News Release

Explore California State Parks Through Virtual and In-Person Educational Programs

Date: August 22, 2025
Contact: Erika Granadino, [phone]

EUREKA — This fall education season, California State Parks North Coast Redwoods District is thrilled to announce several FREE educational opportunities available for students, focused on the old-growth redwood forests, wild and scenic rivers, rugged coastlines, and the rich culture and history of Native peoples of California's North Coast.

Teachers and students across California can explore the wonders of California State Parks from the comfort of their classrooms, thanks to the Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS) program. In-Person Guided Tours - facilitated by a California State Park Interpreters who will be present to welcome students, support teachers, and facilitate educational activities – are also available at select parks units in the North Coast Redwoods. Our virtual and in-person programs promise an enriching experience for students in the following parks: 

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Sign up for the Rooted in Survival: Unveiling the Resilient World of Coast Redwoods PORTS Program (ca.gov) on Thursdays and Fridays.
For more information, please visit: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31012 

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Sign up for the Exploring Tall Trees PORTS Program (ca.gov) on Thursdays.
For more information, please visit: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30985

Humboldt Lagoons State Park
Sign up for the Indigenous Culture Sharing at Chah-pekw ‘O-ket’-oh PORTS Program (ca.gov) on Mondays. In-person field trips are offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
For more information, please visit: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31076

Sue-meg State Park
Sign up for the The Yurok People Are Still Here PORTS Program (ca.gov) on Thursdays and Fridays. In person field trips include a tour of a re-created traditional Yurok village, are about 1 hour long, and only available Wednesdays and Fridays.
For more information, please visit: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30930 

Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Sign up for the People Shape Ecosystems PORTS Program (ca.gov) on Fridays. In-person field trips are about 3 hours long and only available on Wednesdays.
For more information, please visit: https://www.parks.ca.gov/31004

Richardson Grove State Park
Sign up for the Eel River Escapade PORTS Program (ca.gov) on Mondays. In-person field trips are about 3 hours long and only available on Thursdays.
For more information, please visit: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31037 

Marine Protected Areas
Sign up for the Salmon and Sediment: Fueling the Redwood Forest PORTS Program (ca.gov) on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
For more information, please visit: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31012

Teacher Registration for In-Person Guided Tours begins on August 25th at 3:30pm. 
Each park unit within the North Coast Redwoods has its own system for processing school groups reservations. Educators can learn more about how to make a reservation for an in-person guided tour by exploring the School Resources webpages listed above. Teachers can also submit a School Group Reservation Request form (DPR 124) in-person or by mail to the individual park unit’s respective mailing location.

Reservations are REQUIRED to visit the park and must be made at least 15 days in advance of the proposed visit date to allow for preparation and scheduling by park personnel. After requests are submitted, park personnel will process and review the request and notify you on whether your request was approved or denied via email correspondence. Program signups are processed on a first come first served basis. Please plan ahead and prepare as our education programs are in high demand.

Explore all the ways you can connect your students to California State Parks by visiting learning.parks.ca.gov. Whether you are joining us for a virtual field trip or an in-person adventure, we look forward to seeing you in the parks!

Subscribe to California State Parks News online at parks.ca.gov/newsroom or click here.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation 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. Learn more at parks.ca.gov. 

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