By SDCN Editor
Sacramento, CA–Parks California and California State Parks announced grants to 31 organizations throughout California, totaling more than $1 million to improve access to state parks and create memorable nature experiences.
Through Parks California’s Route to Parks grant program, these funds will help more than 7,700 people create lasting memories at state parks in 2025.
The 2025 grantees include programs from across the state, focused on providing experiences in parks through activities such as camping, backpacking by bike, and recurring, single-day programs. Three projects with California Native American tribes: Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, Jamul Indian Villag,e and the Mishewal Wappo will help increase access to their ancestral lands and cultivate collaboration and partnerships with park staff.
“The Route to Parks program highlights the power of partnerships in complementing California State Park’s efforts, bridging gaps to ensure memorable outdoor access for all,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “Partnering with Parks California expands our efforts in creating more opportunities for Californians to make lasting connections with the wonder of their state parks.”
Parks California’s Route to Parks grants program was launched in 2020 to reduce transportation barriers and help ensure that historically marginalized communities can visit and enjoy California’s world-class state parks. The program is made possible through a joint agreement between California State Parks and Parks California, and investments from private donors, including the PG&E Corporation Foundation and BMO.
“California’s state parks belong to all of us, yet too many communities face barriers to enjoying these incredible spaces,” said Parks California President and CEO Kindley Walsh Lawlor. “Through Route to Parks, we’re working alongside our partners to break down those barriers — ensuring that transportation, cost, or other obstacles don’t stand in the way of people experiencing the joy, health benefits, and sense of belonging that parks provide. My sincere appreciation to this year’s grantees who are leading the way in connecting communities to nature; we are honored to support their work.”
Grant awards average $37,675 and will fund transportation, logistics, and park activities. Grantee recipients represent the diversity and reach of California’s state park system.
Land Together (formerly Insight Garden Program) received a $30,000 grant.
“The profound appreciation I have for nature stems from being completely removed from it during my 25 years of incarceration. My journey back to nature—and ultimately to freedom—was made possible through Land Together’s in-prison program,” said Sr. Reentry Program Manager Jamala Taylor. “I am deeply grateful for Parks California’s generous support, which has allowed us to expand this transformative work to our growing reentry community. Through our ‘Reentry Reconnect: Nature for New Beginnings’ project, we are providing healing experiences in California’s state parks for individuals reentering society after incarceration.”
Jamul Indian Village received a $80,000 grant from the California State Parks.
“The Jamul Indian Village of California of the Kumeyaay Nation is excited to have been awarded this grant from Parks California,” said Tribal Historic Preservation Officer and Cultural Resources Manager Lisa Cumper. “With this grant, we are eager to take tribal youth and their families to various state park locations along the coast of San Diego. We will be able to share and teach the rich history of our ancestors to our youth. This important cultural knowledge needs to be passed down, and this grant is allowing us to accomplish this goal. We are also grateful to continue to grow our relationship with State Parks staff members.”
A complete list of grant recipients is available online.
“The Route to Parks program embodies California’s commitment to making valuable recreational, environmental, cultural or historical learning experiences available to all Californians,” said California Natural Resources Agency Deputy Secretary for Access Gloria Sandoval.”
State Parks’ Waterway Connections Initiative funding and private donor investments allowed Parks California to engage organizations that could connect participants to water-related outdoor experiences. Six projects feature programs designed to follow watersheds from headwater to groundwater, offering an unparalleled educational experience for understanding California’s unique watersheds.
Route to Parks has partnered with more than 85 community organizations to serve more than 16,000 people in its first four years,. The program enables grantees to design activities that best meet their community’s needs and deliver experiences most suited to participants’ backgrounds, experiences, and interests.
The program is aligned with the Outdoor Access for All initiative championed by Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the Natural Resources Agency’s Outdoors for All initiative for greater access to all Californians.
