About the District
The Inland Empire District, part of the Desert Region within the California State Parks system, manages and oversees over eight state park properties across Riverside, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties. These properties include California Citrus State Historic Park, Chino Hills State Park, Lake Perris State Recreation Area, Mount San Jacinto State Park, Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, San Timoteo Canyon, Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, and Wildwood Canyon.
Our diverse parks provide various outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing, attracting millions of visitors' annually from across the world. Educational programs, including interpretive programs, guided tours, and virtual school programs, help enhance visitors understanding of natural and cultural resources. Our conservation efforts are essential in preserving the natural habitats and wildlife within our parks, contributing to biodiversity and environmental health. Our Natural Resources programs are dedicated to protecting endemic species and restoring natural ecosystems. Additionally, cultural preservation is a cornerstone of our mission, with parks like the California Citrus State Historic Park preserving and interpreting key moments in California's history.
The parks district staff works with local communities, volunteers, and organizations to enhance park services and address regional needs. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to provide exceptional recreational experiences while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of our parks for future generations to enjoy.
District Leaders and Staff
Kelly Elliott
Inland Empire District Superintendent
Corey Alderson
Inland Empire District Interim Chief Ranger
Teri Pope
District Interpretive Chief
Ken Kietzer
District Senior Environmental Scientist
Stephanie Gutierrez
District Administrative Chief
John Rowe
Perris Sector Superintendent
Ryann Gill
Silverwood Sector Superintendent
Donnell Norwood
Mount San Jacinto Operational Liaison/Park Manager
Kimberly Reyes
Chino Sector Manager
Ricky Gardenias
District Maintenance Chief
Ian Bernstein
K-12 Access and PORTS Program Coordinator
Garrett Fuhrman
District Multimedia Coordinator
Alexandra Jonassen
District Museum Curator