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![Weekly Digest Banner](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/03/5612364/3993387/weeklydigestmasthead-final011422_crop.png) June 24, 2022
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![Torrey Pines SNR (amole plant)](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6074502/4198553/torrey-pines-snr-amole-plant_crop.jpg) Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
An amole soap plant (Chlorogalum parviflorum) flower along the Reserve Extension.
Photo from Scott A. Henry, volunteer
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Summer Photo Contest: 'State Parks for All'
Story from: Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division
![Humboldt Redwoods SP (giant redwoods)](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6085158/4198765/humboltdredwoods_crop.jpg) Taking a moment to look up at the giant redwoods at Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Photo from California State Parks.
Having access to California’s state parks is important for many reasons, such as improving our physical health and mood and just spending quality time with family and friends. For this summer’s State Parks employee/volunteer photo contest—themed “State Parks for All”—we would like you to share the many benefits of visiting California’s state parks and why it’s important to have access to them.
State Parks offers many recreational activities like hiking, camping, swimming, off-highway vehicle recreation, wildlife viewing, visits to scenic sites, learning about historic artifacts and participation in outdoor programs like the junior ranger or lifeguard programs. The list goes on, with more recreational opportunities for Californians and visitors from around the world, so please share the many reasons having access to state parks is vital and how important it is to make parks easily accessible.
Whether you’re a park aide, interpreter, a seasonal lifeguard, a volunteer, maintenance staff or an environmental scientist, you all capture amazing moments in your parks. Get creative and showcase the importance of and the many wonders found in the state’s 279 parks.
The “State Parks for All” photo contest runs from June 24 through Sept. 12, 2022. If your photos include people who are non-state park employees or volunteers, remember to include a Visual Media Consent form (DPR 993).
To be eligible to participate, you must be a State Parks employee or park volunteer and submit your photos to the Weekly Digest. Provide a brief caption of your “State Parks for All” photo and the name of the state park in which the photo was taken. The Communications and Marketing team will announce the top five photos in late September. The photos will be showcased in the Weekly Digest as well as State Parks’ social media channels with their photo credit.
Here are the rules and criteria for the photo contest:
- Submit photos to the Weekly Digest email address with the subject line “State Parks for All.”
- Photos must be taken between June 24–Sept. 12, 2022.
- Photos with images of non-park staff must include a Visual Media Consent form (DPR 993).
- Photos can be taken at any of California’s 279 state parks.
- Provide a brief photo caption and the name of the state park in which the photo was taken.
- Only State Parks employees and volunteers can enter the contest.
- Photos will be judged on photo quality, uniqueness, moment captured and content.
- The top five photos chosen will be shared on California State Parks’ social media channels and in the Weekly Digest.
- Photos will be judged by the Communications and Marketing team (who is not eligible to participate in the contest).
- Photo images should be a minimum of 1920×2400 ppi.
If you have any questions, please send an email to the Weekly Digest. Also, if you have any future photo contest ideas, email us your suggestions.
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Celebrating Pride Month at California State Parks
Story from: Blythe Wilson, Interpretation and Education Division
![Pride Month at SPs collage 2](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6085277/4198766/pride-month-at-sps-collage_crop.jpg) Top left: Candlestick Point State Recreation Area graphic from Francesca Kocks, Charli Baker and Karen Barrett, Bay Area District. Right: Pride flag flying at Seacliff State Beach. Photo from Scott Shepherd, Santa Cruz District. Bottom left: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park’s Pride Month social media post. Graphic from Dennis Stephen, Colorado Desert District.
You might have noticed the colorful new California State Parks logo used throughout the month of June. This logo recognizes Pride Month, celebrating the LGBTQ2S+ community.
This celebratory month finds its origins in 1969. As stated by Secretary of California Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot in his recent message, “This June marks the 53rd anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City, where Black trans women like Marsha P. Johnson fought against oppressive injustices faced by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit (LGBTQ2S+) community. The resistance of those at Stonewall and at other locations sparked the modern LGBTQ2S+ civil rights movement and paved the way for Pride being celebrated during the month of June around the globe.”
Let’s continue to strive for excellence through inclusivity all year long! Here are a few of the Pride Month celebrations and events that happened at California’s state parks:
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"Summer in the Redwoods: A Celebration of Community and Inclusion in State Parks” at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park: On Saturday, June 18, California State Parks, the National Park Service, Save the Redwoods League and the community partnered for a daylong celebration of inclusion and representation in parks. Activities at the event included multilingual interpretive programs, land acknowledgement of Indigenous people, a resource fair, food, music and more. Photo from Marnin Robbins, North Coast Redwoods District.
