March 27, 2026

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

California Natural Resources Headquarters, Sacramento

Awardees and their guests come together for a group photo outside the California Natural Resources Agency Headquarters Building after the California State Parks' Annual 23rd Director’s Recognition Awards on March 26, celebrating a year of outstanding achievements. Congratulations to all the honorees! Stay tuned for a story in upcoming weeks! 

Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division

WHAT'S NEW

State Park and Recreation Commission Announces Nomination Period for 2025 Golden Bear Awards

Story from: Sonya Jones, Strategic Planning and Recreation Services Division

The California State Park and Recreation Commission (SPRC) is proud to announce the nomination period for the 2025 Golden Bear Awards Program.

This SPRC-led program recognizes and celebrates individuals and organizations that have, through their work for, with or in support of the California Department of Parks and Recreation, demonstrated leadership and contributed significantly toward a healthier California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

Six awards — one statewide, one per geographical division (Central, Coastal, Desert and Northern) and one honorary partner — will be presented to awardees by the SPRC during a public commission meeting. Recipients of the awards will receive a framed certificate commemorating their contributions.

Do you know of someone deserving of this award? If you do, please visit parks.ca.gov/GoldenBearAward to submit a nomination. The 2025 nomination period is open now until April 30, 2026.

To learn more about the history, qualifications, past award recipients and how to nominate candidates for a Golden Bear Award, please visit parks.ca.gov/GoldenBearAward.

Submit your photos via this Weekly Digest Submission Form or send them to WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov with the subject line “Awaken the Wild Photo Contest.”

FIELD REPORT

State Parks Basic Firefighting Course Held at Big Basin Redwoods and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Parks

Story and photos from: Kate Clabeaux, Sierra District

Clockwise from top left: Amanda Buck, Katie Dalessi and Rachel Adamson practice a hose lay in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Avery Gu deploys a fire shelter. Ernesto Alvarado and Alex Velazquez practice a hose lay. Alberto Bonilla teaches Noe Canseco, Aurora Cartagena, and Gabi Cattalini about firing devices. 

Twenty-two State Parks employees attended the State Parks Basic Firefighting Course, taught by Lisa Andreano, Dave Updike, Jon Gustafson, Kody Stone and Alberto Bonilla at Big Basin Redwoods and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Parks on March 16-20. The week blended classroom instruction, leadership development and hands-on field experience to qualify participants to be a Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) trainee. Throughout the course, the skillful facilitation of the instructors created a strong sense of community. The participants supported one another, shared knowledge from their diverse backgrounds and demonstrated leadership.

The Basic Firefighting Course integrates the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) curriculum: S190 (Intro to Fire Behavior), S130 (Firefighter Training), ICS100 and L180 (Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service). These nationally recognized training components establish common standards across federal, state and local agencies, ensuring that State Parks firefighters can work confidently and competently within interagency operations. After completing the training, trainees will begin the process of advancing to full FFT2 qualification, which includes completing an NWCG Position Task Book and participating in at least two prescribed burns.

The classroom content introduced participants to the core foundations of wildland fire behavior and firefighter readiness. Students explored how fuels, weather and topography shape fire behavior, gaining essential knowledge for safety and situational awareness on the fire line. Instruction also covered key firefighting skills, including suppression tactics, communications, risk management and working effectively within the wildland–urban interface. Students also examined decision-making and human factors in high-risk environments, gaining insight into leadership, situational judgment and the interpersonal dimensions of wildland fire work. Their high level of engagement, curiosity and desire to learn created an engaging atmosphere that elevated the whole cohort.

The course concluded with two days of field operations. Activities included firing device demonstrations, hose lays, hand tool use, handline construction, shelter deployment drills and weather data collection. Participants used full Personal Protective Equipment (including wildland-rated clothing, gloves, helmet, boots and line gear) and supported each other through the physical and technical components of the field work. The instructors fostered a fun, safe and interactive environment, encouraging questions, celebrating all victories and ensuring everyone felt comfortable learning new skills.

