|
 Feb. 6, 2026
|
|
 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Wildflowers are blooming in various parts of the park. Visit our Wildflower Bloom webpage for the latest updates on parks experiencing blooms and for safety tips.
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
|
|
California Natural Resources Agency and State Parks Celebrate Black History Month With In-Person and Virtual Events
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
 The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) and California State Parks are proud to be celebrating Black History Month, a time dedicated to honor the profound achievements, culture and resilience of Black individuals who have shaped history and our workplaces.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, and all State Parks employees and their families, as well as the public, are invited to celebrate by visiting parks across California. Throughout this month – and all year long – visitors can discover connections to state parks with a rich history of Black and African Americans.
Through virtual and in-person events, CNRA and State Parks will be honoring Black leaders in the environmental field, who work to protect the environment for current and future generations and encourage others to become environmental stewards. This year’s Black History Month theme is “Honoring the Past, Protecting the Future: 100 Years of Black Leadership in Environmental Action,” which celebrates a century of vision, resilience and advocacy that has shaped environmental justice and sustainability.
Several state parks are hosting events, including Pío Pico State Historic Park’s (SHP’s) Afro-Latinidad Presence in Early California every weekend this month, which explores the contributions of Afro-descendants who played a role in shaping the state’s history, from establishing towns and ranches to influencing political and social landscapes. On Feb. 7, Colonel Allensworth SHP will hold its Black History Month Festival honoring the achievements and contributions made by African Americans and sharing the story of Allensworth to inspire future generations. At California Citrus SHP on Feb. 28, visitors can enjoy various artists, performers and presenters as they bring the experiences of Black growers and their families to life through music, dance and spoken word.
Use this month as an opportunity to deepen our understanding, amplify Black voices and strengthen our commitment in telling the full history of California. This exceptional programming could not be accomplished without the hard work of our dedicated staff and partners.
Find a full list of events below and on the CNRA’s Black History Month website.
   
|
|
Bay Area District and Partners Conduct Burns at Angel Island State Park and Jack London State Historic Park
Story from: Naftali Moed, Bay Area District
 Left: Controlled burns along trails at Jack London State Historic Park. Right: Pile burns on Angel Island with a State Parks fire truck and the Golden Gate Bridge. Photos from Max Psaledakis and Naftali Moed, Bay Area District.
Bay Area District staff were supported by Diablo Range District, the Natural Resources Division and State Park partners to successfully complete a multi-day pile burn at Angel Island State Park. The pile burn took place over three days at the end of January. The piles were built as part of the department’s long-standing efforts to manage invasive pine and eucalyptus trees on Angel Island with funding from California's Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan.
In nearby Sonoma County, Bay Area District and Natural Resources Division staff also completed a successful 12-acre understory prescribed burn at Jack London State Historic Park, in partnership with CAL FIRE. The burn followed other recent prescribed burns and forest resilience work in the park and reintroduced fire to an area that had not seen it in many decades. The burn encompassed areas with coast redwood and mixed hardwood forests, plant communities that have evolved with low-intensity fires over millennia. Staff from the Bay Area and Sonoma Mendocino Coast districts and CAL FIRE will continue monitoring the area until the fire is fully extinguished in the coming weeks.
Help Shape the Future Story of Metini-Fort Ross
Story from: Michelle Levesque, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District
 While the reconstruction of Fort Ross relied on historical records, it was also guided by descriptions from late-19th-century writers and journalists who told fictional, tragic stories of European aristocrats and imperial outposts. Photo from California State Parks.
One of the oldest California State Parks units, Fort Ross State Historic Park, has launched a public engagement effort to inform a new Interpretation Master Plan (IMP) and staff perspectives are an important part of this work.
The plan will be referred to as Metini-Fort Ross, recognizing Metini, the name of the Kashia village located at the park. Using this name reflects a commitment to centering Indigenous history and acknowledging the site’s deep cultural roots.
