California State Parks Foundation Partnered with Sponsors to Redirect $75,000 in Grants to Support Parks as they Navigate COVID-19 Challenges
In celebration of Earth Day, California State Parks Foundation teamed up with sponsors to introduce $75,000 in new grant funding for parks in need throughout the state. Earth Day reminds us that our state parks are incredible places where we can find spectacular natural beauty, spaces to learn and innumerable mental and physical health benefits – a reality that Californians sheltering at home are more aware of now more than ever. But, during these challenging times and for the safety and wellbeing of Californians, many parks have closed to the public or are limiting visitors, significantly impacting revenue sources for these green sanctuaries.
“On most Earth Days we’d be outside, celebrating, protecting and enhancing the irreplaceable natural treasures around us, but this Earth Day, while we all shelter in place we’re doing everything we can to support our state parks from home,” said Rachel Norton, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation. “Immediate grant funding for California’s state parks will help to bridge the gaps brought on by this pandemic.”
For more than 20 years California State Parks Foundation’s annual Earth Day celebrations have raised nearly $7 million, attracting nearly 90,000 participants volunteering more than 355,000 hours. Every year our volunteers perform crucial park maintenance tasks, like restoring natural ecosystems and trail improvements, totaling nearly $7.3 million in park improvements.
But this year, while we all do our part to help flatten the curve, thanks to the support of our major Earth Day sponsors – United Airlines, Edison International, The PG&E Foundation Corporation, Target and Blue Shield of California – California State Parks Foundation is shifting resources and redirecting $75,000 in funds to help address immediate needs in our parks.
“The reality is, in addition to the financial hardships we’re all feeling, state parks already have more than $1 billion in deferred maintenance costs that have yet to be addressed,” said Holly Martinez, Director of Programs and Advocacy for California State Parks Foundation. “Green spaces have proven to be a place of reprieve while we all shelter in place and we hope everyone from home joins us today in celebrating our earth and the spaces we’ve been gifted.”
Grant funding will be distributed to 21 California state parks and partner groups stretching from north to south and serving both urban and rural families, with the goal of protecting and preserving these natural resources around us:
- Angel Island State Park
- Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook State Park
- Candlestick Point State Recreation Area
- Carpinteria State Beach
- China Camp State Park
- Chino Hills State Park
- Crystal Cove State Beach
- El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
- Half Moon Bay State Beach
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Jack London State Historic Park
- Leo Carrillo State Park
- Los Angeles State Historic Park
- Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
- Rio de Los Angeles State Park
- Sierra Parks Foundation
- South Carlsbad State Beach
- Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
- Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods
- Trinidad State Beach
To learn more about what you can do this Earth Day to celebrate California and the planet, visit our website and join our pledge to create a greener California for the next generation at www.calparks.org/earthday.