By the end of the course, students left with technical knowledge, practical skills and the leadership foundation necessary to support prescribed fire operations and wildfire response across California State Parks. Just as importantly, participants also left with new connections, strengthened teamwork skills and a shared sense of pride. I am grateful I participated in this exceptional training.

Youth E-Motorcycle Advocate Meets with Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division Staff

Story and photo from: John Cunningham, Great Basin District

Left to right: Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division Chief Callan McLaughlin, OHMVR Assistant Chief Jack Gorman, E-motorcycle Advocate Jake, Great Basin District Chief Ranger John Cunningham and Senior Environmental Scientist Chris Hon.

Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division Chief Callan McLaughlin, OHMVR Assistant Chief Jack Gorman, Great Basin District Senior Environmental Scientist Chris Hon and I as district chief ranger provided a tour in early March to Jake, a young man from Santa Clarita, and his parents at Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). Due to the massive popularity of e-motorcycles in the next generation of off-highway vehicle (OHV) users, Jake has identified the need for an urban or an urban-adjacent park designed for e-motorcycles. Jake expressed that he and many of his friends with e-motorcycles like to operate them legally for recreation, but without a suitable location it is difficult to do so.

During the tour, we discussed the process of how the OHMVR Division provides municipalities with land acquisitions, planning, maintaining and managing funds through the division's grant program. Jake was also shown the day-to-day operation of Hungry Valley SVRA. It gave him insight into how all disciplines work together toward a common goal of maintaining and improving our off-roading experience. Jake and his parents described this as an “eye-opening experience”, as they were unaware of all that all went into operating Hungry Valley SVRA.

Jake was also interested in learning about OHV safety, training and the division’s role in educating the public through outreach, messaging and social media. This topic was timed perfectly as the 2026 Off-Highway Vehicle Safety Summit is scheduled for June 16 in Bakersfield. Jake expressed his desire to attend and participate as an advocate for e-motorcycle safety and accessibility to safe, legal recreation. The OHMVR Division and Great Basin District staff are all very impressed with Jake’s initiative to become active at such a young age to find solutions. Jake believes in creating a positive and sustainable solution to legal and accessible e-motorcycle recreational opportunities, placing an emphasis on a safe, off-highway recreational environment.

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park Announces New Season of Excursion Train Rides

Story and photo from: California State Railroad Museum

The famous Sierra No. 3 will be in operation all weekend.

In partnership with the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown will present a new season of weekend excursion train rides, starting April 4-5. Known as the “Movie Star Locomotive,” the famous Sierra No. 3 will be in operation all weekend running the regular Mother Lode Cannonball schedule with excursion train ride departures for both days at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Weekend train ride guests will enjoy a memorable 6-mile, 45-minute round trip ride on the Sierra Railway through the picturesque Mother Lode countryside. In addition to the relaxing train ride experiences, park visitors can enjoy vintage railroad equipment on display along with special demonstrations and more during opening weekend, including:

• Train crew operating the turntable at the start and end of each day
• Sierra Railway coach cars No. 5 in in Roundhouse and No. 6 on the whisker tracks (these classic cars were featured in numerous movies and television programs including High Noon and Petticoat Junction)
• Model T No. 8 on display on the whisker tracks
• Sierra Truck No. 13 on display in the truck shed
• Sierra No. 2 (Shay Locomotive) on display on the whisker tracks
• Engine No. 34 in the roundhouse with stairs for cab visits
• Metal lathe turning demonstrations
• Forge and ring of fire demonstrations
• Speeder 106 demonstrations on turntable
• Railtown information table about upcoming events, volunteering and Junior Ranger activities

Excursion trains, programs and activities continue throughout the year and visitors are encouraged to take a train ride or plan a day at the park to enjoy a tour of the historic roundhouse and shops, picnic, and/or leisurely stroll around the grounds. The park will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April through October (summer season) for self-guided or docent-led tours along with exhibits that include interpretive signage.

