Wildflowers at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in 2023. Photo from California State Parks.
September 5, 2025 - SACRAMENTO — California Biodiversity Day is a time to celebrate our state’s remarkable nature while encouraging actions to protect and steward it for future generations. Originally designated on Sept. 7, 2018, this annual event has expanded into a weeklong celebration, with this year’s events taking place Sept. 6-14 throughout the state.
“California’s state parks are living classrooms and vital sanctuaries for the plants and animals that make our state one of the most biodiverse places on the planet,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “California Biodiversity Day is not only a chance to celebrate that richness, but also to inspire the next generation of stewards to protect it. I invite all Californians to join one of the many events statewide and be part of the effort to protect our natural resources for generations to come.”
Californiais one of 36 global biodiversity hotspots – areas with exceptional concentrations of plant and animal species found nowhere else on the planet. At the same time, many California species are at risk of extinction due to threats from habitat loss and climate change.
“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is excited to continue leading the collaborative effort to plan for California Biodiversity Day, shining a spotlight on the incredible natural diversity found across our state,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “The varied landscape of California is home to about one third of all species found in the United States, more than any other state in the country. I encourage Californians to check out one of the many events planned next week to discover our state’s bountiful nature and learn ways that they can help conserve it.”
"The California Academy of Sciences is thrilled to celebrate California Biodiversity Day for the seventh consecutive year," says Academy Director of Community Science Rebecca Johnson, PhD. "This year, we’re especially excited to launch the California Biodiversity Data Exchange, developed in partnership with iNaturalist and CDFW. Through this initiative, the Academy will provide the state with critical iNaturalist data to inform and strengthen conservation decision-making throughout California. Every observation shared on iNaturalist—during California Biodiversity Day events and beyond—directly supports our efforts to protect the species and places that make our state extraordinary.”
During the week of Sept. 6-14, California State Parks, CDFW, the California Academy of Sciences and numerous other partner organizations will be hosting more than 200events statewide to celebrate California Biodiversity Day. From webinars to restoration projects to bioblitzes, there are a variety of virtual and in-person events being offered. The California Biodiversity Day website has a map showing the location of all events, which include:
- Community Celebration and Bioblitz at Camp Pollock, Sept. 6, 9 a.m. to noon, 1501 Northgate Blvd., Sacramento:Kick off California Biodiversity Day celebrations with a variety of family-friendly activities at Camp Pollock! Participate in a fun day of searching and learning as we get to know our plant and animal neighbors and connect with local conservation organizations. There will be a bioblitz (tutorials and hike guides provided), a volunteer service project, partner booths from over 20 local environmental organizations, and plenty of activities for the whole family. Admission is free but space is limited. Visit sacramentovalleyconservancy.org/events to register.
- (Virtual Event) Mysteries of the Octopus PORTScast, Sept. 10, 9-9.45 a.m., Crystal Cove State Park PORTScast on Zoom:Celebrate California Biodiversity Week with an engaging virtual field trip to Crystal Cove State Park’s Marine Protected Area and discover the fascinating Mysteries of the Octopus! This program is designed for students grades 3-5. Spend part of your morning learning about the adaptations and life cycle of this curious marine invertebrate with a backdrop of the crashing waves in the park. Register here.
- Nocturnal Life at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Sept. 13, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center, 8-9 p.m., 200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA: Learn about nocturnal animals and search for wildlife on a guided walk under the stars at this designated International Dark-Sky Park. Your findings can help scientists and contribute to ongoing wildlife research.
- South Grove Guided Hike at Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Sept. 7, Calaveras Big Trees State Park South Grove Trailhead, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 1170 CA-4, Arnold, CA: Head out on a moderate, 5-mile guided walk to see massive giant sequoia trees. Learn about the diversity of the park’s stunning mixed conifer forest and about the award-winning prescribed burn conducted in October 2024.
- Lake Merced Watershed California Bioblitz, Sept. 13, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 1 Harding Road, San Francisco: Join a fun day of hiking, birdwatching and documenting biodiversity using the free iNaturalist app in the Lake Merced Watershed with the Center for Biodiversity and Community Science at the California Academy of Sciences. Groups will enjoy walks around Lake Merced and trails at the north end of Fort Funston. A delicious lunch will be provided along with a wrap-up session at the Lake Merced Boathouse.
Another easy way to participate in California Biodiversity Day is to join the Find 30 Species for California Biodiversity Day 2025project on the iNaturalist app. Find and document 30 wild species anytime Sept.6-14 from anywhere in California and submityour observations through the app. You can also check out the California Biodiversity Day bioblitz tracker, which shows all the communities participating in nature discovery events throughout the week and the species they observe. Tag your own nature adventures and follow along on social media at #CABiodiversityDay.
Also don’t miss an appearance from State Parks’ new PORTS (Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students)® Program van. Equipped with high-speed wireless technology and mobile videoconferencing capabilities, the PORTS van brings interactive educational programs to communities and parks across the state. On Sept. 10 at noon, the PORTS van will be parked outside the California Natural Resources Agency Building’s P Street entrance in Sacramento to host a live presentation, “Beneath the Canopy: Kelp, Conservation, and Coastal Magic" delivered from State Parks staff on a kayak at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
The new PORTS van will be parked outside the California Natural Resources Agency Building’s P Street entrance in Sacramento at noon on Sept. 10. Photo from California State Parks.
We hope to see you out there enjoying the biodiverse beauty of California!
California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.
Source: CA. State Parks
