Nov. 22, 2024

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Los Angeles State Historic Park

Two hawks at an early morning corporate meeting.

Photo from Marvin Mendez, Angeles District

WHAT'S NEW

Is Your Park Hosting A First Day Hike?

Story from: Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division

We are almost at the end of the year and California State Parks is gearing up to start 2025 in a positive and healthy way with the annual First Day Hikes, on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Californians and visitors from around the world will have the opportunity to hike among the gentle redwoods, or learn about the geology of the desert, or catch a glimpse of bald eagles and other unique wildlife.

First Day Hikes is a national-led effort that encourages individuals and families to experience, with a seasoned guide, the beautiful natural and cultural resources found in the outdoors and in doing so may inspire them to take advantage of these treasures throughout the year and an individual’s lifetime.

State Park’s First Day Hikes webpage—parks.ca.gov/FirstDayHikes—is currently being updated to include hikes happening across the state. The webpage is more interactive, as the public will be able to search a map of locations by park name, county, and region. Visitors will also be able to see the status of the hike and the last time it was updated, and by zooming into the map, they can find hikes taking place near that region.

If your park is planning to host a hike, please email Jorge Moreno and Angelica De La Peña to learn how you can easily submit your park hike information. We’d like to have your park information by Friday, Dec. 5.

Reminder: Last Chance to Enter the 'Feels Like Fall' Photo Contest

Story from: Jo Biswas, Communications and Marketing Division

Photos for the “Feels Like Fall” contest can be taken at any of the 280 state parks from Sept. 22 to Dec. 10.

ADVENTURE OF THE MONTH

Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Area Offers Off-Highway Recreation and Unique Desert Experiences

Story from: Andreas Agocs, Communications and Marketing Division

The sun rises over Devil's Slide at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area in this drone photo. Watch the video and read the story about the park's feature on the State Parks blog. Photo from Andres Weishaupt, Communications and Marketing Division.

“People always say there’s nothing in the desert,” said Ocotillo Wells District Interpreter III Taylour Unzicker, “but give me 100 square yards and I’ll show you what you can find.” With its approximately 85,000 acres, Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Area (SVRA) is a lot larger than that, and the 130 square miles of open desert attract hundreds of thousands of off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts every year to the eastern edge of San Diego County. However, for those willing to explore the desert at a slower pace, the park also offers landscapes of stark beauty, astonishingly resilient plants and wildlife, and traces of thousands of years of human activity and culture.

On weekends during the riding season from October through May, Ocotillo Wells SVRA roars with the noise of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-sides, and dirt bikes. The park provides visitors with a unique family and outdoors experience. “Especially for kids,” said Taylour, “coming to an OHV park is a great chance to learn to respect the desert.” One of the most challenging sites is the 200-foot-high Devil’s Slide in the park’s west, with riders climbing the steep sand dunes and granite slopes for great views over the desert expanses. Another popular stop is the Pumpkin Patch, with its globular sandstone concretions. At the more remote Gas Domes, water and gas rise to the surface to form bubbling, muddy waterholes. And on Shell Reef, the remnant of an ancient ocean floor that was pushed up about 4 million years ago, the fossils of seashells are clearly visible in the rock.

Ocotillo Wells’ name was derived from oil wells that were drilled to explore the area until the late 20th century, most of them without much success. But more than by oil, the park has been shaped by water. The park is crisscrossed by washes running into the basin that is now partly filled by the Salton Sea State Recreation Area. A stretch of Tule Wash Trail, a dry creek bed fenced in by rock walls and tall sand dunes, conveys why Sahara-themed Hollywood films have been shot at the park (the SVRA’s scenery was also featured in science fiction productions like “The Andromeda Strain” and “The X-Files”).

The sparse creosote shrubs that dot the landscape are not the only life in the desert. Coyotes, kit foxes, kangaroo rats, and brush rabbits seek out sand dunes where mesquite bushes trap wind-borne nutrients and moisture. Flat-tail horned lizards, perfectly camouflaged and half buried in the sand, snack on tasty harvester ants.

