 Bringing you updates on California's Outdoors for All movement
August & September 2025
Best Fall Hikes in California
Story by: Visit California
 Feel a briskness in the air? As the sun slants closer to the horizon, autumn paints a warm-hued palette on California’s forests. Dried leaves crunch underfoot. Tawny hillsides beckon. Diminishing daylight sends an urgent message: Get outside now.
Savor leafy splendor on these best fall hikes in California and prepare to “fall” in love with the Golden State’s season of gold.
Some of the locations include:
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Palomar Mountain State Park, 60 miles northeast of San Diego
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Oak Glen Preserve, 80 miles east of Los Angeles
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Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 20 miles of Redding
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Castle Rock State Park, 60 miles south of San Francisco
California Natural Resources Agency Hosts Discussion on California's Climate Bond
THIS MONDAY, September 29 I Noon to 1:30 p.m.
State leaders just allocated $3.3 billion in Climate Bond funding for the coming year, which is the first phase of a historic investment to protect our communities and natural resources in the face of worsening climate change. This funding was made possible by California voters approving a $10 billion bond through Proposition 4 in 2024. Join us to learn more about how the climate bond will be implemented in coming months. We’ll hear from agency leaders, learn actions underway to ensure funds are allocated efficiently and effectively, and chart out next steps for bond funding programs.
WHAT: Secretary Speaker Series: Launching California’s Climate Bond – What’s Next?
WHEN: Monday, September 29, 2025; noon to 1:30 p.m.
WHO:
- Wade Crowfoot, Secretary, California Natural Resources Agency
- Lauren Sanchez, Chair, California Air Resources Board
- Sarah Swig, Deputy Cabinet Secretary, Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom
- Samuel Assefa, Director, Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation
- Christine Birdsong, Undersecretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture
- Yana Garcia, Secretary, California Environmental Protection Agency
- Noaki Schwartz, Deputy Secretary, Equity and Environmental Justice, California Natural Resources Agency
- Julie Alvis, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration, California Natural Resources Agency
- Clesi Bennett, Nature-Based Solutions Program Manager, California Natural Resources Agency
Secretary Speaker Series:
Honoring Latino Heritage Through Nature, Outdoor Recreation, and Community Engagement
Monday, October 6 I Noon to 1 p.m.
Join us for a powerful webinar celebrating the leadership, stories, and contributions of Latino trailblazers and visionaries who are shaping meaningful connections to nature and the outdoors -- Honoring Latino Heritage Through Nature, Outdoor Recreation, and Community Engagement.
At a time when federal immigration actions have left many Latinos feeling fearful and uncertain about enjoying outdoor spaces, this conversation offers hope, resilience, and inspiration. We will uplift leaders who are honoring heritage, breaking down barriers, and creating new opportunities for nature, recreation, and community connection. Together, we will explore how Latino heritage is deeply and beautifully tied to land, and how these traditions continue to guide us toward a healthier, more inclusive future outdoors.
This Speaker Series is one of the many events that the California Natural Resources Agency, and its departments, conservancies and partners, are hosting to celebrate this year’s Latino Heritage Month (September 15-October 15). View Events
Latinos are California’s largest ethnic group, with diverse roots throughout the Americas, indigenous communities of Latin America and Africa, and beyond. Generations of Latinos have helped shape our society, economy, culture, and values since our state’s beginning. The leadership, service, and vision of Latinos continues to enrich all facets of American life.
CNRA’s theme for this year, “Esperanza en Acción: Honoring Roots, Defending Nature,” celebrates the deep connections between cultural heritage, community resilience, and environmental stewardship. It recognizes the strength and hope rooted in Latino traditions and honors the ongoing efforts to protect California’s natural and cultural resources.
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Celebrates Annual Rededication
Saturday, October 11 I 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 Scenes from this year's Juneteenth celebration at Col. Allensworth State Historic Park. Photos from California State Parks.
California State Park’s Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park will celebrate its Annual Rededication on Saturday, October 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s event is part of California State Parks’ yearlong celebration of the Golden State’s 175th anniversary of statehood and will be co-sponsored by the California State Parks Foundation. Visitors will be able to enjoy a day of history and culture with live music, dancing, historical reenactments, and speakers.
First dedicated in October 1976 during the nation’s Bicentennial, the park preserves the legacy of Allensworth, a unique township that was founded, financed and governed by African Americans. The Annual Rededication highlights this remarkable history and celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans to the development of California.
The annual event will also host a variety of food vendors and merchandise available for purchase. This year, visitors will also have a special travel option: Amtrak San Joaquin is adding a stop at the park, making it easier than ever to join the celebration.
