News

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to give up a great many things, but a behind-the-scenes tour of one of our California State Parks need not be one of them.

Parks California, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to making the state’s parks thrive, unveiled today virtual guided tours of three state parks — including Humboldt County’s own Patrick’s Point — with behind-the-scenes access that explores their histories and the ongoing efforts to conserve them.

“Parks California and the ParkSpeak series are raising awareness of California’s state parks by exploring the authentic stories, histories and projects of each,” said Parks California President and CEO Kindley Walsh Lawlor in a press release. “When more people understand what’s happening in their parks, they are more likely to feel connected to, enjoy and care for these important places.”

Patrick’s Point State Park will kick off the monthly series (accessible here) at 6 p.m. Thursday with a tour focused on Sumeg Village, the park’s importance to the Yurok Tribe and “how this partnership has engaged in restorative justice.” That will be followed by a virtual tour of La Purisima Mission State Historic Park in Lompoc on Sept. 24 and a tour of Anza Borrego Desert State Park in Borrego Springs on Oct. 15.

For all the details, check out the press release copied below and the program’s website here.

MEDIA ALERT
August 11, 2020 
MEDIA CONTACT: Hector Zermeño, [email protected] 

Parks California Launches Free Virtual Guided Tours Highlighting Behind-the-Scenes Access to Three California State Parks
• Parks featured in the initial three events span Northern California Redwoods to San Diego Desert
• Expert speakers will share little-known facts and timely stories from each park in focus 
WHAT: 
California’s 280 state parks offer a rich history that can provide much more to their visitors beyond the benefits of experiencing nature. With its new virtual series, ParkSpeak, Parks California will connect community members across the state with a guided, behind-the-scenes tour exploring the histories and ongoing efforts within three geographically dispersed state parks. 

Parks California, a statewide nonprofit with a mission to help strengthen state parks and inspire all to experience them, created ParkSpeak to amplify important work happening between the California State Parks department, regional staff and local partners to enhance the park experience, provide equitable park access to youth and families, and restore connections between tribal communities and their native lands, among other noteworthy collaborations.

WHY: 
California’s state parks are as diverse as its people. The dispersed locations and distinct makeup of each park tends to attract local stakeholders who care deeply for their local state park. With this regional caretaking approach, the extraordinary partnerships and collaborations that could offer benefits to the larger park system can get lost at the local level. Parks California aims to shed light on these collaborations and special projects to lift the stories beyond park borders and highlight the caring, thoughtful approach required to protect and evolve so many special places statewide. 

EVENTS: 
• Patrick's Point State Park - Thursday, August 13, 6 p.m.
Sumeg Village in Patrick’s Point State Park is an important location for the Yurok Tribe. Hear how this partnership has engaged in restorative justice. 
o Victor Bjelajac, North Coast Redwoods District Superintendent 
o Skip Lowry, North Coast Redwoods District Interpreter & Yurok/Mountain Maidu/Pit River Descendant

• La Purisima Mission State Historic Park - Thursday, September 24, 6 p.m.
Where early California meets the digital age - learn from La Purisima Mission State Historic Park staff as they share the history of this special place.
o Greg Martin, Channel Coast District Superintendent 
o Ann Boggess, La Purisima Mission State Historic Park Interpreter

• Anza Borrego Desert State Park®, Thursday, October 15, 5 p.m.
The partnership between Anza Borrego Desert State Park® and the Anza Borrego Foundation is increasing equitable access for youth. Join us to learn more about their efforts.  
o Ray Lennox, District Superintendent Acting, Colorado Desert District 
o Bri Fordem, Anza-Borrego Foundation Executive Director 
o Sally Theriault, State Park Interpreter II, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park® 
o Lydia Stinson, State Park Interpreter I, Colorado Desert District 
QUOTES:
Kindley Walsh Lawlor, President and CEO, Parks California 

“Parks California and the ParkSpeak series are raising awareness of California’s state parks by exploring the authentic stories, histories and projects of each. When more people understand what’s happening in their parks, they are more likely to feel connected to, enjoy and care for these important places.”


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• Organization: Parks California
• Links to use in your story: parkscalifornia.org/parkspeak