 Bringing you updates on California's Outdoors for All movement
October 2026
 California took another important step toward making the outdoors more welcoming and accessible to all Californians! On September 29th, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1268, codifying California’s Outdoors for All Initiative into state law, thereby establishing a lasting framework for the California Natural Resources Agency to expand equitable access to parks, public lands, and nature. The law strengthens the state’s commitment to identifying and reducing barriers to outdoor recreation, directing opportunities and investments toward disadvantaged and low-income communities, and working with community organizations and other stakeholders to help shape this work. CNRA celebrates this milestone and the opportunity to advance a future in which more Californians can connect with nature and enjoy the benefits of time outdoors!
Discover California’s Quail and Chukar Hunting Opportunities
Story by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
 The statewide season for all quail species and chukar opened on October 17th, offering hunters an opportunity to explore California’s varied landscapes and contribute to wildlife conservation. By donating wings from harvested birds at designated collection sites, hunters can help CDFW biologists assess bird productivity and identify where conservation efforts may necessary. Before heading out, review CDFW’s hunting seasons, regulations, and opportunities. Hunters need a valid California hunting license, upland game bird validation, and must use nonlead ammunition.
California Family Halloween Hike & Seek Challenge
Story by: Parks California and California State Parks
 Get outside with the family this October and participate in the California Family Halloween Hike & Seek Challenge sponsored by REI, Parks California, and California State Parks’ Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS). Print the Hike & Seek Challenge Checklist, then explore your neighborhood, a local park, or a favorite trail to see how many checklist items your family can find before the end of October. Families who complete the challenge can also enter for a chance to win prizes from REI.
Preparing for Super El Niño: Keep Your Family and Outdoor Adventures Safe Duringr Sto
Story by: California Natural Resource Agency
California’s parks, trails, and coastlines offer plenty to look forward to this fall and winter, but this years’ El Niño will bring powerful storms that pose risk to Californians throughout the state. On September 21, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency to strengthen California’s preparedness for these dangerous weather conditions including flooding, mudslides, and hazardous travel conditions
Just as state agencies prepare to protect communities, Californians can also act now to stay safe at home, on the road, and before heading outdoors:
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Check before you explore. Before heading to a park, trail or coastline, check the forecast, road conditions and park alerts, and be prepared to change plans as conditions evolve.
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Know your risk. Check whether your home or workplace is in a flood-prone area or downhill from a recently burned area, where heavy rain can trigger flash floods, debris flows and mudslides.
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Never drive through floodwater. Water may be deeper or faster moving than it appears, and the road beneath it may be damaged or washed out. Turn around and find another route.
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Prepare your household. Clear gutters and storm drains, address roof leaks, and gather essentials such as water, food, flashlights, medications, and important documents. Always have an emergency evacuation kit ready to go and make sure it includes supplies for pets and other animals.
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Make an evacuation plan. Know where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to leave quickly.
Secretary Speaker Series: Live from Armenia
Story by: California Natural Resources Agency
Join California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, live from Armenia on Monday, October 26, from 9 to 10 a.m. PT as he attends the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP17). Secretary Crowfoot will speak with international leaders, scientists, and advocates about global efforts to protect and restore nature. Listen in to learn what’s at stake for global biodiversity and the critical role California is playing to help shape and advance the global conservation agenda.
Join the Conversation: From the Source Podcast Launches
Story by: California Natural Resource Agency
 Tune in to From the Source, a new limited-series podcast hosted by California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot, for candid conversations with leaders behind some of California’s most consequential environmental decisions. From wildfire response and forest restoration to coastal protection and conservation, the series goes beyond the headlines to explore the choices, challenges, and lessons shaping California’s natural resources. Listen to the first episode featuring CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler and find From the Source wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Amazon Music.
Join the Conversation: From the Source Podcast Launches
Story by: California Natural Resource Agency
Join us on Tuesday, November 3, from 12 to 1 p.m. PT for the California Natural Resources Agency’s Native American Heritage Month Secretary Speaker Series virtual webinar. Hear from tribal youth as they share their interests, observations, and hopes for the future of natural and cultural resource management across California. Their perspectives offer an important opportunity to hear from the next generation of Tribal voices shaping the future of California’s lands, waters, and cultural resources.
