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California State Parks

www.parks.ca.gov

Organization Type:
Government Agency

Mission:
The mission of the California Department of Parks and Recreation is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the State's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valuable natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.

Contact:
California State Parks
1416 Ninth Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 653-6995

Geographical Focus:
State

Counties Served:
All

Activities:
Research, Education, Recycling, Enforcement, Advocacy, Policy, Conservation, Tourism, Recreation, Commercial, Restoration, Regulation, Water Monitoring, Resource Management, Water Pollution Prevention

Topic:
Aquaculture, Bay & Estuary Habitats, Beaches, Coastal Access, Coastal Processes, Cultural History, Endangered Species, Energy, Habitat Restoration, Islands, Kelp Forest, Marine/Estuary Reserves & Sanctuaries, Open Ocean/Oceanography, Rocky Intertidal, Sand Dune Habitats, Water Quality/Storm Water Runoff, Wetlands, Wildlife, Watershed Hydrology

Educational Resources:
Curriculum, Activity/Learning Kit, Posters, Maps, Outreach Programs, On-Site Programs, Guided Walks, Field Trip, Nature Trails, Events, Publications, Newsletter, Brochures, Guidebooks, Exhibits/Displays, Multimedia, Website, Interpretive Center, Speaker/Lecture Series, PORTS (Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students)

Education Programs:
California State Parks has many educational programs. Contact the park(s) you are interested in for more information. California State Parks PORTS program provides teachers and students with online lesson plans and live videoconferences.

Target Audiences:
K-12, Adult, Teacher, Non-Formal Educator, General Public

Other Languages:
Written materials, Oral presentations, Multimedia resources
Programs and written information in other languages vary from park to park. Contact the park(s) you are interested in for more information.

In-Service Training:
Teachers, Docents/Volunteers, Naturalists, Students/Interns, General Public, Policy Makers
Programs vary from park to park. Contact the park(s) you are interested in for more information.

Volunteer Opportunities

  Program:
Volunteers in Parks Program
  Description:
The Volunteers in Parks (VIP) Program provides an organized, efficient, cost-effective and legally based approach to managing a wide range of volunteer activities in California State Parks.

There are 10 general categories of volunteer service: Administration, Campground and Park Host, Interpretation, Maintenance/Housekeeping, Natural Resources Management, Cultural Resources Management, Public Contact, Public Relations, and Special Events. Volunteers work under the direction of department personnel to enhance visitor services and assist California State Parks in the accomplishment of its mission.

Among the specialized volunteer activities that require formal training and specific time commitments are docents, campground and park hosts, and mounted patrol units. Docents interpret the cultural, historical, natural and recreational resources of state parks to visitors. Hosts temporarily reside on site and assist park staff in providing basic campground operations and bike, personal watercraft or off-highway vehicles the opportunity to augment trail safety patrols conducted by park rangers by providing information and assistance to park visitors.

  When Needed:
Year round, depending on park unit and volunteer assignment.
  Qualifications:
Department staff develops a duty statement for each volunteer position, indicating the tasks to be performed, the time requirements, performance standards, reporting authority, and training and skills required. Contact the park(s) you are interested in for more information.
  Commitment Required:
Dependent on the assignment. Long-term volunteers are generally required to work a minimum of hours per month, ranging from four to eight hours. Short-term volunteers often assist with one or two-day special events, usually on a four or eight hour shift.
  Application/Training:
Download and complete a Volunteer Application from the California State Parks website: www.parks.ca.gov/pages/886/files/vipp.pdf, and submit it to the park(s) you are interested in serving. Visit the Volunteers in Parks Program website for additional information: www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=886.
  Community Service Documentation:
Yes
  Contact:
Margo Cowan, Volunteers in Parks Program Coordinator
(916) 653-8819
mcowan@parks.ca.gov


Internship Opportunities
Many internships are available throughout the year. Contact the park(s) you are interested in for more information.

Videos:
For use on site and for purchase.
Technology varies from park to park.

CD-Rom:
For use on site
Technology varies from park to park.

Slideshows:
For use on site
Technology varies from park to park.

Audio Tapes:
For use on site
Technology varies from park to park.

Service Fee:
Services vary from park to park. Contact the park(s) you are interested in for more information.

General Services:
Restrooms, Picnic Area, Bookstore/Gift Shop, Telephone

Disabled Access:
Accessibility varies from park to park. Contact the park(s) you are interested in for more information.



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