The IMP will guide interpretation across the park, assess existing media and programs, and shape new approaches. It will replace an interpretive direction that is more than 50 years old and largely focused on the Russian settlement, creating space for a broader, more inclusive understanding of this layered cultural landscape. This effort aligns with departmentwide initiatives such as Reexamining Our Past, aimed at improving accuracy, relevance and inclusion in interpretation.
A central goal of the Metini-Fort Ross IMP is elevating tribal voices. The park lies within the homeland of the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians of the Stewarts Point Rancheria, who have lived along this coast since time immemorial. The process includes formal government-to-government consultation and a cocreative partnership with the Kashia Band, along with public surveys, focus groups and interviews with stakeholders and experts.
We encourage staff to share reflections from visiting Fort Ross, working at historic parks facing changes to interpretation, collaborating with tribal communities or participating in projects that reexamine our shared past. Your experiences can help inform this work across the system.
An online public survey is open through Feb. 16. Consider participating and encouraging thoughtful engagement as we continue to learn and evolve together.
Ocotillo Wells District Holds 2026 All-Hands Meeting
Story and photos from: Eric Kung, Ocotillo Wells District
 Clockwise from top: Staff gathered at Ocotillo Wells District headquarters for an afternoon of recognition and camaraderie. Desert Field Division Chief Greg Martin speaks to staff. People's Choice Chili Winners Brian Woodson, Eric Kung and Rosa Sanchez. Festivities were held with a blanket of wildflowers, such as these lupines in a field of primroses, nearby.
Ocotillo Wells District hosted its annual all-hands meeting Feb. 3. Staff gathered from across the district to celebrate major milestones reached in the past year. We were joined by Desert Division Chief Greg Martin; Bill and Linda Haneline, board members of Friends of Ocotillo Wells, Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area’s cooperating association; and board member Juan Landeros of Salton Sea State Recreation Area’s cooperating association, Sea and Desert Interpretive Association.
For some competitive merriment, our administrative services team hosted a trivia game with tough stumpers and a-ha moments. Festivities also included the second annual District Chili Cook Off. We look forward to another year of providing opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation in our corner of California!
 PARTNER NEWS
Apply Now: Santa Cruz Community Grant Supports Community-Led Engagement in State Parks
Story from: Parks California
 Parks California invites community-based organizations to apply for the Santa Cruz Community grant, a funding opportunity that supports community-led engagement to help shape the future of California’s state parks.
Launched in February 2024, the program empowers community, tribal and nonprofit organizations to design and lead engagement activities for those who have historically been underserved in park planning, helping ensure parks and beaches are welcoming, relevant and reflective of communities. Funds support programs in parks affected by recent storms and wildfires, including Big Basin Redwoods State Park; Seacliff, New Brighton and Manresa state beaches. Organizations can use the funds to bring community members to public lands, host conversations and gather ideas that will help guide long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Parks California manages the program in partnership with California State Parks, providing funding, coordination support and tools to help community organizations engage residents in meaningful ways.
   Employee Spotlight: Megan Harrison
Story from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division
 Clockwise from left: Testing canoes at Brannan Island State Recreation Area (SRA) with fellow State Parks' employee David Block; the solar panel class at Brannan Island SRA; and hiking with Office of Grants and Local Services friends Matt Farris and Nicky Lambert at Lake Natoma at Folsom Lake SRA. Photos from Megan Harrison.
This month’s Employee Spotlight introduces us to Megan Harrison, district planner for Diablo Range District. In her nomination, a coworker wrote that Megan is one of the hardest working and most sincere employees she has worked with during her 12-plus years with State Parks. She described Megan as thorough, engaged and genuinely interested in the people and places she encounters. We asked Megan a few questions to get to know her better.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your role in the department.
I’m the district planner for the Diablo Range District. I help with anything, from project scoping for stand-alone projects in our park units, to bigger planning efforts, real property rights, permitting and orphaned projects within the district. In April 2025, I also took on the role of Delta Sector manager to more effectively manage the projects we have in the Delta funded by the Waterway Connections Initiative. In that role I support facilities, interpretive and analyst staff.
How did you get started in your career field?
