Winter 2026
For You
—a message from Director Quintero
In our lives and careers, there are extraordinary moments—some that unfold in a single day, others across months or even an entire year. For all California State Parks employees, this past year has been unlike any other.
The disasters we faced—the destruction of Bidwell Mansion, the fires in Los Angeles, and the damage to Topanga and Will Rogers State Parks—were beyond anything we could have imagined. Witnessing the challenges confronting our federal land management partners further deepened our growing familiarity with the previously unimaginable.
This past year, you became a part of the stories of California’s parks.
Your Questions Answered!
- I have 10,000 things to do at my park; can anybody… HELP?!
- What in the world is “Division???”
First Day Firsts
Claire Andrews took the plunge into special event hosting with a creative “First Day Hike” Polar Plunge at Cardiff State Beach.
Brochures Are Back With A New Focus
Over the last few months, the Publications Unit has begun working on the first round of completely redesigned brochures. Kim Milruya shares some examples.
Adventure Into the Unknown
Channel Coast District’s Ann Boggess accompanies the Chumash Brotherhood of the Tomol on their 22-mile ocean crossing to Santa Cruz Island.
People Who Lived Here
Julie Sidel shares how Mission Santa Cruz SHP co-created a virtual exhibit with California Native artists and community members.
Your New Digital Storytelling Tool
Kayla Jones explains how you can start building your park’s digital story in the Virtual Adventurer app!
2025 Interpretation In Review
Interpretation and Education Chief, Heather Holm, reflects on all of your hard work in 2025.
2025 Interpretation and Education Excellence Awards Winners
Congratulations to the many talented nominees and awardees in the 2nd annual California State Parks Interpretation and Education Excellence Awards.
Resources Hub Reminder
The Resources Hub continues to be a resource for you, our interpretive staff across the state.
I&E Book Club
It’s not too late to join in the fun of our first-ever statewide book club.
Mapping Data
Even without an ArcGIS account, there is still plenty you can do to visualize State Parks GIS data.
February
- February, All Month: Black History Month
- February 16: Presidents’ Day State Holiday
- February 25: Interpretation Book Club Meeting
March
- March, All Month: Women’s History Month
- March 3: World Wildlife Day
- March 8: International Women’s Day
- March 17-19: Natural Resource Interpretation Training Regional Workshop at Columbia SHP
- March 31: Cesar Chavez Day State Holiday
April
- April 14-17: Natural Resource Interpretation Training Regional Workshop at Mendocino Woodlands Camp Association
- April 19 (likely date): National Junior Ranger Day, NPS
- April 19-25: National Volunteer Week
- April 22: Earth Day
Start Planning For…
- 2026, All Year: America 250
- 2026, All Year: Anza 250
- May, All Month: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
- May, All Month: Preservation Month
- May 5-7: Natural Resource Interpretation Training Regional Workshop at King Gillette Ranch
- May 25: Memorial Day State Holiday
- June, All Month: LGBTQ2S+ Pride Month
- June 10-14: State Parks Week
Interested in writing an article? Want to share a resource? Got a success story?
Write to us at: interpretation.staff@parks.ca.gov
Winter 2026 Catalyst Team Members:
Anne Cooper and Devin McCutchen (editors)
Copyright (C) 2026 CA State Parks, Interpretation and Education Division. All rights reserved.