Interpretation is a special form of communication that helps people understand, appreciate, and emotionally connect with the rich natural and cultural heritage preserved in parks. It is the mission of interpretation in California State Parks to convey messages that initially will help visitors value their experience, and that ultimately will foster a conservation ethic and promote a dedicated park constituency.
Planning & Programs
The Planning and Programs section manages key statewide interpretive programs, coordinates major interpretive planning efforts, promotes best-practices in interpretation through resource and training development, and offers project support to interpretive field staff.
PORTS – Parks Online Resource for Teachers and Students ®
PORTS is a free K-12 education program that provides a suite of digital resources for educators and their students to explore California State Parks. The flagship resource of the PORTS Program is their live, interactive video presentations delivered from over 50 different parks, showcasing our diverse and unique natural and cultural history.
Boating Clean & Green
The California Boating Clean and Green Program supports the Division of Boating and Waterways’ mission of providing safe and convenient public access to California’s waterways and leadership in promoting safe, enjoyable and environmentally sound recreational boating. This program is shared with the California Coastal Commision.
Boating & Waterways
The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) promotes safe and responsible recreational boating on the thousands of miles of state waterways, including public access, safety and education, marine law enforcement, and consumer and environmental protection.
Off Highway Vehicles Outreach & Education
The Off Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Interpretation and Education team delivers interpretative programs that promote safe practices in off-highway vehicle recreational activities, as well as provide outreach at various events that educate visitors about rules, regulations, and best practices associated with off-highway recreation.
Relevancy & History
This program works to elevate community histories, expand park historical narratives, engage communities, and create career pathways to parks.
Cannabis Watershed Program
The Cannabis Watershed Protection Program’s interpretive team works to create opportunities for Californians to (re)connect to their home landscapes and better understand the impacts of illegal cannabis cultivation and other human influences on watersheds across the State Park System.