The opinions and views expressed in the news stories of interest do not always reflect those of the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
News Stories of Interest
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Week of March 30, 2026
The opinions and views expressed in the news stories of interest do not always reflect those of the California Department of Parks and Recreation
Defense Production Act Reshapes California Pipeline Energy Infrastructure: As geopolitical crises intensify global supply concerns, federal authorities are increasingly willing to override traditional state regulatory frameworks to secure domestic energy resources. Muflih Hidayat, Discovery Alert, Apr. 3, 2026
First guided nature walk of spring at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park April 11: The first guided nature walk of the spring season will be held at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park on Saturday, April 11, at 8:30 a.m. Henry Bornstein, Lake County News, Apr. 3, 2026
Despite high temps and pile-burning setbacks, fire officials aren’t worrying just yet: This winter’s rain—and snow—in the mountains means May 1 deadline can stay put. Drew Penner, Press Banner, Apr. 3, 2026
3 hikes near L.A. where wildflowers are thriving right now: I hope you also witness this abundance on the three trails below. L.A. is forecast to have more springtime rain, and you know what they say about April showers! Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, Apr. 2, 2026
Pretty petals: Wildflowers in bloom throughout Tri-Valley and beyond: Colorful views from Sunol Regional Wilderness, Mount Diablo and the central coast.
Sophia Sucato, Pleasanton Weekly, Apr. 2, 2026
These San Diego parks have been nominated for statewide recognition: Two San Diego parks are in the running for statewide recognition as voting continues in the annual “Best of California’s State Parks” poll. Amber Coakley, Fox 5 News, Apr. 2, 2026
Soft, grand opening of Artlands REACH community garden in Sylvan Park: Artlands launches REACH garden in Sylvan Park with cascarones workshop, skate lessons and plans for a new community gathering space. Siw Heede, Community Forward Lands, Apr. 2, 2026
Trump order could kickstart drilling for oil in popular Bay Area parks: If the Central Coast Field Office’s plan goes through, large new drilling projects could crop up in and around places like Mount Diablo State Park, Pinnacles National Park, the Santa Cruz and Santa Lucia mountain ranges, Henry W. Coe State Park and the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. Sam Mauhay-Moore, SFGATE, April 1, 2026
These Bay Area spots are in the running for ‘Best of California’s State Parks’: Several Bay Area state parks have been recognized as top spots for activities such as camping, hiking and birdwatching, and Californians have a little under two weeks to vote for their favorites of the bunch. Andrew Fortin-Caldera, KTVU, April 1, 2026
NASA Images Reveal California Superbloom Is Visible From Space: Wildflowers Are Carpeting This Beloved National Monument: Recent images from an orbiting satellite reveal a sweeping stretch of wildflower blooms across this part of SoCal.
Sofia Delpueche, Secret Los Angeles, Apr. 1, 2026
Redwood Parks Conservancy hosts ‘May the Forest Be With You’: Redwood Parks Conservancy, in partnership with the National Park Service and California State Parks, invites the public to “May the Forest Be With You” May 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in Orick. The Times-Standard, Apr. 1, 2026
California Condor Population Soars to Over 600 Individuals, First Wild Egg Laid in NorCal Over 100 Years Doing Well: Brought back from the brink of extinction, a population that once numbered less than 22 individuals has, through means of careful habitat restoration and captive rearing initiatives, grown into a population now estimated to be over 600 birds strong. Matt Charnock, Underscore_SF, Apr. 1, 2026
This Stretch of California’s Highway 1 Turns a Scenic Drive Into the Road Trip of a Lifetime, and No, It’s Not Big Sur: Big Sur gets the mythology, and fair enough. But California’s Highway 1 has another stretch that feels just as transporting in a completely different way. Marija Mrakovic, Guessing Headlights, Apr. 1, 2026
Local heroes honored during the 23rd annual Director’s Recognition Award: The annual awards program honors the passion, tenacity, and innovative contributions of California State Park employees, volunteers, and park partners.
Paula Peterson, South Tahoe Now, March 31, 2026
Deadly virus outbreak jumps hundreds of miles across California to infect more victims: Dozens of cases of avian flu were detected in Ano Nuevo State Park near Santa Cruz last month, killing 47 elephant seals and infecting 27 others. It has also spread to a sea otter. James Grant, California Post, March 30, 2026
They want to open 700,000 acres to drilling — including land near Mount Diablo: Under the Trump administration, sections of Mount Diablo and other natural habitats in the Bay Area are now under threat from oil and gas drilling, something advocates worry will disrupt habitats, beloved recreational areas and public health. Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, March 30, 2026
7 California Weekend Train Trips to Take This Summer and Fall: Across California, Amtrak’s regional routes link major cities with small towns, national parks, and beach getaways that feel much further away than they really are. And unlike flying in economy class, getting there isn’t painful. Suzie Dundas, Matador Network, March 30, 2026
A Spectacular Road Trip Chasing California’s Waterfalls: This summer, explore some of California’s most spectacular waterfalls on a breathtaking 221-mile road trip through Northern California. Travel Biz Monitor, March 30, 2026
Just 2 Hours From L.A., One Of CA’s Most Underrated State Parks Has Fields Of Wildflowers Blooming At The Base Of Its 300-Foot Cliffs: Red Rock Canyon State Park is a dramatic landscape with towering sandstone formations and colorful wildflower blooms. Jamie Ferrell, Secret Los Angeles, March 29, 2026
This California town is packed with so much character it barely feels real anymore: Tucked along the rugged coastline of California’s Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea feels like someone plucked a storybook village straight out of a fairy tale and dropped it beside the Pacific Ocean. Evan Cook, Fast Food Club, March 29, 2026
Deadly virus first detected in Bay Area park found in Central California: A strain of the deadly avian flu detected in Ano Nuevo State Park last month, with cases confirmed in California marine mammals for the first time ever, has been documented in another new county hundreds of miles south of the initial outbreak. Amanda Bartlett, SFGate, March 29, 2026
California's Oldest State Park Just Got Bigger By Adding Acres With A Colorful History: NoraBella was recently acquired by California State Parks and is set to be incorporated into Big Basin State Park. David McElhinney, Islands, March 28, 2026
Lake Tahoe campground opens for day use ahead of May reopening after major upgrade: A Lake Tahoe campground is open for day use only with no services as upgrades wrap up. Overnight camping resumes May 21 with improved fire safety. Kailee Bryant, ABC 10, March 27, 2026
Los Angeles Beaches Could Join the National Park System — With Endangered Species in Mind: Learn how some of the beaches in Los Angles could soon become the next national park and what species this protected area could help keep safe. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, March 27, 2026
Add On to Your National Park Trip: Under-the-Radar State Parks You Shouldn’t Miss: If you’re headed to popular parks like Zion or Yosemite, fill out your itinerary with visits to the nearby state parks that have equally stunning trails and vistas.
Mary Andino, Gear Junkie, March 27, 2026
Coleman Park Project Contract Awarded: Work has already begun in the rebuilding of Morro Bay’s Coleman Park, with a construction fence up and excavators and backhoes already moving dirt around. Neil Farrell, Estero Bay News, March 27, 2026
Where can I find ‘first come, first served’ campsites? See 15 in California: Get there first and get there fast. Camping season is on its way for the Spring and Summer and these California State Parks are ready for the rush of campers looking for that wonderful nature escape. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, The Sacramento Bee, March 27, 2026