California Celebrates 175 Years of Statehood
 On September 9, California officially marked the beginning of its 175th anniversary of statehood with festivities honoring the Golden State’s history, people, and spirit of innovation. The day began with the First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom cutting cake at the California State Library, followed by a block party hosted by California State Parks capped by Governor Gavin Newsom, Senate President pro Tem Mike McGuire and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas starting a laser show that stretched from the State Capitol to the Tower Bridge.
The celebration continues all year long! Visit celebrate.ca.gov to learn about events happening in your area and share on social media using hashtag #CA175.
From Surfing to Wheelchair Basketball, Chalk Art Illustrates California’s Outdoors for All Initiative
 Art Chalk by: Artists AJ Kute and Jorge Rodriguez. Watch video of how the chalk art was created.
The California Natural Resources Agency’s Plaza came to life with a mural celebrating an Outdoors for All. In this artwork, a young girl pulls back a curtain to reveal a world alive with inclusion and joy. Behind her, silhouettes come to life: a wheelchair athlete playing basketball, a surfer riding the waves, a climber scaling new heights, a skier racing downhill, a child hula hooping under a tree, and someone leaping with pure excitement. Together, these scenes remind us that the outdoors welcomes everyone.
A heartfelt thank you to artists AJ Kute and Jorge Rodriguez whose chalk art so powerfully illustrates an Outdoors for All, reflecting on the themes of love, connection, thriving, co-creating, and belonging.
Championed by Governor Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California created the Outdoors for All initiative to expand access to the outdoors. In partnership with a broad array of governments, community organizations and tribes, California is expanding parks and outdoor spaces in communities that need them the most, supporting programs to connect with people who lack access, fostering a sense of belonging for all Californians outdoors, and much more.
We invite you to visit the Outdoors for All website – you’ll find links to public outdoor spaces at state parks and beyond, safety tips, grant programs, a partner kit, and much more!
Let the Adventures Begin! California State Parks and First Partner Invite Fourth Graders and Their Families to Experience the State’s Unmatched Beauty and History for Free
Story by: California State Parks and First Partner’s Office
With the school year getting into full swing, California State Parks, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and the California Natural Resources Agency are inviting parents of fourth graders in California public schools to download the free California State Park Adventure Pass. The pass opens the door to California’s stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, granting students and their families a year of free entry to 54 select state parks full of sandy beaches and desert canyons, majestic redwood forests and eye-opening historic sites.
Championed by the First Partner, whose California for All Kids initiatives support children’s physical, mental and social-emotional well-being, and the Newsom Administration’s Outdoors for All initiative, the California State Park Adventure Pass expands the opportunity for fourth graders and their families to enjoy the benefits of connecting with nature, each other, and their communities.
The pass for this school year’s fourth graders is valid until Aug. 31, 2026. To date, more than 89,000 passes have opened new doors and fostered a love of state parks for California fourth graders.
Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot Visits Fresno
Story by: San Joaquin River Conservancy
Earlier this month, the San Joaquin River Conservancy and partners were honored to host Secretary Crowfoot for a meaningful visit to the San Joaquin Parkway. From the Spano Park overlook above River West Fresno, they discussed the exciting improvements underway and the future of this vital green space. Joining them were Fresno City Council President Karbassi, the City of Fresno Parks Department, and the dedicated project managers behind the River West Project. Collaboration like this is what drives progress!
Whale Tail Grantee Highlight
Story by: California Coastal Commission
The California Coastal Commission’s WHALE TAIL® Grants support projects that connect people to the California Coast and its watersheds through education, stewardship, and outdoor experiences. Started in 1998 after the new WHALE TAIL® License Plate established a funding source, the program emphasizes engaging communities that face barriers accessing coastal opportunities.
A WHALE TAIL® Grant is supporting BORP Adaptive Sports & Recreation (BORP) in leading adaptive kayaking day trips. BORP empowers people with mobility and vision disabilities through sports, fitness, and recreational programs that foster independence, health, community, and belonging. On a kayaking trip at MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline in Oakland, seven participants with disabilities enjoyed paddling and environmental interpretation. For three participants, it was their first time kayaking. BORP is also assessing and documenting the trip locations to help paddlers with disabilities plan accessible kayaking adventures. Check out their kayaking page for their kayak location profiles.
“It was fun stepping out of my comfort zone and trying out kayaking. I was a little nervous as one can be trying something new such as kayaking but the people working with BORP made me feel safe and comfortable throughout the whole experience. It was such a joy to get out on to the water to paddle…” - Alecia W., Trip Participant
Thank you to BORP and program participants for showing that coastal experiences are for everyone! If you’d like to support grants that promote coastal access and connection, check out the WHALE TAIL® License Plate. You can also check out the WHALE TAIL® Grants webpage in early October when the new grant round’s guidelines & application will be posted.
