When is the last time you visited one of California’s 280 state parks? Sara Rubin here to say that for me, it was quite recent—these public lands (alongside federal and local agencies) are a big part of my life and I frequent state parks properties in Monterey County for hikes and jogs. (A friend of mine was lucky enough to score a campsite for a night at Pfeiffer Big Sur recently, and that feels equivalent to winning the lottery.)
Campground availability aside, these places are available to us all the time, but sometimes a special occasion reminds us that they’re there all the time. Thus is the tagline of the fifth annual California State Parks Week: “This is where you live.”
Many of California’s state parks are participating with special events from June 10-14, and you can read about some of those activities in the print edition of the Weekly that comes out this Thursday, June 11.
Before then, there are a few ways to get involved. You can join a volunteer day to help remove invasives from Carmelo Meadow at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve from 9am-noon on Wednesday, June 10.
Events like this are not just a chance to serve, but a chance to immerse in our public lands with more depth (“this is where you live”). At the Point Lobos event, you can expect to learn about grassland restoration, invasive species management and the history of volunteer work at this popular destination. You can also get involved in removing invasives (hemlock, mustard and thistle) at Andrew Molera State Park at 9am on Thursday, June 11.
If kneeling in the dirt and getting your hands dirty isn’t your thing, consider a virtual kayak tour of Whalers Cove at Point Lobos from 11-11:30am on Wednesday.
At Pfeiffer Big Sur, you’re invited to gather around a campfire (it’s optional to bring s’mores fixings, which is to say: do) to learn about redwoods and how they are adapting to climate change at 8:30pm on Wednesday night, June 10. Or show up in the heat of the day (one can hope) at 1pm for a 90-minute guided hike up the Big Sur River Gorge.
My unsolicited advice if you’re new to this: Wear socks and sneakers, but prepare to walk through the water. If you’ve never done this, it’s weird at first, but it’s by far the best way to hike through a river—and when you take off your soggy socks and shoes, your feet will thank you.
At an entirely different speed, Monterey State Historic Park offers an urban experience with tours focused on arts and literature (among others). Start times are 11am on June 10, 12 and 14. An exhibit focused on shipwreck history opens at 5:30pm on Thursday, June 11.
Whether you’re weeding, exploring or learning, there is something for everyone during these few days of events. If you’re participating in State Parks Week, I’d love to hear what you’re doing and why.