PARTNER NEWS

Parks California CEO Featured on Environmental Leadership Podcast

Story and photo from: Parks California

Parks California CEO Kindley Walsh Lawlor at Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

Parks California CEO Kindley Walsh Lawlor recently joined the California Association of Environmental Professionals podcast "Environmental Leadership Chronicles" to share her perspective on leadership, partnership and the future of California’s public lands.

In the podcast, Kindley highlights how Parks California works alongside State Parks, tribal nations and community partners to expand access, strengthen stewardship and support innovative solutions that help parks thrive. From programs like Route to Parks, which has connected more than 20,000 people to parks (many for the first time), to partnerships that bring together science, cultural knowledge and community voices, the work reflects a shared commitment to caring for California’s public lands. Kindley also reflects on her path to this work and the importance of collaboration in building a more inclusive, resilient park system for the future.

Listen to the full podcast episode to learn more about how partnerships are helping shape California’s public lands (link).

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

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 time! Here are this week's tips to help spread the word about our departmentwide style guidelines:

• e-words: Use a hyphen in all e-words except email and esports. Examples: e-bike, e-reader. Do not capitalize "E" in the middle of a sentence.
• recreate: No hyphen when it refers to the act of recreation.
• telephone numbers: Do not put the area code in parentheses. Example: 916-653-6995.

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 State Parks editorial style guide –– available here. For all questions that aren't addressed in our style guide, we follow the Associated Press style and Merriam-Webster.

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

Plumas-Eureka State Park

A sunrise selfie during a hike to Eureka Lake and peak.

Photo from Rick Lane, Capital District

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Spring has sprung and not all "bows" are rainbows. Pictured here are some of the park's maintenance crew in front of what is called a "fog bow," sometimes called a white rainbow. Because of the very small size of water droplets that cause fog — smaller than 0.05 millimeters (0.0020 inches) — the fog bow has only very weak colors. Makes sense for a state park that experiences more marine layer days than rain days.

Photo from: Rosalind Morehead, San Diego Coast District

Salton Sea State Recreation Area

State park peace officers (SPPOs) from Colorado Desert District responded to a major train derailment adjacent to the park on March 18. Such a response highlights the versatility of SPPOs, who play an integral role in the mutual aid system.

Pictured above: SPPO Quinn Baudouin, from Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, investigates the crash site.

Photo from Kennedy McKernan, Colorado Desert District

Point Mugu State Park

State Park Peace Officer Kalin Y. Moore was on their way to work when they spotted a stranded, clearly malnourished sea lion pup on the shoulder of the Pacific Coast Highway just north of Sycamore Cove. They called the Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute and stayed by the pup’s side, ensuring it wouldn’t attempt to cross the highway again after an earlier attempt. Moore kept watch until help arrived, making sure the pup was safely rescued.

Photos from Kalin Y. Moore, Angeles District

Mount Tamalpais State Park

A coyote keeps a wary eye on hikers on the Matt Davis Trail.

Photo from Hillary Colyer, Bay Area District

Manresa State Beach 

“Hawk about a hot week!”

Photo from Kevin Ward, Santa Cruz District

Mount San Jacinto State Park

A stellar jay leaping into the air.

Photo from William Solylo, Inland Empire District

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Clockwise from left: A lark sparrow perched in an elderberry, paintbrush blooming in the chaparral, and backlit black oak leaves. They have a jewel-like quality.

Photos from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Clockwise from left: A loggerhead shrike perched on an ocotillo, a painted lady butterfly feeding on a brittlebush, and a female black widow.

Photos from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve 

A Mojave rattlesnake, my ssssspecial "guest" on Facebook Live with park visitors.

Video from Callista Turner, Great Basin District

Providence Mountains State Recreation Area

Some visitors think they can easily HOP on to a tour of Mitchell Caverns. While we do offer walk-ons for tours that are not full, in springtime our tours are often booked up over a month in advance.

