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California Parks & Recreation Areas

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 Websites presented in alphabetical order

10th Annual 24 Hour Photoshoot at Joshua Tree National Park view detail comment email this

Exhibit of a 2003 project in which "photographers and filmmakers of all skill levels began simultaneously photographing Joshua Tree National Park for 24-hours." Features selected photographs and videos of this park in Southern California and a brief introduction to the project. From the California Museum of Photography, University of California, Riverside.
http://www.cmp.ucr.edu/education/programs/digitalstudio/studio_programs/joshuatree2003/
Topics: National Parks & Forests

Last updated Aug 23, 2006


86400 Moments: 24 Hours at Joshua Tree National Park view detail comment email this

Collection of photos from a 2004 project in which "19 photographers and filmmakers of all skill levels ... [participated in] a stimulating 24-hour photography session at Joshua Tree National Park." Features selected photos of this park in Southern California and a brief essay about the project. From the California Museum of Photography, University of California, Riverside.
http://www.cmp.ucr.edu/exhibitions/joshuatree2004/default.htm
Topics: National Parks & Forests

Last updated Aug 22, 2006


Accessible Features in State Parks [California] view detail comment email this

Lists California's accessible state parks, with information on each park's facilities for camping, picnicking, trails, beach and shore access, exhibits and programs, and fishing. Users can find parks by name, region, and activity.
http://access.parks.ca.gov/
Topics: Disabilities

Last updated Jul 13, 2005


Angel Island Home Page view detail comment email this

An introduction including historical information from 1775 during the Spanish era, its role during the Civil War, and use by the U.S. Army through the Spanish American War. Also includes its use as an immigrant and detention station (primarily for Chinese), quarantine station, embarkation station, and Nike missile site. Visitor information for this California state park includes fees, hours, hiking, biking, camping, and more. There are links to additional resources.
http://www.angelisland.org/
Topics: Emigration & Immigration

Last updated Jan 16, 2003


Balboa Park view detail comment email this

Information about museums and attractions, restaurants, exhibits, gardens, and events at Balboa Park in San Diego, California, "America's largest urban cultural park."
http://www.balboapark.org/
Topics:

Last updated May 5, 2002


Benicia Capitol State Historic Park view detail comment email this

Official Web site for this state park, place of "California's third seat of government (1853-54). It is the only pre-Sacramento capitol that survives." Includes photo, location, directions, and phone number. See the Brochure for a physical description, the history of Benicia and the capitol, and a map of the surrounding area.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=475
Topics: Architecture, History

Last updated Feb 6, 2002


Bodie State Historic Park view detail comment email this

This site presents the history and lore of Bodie, California, a former mining town now maintained as a state park. Features a photoessay of the town's buildings and inhabitants, a timeline of major events (beginning in 1859), and a bibliography. Includes tourist information. From a hobbyist.
http://www.bodie.com/
Topics: Geology, History, Parks, Photograph Collections, Photograph Collections: History, Technology, United States History

Last updated Mar 1, 2008


Bodie: California Ghost Town view detail comment email this

A brief history and many color photographs of Bodie, which is now a state historic park. Information about when to visit the park, weather conditions, and links to other sites about Bodie are included.
http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/ca/bodie.html
Topics: Photograph Collections: History, United States History

Last updated Aug 13, 2002


California Pacific Exposition, San Diego 1935-1936 view detail comment email this

A history of the exposition, a postcard index with links to every postcard image, stereocards of the exposition, a map of the grounds in 1935, and sound files of California Governor Frank Merriam speaking at the exposition's opening ceremony and the Exposition Band playing our State Song, "I Love You, California." The best part of the site is the virtual "postcard tour of the Exposition."
http://www.sandiegohistory.org/calpac/
Topics:

Last updated Apr 15, 2002


California State Parks Foundation: CSPF Podcast Series view detail comment email this

This monthly podcast series features California State Parks such as Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Candlestick Point Recreation Area, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, and Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. Archives go back to January 2008. Includes links to sites for each park. From the California State Parks Foundation.
http://www.calparks.org/podcasts/
Topics:

Last updated Jun 10, 2008


California State Parks: Fall Colors view detail comment email this

A list of some of the state parks in California that display aumtumn foliage. Listings include location, phone number, and brief notes about what visitors may see in the park during the fall. Includes links to the park websites. From California State Parks.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=23487
Topics: Plants

Last updated Sep 4, 2008


Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary view detail comment email this

This site describes the marine resources of the Channel Islands (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara) off the coast of Santa Barbara in southern California. Presents cultural and historical information, current research, educational activities and resources, a mammals sighting database, an events calendar, and more.
http://channelislands.noaa.gov/
Topics:

Last updated Jul 11, 2007


Channel Islands National Park view detail comment email this

This site describes the five (Anacapa, Santa Barbara, San Miguel, Santa Rosa, and Santa Cruz) California Channel Islands that make up the national park. Features maps, recreational opportunities, and transportation information, as well as a live eagle webcam that tracks nesting activity. From the National Park Service.
http://www.nps.gov/chis/index.htm
Topics: Parks

Last updated Sep 30, 2009


Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park view detail comment email this

In 2008, California State Parks will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Allensworth, the only California town to be founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. Includes information about centennial celebration events, history of this town located 30 miles north of Bakersfield, dozens of photos, a video, and a park brochure. From California State Parks.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=583
Topics: Black Resources

Last updated Jun 11, 2008


Death Valley National Park view detail comment email this

They don't call it that for nothing. The National Park Service advises on safely visiting this desert of over three million acres. There's information on hiking trails and backcountry roads; geology, wildlife, and plants; care for this fragile environment; camping; permits; photographs; a detailed park map; ghost towns; and the Timbisha Shoshone Homeland Act.
http://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm
Topics: National Parks & Forests, Parks, Photograph Collections: History, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife

Last updated Sep 30, 2009


East Bay Regional Parks Online view detail comment email this

This site provides trail maps, reservation information, directions, special event lists, and volunteer opportunities for all parks within the East Bay Regional Park District.
http://www.ebparks.org/
Topics:

Last updated Feb 9, 2000


Elephant Seals: Ano Nuevo State Reserve view detail comment email this

Great basic information about elephant seals, geared to visitors who want to tour or make reservations at the 4,000-acre elephant seal breeding grounds near Santa Cruz, California. Includes a webcam and links to pages on birds of the region and information on the history, geology, land, and marine animals of the area.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=1115
Topics: Animals, Biology, Mammals

Last updated Mar 9, 2009


Exploring Lassen Volcanic National Park view detail comment email this

This site includes information about the cultural history, natural history, geology, eruptions, and hydrothermal activity at this northern California park. There are also maps, climbing and hiking information, a photo gallery, and general information for park visitors.
http://www.shastahome.com/lassen-volcanic/park.htm
Topics: Geography, Geology, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife

Last updated Oct 19, 2005


Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association view detail comment email this

This site lists several recreational options for exploring the Gulf of the Farallones Marine Sanctuary by land and sea and provides educational fact sheets on its inhabiting marine mammals and intertidal creatures. The Gulf of the Farallones is one of the most accessible marine sanctuaries since its boundary includes a large public area of the Point Reyes National Seashore .
http://www.farallones.org/
Topics:

Last updated Dec 11, 2002


Fire Information Cache view detail comment email this

A study of the role of fire in park ecosystems is presented with this collection of papers on fire and fire management. Included are annual fire reports archived to 1995, GIS information, a bibliography, glossary of fire terms, links, and maps of "prescribed natural fires, suppressed lightning fires, human-caused wildfires, and planned and completed prescribed burns in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks."
http://www.nps.gov/archive/seki/fire/indxfire.htm
Topics: Agriculture, Environment, Outdoor Recreation, Plants, Science

Last updated Nov 11, 2006


Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy view detail comment email this

Website for this nonprofit organization that supports and assists the Golden Gate National Parks in the San Francisco Bay Area in "research, interpretation, and conservation programs." Features an interactive map providing background about the many parks (such as Muir Wood and Stinson Beach in Marin, and Fort Point and Alcatraz in San Francisco), details about programs and volunteer opportunities, a calendar of events, and related material.
http://www.parksconservancy.org/
Topics: National Parks & Forests

Last updated Dec 20, 2007


Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) view detail comment email this

Visitor information and background material for the GGNRA with links to some of its components including The Presidio of San Francisco, Fort Point National Historic Site, Muir Woods National Monument, and Alcatraz Island.
http://www.nps.gov/goga/index.htm
Topics: Parks

Last updated Sep 14, 2009


Grazing Animals in the East Bay Regional Park District view detail comment email this

Online version of a brochure on the use of goats, sheep, and cattle for vegetation management. Discusses the benefits of grazing animals, including fire hazard reduction and benefits to wildlife and native plant life. Also includes safety tips for visitors to grazing areas. From the East Bay Regional Park District, a California park system that uses approximately 5,000 cattle, 1,000 sheep, and 1,000 goats for grazing. Opens directly into a PDF file.
http://www.ebparks.org/files/stew_grazing_brochure.pdf
Topics: Livestock, Parks, Plants

Last updated Jan 23, 2008


Griffith Park view detail comment email this

Official website for this Los Angeles park, which is "the largest municipal park with urban wilderness area in the United States." Provides a brief narrative about the park, and information about points of interest (including statues and views of the Hollywood sign) and attractions located in the park, such as Griffith Observatory and the L.A. Zoo. Also includes documents related to the Griffith Park Master Plan. From the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
http://www.laparks.org/dos/parks/griffithPK/
Topics:

Last updated May 31, 2007


Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary view detail comment email this

This sanctuary is located off the northern and central California coast, near San Francisco. The site includes visitor information, a brief history, maps, photos, and a list of educational programs supported by the sanctuary. Also includes the federal management plan for the Gulf of the Farallones, and the agenda and minutes of the Sanctuary Management Council. From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the managing agency for the sanctuary.
http://farallones.noaa.gov/
Topics: Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife

Last updated Jun 28, 2009


Irvine Ranch Wildlands and Parks view detail comment email this

Website for these wildlands and parks that are part of the Irvine Ranch master-planned communities in Orange County, California. Features background about the lands, portions of which have been designated as a National Natural Landmark and as the first California Natural Landmark in 2008, and descriptions of specific areas such as the Mountains to Sea Trail, Anaheim Wilderness Area, and San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. Includes maps, field guides, and activity listings.
http://www.irvineranchwildlands.org/
Topics:

Last updated Apr 24, 2008


Jack London State Historic Park view detail comment email this

Included on 803 acres are the ruins of Wolf House (which burned down just before the Londons moved in); the cottage where Jack wrote most of his later works; the House of Happy Walls, built by Jack's wife, Charmian London, after his death; and the couple's gravesites. Features photos of the property, a biography, a list of his writings, and information about the restoration project.
http://www.parks.sonoma.net/JLPark.html
Topics: Home & Housing, Notable People

Last updated Mar 20, 2007


Judy Natal: Earthwords view detail comment email this

An exhibit of over 20 photographs by Judy Natal, "in which she juxtaposes the urban language of signs with the quiet expanse of [California's] Joshua Tree National Park." Includes a brief essay. From the California Museum of Photography, University of California, Riverside.
http://www.cmp.ucr.edu/exhibitions/earthwords/
Topics: Parks, Photograph Collections, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife

Last updated Jun 10, 2006


Lassen Volcanic National Park view detail comment email this

All four types of volcanoes are found within Lassen Volcanic National Park's 106,000 acres. Visit the virtual visitor information center to learn about the park's unique geology. Selected links include photos from the 1915 eruption of Lassen Peak, a glossary of terms, a geologic time scale, and U.S. Geological Survey publications.
http://www.nps.gov/lavo/index.htm
Topics: Geography, Geology, National Parks & Forests, Parks, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife

Last updated Oct 6, 2009


Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park view detail comment email this

Official website for this Sacramento, California, state historic park, which "will serve California as both the State's diplomatic and business reception center and as an elegant house museum, open for public tours," when it reopens in the summer of 2005. Features history of the mansion (which "served as the executive office of three governors"), a few photos of the restoration, a link to the foundation funding the project, and related travel information.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=489
Topics: Architecture, History, Parks, Photograph Collections, Travel

Last updated Jul 12, 2005


Life in Death Valley view detail comment email this

Companion website to a documentary about Death Valley National Park, "the hottest, driest place in North America." Provides features on the endangered Devil's Hole pupfish, the sliding rocks of the Racetrack Playa, and field tests for Mars missions that were conducted in Death Valley. Also includes photos and related links. From the PBS Nature program.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/deathvalley/
Topics: National Parks & Forests, Parks

Last updated Oct 2, 2006


Marshall Gold Discovery State Historical Park view detail comment email this

Park visitor information and a brief history of the gold discovery at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California on January 24, 1848.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=484
Topics: History, United States History

Last updated May 3, 2004


Mojave National Preserve view detail comment email this

The National Park Service provides an exploration of this area between the Great Basin and Sonoran deserts. "The Preserve encompasses 1.6 million acres of mountains, jumble rocks, desert washes, and dry lakes." Topics include desert ecology, plants and animals, geology, and history and culture. Also find a glossary, maps, information about recreation, education, and management issues, and the Final Environmental Impact Statement and General Management Plan.
http://www.nps.gov/moja/index.htm
Topics: Geography, Geology, National Parks & Forests, Parks

Last updated Oct 6, 2009


Muir Woods National Monument, California view detail comment email this

Website for this park in Marin County, California, that was proclaimed a National Monument by President Theodore Roosevelt on January 9, 1908. "Muir Woods become the 7th National Monument, and the first created from land donated by a private individual." Features a timeline, brief background about John Muir and William Kent (who donated the land), and details about animals and plants (such as the old-growth coastal redwoods). From the National Park Service (NPS).
http://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm
Topics: National Parks & Forests

Last updated Oct 6, 2009


National Forests in California view detail comment email this

This map shows the location of all of the national forests in California, with links to pages for the individual forests. Forest profiles include news and updates about the forests, such as land management plans, forest land sales, wildflower viewing opportunities, weed management, and closures. From the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/forests.shtml
Topics: National Parks & Forests

