August 29, 2023 - This year marks the fifth annual celebration of California Biodiversity Day since it was first established in 2018. Since then, several executive orders and other actions by the Newsom Administration – such as the Pathways to 30x30 strategy, California’s initiative to conserve 30 percent of lands and coastal waters by 2030 – have built on this foundation to understand and protect California’s unique and precious natural resources.

In 2023, the public can choose from a variety of activities like “Perk Up in the Park” where visitors can enjoy a hot beverage and learn about Mount Tamalpais State Park’s unique biodiversity or appreciate birds with an environmental scientist at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, or they can go on self-guided bioblitzes. Using the free iNaturalist app, participants can use their smartphones to record the different species of animals, insects, plants, fungi and more thriving within the parks. The photographs and locations of species captured during the bioblitzes in iNaturalist will help monitor the presence and range of species and contribute to an overall understanding of California’s extraordinary biodiversity.

Below are additional activities taking place throughout the week of September 2 to 10:

• Salton Sea State Recreation Area – During California Biodiversity Week, visitors can go on self-guided bioblitzes and observe as many species as they can to show off the amazing biodiversity the desert has to offer. Download the iNaturalist app, take a picture, and share your findings. Get more details on the iNaturalist app.
• Sue-meg State Park– Participate in a tidepool bioblitz from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 2. Join the interpreters to explore the tidepools at Agate Beach and learn about the plants and animals that live there. Meet at the Agate Beach trailhead at 8 a.m. to hike down to the tidepools with the interpreters or meet them at the tidepools anytime from 8 to 10 a.m. The hike to Agate Beach is approximately half a mile downhill.
• Crystal Cove State Park – Celebrate California Biodiversity Day on September 7 at 9 a.m. with a biodiversity bioblitz hike. Join staff for an easy one-mile hike down Moro Canyon to explore the park’s beautiful backcountry while identifying and documenting animal and plant species using the iNaturalist app. Ages 8 and up are welcome. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring water, and dress in layers. No registration necessary. Participants can meet at the Berns Amphitheater in the lower Moro Day Use Area.
• Folsom Lake State Recreation Area – Join staff for a biodiversity themed Junior Ranger program on Saturday, September 9, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Nimbus Flat and Black Miners Bar Day Use Areas. The event may include a scavenger hunt and introduction to iNaturalist. Get more details on the iNaturalist app.

Past events in celebration of California Biodiversity Day have included a wide range of activities that help the public observe, understand, appreciate, and protect the amazing diversity of life in California’s State Park System. Some favorite activities have included guided nature hikes, birding walks, tide pool tours, nighttime forays, creek sampling and virtual events. The public can find this year’s full list of events at parks.ca.gov/Biodiversity and additional events at California Natural Resources Agency’s Biodiversity Day website.

What will you find during California Biodiversity Week? Observe and record the unique diversity of life within California’s State Park System using the iNaturalist app.
Source: CA. State Parks