San Joaquin River Conservancy Board Renames Ball Ranch to K’uik’ui Ranch
 After over a year of engagement with the public, consultation with Native American tribes, and an online naming contest held in partnership with the San Joaquin River Parkway Trust, the San Joaquin River Conservancy Board members voted to unanimously adopt K’uik’ui (Kwik-kwee) Ranch, proposed by a Native American Community Partner, as the new name for the property historically known as Ball Ranch.
Nestled in Fresno, K’uik’ui Ranch offers a range of outdoor experiences, including horseback riding, pond fishing, mountain biking, peaceful nature walks, and opportunities for wildlife observation and appreciation.
CDFW Awards $2.5 Million for Golden Mussel Response and Boating Access Projects
Earlier this week, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced the award of $2.5 million in grants for five projects to support public recreational boating access to state waterways. These projects will help prevent the spread of invasive golden mussels, improve public access to California’s waterways, expand recreational boating opportunities, and promote stewardship of aquatic resources.
”Supporting safe and reliable access for all boaters and anglers means investing in boating facilities as well as protecting our waterways from invasive species,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “A portion of this grant funding will directly support California’s response to limiting the spread of golden mussels as part of a larger ongoing coordinated effort.”
Demolition Has Begun for Former Motel 6 on Environmentally Sensitive Land
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The California Tahoe Conservancy, in partnership with the Department of General Services, has begun demolishing the vacant buildings at the former Motel 6 site on the Conservancy’s Upper Truckee Marsh South Property in South Lake Tahoe. Demolition of the adjacent motel buildings is underway. Two buildings are gone, and the third will go later this summer or fall, following the abatement of hazardous building material in that structure.
The Conservancy is grateful to all the funding partners who helped us to acquire this property and remove the aging development to make way for future environmental restoration and public access and recreation improvements: the California Wildlife Conservation Board, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Tahoe Fund, and League to Save Lake Tahoe.
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California State Parks and Save the Redwoods League Announce the Reopening of Pfeiffer Falls Trail in Big Sur
 Pictured above: Pfeiffer Falls Trail Bridge was damaged by a fallen redwood tree in 2023, leading to a temporary trail closure. Photo from California State Parks.
In 2008, Pfeiffer Falls Trail was devastated by the 162,818-acre Basin Complex Fire. In 2017, Save the Redwoods League partnered with California State Parks for an extensive renovation of the trail, including a reimagined trail alignment, the removal of asphalt and concrete pathing, installation of new signage and the construction of the pedestrian bridge. The trail reopened in 2021, until a redwood tree fell during a storm and destroyed part of the trail’s bridge in early 2023, forcing another closure.
With Pfeiffer Falls Trail now reopened to the public, visitors can hike to Pfeiffer Falls and complete the 1.5-mile loop that it forms, along with the connecting Valley View Trail within the park.
Grand Opening of Ensen Community Park Brings Long-awaited Green Space to Salinas Families
Story by: Big Sur Land Trust
 Picture courtesy of Amy Hutzel, Coastal Conservancy’s Executive Director
On Sunday, August 17, Ensen Community Park opened to the public. The six-acre neighborhood park is the first phase of a visionary plan to transform 73 acres at Carr Lake—a seasonally dry lakebed in the heart of Salinas—into a vibrant public green space. With its playground, sports courts, skate park, picnic tables, dog play areas, and walking paths, the neighborhood park is serving as a recreational haven for thousands of nearby families.
For decades, residents in Salinas—particularly in East Salinas where parks are scarce—have envisioned Carr Lake as a place for families to gather, play, and connect with nature. Although Carr Lake spans over 480 acres in the center of the city, it remained largely undeveloped and used mainly for agriculture.
State of California funders included California State Coastal Conservancy, California State Parks, California Natural Resources Agency, and the Wildlife Conservation Board.
Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy Connecting Underserved Youth and Families with Desert Landscapes
Story by: Maximiliano Ochoa, Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy
 Pictured above: Nature Niños Campers.
Earlier this year, Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy awarded $280,000 to the Council of Mexican Federation in North America (COFEM) to advance the Coachella Defensores de Tierras Públicas program, connecting underserved youth and families with desert landscapes. Through Nature Niños and Nuestro Desierto, participants enjoy clean-ups, hikes, restoration projects, and hands-on camping workshops while learning outdoor skills and conservation stewardship. The fourth-year Nature Niños cohort is now underway, expanding access to environmental education and fostering pathways into conservation careers. By combining community engagement, cultural connection, and equitable access to the outdoors, COFEM’s programs embody California’s Outdoors for All initiative and inspire the next generation of desert defenders.