And long before OHVs, there was human activity and culture. Associate State Archeologist Alex Napier explained the park’s area has been at the crossroads of trade routes for Native Kumeyaay, Cahuilla, and other tribes. As part of the department’s Reexamining Our Past Initiative, State Parks cooperated with the tribes, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Kumeyaay Diegueño Land Conservancy, to rename a site in the park. Instead of a racial slur, the peak now carries the name Mat Puy Nah Achhuukaayp, "the place over there where we go to trade" in the Kumeyaay Ipai language.

Click here to read the full story and watch the video on the State Parks blog.

The diverse desert landscapes of Ocotillo Wells SVRA: Top: A look east from Devil’s Slide at sunrise. Much of the park lies in a former lakebed. Photo from Andreas Agocs, Communications and Marketing Division. Bottom left: Tule Wash Trail is surrounded by rock walls and sand dunes. Bottom right: Gas Domes with its bubbling water holes. Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.

Top left: A park visitor on a dirt bike climbing the sandy slope of Devil’s Slide. Top right: Marine fossils at Shell Reef. Some of the rock formations at Ocotillo Wells SVRA were parts of an ancient ocean floor that was pushed upward about 4 million years ago. Bottom left: These rocks at the Pumpkin Patch are cemented sand concretions around bone or shell fragments that were exposed by wind and water erosion. Bottom right: No bad hair days in the desert: A flat-tail horned lizard is excited to pose for the State Parks senior photographer. Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.

Videographer Andres Weishaupt at the Gas Domes. The bubbling mud stems from water mixed with gas that rises from cracks in the desert floor. Top right: Associate State Archeologist Alex Napier at the mesquite sand dunes of Barrel Springs Cultural Reserve. Bottom left: Research Writer Andreas Agocs and Interpreter III Taylour Unzicker on Shell Reef at sunrise. Bottom right: These rock sediments in Tule Wash testify to the force of the water that carved out the washes of Ocotillo Wells SVRA. Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.

FIELD REPORT

Pit River Tribe and State Parks Sign Memorandum of Understanding

Story from: Dena Mitchell, Cultural Resources Division

State Parks Director Armando Quintero and Pit River Tribal Chairman Yatch Bamford shake hands after signing the Memorandum of Understanding in front of Pit River Tribal Council representatives at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park on Nov. 1. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.

The Pit River Tribe and California State Parks recently announced the signing of a 5-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU includes state parks which lie within the Pit River Tribe’s ancestral homelands and identifies areas and activities for the tribe and State Parks to coordinate and work on together, including the protection and preservation of natural and cultural resources, and interpretation in the parks.

Pit River Tribal Chairman Yatch Bamford and State Parks Director Armando Quintero executed the MOU during a formal signing on Nov. 1 in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. The event was attended by Pit River Tribal Council leadership and tribal citizens, as well as State Parks leadership and staff.

“Since time immemorial our ancestors lived and cared for these lands. These places were not just homes but sacred spaces where traditions were born, knowledge was passed, and culture thrived. It is our responsibility to continue to protect and access these lands [which] have sustained our people and will continue to do so for future generations,” Chairman Bamford said to the crowd during the event.

The MOU facilitates cooperation on plant management and habitats, including incorporating traditional ecological knowledge in management planning and activities, and working together on water monitoring. The MOU also specifies collaboration on interpretation in the parks to provide more accurate and inclusive history and ecological interpretation.

“Establishing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Pit River Tribe represents a formal and historic recognition by the State of California of the tribe's rightful connections to their ancestral lands," said Director Quintero. "This agreement not only affirms the state’s commitment to honoring the Pit River Tribe's sovereignty and cultural heritage but also strengthens and deepens the relationship between the tribes and the state, ensuring greater access to and stewardship of their sacred lands. Engaging with tribes in state parks is an essential step toward acknowledging the invaluable contributions of California’s first peoples, safeguarding their languages, traditions, and profound ecological knowledge, and advancing a future of shared stewardship that honors both Indigenous heritage and the enduring power of these extraordinary landscapes.”

