Whale Tail Grant Story:
Birding with Families on the Elkhorn Slough
 By: State Coastal Commission
Since 1998, the Coastal Commission has awarded over $20 million in Whale Tail grants to close to over 1,000 grantees, for projects that provide opportunities for primarily inland, rural, and historically excluded communities to experience and learn about the coast and ocean and develop leadership, stewardship, and science-based skills.
Whale Tail grants are supported by purchasing a WHALE TAIL® License Plate or by donating to the Protect Our Coast and Ocean Fund. Grantees such as Bird School Project in Monterey County use funds to support experiential education and stewardship of the California coast and its watersheds.
The Bird School Project used their $19,000 Whale Tail over a period of 18 months to take families on guiding bird-watching trips on and around the Elkhorn Slough. Partnering with organizations such as Watsonville Nature Center, Elkhorn Slough Foundation, Latino Outdoors Central Coast, Community Science Workshop and Ecology Action, they hosted approximately 440 people on bilingual boat trips, nature and birding walks, and community events.
The program successfully introduced families from Watsonville, Castroville, Royal Oaks, Prunedale, Freedom, Pajaro, and Las Lomas, many of whom are low-income, Spanish-speaking Latino families, to the Elkhorn Slough ecosystem. For 81% of participants, this was their first coastal excursion, and 72% had never formally birdwatched before.
This project reinforced the importance of consistent engagement, relationship building, and accessible programming to sustain community interest in birding and conservation. Moving forward, the Bird School Project will explore additional transportation support to improve accessibility for participants from further communities.
Learn more about the Whale Tail Grant program
 By: California State Parks
Get stoked, California! One of the world's most legendary surf spots will take center stage during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. LA28 announced on April 15 that iconic Trestles Beach will stage the Olympic surfing competition.
“California’s natural beauty is world-renowned, and with LA28 it will take center stage for the sport the Golden State is best known for – surfing. We’re looking forward to welcoming the world to explore and bask in all that makes our state a global leader,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
View press release
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While the federal government cuts staffing for national parks, Governor Gavin Newsom celebrated the addition of 32 new state park rangers and lifeguards. These dedicated individuals recently graduated from a rigorous eight-month training program and now join the nation's largest state park system as peace officers and lifeguards.
Those interested in a career with California State Parks can go to parks.ca.gov/jobs.
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Meet Juan Altamirano, director of government affairs at The Trust for Public Land (TPL). He is one of many partners that believe in an Outdoors for All. A coalition of Park Lovers, TPL is a national nonprofit organization that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. Click here to view video.
Seeking Insights:
Surveys from the California Tahoe Conservancy
 Lake Tahoe’s Environment
We invite you to share your thoughts in a brief survey about the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program and the collaborative efforts underway to restore and enhance Lake Tahoe’s environment. Your input will help Lake Tahoe Basin partners better connect with the public, increase awareness, and strengthen support for environmental restoration.
Take the survey.
Tahoe for All Grant Program
The California Tahoe Conservancy seeks your input on a new recreation and public access grant program. The Tahoe for All Grant Program will support programs and projects providing positive and inclusive outdoor experiences in the Lake Tahoe Basin for communities facing barriers to accessing the outdoors at Tahoe.
Share your feedback on the proposed Tahoe for All program goals, grant eligibility, and funding priorities by May 5, 2025.
- Review the Draft Tahoe for All Grant Program Description.
- Send your questions, comments, and feedback to tahoeforall@tahoe.ca.gov.
Delta Conservancy Has $29M.
Where Should It Go?
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy has received $29 million from Proposition 4, the 2024 initiative that authorized bonds for safe drinking water, wildfire prevention, and protecting communities and natural lands from climate risks. The Conservancy will distribute the funds as grants to support projects benefitting the Delta, including community initiatives, habitat restoration, rice conversion, and potentially more. It is seeking community feedback to decide how funds should be used.
Take the survey
May 15
Delta Protection Commission meets at 5 p.m. (agenda).
May 19
San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy meets at 1:30 p.m. (agenda).
May 28
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy meets at 9 a.m. (agenda will be available at least 10 days prior to the meeting).
June 12
California Tahoe Conservancy Board will meet, time TBD (agenda will be available at least 10 days prior to the meeting).
The Trailblazer newsletter is issued each month to deliver up-to-date information on the Outdoors for All Initiative. This initiative (movement) is expanding parks and outdoor spaces in communities that need them the most, supporting programs to connect people who lack access, fostering a sense of belonging for all Californians outdoors, and much more. For questions or comments, please contact: outdoors@resources.ca.gov.
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