California State Parks Week is an exciting new annual event that celebrates the amazing diversity of California’s State Park System and the people who visit and help protect these iconic places. Modeled after National Park Week and in support of the Newsom Administration’s “Outdoor for All” initiative, the first ever California State Parks Week will take place Tuesday, June 14 through Saturday, June 18, 2022.

Through special community events and in-person and virtual programming, California State Parks, Save the Redwoods League, Parks California, and the California State Parks Foundation invites Californians to celebrate the lands that have been protected by and for all of us, explore their diversity, natural and cultural history, and become stewards of these iconic places. California State Parks Week will also highlight how connecting with the outdoors can help our mental and physical health.

You can read more about the "whats" and "whys" of California State Parks Week on the event website.

Each day of California State Parks Week will highlight a specific theme, and state parks across the state will host special events related to the theme.

Tuesday, June 14: Land Acknowledgement Day

There is a movement throughout California’s State Park System to elevate, honor and celebrate the Indigenous voices and stories that are rooted in the ancestral lands now stewarded by California State Parks. Through land acknowledgments, name changes and interpretation, parks provide meaningful opportunities for all visitors to learn more about California Native American history, living culture and enduring traditions.Learn how California State Parks works with tribes to protect and care for the lands, cultural sites and natural resources that are important to us all.

Wednesday, June 15: Kids Career Day

Kids love being outside, and the Junior Ranger program—now available in English and Spanish—encourages their natural curiosity with a host of activities in more than 70 parks. Being a park ranger is just one of many possible careers available in California’s state parks. On Kids Career Day, we invite kids and families to explore all the important jobs that people do to help keep parks healthy and running, and to learn about kid-friendly opportunities such as the Junior Ranger, Junior Ecologist and Junior Lifeguard programs.

Thursday, June 16: Health and Wellness Day

Spending time outdoors is critical to health and well-being. Whether you’re a veteran park enthusiast or a first-time visitor, we invite you to explore something close to home and learn about organizations, events and activities that can continue to inspire you every day.

Friday, June 17: Stewardship Day

Parks are dynamic ecosystems that help safeguard a diversity of plant and animal life. But these ecosystems are not immune to the impacts of climate change. Just as we need parks, parks need us. Learn about programs and activities, such as prescribed burns, which help parks become more resilient to threats like severe wildfire. Discover how you can get involved in efforts to protect and steward your parks, including actions you can take to combat climate change at home and at work.

Saturday, June 18: Partnership Day/Volunteer Day

Protecting parks is a big job, and we rely on so many businesses, nonprofits, volunteers and community organizations to help fulfill the California State Parks’ mission. Learn about the important roles partners play and how you can support them—and how you can become a partner yourself. Volunteers are so appreciated in California’s State Park System, and there are myriad ways to give. Volunteers serve as campground hosts and docents, help maintain trails, assist in visitor centers and administrative offices, and help restore habitat. Learn how you can become a volunteer during California State Parks Week and year round, and thank those who have generously and passionately contributed so much time and energy to the largest and most diverse recreational, natural, and cultural heritage holdings of any state agency in the nation.