How do state parks contribute to education?

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State parks are the second only to the public education system in the educational opportunities they provide.  More than 500,000 schoolchildren participate in interpretive programs in state parks.  State parks serve as outdoor classrooms that help bring to life concepts from science, history, math and environmental education. In addition to school-based educational programs, state parks offer opportunities for youth to learn life skills and ways to be stewards of natural resources through programs like Junior Rangers and Junior Lifeguards.

Young and old alike can learn more about California’s history, its culture, its natural resources and the environment at the state parks. The California Department of Parks and Recreation reports that 3.15 million visitors enjoyed guided hikes, tours, talks and demonstrations in fiscal 2004; 95,000 attended campfire programs; 5 million visited museums and visitor centers in the parks, and 3.35 million went on self-guided walks or tours.

That is why the California Teachers Association, California Federation of Teachers, California School Employees Association, California Faculty Association and the League of California Afterschool Providers support Prop. 21.