Pandemic Paints Deeper Portrait of Parks As Part Of Our Californian Identity

California State Of Mind

Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the opening of many campgrounds and state park facilities across California. But this year is a bit different. As the pandemic took hold, outdoor spaces were some of the few places people could safely go. What is the state of California’s State Parks following a tumultuous year of wildfire and a pandemic?

CalMatters’ Julie Cart describes a recent visit to Big Basin, California’s oldest State Park, which was destroyed by wildfire in 2020. We also hear from State Parks Director Armando Quintero about what it will take to rebuild Big Basin in a sustainable and fire resilient way and how the pandemic and climate change have affected his vision for our parks.