Photo from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District

Mount Tamalpais State Park

This is the time to come out and see blooming wildflowers and fungi along the park’s creeks. Clockwise from top left: Pink star tulip (Calochortus uniflorus); Pacific starflowers (Lysimachia latifolia); felt paintbrush (Castilleja foliolosa); turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor); and in the center, Pacific trillium (Trillium ovatum).

Photos from Andreas Agocs, Communications and Marketing Division

Sutter's Fort State Historic Park

Hard at work, bees helping our redbud trees thrive.

Photo from Bethann Watson, Capital District

State Indian Museum State Historic Park

Iris blooms in the afternoon.

Photo from Bethann Watson, Capital District

Mount Tamalpais State Park

This now defunct bridge over Spike Buck Creek goes nowhere; a landslide has separated it from Troop 80 Trail. The wooden bridge still blends in nicely with the redwoods, fern and moss-covered Douglas firs in this part of the park.

Photo from Andreas Agocs, Communications and Marketing Division

Picacho State Recreation Area

I got to spend my birthday cooling off in the river and enjoying one of my favorite views.

Photo from: Victoria Bok, San Diego Coast District

Submit your photos via this Weekly Digest Submission Form or send them to WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov with the subject line “Awaken the Wild Photo Contest.”

THANK YOU NOTES

A Thank You From the Tulare County Library Foundation for Great Basin District Interpreter I Dorian Yarnelson 

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Saturday, March 28

• Big Basin Spring Walk Through the Redwoods — Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.: Join us for a refreshing spring walk along North Escape Road, a gentle out-and-back beneath the towering recovering redwoods, where the sunlight illuminates fresh new growth and the forest floor is filled with ferns and an occasional wildflower. As we wander, we'll listen for the songs of chickadees and wrens and watch for woodpeckers tapping high above. This 4-mile walk is perfect for anyone looking to reconnect with nature and welcome spring in the redwood forest. Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or you can reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms. Bring your own water or purchase water from parking kiosk as there is no running water, electricity or cell service at Big Basin! For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact bigbasin@ports-ca.us. Reserve here.
• 3/28 Pond Kayak Season Kick-off! — Dos Rios, 10 a.m.–noon: Come kayak at Dos Rios pond! We are launching a new opportunity for you to come and enjoy Dos Rios by kayak from 10 a.m. to noon. Join staff as we share pond ecology education with the public in this seasonal offering. Reserve a kayak below or bring your own. Paddle boards are ok. Entrance fee is waived during the opening phases of Dos Rios but fee applies for kayak opportunity. Reservations are first come, first served, spaces are limited, and kayaking on the pond is not yet allowed outside of this program. Optional: Bring your lunch to enjoy at the ramadas after. Reservations are required whether you are bringing your own kayak or reserving from Parks fleet. Reserve a kayak or bring your own.

Sunday, March 29

• Building Native Habitat at Rio de Los Angeles State Park- Volunteer Drop-In Workday — Rio de Los Angeles State Park: If you love California native plants, the LA River, and urban habitat restoration, please help us plant, weed, water, and mulch our native habitat at our TestPlots. Why: Be part of building vital, climate-resilient landscapes for the benefit of both local wildlife and surrounding communities. Through a partnership with Audubon at Debs Park, Theodore Payne Foundation, Terremoto/TestPlot and others, this site is also particularly focused on creating a habitat for the endangered least bell's vireo and pollinators. You'll learn about the species that we are planting and caring for, as well as their role in supporting local wildlife and biodiversity. What's Required: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Meet at the flagpole at the beginning of the shift. All participants must sign a State Parks waiver which will be provided on-site. All volunteers participating in this volunteer opportunity are expected to adhere to the health and safety guidelines outlined here: laworks.com/health-and-safety . Full opportunity address and directions will be sent to you by e-mail after you sign up. Sign up at: L.A. Works | Building Native Habitat at Rio de Los Angeles State Park: TestPlot focused.

Submit your photos via this Weekly Digest Submission Form or send them to WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov with the subject line “Awaken the Wild Photo Contest.”

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 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.