Left to right: Northern Buttes District Superintendent Matt Teague, Director Quintero, and Chairman Bamford. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.

Bowtie Wetland Demonstration Project Breaks Ground at Rio de Los Angeles State Park

Story and photos from: Angeles District

Top left: State Parks Director Armando Quintero addresses guests of the groundbreaking ceremony. Top right: Exhibits explain the Bowtie Wetland Demonstration Project. Bottom left: The future home of the project. Bottom right: Attendees, clockwise from top left: Brenda Yancor, Stephanie Campbell, Maggie Jenkins, Liz McGuirk, Armando Quintero, Richard Fink, Aly Velloze, Kelsey Henck, and Sue Bell Yank.

The groundbreaking of the first phase of the Bowtie Wetland Demonstration Project, a strip of land along the Los Angeles River in northeast Los Angeles and part of Rio de Los Angeles State Park, occurred on Nov. 20. This exciting initiative, a collaboration between The Nature Conservancy and California State Parks, will transform a former Southern Pacific Railroad yard into a new state park filled with native plants, walking paths, and much-needed green space for the local community.

The Bowtie Wetland Demonstration Project is centered around nature-based climate solutions, harnessing the power of plants and trees to address urban challenges. These natural elements help reduce temperatures, improve air and water quality, and provide vital habitat for wildlife. Additionally, green spaces have a positive impact on human well-being, offering a respite from urban life and the effects of climate change.

Community engagement has played a vital role in shaping this project, ensuring it reflects the needs and desires of local residents. As the project progresses, The Nature Conservancy and its partners will continue to work closely with the community.

The groundbreaking ceremony featured remarks from community leaders and The Nature Conservancy’s Kelsey Jessup. Other attendees included Raúl Macías, the founder of Anahuak Youth Sports Association, State Parks Director Armando Quintero, Angeles District Superintendent Richard Fink, Executive Director Sue Bell Yank of Clockshop, Executive Director Joe Edmiston of Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. 

Conservation Corps Members Benefit from Projects and Workshops with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division

Story from: Sarah Miggins, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division 

Greater Valley Conservation Corps members joined Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division staff in Sacramento to learn how to effectively apply and interview for jobs with State Parks and other natural resources agencies. Photo from Sarah Miggins, OHMVR Division.

Just over one year ago, the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division provided a tour of park operations at Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) for the OHMVR Commission and members of several regional conservation corps, with a particular focus on careers available at State Parks. During each stop along the tour, staff from Prairie City SVRA, the OHMVR Division, and the State Parks Recruitment Office presented information about opportunities in cultural resources, environmental sciences, historic preservation, law enforcement, and maintenance. With the ages of participating corpsmembers ranging from 18 to 26, many expressed interest in gaining future employment with natural resources agencies like State Parks.

Since then, members from Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps have worked on projects at Prairie City SVRA, and Urban Conservation Corps of the Inland Empire crews have assisted with several OHMVR grant projects. Additionally, the OHMVR Division has led several workshops with the Greater Valley Conservation Corps (GVCC) this year. The impact of these workshops on participants has been significant, shaping their understanding of future careers and job skills.

The most recent workshop was hosted by the OHMVR Division on Nov. 13 at the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) building in Sacramento. The OHMVR team provided feedback on resumes, information on navigating CalCareers, advice on completing required forms, and how to effectively share skills and knowledge during mock interviews. All agreed the day was a success and mutually meaningful as everyone shared at the end, including one young man who joined GVCC after leaving his native Ukraine. His final mock interview will stick with me forever - his smile was so big and promising.

Clockwise from left: OHMVR Division staff engage GVCC members in discussing interview skills and navigating the CalCareers website. GVCC staff and members in front of artist Dawn Pedersen's sidewalk mural outside the CNRA Headquarters in Sacramento. Photos from Sarah Miggins, OHMVR Division. Members of GVCC listen as State Parks Director Armando Quintero addresses tour participants at Prairie City SVRA last year. Photo from Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division. 