Last updated Sep 4, 2008


National Park Service: California view detail comment email this

Provides links to information on National Park Service sites (parks, historic trails, monuments, recreation areas, and more) in California. Includes map. From the National Park Service (NPS).
http://www.nps.gov/applications/parksearch/state.cfm?st=ca
Topics: National Parks & Forests, Parks

Last updated Nov 14, 2006


National Park Service: Pinnacles National Monument view detail comment email this

Official site for the national park located in the Gabilan Mountains, east of central California's Salinas Valley. Features information about the pinnacles, which are eroded remains of a volcano, as well as wildflower viewing, hiking, and climbing opportunities. Includes photos, park management documents, and information about wildlife found in the park.
http://www.nps.gov/pinn/index.htm
Topics: National Parks & Forests, Parks, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife

Last updated Sep 14, 2009


The Presidio of San Francisco view detail comment email this

Events, classes, park projects, and more. The Presidio Trust, an executive agency of the U.S. government, manages San Francisco's Presidio, a former military base now under the care of the National Park Service and is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA).
http://www.presidio.gov/
Topics: National Parks & Forests, Parks

Last updated May 8, 2006


Rosie the Riveter Trust view detail comment email this

Information about the activities to honor the 18 million women who were "welders, machinists, mechanics, draftswomen, pipe fitters, electricians, boilermakers" and other trade workers during World War II. Includes background material for the Rosie the Riveter Memorial, near the Richmond (CA) Shipyards. The "current events" information has not been updated, but most links work.
http://www.rosietheriveter.org/
Topics: History, Labor

Last updated Nov 13, 2001


Shadows in the Range of Light: Buffalo Soldiers in the Sierra Nevada view detail comment email this

"African American soldiers of the 24th Infantry and 9th Cavalry protected the National Parks of California at the turn of the last century." An unusual, mesmerizing presentation about these pioneers, who are also known as "Yosemite's Buffalo Soldiers."
http://shadowsoldier.wilderness.net/
Topics: Black Resources, National Parks & Forests, Parks, U.S. Military

Last updated Jan 12, 2004


Site Lines: 24HR Photographing Joshua Tree National Park view detail comment email this

Collection of photos from a 2005 project in which "approximately twenty photography students and four artists [were sent to] to Joshua Tree National Park to document their experience there over a twenty-four hour period." Features photos of the wildlife and terrain of this park in Southern California and an essay about the project. From the California Museum of Photography, University of California, Riverside.
http://www.cmp.ucr.edu/exhibitions/sitelines/
Topics: National Parks & Forests

Last updated Aug 22, 2006


The Virtual Museum of Sutter's Fort view detail comment email this

Sutter's Fort is where, in 1848, James Marshall showed Captain John Sutter the gold he had found at Sutter's sawmill on the American River. The oldest restored fort in the United States, it is now part of the California State Park System. Designed for K-12 teachers, the site gives the fort's history, a biography of Sutter, suggested activities, a timeline, bibliography, and many pictures and floor plans showing the fort's past and present.
http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/activity/suttersfort/
Topics: History, K-12 Education, Notable People, United States History

Last updated Jun 12, 2002


The World of Jack London view detail comment email this

In addition to a short video and pictures of the author's California ranch, this site has biographical material and discusses London's lineage, wife, children, friends, opinions, travels, and other interests. Also find short autobiographical pieces plus several of London's popular novels and short stories. Includes links to related resources.
http://www.jacklondons.net/
Topics: Authors by Region: United States, Home & Housing, Nonfiction by Genre, Notable People

Last updated Mar 3, 2006


Yosemite National Park view detail comment email this

The official National Park Service (NPS) website for this California park contains visitor information (including weather forecasts and current road conditions and closures), webcams, several audio and video presentations about the park, and essays about history and culture, environmental factors (such as air quality), and wildlife and plants in the park. Also includes park planning and fire management documents.
http://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm
Topics: National Parks & Forests

Last updated Sep 14, 2009


Yosemite Online: The Website of the Yosemite Association view detail comment email this

This site has visitor information for Yosemite National Park; a Diary section containing contemporary and historic observations and photography tips; Nature Notes ; a Newsroom with news clippings and a selection of Yosemite comic strips ( Farley ) by San Francisco Chronicle cartoonist Phil Frank; annotated links to both official (National Park Service) and unofficial Web sites about Yosemite; and, during daylight hours, a Webcam.
http://www.yosemite.org/
Topics: Film, Movies, & Video, National Parks & Forests, Parks, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife

Last updated Dec 15, 2002


Yosemite.com view detail comment email this

Regular update on what's happening in Yosemite National Park. Includes links to information on places to go and stay, events, and other Yosemite sites.
http://www.yosemite.com/
Topics: National Parks & Forests, Parks

Last updated Dec 30, 2005




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