First Partner Siebel Newsom Co-Hosts Summit Elevating Social Connection as an Urgent Public Health Priority at the Vatican
Story by: California Natural Resource Agency
 Last month, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco co-hosted a two-day international summit at the Vatican’s historic Casina Pio IV, in partnership with the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS), to address the growing global crisis of social disconnection. Leaders from across various sectors came together to explore ways to strengthen social connection and elevate the importance of social health with the same urgency as physical and mental health. Participants shared programs and approaches that communities from across the world have developed to address this critical issue.
At the summit, CNRA’s Deputy Secretary for Access Gloria Sandoval and State Parks Director Armando Quintero emphasized the role the outdoors can play in importance of fostering belonging and inclusion in the outdoors. Their insights reinforced the power of California’s Outdoors for All initiative, which reduces barriers to outdoor access and supports the development welcoming spaces where more people can connect with nature, their communities, and one another.
Story by: California Natural Resources Agency
From September 15 through October 15, CNRA and its departments, conservancies, commissions, and partners celebrated Latino Heritage Month. This year’s theme, “Nuestra Historia, Nuestro Futuro: Latino Heritage, Nature, and Community,” recognized Latino Californians’ contributions to protecting natural and cultural resources and expanding opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
By celebrating cultural diversity and making space for diverse perspectives, CNRA strengthens its ability to understand and serve California’s communities, and recognizes the significant role culture, community, and stewardship play in shaping a more inclusive relationship with the outdoors.
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Outdoors for All Field Convenings: Listening, Learning, and Moving Forward Together
Story by: California Natural Resources Agency
This August and September, CNRA brought partners together for seven Outdoors for All Field Convenings across California (San Diego, Monterey, Plumas County, Fresno, Sacramento, Los Angeles and Riverside) to advance a shared goal of making the outdoors more accessible and welcoming to all Californians.
Participants highlighted ongoing financial, social, and systemic barriers that limit opportunities to explore and enjoy the outdoors. Common challenges included insufficient funding for outdoor programs, limited transportation options, growing demand for resources, and concerns about immigration enforcement that create fear and discourage individuals and families from visiting outdoor spaces.
CNRA thanks everyone who contributed their time, experience, and ideas. Insights from the convenings will help inform CNRA’s near-term actions included in the 2023 Outdoors for All Strategy. The information will also help build a shared foundation for continuing this work across communities and into the next administration.
Story by: California State Parks
There’s still time to plan a year of outdoor adventures! California’s Free Fourth Grade Pass is available for the 2026–27 school year, giving California fourth graders attending public school and their families free entry to 54 participating state parks. Valid for up to 13 months, from August when a student begins fourth grade through August 31 of the following year.
Sign up today! Parents and guardians can order the pass through ReserveCalifornia.com, where an account is required. All that is needed is a name, address, phone number, and email address.
$42 Million Grant Advances Permanent Protection of Wild Cherry Canyon
Story by: California State Coastal Conservancy
 The Wildlife Conservation Board and the State Coastal Conservancy celebrate the protection of more than 2,000 acres at Wild Cherry Canyon along California’s Central Coast. The project supports Tribal efforts to restore ancestral coastal homelands and protects a critical wildlife corridor in Coyote Valley in the Bay Area. The Wildlands Conservancy will conserve the Wild Cherry Canyon property and work toward sustainable public access, including opportunities for Tribal access and shared stewardship with local Indigenous communities, including the yak tityu tityu yak tilhini Northern Chumash Tribe of San Luis Obispo County and Region.
California's Conservation Push is Delivering Results
Story by: California Natural Resources Agency
At this month’s 30x30 Partnership Summit, California announced that more than 3.5 million acres of land and coastal waters have been conserved since 2022, moving the state more than halfway toward its goal of protecting 30% by 2030. The latest progress report notes that over 1 million acres were added to the state’s 30x30 database in the past year.
Today, Governor Newsom announced historic new ocean protections that brings the share of California’s coastal waters conserved to 22%. The state recently established the first new marine protected areas in more than a decade, adding 15,000 acres of protected coastal waters. The new protections safeguard important marine habitats and create opportunities for stewardship with California Native American tribes.
Emerald High School Takes California Archery to the National Stage
Story By: California Dept of Fish and Wildlife
This summer, Emerald High School in Dublin made history as the first California scholastic archery team to qualify for the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Championship. The team competed in the bullseye division at the June 18–20 championship in Daytona Beach, Florida, after qualifying at the Western National Tournament in Sandy, Utah.
