Breech location along the San Joaquin River connecting the floodplain at Great Valley Grasslands State Park. Photo from California State Parks.
SACRAMENTO — California State Parks and partners will be celebrating the fifth annual California State Parks Week with special events at state parks throughout the Central Valley beginning Wednesday, June 10. Presented by California State Parks, California State Parks Foundation, Parks California and Save the Redwoods League, this exciting celebration will feature special programs and activities highlighting the incredible diversity of the nation’s largest state park system.
WHAT: Fifth Annual California State Parks Week
WHEN: Wednesday, June 10 to Sunday, June 14
SPOTLIGHT EVENT IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY: The fifth annual celebration includes five spotlight events over five days that highlight the unmatched diversity of California’s state parks. In the Central Valley, the spotlight event will be Thursday, June 11, at Great Valley Grasslands State Park for a milestone celebration marking the completion of a major floodplain restoration reconnecting the San Joaquin River to its historic floodplain. The event will include hearing from project leaders – including California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot and State Parks Director Armando Quintero – and a tour of the site. Media should arrive at 7:30 a.m. RSVP to Newsroom@parks.ca.gov.
OTHER CENTRAL VALLEY EVENTS:
Friday, June 12
Native American Demonstrations at Dos Rios: Celebrate community and culture at California’s newest state park by joining local tribes for demonstrations at the Dos Rios Native Use Garden. Learn about basket weaving and other tribal uses of plants that grow at Dos Rios. Tours of the garden will be provided during the event.
Explore Paddle Sports at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area: In this introductory program, State Parks staff and lifeguards will guide participants through the basics in kayaking and standup paddleboarding, all in a safe learning environment. All equipment will be provided. Program to be held at Dove Day Use area on the North Shore (Campground side) of the lake. Space is limited to 25 people – event is full.
Tule Elk Jamboree Art in Parks Festival at Tule Elk State Natural Reserve: Enjoy trying hands-on art and craft activities along with tours of the Tule Elk State Natural Reserve throughout the day to highlight the beauty of nature and its influence in self-expression through art.
Saturday, June 13
Walk of the Wetland at Great Valley Grasslands State Park: Join a guided walk exploring a newly restored floodplain. Meet in the parking lot at Highway 140 and be prepared to carpool in fewer vehicles to the opposite side of the park for the tour.
Juneteenth Celebration at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park: Join a celebration of Juneteenth at the state historic park honoring the town founded by African American pioneers. Visitors will enjoy live entertainment, informative presentations about Black history, self-guided tours of the historic and reconstructed buildings, fun activities for children, and craft vendors. Food is available for purchase from vendors adjacent to the event area. Transportation to the park is available with the purchase of a reduced-price ticket through Amtrak Gold Runner.
Sunday, June 14
Family Fishing at George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area: This very special California State Parks Week event is sure to bring families enjoyment and memories to last a lifetime.
Visit castateparksweek.org for a full list of the more than 170 events happening throughout the week.
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For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Newsroom@parks.ca.gov.
To access hi-res images, please visit the California State Parks Week newsroom.
Subscribe to California State Parks News online at parks.ca.gov/newsroom or click here.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.
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California State Parks Foundation, an independent, member-supported nonprofit with over 50 years of history, is dedicated to protecting and preserving the California state park system for the benefit of all. We work in parks and in Sacramento with partners, park staff, and policymakers to address the challenges parks face. To make real and lasting change, we are working to build a movement of people who enjoy and advocate for their parks now, and for future generations. Learn more at www.calparks.org, or find California State Parks Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Parks California, created by the State of California to expand the reach and impact of its parks system, strengthens our public lands and inspires all people to experience these extraordinary places. As a public-private partner, we work alongside California State Parks, public lands agencies, tribal, community and nonprofit organizations to design solutions that make these spaces more inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable. Together, we’re advancing a new partnership model that supports healthy communities and ecosystems to meet the needs of a changing California. Learn more: www.ParksCalifornia.org
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| Save the Redwoods League revitalizes coast redwood and giant sequoia forests across California’s redwood range. In partnership with state and federal agencies, Tribes, and communities, we have conserved more than 220,000 acres in 76 parks and preserves and restored 37,000 acres. Our work bolsters carbon storage, strengthens wildfire resilience, benefits local economies, and safeguards iconic landscapes enjoyed by millions. For more information, visit SaveTheRedwoods.org Facebook I LinkedIn I Instagram I YouTube I Blog I Threads |