CA State Parks Week starts June 10. Where to sign up for free tours and events
The fifth annual California State Parks Week kicks off Wednesday, with more than 170 free events taking place across the state from June 10 to June 14. The Sacramento area is also in on the action, with free activities, tours and activities occurring at sites throughout the region.
Most people associate the word “park” with forests and meadows. However, California’s state parks also include various bodies of water as well as historical sites. SRAs and SHPs, or “State Recreation Areas” and “State Historical Parks,” are also hosting a number of events for California State Parks Week.
All the California State Parks events require registration in advance, and registration is already full, with only waitlists available, for the most popular happenings. However, a number of events still have spots open, especially at local State Historic Parks. Here are some local activities with spots still open for registration.
Though the events themselves are free, many parks still have parking, admittance, or day-use fees.
June 11
Moving with Ease, a Meditation Walk at Delta Meadows Park Property
9 A.M.
From the website: “Join us on this sensory journey as we begin with a light stretch, then walk with ease for a mile across simple terrain, connecting with the sights, sounds, smells, and tactile experiences along the way. This meditative walk will help calm the mind, relax the body, and reduce stress.”
Community Paddle Day at Upper Lake Clementine
10:00 A.M. to 4 P.M.
From the website: “The event will take place from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, we will launch from the Upper Lake Clementine Beach. Open paddling and beach use are available for the duration of the event. Throughout the day, staff and community partners will provide educational programming and safety outreach to attendees. A guided paddle tour will also be provided beginning at 11:00 AM for those interested in learning more about the history, flora, and fauna of Lake Clementine.”
June 12
Yoga in the Park at Sutter’s Fort SHP
8 A.M.
From the website: “Sponsored by partner Midtown Parks, this outdoor activity supports the well-being of the community by creating centrally located public spaces designed to provide opportunities for recreation and leisure and to build relationships with neighbors.”
June 13
Behind the Gilded Spoon: A Butler’s Tour of the Leland Stanford Mansion
10:30 A.M.
From the website: “What was life as a servant like in the Victorian Era? Join us for a look into the past as the Head Butler takes you through the mansion describing your duties and responsibilities working the evening of the “Railroad King’s Ball” of 1872.”
Wild Things Native Wildlife Stewardship Presentation at Auburn SRA
11 A.M., 2 P.M., 5 P.M.
From the website: “Conservation Ambassadors’ Wild Things of Weimar, CA will present programs at Auburn SRA with some of their rescued native wildlife to interpret the natural history of these animals and conservation efforts.”
Be Bear Aware - Campfire Program at Donner Memorial SP
8 P.M.
From the website: “Celebrate State Parks Week with us as we explore the world of Sierra Nevada black bears! Join us for an evening campfire program at Donner Memorial State Park where we’ll learn about black bears and how they live in and navigate a landscape shared with millions of visitors.”
June 14
10:30 AM, 1 PM
From the website: “Learn more about the complex history of this very important site, how Sutter’s Fort impacted Native people and ecosystems in the 1840s, and about current efforts to develop and provide holistic learning experiences at the park.”
A Garden in Time: The Changing Landscape of the Leland Stanford Mansion
10:30 AM
From the website: “Walk on historic brick paths to explore the gardens of the mansion on a guided tour through time. The gardens of the Stanford residence were once said to be the most exquisite in the city, boasting hundreds of trees, shrubs, and plants.”