California schools interested in starting a program or competing nationally can plan for the California State Bullseye Tournament on Feb. 20, 2027, with options to compete virtually from their campuses or in person at Emerald High School.
Congratulations to the California Conservation Corps on their 50th Anniversary
Story by: California Conservation Corps
For 50 years, the California Conservation Corps (CCC) has helped protect and enhance California’s natural resources and communities while empowering young adults through hands-on work and education. Established in 1976 under Governor Jerry Brown, the CCC is the nation’s largest and longest-running conservation corps. Its legacy spans forests, trails, emergency response, and conservation partnerships around the world.
Over five decades, CCC corpsmembers have:
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Planted more than 25 million trees
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Completed 13,895 miles of backcountry trails
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Contributed more than 14 million hours to emergency response
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Contributed more than 86 million hours to natural resources work
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Connected with 48 countries to advance conservation globally
The CCC marked its golden anniversary with a celebration in Sacramento and a Golden Anniversary Bus Tour, bringing corpsmembers, alumni, and supporters together at stops across California. The celebrations continue this fall: a Southern California anniversary picnic is planned for Wednesday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in South El Monte. Explore the CCC’s legacy in its 50th anniversary story and watch the Golden State Bus Tour recap.
They also embarked on a Golden Anniversary Bus Tour across California to numerous locations: San Diego, Los Angeles, Monterey County, Fresno County, the East Bay, and Chico.
Below is a list of current grant opportunities offered by government and private entities. A list of all California State Grant opportunities can be found online at www.grants.ca.gov. Please review the eligibility requirements and application deadlines for each opportunity, and feel free to share this information with others who may benefit.
Due October 31, 2026
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Hydro Flask Product Donations Program: Provides products to be used for participant rewards for programs including outdoor recreation and environment or climate action education.
- Aquatic Center Grant Program: California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways has up to $1.4 million available for local public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and colleges and universities that provide on-the-water boating safety education to the public. Funding may support boating equipment and supplies, student scholarships for boating courses, instructor training, and boating safety-related events.
Due November 4, 2026
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Youth Community Access Grant Program: Approximately $15 million is available to support field trips to national, state, regional parks, and cultural sites for youth from low-income and disadvantaged communities, as well as educational programming and workforce-development opportunities in natural and cultural resource fields.
Due November 5, 2026
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CDFW Boating Access Grant Program: The California Department of Fish and Wildlife expects approximately $3 million to be available for fiscal year 2027–28 projects that improve public access to California waters for recreational boating. An online program workshop is scheduled for October 21 at 10 a.m.; attendance is optional.
Due November 10, 2026
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Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation: Provides support to community-based nonprofit organizations for which a relatively small amount of funding might make a significant difference, including in the areas of environment and wildlife-protection activities. Awards typically range from $1,000 to $20,000.
Due December 11, 2026
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James E. Cook Nature’s Classroom Grant: Western National Parks offers K–12 educators up to $750 for virtual or in-classroom experiences and up to $2,000 for in-park experiences developed with a participating park. The grant is designed to expand park access for underrepresented youth and can help cover transportation, park and program fees, and educational supplies.
Due December 17, 2026
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Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program. Proposition 4 (Climate Bond) provides approximately $188.5 million to create new parks and recreation opportunities or renovate and expand existing parks in critically underserved and climate-vulnerable communities, particularly areas with limited or no nearby public outdoor recreation. Applicants may request $200,000 to $8.5 million per project, and no match is required.
Due Jan. 14, 2027
- Land and Water Conservation Fund: Approximately $27.5 million is available statewide to support land acquisition and park development projects that creates outdoor recreation opportunities. Applicants may request up to $6 million per application, with a 50% match requirement.
Due Feb. 1, 2027
- Boat Launching Facilities Grant: California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways invites public agencies to apply for funding to design, engineer, permit, and construct new public recreational boat-launching facilities or improve existing facilities serving motorized and non-motorized vessels.
Rolling Deadline
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The Trailblazer newsletter is issued each month to deliver updates 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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If you have a story, photo, or event that supports CNRA's Outdoors For All mission, we'd love to feature it in our newsletter! Please email outdoors@resources.ca.gov with your submission.
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