Scenic hikes, water adventures, captivating virtual experiences and a friendly Bioblitz competition begin Sept. 7

September 6, 2024 - SACRAMENTO – California State Parks has announced an exciting lineup of events for the sixth annual California Biodiversity Day. From Sept. 7-15, participants can immerse themselves in a weeklong celebration designed to ignite a passion for California’s natural wonders while promoting everyday actions to protect and steward our environment. 

With more than 100 events spread across state parks statewide, there’s something for everyone. From scenic hikes and water adventures to captivating virtual experiences and our friendly Bioblitz competition, there’s a way for all Californians to participate, learn, recreate and make a difference. Find all the events on the California Biodiversity Day 2024 webpage.

Here is just a taste of what’s in store:

• Love to hit the trails?
  Join a guided walk exploring the fascinating transformation of Malibu Lagoon State Beach, learn about diverse plant communities on a hike at beautiful Mount Tamalpais State Park or go on a hiking adventure into Crystal Cove State Park's beautiful backcountry.
  
  
• Happiest on the water?
  Explore the rich biodiversity of Bethany Reservoir on a kayak tour, paddle along the serene waters of Lake Natoma or go diving at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for an underwater photography adventure.
  
  
• Curious about the mysteries of the night?
  Glimpse Anza-Borrego Desert State Park’s wildlife under the glow of starry skies or unveil the secrets of winged creatures at Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park’s Moth Night.
  
  
• Enjoy birdwatching?
  Grab your binoculars and help record avian visitors at the Capitol Park Bird Count or witness fall migration in action at Redwood National and State Parks.
  
  
• We’ve got virtual events too!
  Discover oceanic marvels at Asilomar State Beach, find serenity with a virtual guided meditation from Point Dume State Beach or explore the role of fire in giant sequoia groves at Calaveras Big Trees State Park – all from your home.
  
  
• Join the California State Parks Bioblitz Contest!
  California’s 280 state parks are competing against each other to see who can spot the most species at the different Bioblitz events during Biodiversity Day celebrations week – and you can help your favorite park win! 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. You can also submit your photos and observations to the Find 30 Species Challenge on the iNaturalist app. Your contributions will help monitor and understand California’s extraordinary biodiversity. So join in the fun at a California State Parks Bioblitz event and help make this Biodiversity Day truly memorable!  

About California Biodiversity Day
California Biodiversity Day, Sept. 7, was established in 2018 as part of California's first Biodiversity Initiative to safeguard the state's natural heritage. Since then, several executive orders and other actions by the Newsom Administration – such as the Pathways to 30x30 strategy, and 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.
Source: CA. State Parks