(Steve Mietz- Superintendent of Redwood National and State Parks, Scott Larson- Executive Director, Redwood Parks Conservancy, Jeff Harris- Del Norte Superintendent of Schools, Erin Gates- Deputy Superintendent of Redwood National and State Parks)
Del Norte County has been selected to receive one of 125 grants funded through the Outdoor Equity Grant program, which will serve the greater county of Del Norte for the next three years. According to the Department of Parks and Recreation:
“People from all over the world visit California to experience our state’s natural wonders, but too many young Californians grow up without access to these invaluable opportunities,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “This grant investment will change that by expanding equity and access to thousands of youth and families can enjoy the immense natural beauty of California.”
The program also empowers youth and families with outdoor leadership education, career pathways, environmental justice engagement, and access to nature.
California State Parks is incredibly proud to announce grant funding to strengthen access to parks and open spaces and contribute to a better quality of life for Californians,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “These programs will turn parks into outdoor classrooms, inspiring a new generation of environmental leadership in California.”
The Greater Outdoor Access and Learning (GOAL) grant was written by the Del Norte County Office of Education in collaboration with Redwoods State and National Parks, Redwoods Parks Conservancy, and the Del Norte Unified School District and with the input of students, community members, and partner organization staff members.
This grant will provide year-round opportunities for youth, families, and senior community members to explore and experience the numerous state, national, and local parks and recreation areas throughout Del Norte County and provide opportunities that many of our community members may not otherwise experience. Other benefits brought about by the grant include a portable outdoor education classroom, connecting youth with job pathways and career and technical education, enhancing community service and engagement by youth, and developing future leaders in our community. Programs begin Sept 2022.
For more information, contact: Michael Hawkins at mhawkins@dnusd.org or Erin Gates at Erin.Gates@parks.ca.gov.