I worked a lot of odd jobs out of college, went back to school for a completely unrelated degree, and then worked in the nonprofit world for a while before starting with the state at the Employment Development Department, with a long-term goal to transition to State Parks. Looking back, a lot of the odd jobs and random things I studied and learned gave me the tools to do what I do now, but it was definitely a circuitous route! I was lucky enough to be hired by the Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) in 2020, which was wonderful, and then I transitioned to the field at Diablo Range District in 2023.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy a lot of things! I like the combination of getting out and about in parks and the desktop research and analysis I get to do. I like working with a wide variety of staff across our district and department, and I enjoy planning and dreaming for the future growth and thriving of our parks. And, I admit it, I also enjoy reading old land rights documents.
Can you share a project or accomplishment you're particularly proud of?
Last spring we worked with the Mott Training Center (MTC), district and statewide staff, and the brand-new Delta Sector staff to host a solar installation training at Brannan Island State Recreation Area. There was a lot of coordination and a steep learning curve for me, as well as a lot of support from Ricky [Roldan] and his team at MTC and our district’s maintenance staff (shout-out to Bryan Dugan!). Being able to see the project come together, seeing staff learn how to install solar and discussing the impact this can have for our parks moving forward, and seeing the camaraderie amongst the team made it a very rewarding project for me.
Do you have any advice for new employees or those looking to excel in their careers?
Don’t be afraid to try something new, and don’t be afraid to reach out to other people at State Parks! When I was at OGALS, but starting to think about moving to the field, I approached some field staff in my area to ask about their experiences and advice for moving into a planning role; they were generous with their time and connected me to other folks in the field. There are a lot of people at State Parks who love what they do and would be happy to talk to you about what it is like (including me!).
Nominate An Exemplary Colleague
Do you know of an exceptional State Parks colleague in your field, division, or district, who goes above and beyond in their role? Nominate them for Employee Spotlight! In upcoming issues, the Weekly Digest team will spotlight outstanding employees, sharing insights into their journey, experiences, and wisdom gained during their career at State Parks.
- Specific reasons for why you are nominating them. This could be based on their outstanding achievements, dedication, teamwork, or any other qualities that make them stand out.
- The name of the nominee's supervisor (if you know who that is).
|
|
|
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
Museum Curator I (San Simeon) — Apply by Feb. 10: California State Parks is looking for a detail-oriented, big-picture thinker to help care for and manage one of the most extraordinary museum collections in the country. In this role, you will oversee collections staff, records, research, and day-to-day stewardship of more than 22,500 works of art—set inside the architectural marvel of the world-famous, AAM-accredited Hearst Castle. If you thrive on organization, enjoy digging into archives, and love sharing knowledge with everyone from scholars to curious visitors, this is a rare chance to work where history, art, and wow-factor meet. Click here to learn more.
Park and Recreation Specialist (Earlimart) — Apply by Feb. 27: California State Parks is seeking a Community Engagement Specialist to cultivate meaningful relationships with diverse community partners in support of dynamic programming at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. This role blends independent initiative with collaboration, working alongside community-based and nonprofit organizations to amplify local voices and create culturally relevant, visitor-focused programs. The position also assists the Great Basin District, Service Center, and Headquarters staff with special interpretive and site development projects as needed. Click here to learn more.
Analyst II (Sacramento) — Apply by Feb. 23: As a Recruitment Analyst, you will join a collaborative team focused on attracting a large, diverse, and highly qualified candidate pool through outreach, presentations, analytics, and creative recruitment initiatives. This role offers a mix of independent and team-based work, connecting with jobseekers and promoting California State Parks as an employer of choice while helping others find meaningful, purpose-driven careers. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity that includes travel throughout California! Click here to learn more.
EXAM SPOTLIGHTS
Park and Recreation Specialist Series: (Online): Do you have a passion for the outdoors and a knack for problem-solving? The Park and Recreation Specialist exam is your gateway to a career helping shape California’s recreational future. These roles blend planning, policy, and public engagement by analyzing data, identifying trends, managing grant programs, and working with local, state, and federal partners to enhance outdoor recreation across the state. Ideal candidates are strong communicators with backgrounds in planning, public administration, natural resources, or related fields. Click here for more information.
