Over 100 special events are being held at state parks throughout California starting Wednesday, June 11.
Part of the fourth annual California State Parks Week (June 11-15), the celebration features special programs and activities highlighting the diversity of the nation’s largest state park system.
Whether you are exploring new outdoor activities, learning ways to protect the environment or connecting with your community, California State Parks Week offers something for everyone — all at no additional cost.
The festivities take on added significance this year as California celebrates its 175th year of statehood.
“We’re proud to provide essential funding for over 30 events during California State Parks Week this year,” Rachel Norton, Executive Director at California State Parks Foundation, said in a media release. “Equitable access and meaningful park experiences are central to our mission, and we’re excited to help introduce new visitors to parks across the state through these free events.”
The week of special events is presented by California State Parks, California State Parks Foundation, Parks California, and Save the Redwoods League.
Free events at state parks along the Central Coast
At state parks along the state’s Central Coast, guests can take guided walks, participate in restoration activities, hear indigenous stories, and more. Let’s take a look.
Monterey County
San Benito County
San Luis Obispo County
Santa Barbara County
For a full list of events statewide and participation details, visit CAStateParksWeek.org.
California State Library Parks Pass on the line
Launched in 2022, California State Parks Week advances the state’s “Outdoors for All” initiative, which aims to expand outdoor access to all Californians, including underserved communities.
Part of the initiative is the California State Library Parks Pass, which library card holders can check-out at participating California libraries to gain free vehicle day use entry at over 200 participating state park units.
California State Parks Foundation expressed deep concern over the state legislature’s decision to eliminate $6.75 million in funding for the California State Library Parks Pass in the 2025–26 budget agreement. Without restored support, the program will end on December 31, 2025.
“Cutting funding for this program sends the wrong message about California’s commitment to equity in outdoor access,” Norton said. “The California State Library Parks Pass is a proven and well-used program that’s reaching the people it was created to serve. Ending it now would waste years of investment and undermine meaningful progress in expanding access to nature.”
Since the start of the program in 2021, 38,000 passes have been distributed to more than 1,100 public libraries throughout the state.
This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: Special events at state parks on Central Coast part of week-long celebration
Reporting by Roseann Cattani, Salinas Californian / Salinas Californian
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