PORTScast Highlights Keystone Species and Cultural Connections for Native American Heritage Month

Story from: Erika Delemarre and Hannah Sarver, Interpretation and Education Division 

Clockwise from top left: State Park Interpreter I Isabella Brown discusses how sea otters are keystone species and crucial to healthy kelp forest habitats. Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park (SP) Interpreter I Kyle Buchanan welcomes students and talks about the importance of salmon and all the life they support. State Park Interpreter I Violet Smith explains the cultural significance of red abalone to the Rumsen Tribe. Sue-meg SP Senior Park Aide Cochise Nez holds up a stuffed Chinook salmon while explaining to viewers the cultural significance of salmon to the Yurok Tribe. Photos from Interpretation and Education Division.

In honor of Native American Heritage Month coastal interpreters from Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (SP), Sue-meg SP, and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (SNR) came together for a special PORTScast highlighting the biological and cultural importance of keystone species on Nov. 8.

More than 600 K-12 students from across the state tuned in for this special PORTScast to learn about how iconic California species, including chinook salmon, red abalone, and southern sea otters play essential roles in their coastal and river ecosystems. The program also explored the cultural significance of these special species to Indigenous peoples in California.

The program kicked off at Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP, where State Park Interpreter I Kyle Buchanan explained how keystone species play integral roles to healthy, balanced ecosystems. He explained how salmon are a critical part to not only rivers but also the ocean. Senior Park Aide Cochise Nez, at Sue-meg SP, shared the cultural significance of Chinook salmon to the Yurok people, explaining how they are fished using homemade nets. Cochise described the species as an important food source for the Yurok Tribe as well as other Native American tribes throughout California and beyond. Students learned a few Yurok words such as ney-puey (salmon) and we-na’-a-wook, the nets used to catch them.

Interpreters Isabella Brown and Violet Smith joined the program from Coal Shoot Point in Point Lobos SNR to discuss the southern sea otter and several species of abalone. Isabella shared the crucial role sea otters play in maintaining healthy and balanced kelp forest habitats. Violet provided an overview of the different abalone species in California and their cultural significance to the local Rumsen people as well as other native tribes across the state and country. She explained how abalone has always been an important food source and how Indigenous people use abalone shells to make bowls, shovels, and regalia for formal or special occasions and ceremonies.

The interpreters highlighted how all three species are currently listed as endangered and stressed the challenges they face, such as human-caused climate change, pollution, and habitat modifications like dams. However, the program wrapped up with a hopeful stewardship message: These species are protected by different federal and state regulations as well as California’s network of 124 marine protected areas which limit human impacts while still allowing for coastal recreation and enjoyment. The students learned actions they can take at home to help keep these animals and their habitats safe and healthy, including reducing plastic pollution and being good stewards when visiting a park or beach.

The Interpretation and Education Division applauds the interpreters for their hard work and collaboration to provide an informative and engaging program for Native American Heritage Month. You can watch this special PORTScast on the PORTS (Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students)® Program YouTube channel here.

Calling all CA State Parks Employees! Be a part of something greater with the Our Promise Campaign. Support the causes you care about through Cal Employee Connect to make a huge impact in someone’s life. The campaign ends next month, so don’t miss your opportunity to give! Please watch: Tomiquia Moss on the impact of OurPromise

Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.

NOW HIRING

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

JOB SPOTLIGHTS

Park Interpretive Specialist (Sacramento - Seasonal) – Deadlines extend into January 2025: Do you have a passion for nature, history, and education? California State Parks is looking for enthusiastic Park Interpretive Specialists to inspire and connect visitors with our state's rich natural, cultural, and historical heritage. In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead engaging educational walks, captivating tours, and memorable campfire programs. You will also promote conservation by highlighting the importance of natural resources, while maintaining dynamic exhibits and self-guided trails that encourage exploration. Click here to view opportunities and to apply.