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California State Railroad Museum Roundhouse Crosstalk Podcast: Discussion on Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg: June is Pride Month, so for this week’s California State Railroad Museum (CSRM) Roundhouse Crosstalk Podcast episode we talked with Tony Reevy, author of “The Railroad Photography of Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg,” about Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg, owners of the Gold Coast private railcar we have right here at the museum. Beebe and Clegg were not only influential train photographers, but also icons of high society and some of the earliest and most famous gay men to live openly in American history.
The CSRM also hosted a Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students Home Learning webinar “Pride Month at the Railroad Museum: The Gold Coast and Luxury Travel,” on Tuesday, June 21.
Click here to listen to the podcast. Graphic from Jacob Jennerjohn, Capital District.
Additionally, the “LA Pride in the Park" concert event, presented by TikTok, took place at Los Angeles State Historic Park. The event, which took place on Saturday, June 11, featured many top performers, including Christina Aguilera.
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California Bumble Bee Atlas Project Calling for Citizen Scientists
Story from: Heather White, Natural Resources Division
![Piedras Blancas (Bumble bee)](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6062464/4190335/l-richardson-b-vosnesenskii-poppy_crop.jpg) A worker-caste Vosnesensky bumblebee (Bombus vosnesenskii) collects pollen from California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) at Piedras Blancas in San Luis Obispo County. Photo from Leif Richardson, Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Bumblebees appear to be in trouble. According to an IUCN report, bumblebee species across the United States are declining due to factors including habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change and disease. Two bumblebee species are listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, and four others are currently under consideration. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) classifies six bumblebees as species of greatest conservation need, and based on a new court ruling, may reconsider the candidacy of four of these species for listing under the California Endangered Species Act.
Within California, bumblebees are widespread; the state is home to at least 25 species of bumblebees, which are essential to the health of its ecosystems. Knowledge gaps exist regarding these species’ distribution and habitat use—gaps that must be addressed for land managers like California State Parks to support bumblebees and restore vital habitat. That’s where the California Bumble Bee Atlas Project (Atlas), a new collaboration by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and CDFW, comes in.
The goal of the Atlas, running from March 2022 to August 2023, is to create a baseline dataset to support conservation and management efforts for bumblebees in California. Citizen scientists are invited to help systematically survey bumblebees throughout the state while learning about the ecology of native bees.
Before participating, those interested must receive online training and pass a test to be added to the project’s CDFW scientific collecting permit. It is important that bumblebees are not harmed during this study.
State Parks has granted a multidistrict scientific collecting permit to allow approved participants to conduct this work within the State Park System.
To learn more about the project, head to cabumblebeeatlas.org. If you would like to participate, email Leif Richardson from Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation on how to get started.
San Luis Reservoir's Basalt Campground and Day-Use Area Gates Close Due to Dam Construction Project
Story and photos from: Duke Heberling, Central Valley District
![San Luis](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6080090/4198554/san-luis-reservoir-basalt-campground-closed_crop.jpg) Top: Basalt boat dock. Bottom: Ranger Kyle Schaff closing the gate at Basalt Campground and day-use area.
The Basalt Campground and day-use area gates officially closed on Tuesday, May 31, at San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area and will remain closed for an estimated 10 years while the Sisk Dam at San Luis Reservoir undergoes construction.
California’s Division of Safety of Dams identified the dam as needing significant improvement work and over the last few years, the Department of Water Resources and the Bureau of Reclamation have been working together to begin construction work. This year the contract was awarded, with construction set to begin this week and will continue for about a decade.
Because of the closure of the day-use area and campground, State Parks worked with BOR to mitigate the recreation loss, and as a result, a new campground will be constructed at San Luis Creek on the O’Neill Forebay and other park improvements will be made to the area over the next five years. The Dinosaur Point Launch facility remains open for use on San Luis Reservoir, and this entrance is located at the summit of Highway 152, Pacheco Pass near Pacheco State Park.
San Luis Reservoir received a groundbreaking ceremony and a memorable speech by President John F. Kennedy on Aug. 18, 1962. Construction of San Luis Reservoir was completed in 1967 as a joint use facility between the California State Water Project and the Federal Central Valley Water Project and is a critical hub of water storage for California.
