California State Parks

California has begun the first phase of a wildlife crossing for mountain lions at Joshua Tree National Park. The project aims to give the big cats a safe route across roads that cut through their habitat, reducing vehicle collisions and reconnecting separated populations. It adds to a growing effort in the state to protect wildlife with crossings over and under busy highways.

A landscape photographer has shared images of a spring creek flowing through Palm Canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California, with clouds glowing over distant mountains at sunrise. The scenes highlight the park's desert scenery near San Diego, drawing attention from outdoors and nature photography fans.

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced expanded free access to state parks, reported record conservation progress, and signed new legislation protecting the state's coastline and wildlife. The moves are framed as a direct counter to the Trump administration's push to open up or reduce protections on public lands. The announcement highlights California positioning itself as a defender of conservation policy amid federal efforts it opposes.