Guide Trainee, Historical Monument (Sacramento and Monterey, CA - Seasonal) – Apply by next week, Nov. 26: California State Parks is hiring for Guide Trainees, Historical Monument to lead engaging tours at historical sites across the state. In this role, you will receive training in historical interpretation and guide visitors through iconic landmarks while protecting the sites and educating others. If you're passionate about history, enjoy interacting with the public, and want to contribute to preserving California's heritage, apply today! Click here and to view opportunities and to apply or connect with your local California State Park.

Senior Park Aides (Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, and Monterey - Seasonal) – Deadlines extend into December: Are you passionate about nature and eager to make a difference? We are looking for dynamic Senior Park Aides to lead our seasonal team in creating unforgettable experiences for visitors! In this exciting role, you will operate kiosks, manage fee collections, and engage with park visitors from around the world. You will also have the opportunity to train and inspire junior staff, coordinate housekeeping activities, and assist with various campfire and educational programs that connect people with the beauty of the outdoors. Click here to view opportunities and to apply or connect with your local California State Park.

EXAM SPOTLIGHTS 

Assistant State Archeologist (11/30/2024):  This entry-level position offers hands-on experience under supervision, where you will assist in preparing cultural resource inventory documents and implementing new projects. As you grow your skills, you will take on greater responsibilities, including the collection, preservation, and management of archaeological materials. If you are passionate about history and eager to contribute to preserving our cultural heritage, apply now and start your adventure in archaeology! Click here for more information. 

Associate State Archeologist (11/30/2024): In this full journey-level position, you will engage exciting challenges in archaeological investigation and cultural resource management. You will lead major excavation projects, provide invaluable research insights, and shape project budgets while preparing scientific publications that contribute to our understanding of history. You will also represent our department in engaging discussions with government entities and educational institutions, ensuring that our cultural resources are preserved for future generations. Click here for more information.

Park Maintenance Assistant (12/31/2024) In this exciting role, you will ensure the cleanliness of our beloved park units, ensuring a pristine experience for visitors. You will work alongside experienced maintenance staff on complex projects which will help you gain valuable hands-on experience. You may also have the opportunity to lead and mentor less experienced team members. If you're ready for a fulfilling job that makes a real impact in nature, we hope that you apple! Click here for more information. 

WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHT:

Maintenance Webinar (12/4/2024 at 5 p.m.): Join us for a free virtual Maintenance Career Webinar! This is a great opportunity to gain insights into the critical role of maintenance at California State Parks. Whether you're looking to advance your career in maintenance or just want to hear firsthand about the state hiring process with the State of California, come join us to learn more about how you can apply. We look forward to meeting you! Click here to learn more.

Senior Maintenance Aides at Hearst Castle Coffee Chat (12/5/2024 at noon): Looking to learn more about how you can apply for this rewarding career in our beautiful and historic Hearst Castle? Drop in any time during this virtual "Coffee Chat" session to ask questions and get answers on how to apply. This is a great position for anyone interested in starting a career in Parks, and an incredible opportunity to work around and handle priceless works of art. This is free and open to the public. Click here to learn more.

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!

LIVE THE PARKS LIFE IN STYLE

Style tips (Thanksgiving edition)! Before you dive into the turkey and mashed potatoes, let’s make sure your holiday content is perfectly written with these timely tips:

• Turkey Talk: The main course is “turkey,” not “Turkey.” Only capitalize “Turkey” when referring to the country. “Carving” the turkey doesn’t need to be capitalized, even though it's a key part of the meal.
  
  
• Sides Style: Use lowercase for general dishes like “cornbread,” “cranberry relish,” and “roasted vegetables.” Capitalize if it’s part of a proper name or brand (e.g., “Grandma’s Secret Recipe Mashed Potatoes”). Don’t confuse “sweet potatoes” with “yams” — they’re different! Use lowercase for both terms. “Gravy” is always lowercase, even if it's the star of your meal.
  