'Doors Open California' Event Comes to Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
Story and photos from: Julia Barrow, Santa Cruz District
![Pigeon Point Light Station SHP (collage)](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6066628/4192184/pigeon-point-light-station-shp-collage_crop.jpg) Over the weekend of June 11 and 12, Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park joined with more than 75 historic sites throughout the state in the "Doors Open California" event. Sponsored by the California Preservation Foundation, the event offered rare access into the state’s history.
"Doors Open California" is the largest statewide celebration of historic places in California. Enthusiasts of architecture, design and cultural heritage had access to dozens of sites throughout the state over the weekend. The sites featured are places or experiences not normally open to the public but made available specifically for this event. It was held in conjunction with the online annual conference of the California Preservation Foundation.
The Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park tours included a guided history walk and a behind-the-scenes visit to the base of the lighthouse as well as a visit to the museum to see the first order Fresnel lens. Along the way, visitors also learned about the upcoming restoration efforts to preserve this iconic part of California’s maritime history.
Moving Day at California State Railroad Museum
Story from: Debbie Hollingsworth, Capital District
![California State Railroad Museum_Moving Day Collage 1](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6080221/4198555/california-state-railroad-museum-moving-day-collage_crop.jpg) Top: Comment on social media post: “As a rail fan & professional truck driver, this is a dream load to haul.” Photo from Melanie Tran, Capital District. Bottom left: Before the big move … the Genoa at its home of 41 years in California State Railroad Museum. Photo from Kelly Huston, Capital District volunteer. Bottom right: Robert Maciel and Russell Moore preparing the Genoa for a move to the shop. Photo from Kelly Huston, Capital District volunteer.
Exhibits come and go in museums, but what happens when you need to move exhibits that weigh several tons? It takes teamwork to accomplish such a feat. California State Railroad Museum (CSRM) and CSRM Foundation staff and volunteers joined to move two historic locomotives out of the museum this week.
In collaboration with the Railroad and Locomotive Historical Society (R&LHS), Pacific Coast Chapter (PCC), CSRM loaned the Virginia & Truckee No. 21 J. W. Bowker and the Virginia & Truckee No. 12 Genoa to the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City, Nevada. The two locomotives will join in the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. They will be on display at The Great Western Steam Up event at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City over the July Fourth weekend.
It was exciting to witness the movement of the Genoa locomotive for the first time in 41 years. The Genoa has been on display since CSRM’s opening in 1981.
The J.W. Bowker also moved out of the museum. The Bowker was the first locomotive acquired by a group of railroad enthusiasts who formed the Pacific Coast Chapter of the R&LHS way back in 1937.
These two locomotives will reside in their Nevada home and will highlight the important contributions of the R&LHS, PCC and CSRM to the preservation of the West's tremendous railroad heritage. In exchange, CSRM will host the homecoming of two pieces, the Virginia & Truckee Coach No. 17 and the Virginia & Truckee No. 18 Dayton, both built at the Central Pacific Sacramento Shops.
Our profound thanks to Curator III Melanie Tran, Restoration and Maintenance Leadworker Historic Railroads Al DiPaolo, Restoration Worker Specialist Robert Maciel and student intern extraordinaire Russell Moore. Thanks also to Sacramento Southern Railroad Director of Operations Mike Edwards and Chief Operations Officer Ilias Athanasiou, and Greg Kelsch. Extra special thanks to volunteer Tom Coney.
![California State Railroad Museum_Moving Day Collage 2](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6080223/4198556/california-state-railroad-museum-moving-day-collage_crop.jpg) Left: The Bowker ready to go. Photo from Alex Clark, Capital District. Right (left to right): Ilias Athanasiou, Russell Moore, Mike Edwards, Robert Maciel, Al DiPaolo, Doug Schultz and the Genoa locomotive. Photo from Bev Ratzlaff, Capital District volunteer.
![Bear Digest Divider](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2021/11/5218956/digest-divider_original.jpg) ![State Parks for All photo contest graphic](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6074046/state-parks-for-all-photo-contest-graphic_original.jpg) Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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To view current job openings within California State Parks, please visit our jobs webpage at www.LiveTheParksLife.com.
