California Escapes: January 2011 Features

California Citrus SHP

California Citrus SHP:  An orange grove preserved from a bygone era

Located in Southern California, sits a small historical park reminding park visitors of one of California’s bygone eras. This park preserves some of the rapidly vanishing cultural landscape of the citrus industry and tells the story of this industry's role in the history and development of California. To read more click here

Sue McLaughlin State Parks Ranger

Up Close and Personal: California State Parks Supervising Ranger Sue McLaughlin

Ranger Sue McLaughlin patrols the largest state park in California: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This seasoned veteran protects the park and interprets the wonders of the desert for park visitors. To read more click here

Round Valley Meadow in Mount San Jacinto SP

Round Valley Meadow in Mount San Jacinto State Park is restored

The Round Valley Meadow is an exceedingly uncommon and fragile wetland habitat, made all the more rare by its isolation high above the Southern California desert. At elevation 9100 ', it is less than 5 miles as the crow flies from the urbanization and often-oppressive heat of Palm Springs, which is at only 400’ elevation. To read more click here

Elephant Seals at Año Nuevo State Park

Elephant Seals Return to State Parks on California Coast

If you have not seen this annual ritual, you have missed one of the truly magnificent events of the animal world that is comparable to some of the more famous animal migrations found throughout the world.  To read more click here

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park

Celebrate Black History Month at Colonel Allensworth SHP

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park celebrates Black History Month every February. The Park offers guided tours of the historic buildings and soul touching lectures on the history of the African American self-governed town. To read more click here