Will Rogers State Historic Park Celebrates its 80th Anniversary with Special Fourth of July Parade Float
Story and photos from: Bill Hamm, Angeles District
 Clockwise from top left: Docents Doug Gochman and Deborah Moore portray Will Rogers and Betty Rogers respectively on the Will Rogers State Historic Park float at the Pacific Palisades Fourth of July celebrations. Park Aides Christopher Lopez Sr. and C.B. Yevoli march as part of the park's contingent. Park employees and volunteers pose in front of the park’s float.
Every year, Will Rogers State Historic Park (SHP), located in the city of Pacific Palisades, joins in the city’s Fourth of July celebrations that feature a parade, 5K and 10K races, competitions, and live entertainment, culminating in a fireworks display. Last year, the Will Rogers SHP float at the parade, supported by the Will Rogers Ranch House Foundation, won the “Best Thematic Float” award.
This year, Will Rogers SHP’s float in the parade commemorated the 80th anniversary of the creation of the park. Elements of the float referenced the June 8, 1944, donation of this 186-acre ranch by Will Rogers’ widow, Betty Rogers, to the State of California, complete with Park Docent Deborah Moore portraying Betty.
The 80th anniversary of Will Rogers SHP will continue to be celebrated throughout this summer. On August 11, the park is hosting a birthday party, which will feature games, 1940s music, and a salute to the World War II era. Be sure to mark your calendars!
Olompali State Historic Park Spring Hike Series Concludes with Olompali Orchids and Other Flowers
Story and photos from: Clint Kellner and Madeline Kellner, volunteers
 State Parks' volunteer Clint Kellner holds up a sample of lace lichen, California's official state lichen.
Hidden in the oak and bay woodlands of Olompali State Historic Park are beautiful gems. On a joint hike with Friends of Olompali and the Marin Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, 20 people found colorful blooms, including the flat-spurred piperia rein orchids, bright red Indian pinks and Indian paintbrush, purple coyote mint, orange sticky monkey flowers, and blue Ithuriel’s spear gracing the trail edge.
Toyon and ocean spray were also in bloom. We saw plenty of the rare Napa false indigo along the trail, as well as anise swallowtail caterpillars eating Kellogg’s yampah. In addition, we looked at the state lichen (lace lichen), the state grass (purple needlegrass), the state insect (California dogface butterfly), and some of us saw the state bird (California quail).
 Left: Anise swallowtail caterpillar. Right: Flat-spurred piperia rein orchid (plantanthera transversa).
Adventure Pass Participants from Inland Empire Waterkeeper Nonprofit Visit California Citrus State Historic Park
Story and photos from: José Cabello, Inland Empire District
 The Cooper and Saldana-Marquez families show off their citrus crates with State Park Interpreter I José Cabello at California Citrus State Historic Park.
California Citrus State Historic Park hosted participants from Inland Empire Waterkeeper, recipient of a grant funded by the State Parks Adventure Pass program, on Saturday, July 13. Participants joined State Park Interpreter I José Cabello on a guided walk through the park’s varietal groves where they learned about the California citrus industry and different varieties of citrus grown in the park.
Following the walk, participants took a break to cool off in the museum before taking part in a citrus crate-making activity. Wooden citrus crates were used into the 1950s, adorned with colorful, eye-catching labels often depicting beautiful landscapes or prominent historical figures. Today, wooden crates have been replaced with cardboard boxes, which are more cost-effective and make it easier to transport fruit without damage.
 Left: Rudy Saldana and Genine Marquez help Ethan Saldana build his citrus crate. Top right: Denese Cooper works diligently to build her own citrus crate. Bottom right: Ethan Saldana colors the label that he will later attach to his finished crate.
Northern Service Center Develops New Interpretive Exhibit for California Conservation Corps Placer Center
Story from Mark Miller, Northern Service Center
 Northern Service Center (NSC) staff members Bill Bell, exhibit designer, and Mark Miller, state park interpreter I, recently finished the design and fabrication of a new interpretive exhibit for the California Conservation Corps (CCC) Placer Center.
The restoration of camp entrance signs and the development of three interpretive panels highlight the unique history of the area, the camp, and the CCC. Established in 1951, the camp is on the former grounds of the Iron Mountain Mine. The mine opened in 1880 and produced over 25 tons of pig iron a day. The high-quality pig iron was transported by rail from nearby Clipper Gap to foundries statewide.
In 1951, the Iron Mountain Forestry Work Camp was established on part of the old mine site as a firefighter honor camp using low-risk state prisoners. With the establishment of the CCC in 1976, the camp transitioned to a youth career training center teaching conservation skills along with continuing a tradition of firefighting in partnership with CAL FIRE.
Now named Placer Center, today’s corpsmembers learn about firefighting, fuel reduction, tree planting, trail building, hazardous tree removal, and the culinary arts. This new exhibit is reflective of the long, diverse, and important history of this part of California.