State Park Equipment Operator (March 31): Ready to put your heavy equipment skills to work in California’s stunning state parks? State Park Equipment Operators help maintain roads, construct fire breaks, remove hazards, and support emergency response efforts like wildfire and flood control. This role requires independence, technical skill, and the ability to operate a variety of heavy and specialized equipment in challenging and in challenging and unpredictable conditions. If you are ready to take on tough terrain and help keep parks safe and accessible, apply today to take the State Park Equipment Operator assessment. Click here for more information.
WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHT:
Discover exciting career opportunities with California State Parks at our upcoming virtual webinars! Learn everything you need to know about the application process, assessments, and state hiring, all while getting your questions answered by our expert recruiters. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and take the first step toward your dream job. Click here for dates and registration info.
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!
|
|
|
Style time! Here are this week's tips to help spread the word about our departmentwide style guidelines:
-
all-hands: Hyphenate when used as a modifier. Example: all-hands meeting.
-
Indigenous: Uppercase in reference to original inhabitants of a place. Example: The park's stewardship of natural resources incorporates Indigenous knowledge and practices.
-
seasons: Use lowercase: winter, spring, summer and fall/autumn. Use uppercase if the season is part of a proper name; for example, "Summer Olympics."
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. We follow our . For all questions that aren't addressed in our style guide, we follow the Associated Press style and .
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.
|
|
 California Natural Resources Agency Building
Attendees of the first-ever Outdoors for All Convening – including First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) Secretary Wade Crowfoot, California State Parks Director Armando Quintero – pose for a group photo. The convening, organized by CNRA Deputy Secretary for Access Gloria Sandoval, brought together partners from all over the state to celebrate progress in advancing California’s Outdoors for All initiative, reaffirm shared priorities and spark new ideas to expand outdoor access to more Californians.
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Restoration Work Specialist Eugene Mendicelli and Angeles District Museum Curator Damian Ruddy on-site at the historic Adamson House, checking for leaks with specialized sprinklers to create “fake rain.”
Photos from Angeles District
 Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Red-tailed hawk perched in a Torrey pine, the rarest tree in California.
Photo from Rosalind Morehead, San Diego Coast District
 Montaña de Oro State Park
A surfer enjoys a big wave at Spooners Cove.
Photo from Kevin J. Murphy, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Silver Strand State Beach
Star phacelia (phacelia stellaris) is a tiny, endangered plant that lives on coastal dunes in Southern California and Baja California. Human development and invasive species have made populations dwindle. Species of plants can become endangered, but are often overlooked and don’t get the same publicity that endangered animals do. Fortunately, restoration efforts have been made to protect this plant and encourage population growth.
Photo from Victoria Bok, San Diego Coast District
 Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
A lovely day to be offering Watershed PORTS (Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students)® programs along the Smith River.
Photo from Kyle Buchanan, North Coast Redwoods District
 Sutter's Fort State Historic Park
Dawn's light over a lone cannon at the fort.
Photo from Rick Lane, Capital District
|
|
|
Here are some upcoming State Parks events. For a list of more upcoming events, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/events.
Saturday, Feb. 7
-
Seasonal Marshlands of the Park — Sonoma State Historic Park, 11 a.m. –2 p.m.:Our nature program explores the park’s open space as it turns into natural wetlands when rains change the landscape. Discover what plant and aquatic life exist in the vernal pond areas of General Vallejo's Home. Look for the State Parks vehicle along the bike path off of 3rd Street West near downtown Sonoma. Rain boots or waterproof shoes are recommended. This free event is part of the California State Parks Junior Ranger program. No reservation required, steady rain cancels.
