Press Releases

UPDATED: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 18, 2024 Resources for Media: Please see here for media background materials, photos, and video. SACRAMENTO, CA – California State Parks Foundation today responded to Governor Newsom’s proposed 2024-2025 budget and raised concern about the elimination of funding for a popular state park access program, the California State Library Parks Pass. “We are extremely concerned about the Governor’s proposal to end this highly effective and popular program providing free access to California state parks,” said Rachel Norton, Executive Director of California State100

12 December 2023 Mount Diablo, CA— California State Parks Foundation today announced that its Mount Diablo Bike Turnout campaign raised $755,090 exceeding its goal of $750,000. California State Parks, California State Parks Foundation, and Mount Diablo Cyclists have partnered to build Phase Two of bike safety turnouts at Mount Diablo State Park. “State Parks is very appreciative of the community's enthusiasm around this project,” said Clint Elsholz, Acting District Superintendent of Diablo Range District. “The generosity of so many will accelerate our progress around enhancing safety measures100

18 October 2023 Resources for Media: Please see here for media background materials, photos and video. New data highlights success of the library pass program, demonstrates need to permanently fund initiative in state budget SACRAMENTO, CA – The California State Parks Foundation today released compelling new survey data highlighting the success of the California State Library Parks Pass program. The California State Library Parks Pass program was launched in 2021 as a three-year pilot program to remove income barriers that keep people from visiting state parks. The program gives library card100

29 June 2023 San Francisco, Calif. — With government funding for California state parks still unstable, it is vital to provide parks with the support they need to continue their important work. With your help, we’re granting $47,300 across six state parks to help them improve their infrastructure for visitors. These projects span from making visitor centers more culturally relevant to ensuring river safety in the wake of winter storms. These necessary improvements can make or break a park visitor’s experience, setting the tone for their relationship with state parks and the benefits they100

20 June 2023 Mount Diablo, Calif. — More safety improvements are coming to Mount Diablo State Park. California State Parks, the California State Parks Foundation, and Mount Diablo Cyclists are partnering to build phase two of bike safety turnouts inside the park. These turnouts allow bicyclists, who move at slower speeds as they pedal uphill, to pull out of the main traffic lane into their own lane so that vehicles can pass safely. With more than a decade of advocacy and determination to prevent collisions, local bicyclist Alan Kalinled an effort that successfully advocated for the State of100

07 June 2023 San Francisco, CA – California State Parks Foundation, the leading statewide advocate for California's state parks, is proud to announce a series of grants to commemorate and support California State Parks Week. This annual event aims to celebrate the diverse natural and cultural heritage preserved within California state parks and highlight their importance to the communities they serve. California State Parks Week provides an opportunity for individuals, families, and communities to come together and enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities offered by California100

15 May 2023 Senator Mike McGuire and Friends of China Camp to be honored Sacramento, CA – California State Parks Foundation will host the 21st annual Park Advocacy Day in Sacramento on behalf of state parks on May 16. Approximately 80 participants from across the state will converge at the Capitol to lobby policymakers on critical issues facing the state park system, including climate change, park access and experiences, and funding. California state parks play a vital role in our communities, providing a place for recreation, relaxation, and connection with nature. They are a cornerstone of100

03 April 2023 To access hi-res images and b-roll video, please visit the California State Parks Week newsroom. Parks across the state will offer special community events with in-person and virtual programming SACRAMENTO, Calif. (March 22, 2023) — The public is invited to celebrate the second annual California State Parks Week, June 14-18, presented by California State Parks, Save the Redwoods League, Parks California and California State Parks Foundation. Through special community events and in-person and virtual programming, this week-long event celebrates California’s 280 state parks and the100

28 March 2023 Volunteers will improve climate resilience at 11 state parks throughout California. San Francisco, CA — California State Parks Foundation is hosting 11 volunteer workdays across California on the first four Saturdays of this April in honor of Earth Day. Volunteers will help with a variety of projects that promote climate resilience, including removing invasive plants, establishing native plants, and picking up litter. Each site will host up to 50–150 volunteers of a variety of ages. Several state representatives have also been invited to attend workdays in their local area100

02 March 2023 California State Parks Foundation is partnering with REI Co-op to provide free materials for local cleanups. San Francisco, CA — California State Parks Foundation is offering free Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Earth Day Climate Action kits to give participants the materials they need to clean up their local parks, playgrounds, beaches, neighborhoods, and California state parks. What started as a COVID-friendly adaptation to traditional in-person group cleanups has expanded to a mainstay action offered each year. One participant in DIY Earth Day Climate Action said, "it inspired me to100