Equity Matters in Our State Parks
Hi Friends-
Through the past few weeks, we’ve been reminded that it is everyone’s responsibility to fight racism in all its forms. For us, one way that we’re doing that is to elevate Black and Brown voices in our parks and outdoors spaces.
I’d like to invite you to support efforts from women leaders like Rue Mapp from Outdoor Afro, our advisor Nina Roberts, and authors Carolyn Finney and Camille T. Dungy.
Equity in our state parks have further to go, which is why we launched our Route to Parks Grants and are beginning virtual conversations around this topic later this month.
This summer, we will host a series of interviews on Facebook Live with leaders in the outdoors space to discuss equity in our 280 California State Parks.
By doing this, we hope that we can begin to address these challenges by implementing meaningful changes, like elevating voices, sharpening our own equitable lens as we develop and support community engagement programs, and honor everyone’s connections to and reasons why they fall in love with nature. Check our Facebook page for more updates on when and how you can join us.
But first, we must get our parks open safely, and we’re happy to announce that we’ve added a new grants program to support parks in doing that (read more below). Thinking a little further down the road, next week we're hosting our informational webinar about our Route to Parks Grants program, helping to connect communities to their local state park.
Wishing you and yours well,
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Route to Parks: Join Our June 16 Webinar
We’re gearing up for our first informational webinar for Route to Parks Grants! We invite all grant applicants to join us on June 16 to learn about the program and application process.
These grants are meant to reach communities who may face challenges getting to or enjoying parks. Visit the Parks California website to review the requirements and to download an application.
Reserve your spot today, and we’ll see you there. |
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Grant to Help Reopen California State Parks
We created a grants program to combat the park reopening challenges resulting from COVID-19. Reopening California State Parks, COVID-19 Small Grants Program is designed to support the safe operations of California state park visitor centers, bookstores, museums, and gift shops as they open their doors to visitors.
This grant is intended for use by current Cooperating Associations and Co-Manager Partners of California State Parks to modify physical park space to promote visitor/employee safety and adherence to social distancing guidelines. Submit your application by Tuesday, June 30.
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We Did It Together!
More Virtual Access to State Parks
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Parks that Thrive & Shine
The latest news and events for you to enjoy with your family and friends.
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Yurok Tribe and State Parks
Representatives from the Yurok Tribe and California Department of Parks and Recreation signed a landmark agreement for the Tribe to operate the Stone Lagoon Visitor Center.
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State Parks Reopening Campgrounds
California State Parks reopened the parking lots at 164 state beaches and parks this month. With proper social distancing measures, visitors can experience our State Parks.
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Indigenous History Virtual Series
California State Parks Archaeologist Mark Hylkema, in partnership with Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), is hosting a three-part webinar series on indigenous people in the Bay Area.
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Welcome to Our New
Advisory Council Member
Last month we introduced our Advisory Council, and we’re happy to announce that it grew by one. Sean Woods, former superintendent for the Los Angeles Sector of California State Parks and current chief of planning for the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, joins our family to create more access to our State Parks.
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