Saturday, Feb. 7, and Sunday, Feb. 8
-
Afro-Latinidad Presence in Early California — Pío Pico State Historic Park, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.: Join us in celebrating the story of Afro-Latine in early California with an exhibition. This event explores the contributions of Afro-Latine descendants who played a role in shaping the state’s history, from establishing towns and ranches to influencing political and social landscapes. Through engaging displays and discussion, we’ll explore the history from the Anza Expedition, the challenges Afro-Latine faced under U.S. rule, and how these communities helped shaped the culture of California. This event offers an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of California and engage in conversations of racial, ethnic and social dynamics that continue to resonate today. Join us every weekend in February from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 10
-
[Webinar] Celebrating Lunar New Year at Angel Island State Park — Angel Island State Park, 10–10:45 a.m.: Happy Lunar New Year! Welcome 2026 by celebrating and learning with us at Angel Island State Park! We'll talk about the Chinese immigrant experience in the 1900s and how that relates to modern lunar new year traditions. Make sure to have a piece of paper and pencil! We'll be drawing some traditions and learning how to write Chinese. Register here.
Also note these upcoming California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA)-sponsored event celebrating Black History Month. For a full list of events, see story in What's New, above.
Saturday, Feb. 7
-
Allensworth Black History Month Festival — Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.: Join us for this celebration of the achievements and contributions made by African Americans at the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, sharing the story of Allensworth with others to educate and inspire future generations. Activities and events include food and merchandise vendors, park tours, dancing, music, and learning about Black history. Cost: $10 vehicles, $50 Small bus, $75 large bus
-
Black Genius: Tre Johnson and Mara Brock Akil — California African American Museum, 600 State Dr, Los Angeles, 7–8 p.m.: Join cultural critic Tre Johnson as he discusses his newest collection of essays, Black Genius, with television writer and producer Mara Brock Akil. Black Genius examines how Black American culture has been the lifeblood of American ingenuity. Drawing on personal and professional experiences, Johnson surveys Black cities, communities, and schools to explore the nuances of Black mobility. For more Information and RSVP, click here.
A Thank You to Angeles District from a Longtime Volunteer
Dear Superintendent Fink,
I would like to personally thank you for about 15 spectacular years volunteering in the Angeles District and a lifetime of camping here.
My husband and I began volunteering through MBU [Mountain Bike Unit] in the Santa Monica Mountains in 2010. In 2022, we began camphosting annually. We have helped out in Sycamore, Thornhill, Malibu Creek State Park (MCSP) and Leo Carrillo. We live close by in Thousand Oaks.
We have camp hosted or worked on PSAR teams from here to the midwest in both National and State Parks for a long time.
While all parks are spectacular and unique, Malibu Creek State Park and the Angeles District staff makes us feel like family. From the Park Aides, Admin staff, Rangers and Maintenance, they go over and above to treat all people in the park with respect and care. While all staff is amazing, I want to point out a few outstanding items that just don't happen in other districts/states.
Ranger Romero checks in regularly on her patrols in MCSP, and brings us a schedule once a month to make sure we are informed. Sasan, the volunteer coordinator, is always in the park making sure things are running smoothly. Christina is such a pleasure to work for. She responds quickly and never makes us feel like we are a bother. Even your trail crew/maintenance staff wave or ask how we are doing when they drive by our site at the end of the day or beginning. And the campground and restrooms are always being complimented by visitors.
Sergeant Joseph Grier was our first contact volunteering with the parks and it was because of him we stayed all these years. He is a gift to the parks and the MBU.
So thank you. It is a pleasure to volunteer in the Angeles District. Attitude trickles down and yours shows in many wonderful ways.
- Francine Sprigel
CORRECTION
A postcard collage from Angel Island State Park in the Jan. 30 issue of the Weekly Digest featured a photo of Oxalis "flowers" (sometimes known as sour grass). Oxalis, which also goes under the name Bermuda buttercup, is an invasive exotic species that is not representative of the park's "natural beauty." State Parks' effort to preserve native habitats and biodiversity includes programs to eradicate invasive, non-native plant species.
|
|
|
Feb. 2, 2026
Feb. 3, 2026
Feb. 4, 2026
|
|
|
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 use this submission form or click the button above.
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 500 words. Articles may be edited for space.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