  
• The Macy’s Parade: If referencing the famous parade, use “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” with full capitalization, as it's the official name of the New York City event. You can shorten it to “the parade” in subsequent references, but keep it lowercase.

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. 

POSTCARDS

Antioch Historical Museum

Diablo Range District staff attended the Delta Heritage Forum on Nov. 15, at the Antioch Historical Museum and spread the word about the Delta Meadows Classification and General Plan. From left to right: District Planner Megan Harrison, Cultural Program Manager Amanda Blosser, Planning Analyst Reanna Trujillo. 

Photo from Holly Heyser, Delta Protection Commission

Empire Mine State Historic Park

From left to right: Senior Park Aides Caleb Longest and Doris Day at the park's visitor center and Volunteer Tarry N. at the gift shop. On a cool Saturday morning, as people of all ages streamed into the visitor center for a guided mine tour, all three welcomed them with beaming smiles. “This park really does have something for everyone,” said Doris.

Photos from Jo Biswas, Communications and Marketing Division

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Volunteer Chris Jones walking in the forest by Stonewall Mine.

Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

Hearst San Simeon State Park

We had an awesome bobcat sighting!

Photo from Carly Jackson-Clark, San Luis Obispo Coast District

La Purísima Mission State Historic Park

State Parks rangers, responding to multiple reports of an injured owl in the park, located a great horned owl at a mission-era cistern. The owl had a visible injury to its wing and was turned over to the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network for assessment. Wildlife veterinarians identified multiple indications of traumatic injury and elected to humanely euthanize the owl.

Photo from Channel Coast District staff

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

A vulture flying in front of the sun.

Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

La Purísima Mission State Historic Park

A red-shouldered hawk observes park staff from atop the Residence Building at dusk.

Photo from Channel Coast District staff

Empire Mine State Historic Park

The park's hiking trails ablaze with fall colors.

Photo from Jo Biswas, Communications and Marketing Division

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Black oaks with fall color.

Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

Olompali State Historic Park

Rainbow over the park sign.

Photo from Derek Shelly, Bay Area District

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area

No need to worry, this tree is not on fire. That is just the sun rising behind it.

Photo from Shawn Alberti, Diablo Range District

Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Here are some upcoming State Parks events. For a list of more upcoming events, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/events. 

Sunday, Nov. 24

• Fall Hiking along the North Fork—Folsom Lake State Recreational Area, 9 a.m. – noon: Learn about the plants, animals, and geology of the trails along the North Fork of the American River. This will be a 4-mile hike, out-and-back, so please be ready and able to hike the full distance of moderate level difficulty trail. We will stop frequently to make observations and have discussions. The trail will be somewhat uneven, unpaved dirt and sand with some elevation changes. It’s mostly shady and could be cool. Please come prepared with closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, and long lightweight light-colored pants for leg protection. The weather in November can change quickly, so please check the forecast the morning of and dress appropriately. RSVP for this event via this Google form: https://forms.gle/qs9t1iiavJsnJLMZ6.

Friday, Nov. 29

• Black Friday Discovering the Floodplain—Dos Rios at 10 a.m.: It's Black Friday! Forego the shops and take a walk! Join a State Park Interpreter for a two-hour walk and learn the many benefits of a floodplain. As you meander through the floodplain forest, keep your eye out for species that call Dos Rios home. Learn about the ecosystem and biodiversity that exists within this beautiful river side habitat. No reservation needed. Meet at the Welcome Center. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, bring plenty of water and snacks or plan to bring your lunch and enjoy the ramadas along the pond.
• Adventure Pass Mystery Hike—Chino Hills State Park at 10 a.m.: Our fourth-grade adventure pass holders are invited to bring their friends and families on a 1 mile, easy mystery hike. Will we see wildlife? Will we see creepy crawly insects? Will it rain on us? No one knows! It’s a mystery! The trailhead for the hike will be announced upon arrival at the kiosk.

NEWS RELEASES

Nov. 20

• Office of Historic Preservation Announces Start of the State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program

NEWS CLIPS

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.

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.