shares a love of outdoors and nature that her own parents instilled in her. “Cade has been hiking since he was able to walk,” she said. “Through our travels, he has developed a great interest in the environment, and has come to care about things like climate change, pollution and invasive species.”
brought along two classmates. She describes the day as “a rewarding experience – there is much to learn from others and if you can teach someone something you know well, it’s one of the best feelings in the world.”
Cade is honest about initially wanting to volunteer to bolster his college applications. “However,” he said, “my motivation changed when I saw many of the other state parks and the people that worked there. I now volunteer to help the green spaces protected by the state parks and be with like-minded people.”
And so Bonita High School’s Park Champions Club was born. “My goal is to get other students to have an interest in the parks,” Cade said. “My close friends are mainly the only ones involved so far, but we are working on a way to get more people to volunteer.”
The club meets regularly and volunteers in state parks once a month – so far they’ve volunteered at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook (Cade’s favorite) and Chino Hills State Park. Cade and Stephanie became Core Leaders to support his leadership position in the club – Cade even postponed taking the SAT scheduled for the same day as the training. Being Core Leaders means Cade and Stephanie aren’t just helping state parks, they are also helping volunteers.
When Cade starts college this fall, where he plans to study environmental science, he’ll take some new skills with him: “Through volunteering, being a Core Leader and starting my club, I have learned how to communicate well electronically and organize meetings and workdays.”
“I plan to volunteer as much as I can,” he said. “I love volunteering at the state parks, and I wouldn’t stop just because I’ll be at college.” •
An article about the importance of parks to communities and youth inspired Stephanie to look for volunteer opportunities, which she found when she came across a Facebook post for our 2018 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service at Los Angeles State Historic Park. She registered herself and Cade, who 5
“Cade’s enthusiasm for native habitat restoration is contagious. It’s wonderful to see a high schooler start a student club to bring peers out to volunteer in state parks with California State Parks Foundation. I’m excited to see where Cade goes in college and beyond. Go Cade!”
MARGARET
OAKLEY OTTO, FIELD CONSULTANT
DOUBLE YOUR GIFT!
Governor Newsom’s “California for All”
In a nod to California’s history and future, Governor Gavin Newsom celebrated his inauguration in a state park. Joined by hundreds of families along with his own, Governor Newsom hosted a free family celebration at the California State Railroad Museum the day before his swearing-in.
Having already demonstrated leadership on equity issues as Mayor of San Francisco and Lieutenant Governor, Governor Newsom started his term identifying his top priorities as addressing the state’s affordability crisis, fostering inclusive economic growth and opportunity for every child, and defending California values –justice, civil rights, immigration, environmental protection and access to quality education. His proposed budget offers “a comprehensive blueprint for making the California Dream more accessible and affordable,” and a vision of a “California for All.” His focus on California’s youth and health care aligns with California State Parks Foundation’s mission to increase access to the health, education and quality of life benefits that state parks offer. The inclusion of $45.6 million for deferred parks maintenance is an important step in addressing critical
issues to ensure all Californians have access to an excellent state park system.
In his proposed budget statement, he listed many reasons people have come to California: “Gold rush miners and wagon-wheeled families struck out for gold. Immigrants from Asia and Europe sought opportunities across a vast sea. Servicemen and women returned from theatres of war and sowed entire communities out of cattle land. Dreamers and doers invented the future, from the Silver Screen to Silicon Valley.”
It almost reads like a list of state parks –Marshall Gold Discovery State Park, China Camp State Park, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, Will Rogers State Historic Park – preserving California’s histories and values.
We look forward to working in partnership with Governor Newsom to ensure our state parks are an integral part of the foundation he is building for California’s future.
After the legislature reviews the budget, Governor Newsom will release a revised budget in May, which then must be passed by the legislature on or before June 15. For more updates on park policies, visit calparks.org/advocacy. •
Last year you helped pass Proposition 68, a $4.1 billion investment to guarantee clean drinking water, preserve California’s unique natural resources and improve state and local parklands. Governor Brown’s budget for 2018-19 allocates $1.24 billion for the first year of implementation and prioritized existing programs, “shovel-ready” projects and phasing-in newly established programs. Some state park investments include:
• $277 million to provide grants through the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program, for the creation of new parks and recreation facilities, as well as the rehabilitation of existing local parks, in critically underserved communities.
• $210 million for climate adaptation and resiliency programs, including coastal protection.
• $186 million for the acquisition and development of neighborhood, community and regional parks and recreation lands and facilities in urban and rural areas.
• $30 million to restore important ecosystems at the Salton Sea, which includes Salton Sea State Recreation Area, through water management infrastructure, habitat conservation and dust mitigation.
• $15 million to protect forests in state parks, supporting restoration efforts including coastal redwoods, central Sierra sequoias, coastal pines and oak woodlands.
Wildflowers in rapturous bloom
Spring in California is a great time to see vibrant blooms in state parks. We asked some of our supporters to share their favorite places to visit during wildflower season!
I love driving down the 1 in the spring and seeing the wildflowers in bloom around Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park It always makes it feel like summer is right around the corner!”
JIM MCGOWAN
Having spent some time in many spectacular wild places, my informed favorite California state park is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The geologic diversity, what I call 'rock drama' in the dramatic lighting of early and late daylight; the natural history; the fascinating plant and animal life, so much of it easily observed. Chuckwalla, phainopepla, peninsular desert bighorn, kangaroo rat, ocotillo, beaver tail cactus, glowing back-lighted cholla, rabbits, quail, raptors, desert ironwood, a panoply of fascinations. Visit between early December and the first week of April, of course. It's the desert.”
WES JANSSEN
The wildflower blooms in Los Angeles State Historic Park bring beautiful scenes for park visitors to enjoy! Spring just feels like the parks are alive as birds, insects and other wildlife are out in the park enjoying the blooms alongside you.”
POTTS
We love Saddleback Butte State Park for its convenient location, beautiful desert scenery including gorgeous spring yellow bloom, the Joshua Trees and unbelievable sun rises and sunsets from the top of the Butte, wildlife (including coyotes, lizards, rabbits, snakes), minimal crowds, nice camping area, and love the nearby Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park!”
Let us know which state parks are home to your favorite wildflowers by tweeting to us at @calparks!
I love South Yuba River State Park because it embodies the incredible natural beauty of our amazing state!”
CANDICE ROGERS
MICHAEL STADNICK
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THANK YOU!
Our power comes from thousands of people like you who have joined together to protect the natural and cultural beauty of our parks, and enjoy membership benefits, too! calparks.org/membership
VOLUNTEER
Volunteers are critical to the work we do for state parks. Together, we can accomplish so much to make our parks safe and enjoyable for visitors and their natural inhabitants. calparks.org/volunteer
SPEAK UP
Your voice matters! For ways to use your voice to help state parks, visit calparks.org/speakup
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CALIFORNIA PARKLANDS
Spring 2019, Volume 36, Number 1 (ISSN: 0892-0095) is published by the California State Parks Foundation ©2019 CSPF. All rights reserved. Editor: Bettina Sferrino
CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS FOUNDATION
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