From visitor center exhibits to trail side interpretive panels, the NSC Interpretation and Education Division routinely designs a wide range of custom interpretive materials for use in parks throughout the state and for use by other state agencies. From conducting archival research, to writing and exhibit design, including 3D modeling, the NSC has a considerable body of experience in the development of new interpretive materials and facilities as well as the restoration or updating of existing interpretation.
Angeles District Rangers Offer Ride-Alongs for Prospective Applicants
Story from: Cassandra Chavez, Angeles District
 A pelican rescued during the eventful ride-along. Photo from Andrew Fewsmith, Angeles District.
California State Park Rangers offer ride-alongs designed to give the public and future applicants a glimpse into the role of a park ranger. Ride-along participants get to shadow an officer from the passenger seat of the patrol vehicle to physically see what the officer job entails. People interested in the field can use ride-alongs prior to applying to prepare them for the career of a state park peace officer. Ride-alongs are also recommended for current applicants to ensure they understand the career path they intend to follow.
Ride-along participant Eric H. visited Point Dume Nature Preserve on July 2 with Park Ranger Andrew Fewsmith to learn about patrolling the nature preserve while discussing protection within the State Park System and checking in with all the campgrounds to address any visitor needs. He was even involved in transporting a pelican that needed care to a wildlife conservation group, then went on a backcountry patrol in Malibu Creek State Park where he learned about visitor use diversity. Eric mentioned he had an incredible experience and highly recommends those interested in becoming a park ranger to participate in a ride-along at their local state park.
Read Eric's message in the Thank You Notes section below.
Those interested in a ride-along and/or a career as a park ranger are encouraged to reach out to their nearest Park Ranger Station for recruitment opportunities.
  Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
 PARTNER NEWS
State Parks OuterSpatial App Now Includes what3words Integration
Story from: Zack Lock, OuterSpatial and Penny Willoughby, what3words
 Ready to take your outdoor adventures to the next level? We're thrilled to announce the integration of what3words technology into the OuterSpatial app, making it easier than ever to explore California's beautiful state parks. Now, users can pinpoint, share, and navigate with what3word locations in the OuterSpatial app.
Discover hidden gems and navigate with ease
With this integration, finding hidden gems and remote trails has never been simpler. what3words has divided the world into a grid of 10ft x 10ft squares and assigned each with a unique combination of three words. For example, ///tools.melted.studs takes you to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park’s campground entrance.
You can now pinpoint exact locations using just three simple words in OuterSpatial, no matter where you are. This feature is perfect for adventurers and park visitors alike, offering precise location sharing that’s easy to use and understand.
Enhancing safety and coordination
The what3words integration isn't just for exploring; it's also a useful safety tool. Used by emergency services across the globe, what3words allows for swift location identification, even in the most remote areas. In OuterSpatial, you can quickly share a meetup location with friends using the what3words address.
Simply tap the blue dot representing your position on the map to get your current what3words address. You can also long tap anywhere on the map to find the address for any location. This functionality works even when you're offline, making it a reliable tool no matter where your adventures take you.
Seamless navigation and communication
Planning meetup spots or guiding others to specific locations is now effortless. Whether it's a bench, lifeguard tower, or trailhead, every point of interest has a unique, precise address made up of just three words. Sharing a what3words address is as simple as copying and pasting three words, which is much easier to convey than a GPS coordinate. You can share unique locations in OuterSpatial now by long tapping anywhere on the map to find the address and clicking the share button.
With over 10,000 points of interest in California state parks now integrated with what3words, navigating and exploring is more straightforward than ever. Use the search bar within the app to find any what3words address or discover the address for your current location.
Get started with OuterSpatial
Your next unforgettable outdoor experience is just three words away! Download the OuterSpatial app today and start exploring California state parks with confidence. Embrace the future of outdoor adventure with OuterSpatial and what3words.
Railroad Museum and Foundation Partner with Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum on Community Engagement to Result in a Vibrant Mural
Story from: Traci Rockefeller Cusack, T-Rock Communications
 The partnership on community engagement will result in the installation of a vibrant mural inside the Railroad Museum this fall. Photo from Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum.
The California State Railroad Museum (CSRM) and California State Railroad Museum Foundation are proud to partner with Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum (SOJO) on community engagement in July that will result in the installation of a vibrant mural inside the CSRM this fall. Interested community members are invited to participate in "Community Mural Input Sessions" that will be facilitated by SOJO on Saturday, July 20, at 10 a.m. and Friday, July 26, at 5:30 p.m.
The purpose of the engagement sessions is to gather input from the community that reflects the oral stories and images of the railroad and how it has impacted our lives for generations. With overarching themes that highlight innovation and invention along with the concept of past, present, and future, the community mural will be showcased by 2D and 3D art, land/earth artistry, and technology-centered art.
The community engagement sessions are free to attend and will take place in the Stanford Gallery, located at 111 I Street at the Old Sacramento Waterfront (which is adjacent to the Railroad Museum). While not required, advance RSVPs are appreciated via this link.
Another way to share railroad stories with the California State Railroad Museum is to submit them at www.californiarailroad.museum/my-story.
For more information, read the full press release here.
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