Point Molote Bay Trail Extension Project Officially Underway in Richmond
Story by: East Bay Regional Park District
 Pictured above: Speakers from the groundbreaking event.
East Bay Regional Park District board members, leadership, and staff joined with elected officials, City of Richmond representatives, and community leaders on Friday, August 1, to break ground on the construction of the Point Molate Bay Trail Extension Project in Richmond.
The event marked the start of construction of 2.5 miles of new San Francisco Bay Trail from the City of Richmond’s Point Molate Beach Park to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. New public access will include an all-weather, multi-use, ADA-compliant trail, along with parking, restrooms, and picnic areas at Point Molate Beach Park. It also lays the groundwork for future access to public open space and unpaved trails.
The $13.1 million project is funded in part by Park District measures CC, FF, and WW, as well the City of Richmond, California State Coastal Conservancy, California Natural Resources Agency, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and California State Parks.
Dockside Podcast: Nature and Recreation for All
 In this bilingual episode (Spanish starting at 26:42), Jose Gonzalez -- founder of Latino Outdoors, current Boating and Waterways Commissioner and Equity Officer for the East Bay Regional Park District – shares the importance of inclusive outdoor recreation.
Brought to you by California State Parks and the California Coastal Commission's Boating Clean and Green Program, the Dockside Podcast helps boaters learn clean and safe boating practices. Catch up on past episodes here, or tune in on your favorite platform--Spotify, Apple podcast, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and Pandora.
Tahoe Conservancy Awards $355,000 in Grants to Improve Tahoe Trails and Trailheads
On September 18, the California Tahoe Conservancy Board authorized $355,000 for grants to Tahoe nonprofits for trail and trailhead improvement projects. The grants include:
- $125,000 to help support the Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Education Association in creating a new public trailhead near North Tahoe High School in Tahoe City. The new trailhead and parking lot will provide public access to the surrounding extensive network of hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country ski trails.
- $115,000 to the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA) and $115,000 to the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) to complete dirt trail network improvements on USDA Forest Service lands on the California side of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
“We’re excited to support our nonprofit partners in their work to benefit people using these trails to enjoy hiking, biking, camping, and more on the public lands around Lake Tahoe,” said Adam Acosta, Chair of the California Tahoe Conservancy Board.
 We invite you to watch this video by Jade Stevens, co-founder and executive director of the 40 Acre Conservation League. Learn how this nonprofit is breaking down barriers so everyone can feel welcome in California’s outdoors.
The 40 Acre Conservation League is a Black-led nonprofit, land conservancy formed with the goal of fostering greater human connections to nature to increase community support for its protection. Learn more at 40AcreLeague.org.
Division of Boating and Waterways Offers Grants to Enhance Recreational Boating Safety Education
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California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways is now accepting grant applications from organizations that teach on-the-water boating safety education to the public. Approximately $1.4 million in Aquatic Center Education Program grants is available to local public agencies, nonprofit organizations and colleges/ universities operating in California. The deadline to apply is Friday, October 24 at noon. Apply Here |
Tahoe for All Grants
California Tahoe Conservancy's Tahoe for All Grant Program is officially live. Pre-applications are due Oct. 30, 2025.
Although Lake Tahoe is a world-class outdoor recreation destination, many people face barriers to accessing and enjoying its recreational opportunities. Through Tahoe for All, the California Tahoe Conservancy seeks to increase access to Lake Tahoe and surrounding forests for historically underserved and excluded people and communities by providing grants for programs and projects that address economic, physical, social, cultural, or other barriers to accessing the Basin. Apply Here
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Sierra Nevada Conservancy Launches Sustainable Recreation, Tourism, and Equitable Outdoor Access Grant Round
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The Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) is accepting concept proposals for its Sustainable Recreation, Tourism, and Equitable Outdoor Access Grant Program. This program will distribute approximately $4.1 million of remaining Proposition 68 funds to projects that enhance, promote, and develop sustainable recreation and tourism within SNC’s Sierra-Cascade service area. How to Apply |
Delta Leadership Program Applications Are Open
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Applications are open for the 2026 Delta Leadership Program, a joint effort of the Delta Protection Commission and the Delta Leadership Foundation.
The program targets potential or emerging leaders in the Delta from all walks of life – agriculture, law enforcement, local government, non-profit organizations, local business, and the tourism and hospitality sectors, among others. It puts participants through an intensive curriculum to expand their knowledge of key issues and challenges in the Delta, teach them leadership skills and tools, build relationships and trust, and foster community. Learn More
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We invite you to attend our upcoming public meetings. Participation is open to all, and we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where individuals of all abilities can take part. If you require an accommodation, please click on the links below for support.
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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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