Nature & Conservation
California’s State Parks are not only breathtaking landscapes but vital ecosystems that provide immense environmental, social, and educational benefits.
The state’s conservation efforts, particularly the ambitious “30×30” initiative, reflect a growing recognition of the importance of protecting nature for future generations. California’s “30×30” initiative aims to protect 30% of the state’s lands and coastal waters by the year 2030.
Stewardship and Conservation are integral to the mission of California State Parks, and the 30×30 initiative represents a critical step in preserving the state’s natural heritage. Below you will find a collection of resources and events, where visitors not only explore content but also gain a deeper understanding of their role in protecting the environment. By fostering a connection to nature, California State Parks inspires future generations to become stewards, ensuring that the state’s natural beauty and biodiversity will endure for years to come.
Featured Nature Parks
Dos Rios
Once farmland now restored floodplain, Dos Rios provides the perfect habitat for several protected species such as, the riparian brush rabbit, riparian woodrat, Swainson’s hawk, Central Valley Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, least Bell’s vireo, and the greater Sandhill crane.
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
the Lost Coast Trail follows the whole length of the rugged Sinkyone coastline. Gray whales pass by during the winter and early spring. Roosevelt elk roam the grasslands. Sea lions and harbor seals hang out in rocky coves. It’s an…
Castle Crags State Park
Majestic Castle Crags have inspired enduring myths and legends. More than 170 million years old, these 6000-feet tall granite spires in the Castle Crags Wilderness border the northwestern edge of Castle Crags State Park.
Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
The reserve was established to preserve the spectacular "tufa towers," calcium-carbonate spires and knobs formed by interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water. It also protects the lake surface itself as well as the wetlands and other sensitive habitat…
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos SNR is outstanding for sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, SCUBA diving and jogging. The offshore area, part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, forms one of the richest underwater habitats in the world popular with divers.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Calaveras Big Trees State Park preserves a mixed conifer forest with two groves of giant sequoias - the North Grove and South Grove. In addition to the giant sequoia trees, you will find the Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek, ancient volcanic…
Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy one of the most iconic and time capsule parks in California. This unique and remote travel destination offers a frontier experience of timeless landscapes and breathtaking views. The park is also home to the beautiful Mitchell…
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California and is known for its vast landscape and diverse wildlife. The park features washes, wildflowers, palm groves, cacti and sweeping vistas. It is home to the Peninsular Bighorn…
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve
This State Natural Reserve is located on California's most consistent poppy-bearing land. Other wildflowers: owl's clover, lupine, goldfield, cream cups, and coreopsis, to name a few, share the desert grassland to produce a mosaic of color and fragrance each spring.
Elephant Seal Guided Walks at Año Nuevo State Park
The park offers guided walks lead by volunteer docent naturalist to see the northern elephant seals in their natural habitat inside the Año Nuevo Coast Natural Preserve. Año Nuevo docents go through extensive training and are highly knowledgeable in the…
30×30 California
The 30×30 goal is intended to help accelerate conservation of our lands and coastal waters through voluntary, collaborative action with partners across the state to...
American Black Bears in California State Parks
Learn about American Black Bears in California State Parks
Black Bears in Autumn – YouTube
Learn what’s going on inside a bear’s body during Autumn as they prepare for hibernation!
Bringing Back the Tule Elk
Naturalists estimate that half a million elk roamed California before 1849! Learn about the history of these animals.
CA State Parks Santa Cruz District – YouTube Channel
Watch videos and learn about the natural and cultural history of the parks we protect and care for, like redwood trees, historic adobes, banana slugs,...
Calaveras Big Trees State Park – Instructional Resources and Grade level NGSS Support
Read information for teachers about how to make a memorable experience for students
California Coastal Redwood Parks
View a map of California’s Redwood Parks
Collections:: Tule Elk | Smithsonian Learning Lab
Learn about the Tule Elk
Elephant Seal Guided Walks at Año Nuevo State Park
The park offers guided walks lead by volunteer docent naturalist to see the northern elephant seals in their natural habitat inside the Año Nuevo Coast...
Exploring Mitchell’s Caverns
The Mitchell Caverns are formed from limestone that was once plant and animal materials that formed when this area was the bottom of a shallow...
