Vision and Dedication
Farsighted groups and partners join committed employees and generous volunteers to move each of our state parks from concept to reality..
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Dreamers & Planners | ![]() |
Builders & Protectors | ![]() |
Notable Women |
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Distinguished Leaders | ![]() |
Volunteers & Partners |
Dreamers & Planners
Farsighted people envisioned lands set aside for preservation and public recreation, thereby creating the state park — and eventually the national park — concept.
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Frederick Law Olmsted | ![]() |
Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. | ![]() |
Andrew P. Hill |
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The Captain and the Senator |
Andrew P. Hill
Photographer Andrew P. Hill, on assignment to photograph some Santa Cruz Mountain redwoods after a fire, was accused of trespassing and asked to hand over his negatives. Hill refused, went home, and began a crusade to save the redwoods--founding the Sempervirens Club. Click here to learn more about Hill's efforts. |
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Builders & Protectors
America's largest state park system has grown from one guardian watching one park to 280 parks with interpreters, rangers, natural and cultural experts, maintenance and administrative staff answering to four commissions and the public.
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Galen Clark, the First Ranger | ![]() |
A "New Deal" for California State Parks | ||
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Medals of Valor |
A "New Deal" for California State Parks
In the midst of the 1930s' Great Depression, President Franklin Roosevelt assembled a peacetime army of unemployed men to work on the nation's forestry, erosion and flood-control projects. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) members were tasked with building roads, infrastructure and camp buildings as California's State Park System expanded. More than 30,000 workers performed restoration work and built bridges, ampitheaters, museums, and campsites in the "park rustic" style. Read more about CCC projects. |
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Caroline Sealy Livermore
The Bay Area of today would look very different if Caroline Livermore hadn't interceded. Responsible for conserving some of the Bay's most beautiful parklands, Livermore was a force to be reckoned with. Learn more about her determined campaign for land preservation. |
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Distinguished Leaders
Since 1928, 22 directors have been appointed by the Governor to steer California State Parks. Through organizational and cultural changes, our leaders focus on increasing accessibility and appreciation of our resources.
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Newton P. Drury | ![]() |
William Penn Mott | ![]() |
Director's Award Winners |
William Penn MottWilliam Penn Mott was committed to expanding the park experience to nontraditional visitors by bringing "parks to the people." Urban parks increased and developed during his tenure, as did the workforce caring for them. Learn more about Mott's effect on park development and organizational culture. |
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Volunteers & Partners
Public-spirited groups and tireless volunteers helped build the park system without any credit; they continue to support our state parks.
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Native Sons of the Golden West | ![]() |
Save the Redwoods League | ![]() |
Park Cooperating Associations |
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Volunteers in Parks | ||||
Save the Redwoods LeagueAggressive logging operations threatened the redwood forests of Northern California in the early twentieth century. A group of activists banded together to form the Save the Redwoods League. Their work in purchasing endangered groves of trees continues to this day. Learn more about how private citizens created public spaces of enormous value. |
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- A "New Deal" for California State Parks
- Andrew P. Hill
- Caroline Sealy Livermore
- Cooperating Associations
- Frederick Law Olmsted
- Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr.
- Galen Clark, the First Ranger
- Medals of Valor
- Native Sons of the Golden West
- Newton B. Drury
- Pioneering Women
- Save the Redwoods League
- The "Savior of the Redwoods"
- The Captain and the Senator
- Volunteers in Parks
- William Penn Mott
Wonder & Inspiration
Wonder at our state parks scenes — from dramatic surf to faraway treetops to battling elephant seals to endangered birds to insects scurrying along a grass blade.
Click here to learn more about these treasures.
Adventure & Excitement
Wind down from the plethora of recreational adventures in our state parks with a serene night sleeping under the stars after a campfire program
Click here for more activities and interpretative programs in California State Parks
History & Heritage
Irreplaceable cultural landmarks — from Native California Indian grinding rocks to forts and missions to mansions — are preserved for posterity in our state parks.
Click here to learn more about the treasures preserved and interpreted by California State Parks.
A Promise to the Future
"In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations."
—Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy
Click here to learn more about California State Parks' promises to the future.
The story of California State Parks dramatically comes to life in "California Forever," a powerful and moving two-part television program composed of stunning cinematography and rare archival imagery. Click here to learn more about "California Forever."