State Parks Job Spotlights and Open Exams
![Now Hiring banner](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2021/12/5247047/now-hiring-graphic_original.png) FREE WEBINAR
California State Parks: How to Get a State Job: There are so many wonderful career opportunities waiting just for you at California State Parks! In this webinar on Wednesday, July 20, from 1:30–2:30 p.m., you’ll learn about taking state assessments and creating your CalCareers account, the different State Parks career opportunities and more! Click here to register.
JOB SPOTLIGHTS
District Superintendent I – Apply by June 24, 2022: Today is your last day to apply! We are now hiring a District Superintendent I in the Angeles District! This position will be responsible for the management of all mission-based programs and functions throughout the district. Take the online assessment and apply today! Click here for more information.
Environmental Scientist – Apply by June 28, 2022: The Diablo Range District is looking for an Environmental Scientist who will be responsible for the planning, management and enhancement of the natural resource protection support functions as they relate to Mount Diablo State Park. Take the online assessment. Click here for more information.
Office Assistant – Apply by July 1, 2022: We are now hiring an Office Assistant in the Oceano Dunes District! Come join the State Parks Oceano Dunes team in beautiful Oceano and Pismo State Beach. The Office Assistant will staff and lead the ranger station front office. Take the online assessment. Click here for more information.
Associate Governmental Program Analyst – Apply by July 1, 2022: Join the team in this exciting role and serve as the lead for the Tribal Memorandum of Understanding Program. You will be providing analytical and administrative support to the Tribal Affairs and Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act programs, and will be facilitating tribal consultation efforts throughout the state to strengthen partnerships between California Native American Tribes and California State Parks. Take the online assessment. Click here for more information.
EXAM SPOTLIGHTS
Aquatic Pest Control Series – Apply by July 1, 2022: If you have equivalent to six months of experience in pest control work or 60 college credits with course work in biology, apply today! These assessments now have a biannual cut-off date! Click here for more information.
State Park Equipment Operator – Apply by Sept. 1, 2022: From developing new recreation areas to restoring our parks, our State Park Equipment Operators are essential to keeping visitors safe, preserving our precious resources and ensuring our state parks are operational for all to enjoy year-round. This assessment now has a biannual cut-off date. Click here for more information.
State Park Interpreter I, II and III: The State Park Interpreter I, II and III assessments are now available online! Our Interpreters develop interactive educational programs and teach the rich histories of California. Click here for more information.
Park and Recreation Specialist Exam Series: The Park and Recreation Specialist exam series is now online and continuous. Take the assessment (entry level to supervisory) anytime. From grant administration to outdoor education, the right exam is available to match your education and experience level. Click here for more information.
State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Ranger – Lateral/Transfer: You can now lateral or transfer into an exciting career as a SPPO Ranger. The assessment is available online, anytime. We have positions throughout the state. Take the assessment and join us in protecting our precious resources. Eligibility is good for 18 months. Click here for more information.
State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Lifeguard (Lateral/Transfer): Take the assessment and you can lateral or transfer into a career performing public safety in California’s beautiful state recreation areas and beaches. The assessment is available online, anytime. We have positions throughout the state. Eligibility is good for 18 months. Click here for more information.
Employment Tip: Reach out for assistance. Connecting with a recruiter is a great way to get your career questions answered!
If you have any questions regarding these opportunities, connect with us at Recruiting@parks.ca.gov. We’re happy to help!
Interested in more jobs and exams like this? Explore www.LiveTheParksLife.com to discover the possibilities.
Join the Parks Jobs mailing list here. We can send you updates on jobs and exams that interest you!
California Natural Resources Agency Career Center Now Open
Story from: Yolanda Ramirez, Workforce Planning and Recruitment Office
![CNRA Career Center (outside view) Photo 2](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6084731/cnra-career-center-outside-view-photo-2_original.jpg) Entrance into the new California Natural Resources Agency Career Center in the California Poppy Pavilion. Photo from Xochi Prock, Workforce Planning and Recruitment Office.
We are excited to announce the opening of the brand-new California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) Career Center. This amazing effort was part of an agencywide collaboration with recruiters from California State Parks, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Energy Commission, Department of Water Resources and CAL FIRE. The Career Center is located at our new CNRA headquarters building in downtown Sacramento.
The Career Center will offer career counseling, application, minimum qualifications, statement of qualifications (SOQ) and exam assistance for current, former and future CNRA employees. The Career Center features 11 workstations for completing your individual assessments and applications, two recruiter stations, a children’s play area, as well as career, exam and open-vacancy information for all CNRA departments.
Recruiters from CNRA departments will also host brown bag workshops, including “How to Write an SOQ,” “How to Apply With the State" and "How to Prepare for State Assessments."
Job seekers or those who want to build their career can receive services on a walk-in or appointment basis. To make an appointment, please email the recruitment unit of the department you’re interested in working for. For State Parks (and for other CNRA departments), please email Recruiting@parks.ca.gov. The Career Center is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. We'll keep you posted about the CNRA Career Center website, which is coming soon.
We look forward to seeing you at the new Career Center!
![CNRA Career Center collage](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6084786/4198557/cnra-career-center-collage_crop.jpg) A look inside the Career Center. Left: Workstations. Photo from Yolanda Ramirez, Workforce Planning and Recruitment Office (WPRO). Top right: Sitting area. Photo from Laura Estrada Adams, WPRO. Bottom right: Children’s play area. Photo from Laura Estrada Adams, WPRO.
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Style time! Here are this week's tips to help spread the word about our departmentwide style guidelines:
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beachgoer: One word, no hyphen
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archaeology: Use “archaeology,” not “archeology.”
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staff: Use with a singular verb. Example: Staff is coming to work at the event.
Keeping a consistent writing style ensures the Weekly Digest looks and sounds its best. Each week, the Communications and Marketing Division reviews submitted articles for proper grammar and punctuation and style consistency––from capitalization and hyphenation to proper acronyms and active/passive voice usage. In general, we follow the Associated Press style and Merriam-Webster, but at times we use our own department-specific style.
We always welcome your feedback on how to “Live the Parks Life” in (writing) style. Connect with us via email at weeklydigest@parks.ca.gov.
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![Hollister Hills SVRA (school group)](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6062468/4190336/hollister-hills-svra-school-groups_crop.jpg) Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
The park was happy to welcome back field trips this season. We are excited to have the continued support of our Hollister Hills Off-Road Association, which sponsors the transportation for all local schools. State Park Interpreter I Elise Fleishman shows students information about the wildlife at the park.
Photo from Elise Fleishman, Diablo Range District
![Hollister Hills SVRA (volunteer ATV course)](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6062469/4190337/hollister-hills-svra-volunteer-kenny-deeg-safety-co_crop.jpg) Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
Hollister Hills volunteer Kenny Deeg instructing a free, public all-terrain vehicle safety course.
Photo from Elise Fleishman, Diablo Range District
Sonoma Coast State Park
On Sunday, June 19, a concerned citizen called our Salmon Creek Ranger station to report three people they suspected were taking an over-limit of ocean mussels. If you have a valid ocean fishing permit, the legal take-limit is 10 pounds per day. State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Supervisor I (Lifeguard) Tim Murphy and SPPO (Lifeguard) Clark Hale responded to the area to investigate.
During the investigation, it was determined the three people had taken approximately 300 pounds of ocean mussels. That is an over-limit of approximately 270 pounds! Citations were issued, and the mussels were seized. SPPO Hale then made several trips to return the mussels to the ocean. I’m proud of our State Parks team who work tirelessly to protect our natural resources and provide an invaluable public service to our community.
Photo from Tim Murphy, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District
![Kiosk](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6077601/4198559/san-clemente-sb-staff-at-kiosk_crop.jpg) San Clemente State Beach
Park Aides Liam Wyatt and Tyler Kemph at the San Clemente State Beach kiosk.
Photo from Tyler Kemph, Orange Coast District
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
The hermit thrush's song has been a magical part of a visit to Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Researcher Allison R.P. Nelson and collaborators are working to better understand the subspecies that breeds along coastal California and identify impacts that the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire has had on the park's population of thrushes. Click here or above to view video.
Video from Sarinah Simons, Sierra District
![Prairie Creek Redwoods SP_Roosevelt Elk group](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6074395/4198560/prairie-creek-redwoods-sp-roosevelt-elk-group_crop.jpg) Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Gang of majestic Roosevelt elk.
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
![Prairie Creek Redwoods SP (roosevelt elk collage)](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6074418/4198561/prairie-creek-redwoods-sp-roosevelt-elk-collage_crop.jpg) Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
More views of stately Roosevelt elk.
Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
![Provide Mtns SRA (cicada closeup)](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6084899/4198562/provide-mtns-sra-cicada-closeup_crop.jpg) Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
Desert cicada extreme close-up! These large flying insects provide a monotonous soundtrack to a Mojave summer. Cicadas possess three eyes: two compound black and gray eyes on either side of the head, and a small, reddish simple eye in the middle.
Photo from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District
![Mono Lake Tufa SNR (Chic great horned owl)](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6062470/4190338/mono-lake-tufa-snr-baby-great-horned-owl_crop.jpg) Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
A baby great horned owl seen on the weekly birding outing.
Photo from Catherine Jones, Sierra District
![Richardson Grove SP_common merganser ducks on South Fork Eel River](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6068565/4192185/richardson-grove-sp-common-mergenser-ducks-on-south_crop.jpg) Richardson Grove State Park
Common merganser ducks are a daily sight on the South Fork Eel River. Spotted here is a momma duck taking her chicks for a float down the river.
Photos from Ann Hagerman, North Coast Redwoods District
![Portola Redwoods SP_metallic sweat bee collage](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6068568/4192186/portola-redwoods-sp-metallic-sweat-bee-collage_crop.jpg) Portola Redwoods State Park
The green metallic sweat bee is a really cool native California bee because they have sexual dimorphism. Females are all metallic green, but the males' abdomens are striped black and yellow.
Photos from Lucas Dickey, Santa Cruz District
![Cuyamaca Rancho SP (Flower collage)](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6062466/4190339/cuyamaca-rancho-sp-flower-collage_crop.jpg) Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Hiking the Oakzanita Peak area reminded me of what a great place it is to see flowers in the spring. Left: White sage. Right: Wreath flower
Photos from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
![Cuyamaca Rancho SP (green gentian)](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6062383/4190340/cuyamaca-rancho-sp-green-gentian_crop.jpg) Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
The striking green gentian flower in full bloom.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
![Red Rock Canyon SP (monsoon skies)](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6074341/4198563/red-rock-canyon-sp-monsoon-skies_crop.jpg) Red Rock Canyon State Park
Monsoon skies.
Photo from Matthew Williams, Great Basin District
![Prairie Creek Redwoods SP (fern canyon)](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6074399/4198564/prairie-creek-redwoods-sp-fern-canyon_crop.jpg) Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Gorgeous and lush Fern Canyon. Permits are required to visit the Gold Bluffs Beach day-use area, including the Fern Canyon Trailhead, through September. Click here to learn more and to apply for a permit.
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
![Hungry Valley SVRA (lighting)](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6074593/4198565/hungry-valley-svra-lighting_crop.jpg) Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
Riding with the lightning on a summer day.
Photo from Haley Lubben, Great Basin District
![Stanford Mansion](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6080132/4198566/leland-stanford-mansion-clouds_crop.jpg) Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park
The clouds have been quite beautiful lately, even with the recent heat.
Photo from Megan Stanley, Capital District
![Lightning at Red Rock Canyon SP](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6077537/4198567/red-rock-canyon-state-park-lightning-strike_crop.jpg) Red Rock Canyon State Park
Lightning strike during a thunderstorm.
Photo from Samuel Toscano, Great Basin District
![Bear Digest Divider](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2021/11/5218956/digest-divider_original.jpg) ![State Parks for All photo contest graphic](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/06/6074046/state-parks-for-all-photo-contest-graphic_original.jpg) Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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June 21, 2022
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The Weekly Digest includes a collection of news articles related to the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The views expressed and opinions do not always reflect that of the department.
To view this week's News Clips, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/NewsClips.
![Bear Digest Divider](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2021/11/5218956/digest-divider_original.jpg) ![WeeklyDigestRequestforContentGraphic-BolsaChica-Final122121](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/03/5672830/4055519/weeklydigestrequestforcontentgraphic-bolsachica-fin_crop.png) Weekly Digest Article and Photo Submissions
If you have an article or photo you would like to submit for the Weekly Digest, please send your entries via email to WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
For an article submission, please include:
- Author’s name and division/district.
- All relevant information (e.g., headline, park name, dates, name of event, individuals’ full names and titles, etc.).
Articles should be no longer than 300 words.
For photos, please include:
- Photo credit info and captions.
- Photo release forms should be kept on file for non-employees or volunteers.
Unless otherwise noted, all photos included in the Weekly Digest are courtesy of the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
The deadline for Weekly Digest submissions is close of business Thursday. For more information, email WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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