Fire and the Giant Sequoia
Growing in a lush grove, giant sequoia trees can stand up to 325 feet tall and live as long as 3,000 years.
Fire with a Purpose
California State Parks foresters and environmental scientists use controlled fire to restore plant and animal habitats and to reduce the chances of large, destructive wildfires....
Fremont Peak Observatory – Public Programs
The Observatory is open to the public for scheduled viewing and educational programs. When the summer advection fog rolls in from Monterey Bay and covers...
Fun Facts About California State Parks
Learn some fun facts about CA State Parks!
Geological Gems of California State Parks
Geo Gems provides in-depth site-specific geological information to park interpretive staff for use in interpretive programs and publications, as well as to the general public,...
Guided Tours at Asilomar State Beach
Schedule a tour at Asilomar State Beach
Humboldt Lagoons State Park – YouTube Video
Join California State Park Ranger Maurice Morningstar and explore the ever-changing Humboldt Lagoons State Park. Discover the incredible mysteries of the largest lagoon system in...
Hungry Valley Native Grasslands
Large tracts of land throughout the state of California were once dominated by native perennial bunchgrasses, but only about 1% of California’s valley grasslands remain...
Invasive Species in California State Parks
Landscapes invaded by non-native invasive species do not portray an accurate view of natural California.
Junior Ranger Activity Book – Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Download a junior ranger activity book connected with Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Marine Protected Areas – Coloring Books
View online coloring books that you can print at home or color online via Quiver, by MPA Collective.
Marvelous Marbled Murrelets
The marbled murrelet, a seabird about the size of a robin, is a redwoods inhabitant listed as endangered in California and threatened in the U.S....
Natural History of The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Learn about the natural history of The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Nature Journal in Your Neighborhood – YouTube
Watch a YouTube video about keeping a nature journal
Nature’s Recyclers
Printable activity sheet to match a clue with a “nature recycler.”
North Coast Redwoods District – YouTube Channel
Watch YouTube videos of the North Coast Redwood District
Northern Elephant Seals
Two of California’s coastal state parks host large, strange-looking creatures each winter as breeding grounds for northern elephant seals
Orange Coast District State Parks – YouTube Channel
Explore our educational and informational videos related to the beautiful beaches, tidepools, and wilderness areas in the Orange Coast District of California State Parks. We...
Park Rules at Chino Hills State Park
Learn about park rules at Chino Hills State Park
Proteja los mérgoles jaspeados: ¡esté limpio de migajas! – YouTube
Watch a YouTube video about the Marbled Murrelet (spanish subtitles)
Red Rock Canyon State Park Interpretive Program Schedule
See a schedule of interpretive programs at Red Rock Canyon State Park
Redwood Ed: A Guide to the Coast Redwoods for Teachers and Learners
Redwood Ed is a resource for those who want to learn about the coast redwood community and those who want to help others learn about...
Reserve Activities for Santa Cruz District State Parks
Schedule a guided walk at Big Basin
Science and Nature at Russian Gulch State Park
Read about science and nature at Russian Gulch State Park
Snowy Plover and Least Tern Protection
Young Western Snowy PloverOceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), a popular OHV park with approximately 1.4 million visitors annually, is an important breeding site...
Sudden Oak Death (SOD)
Learn about sudden oak death
Surf Beach Shoreline Monitoring Program
Learn about the Surf Beach Shoreline Monitoring Program at San Onofre State Beach
The Conifer Connection
A Resource for Learning and Teaching About Coniferous Forests and Watersheds
The Lake of the Sky
Learn about Lake Tahoe and the California state parks within the Tahoe area.
Tide Pool Animals (padlet.com)
Learn about tide pools
Tidepool Tips at Asilomar State Beach
Learn how to tidepool at Asilomar State Beach
Video – Hatching Western Snowy Plover Nest
Watch a YouTube video of the Western Snowy Plover
Wonder Hikes 2025 at Mount Diablo State Park
Have you ever wondered about the many species of organisms that inhabit our world beyond the sidewalks and streets? This is the hike for you!...
Youth Educational Resources for San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park
A place for students to access digital educational content and learn more about historical, cultural, and natural topics related to San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic...