Update on the Snow Science and Adventure Program: Introducing Youth to the Sierra Snowpack

We have been approved for a $22,000 grant from Parks California to increase access to our parks with a new youth initiative, Snow Science and Adventure Program: Introducing Youth to the Sierra Snowpack.  

The funds allow us to purchase snowshoes, cold weather outdoor equipment and hire the program facilitator! Coupled with the $30,000 investment by our wonderful SSPF donors to purchase a garage that will serve as our Winter Interpretive Program HQ at Sugar Pine Point State Park, we are excited to bring free snowshoe adventures to regional schools, youth programs, and our park visitors.  

State Park Interpreter Kaytlen Jackson, who has been retained by SSPF to lead this program, shares "The goal is two-fold. First, we want to introduce kids to winter recreation at the park. Playing in the snow is such a magical sensory activity. It stimulates the brain, calms the central nervous system through exercise, and increases creativity. This allows us to meet our second goal, which is to teach kids about their relationship to the snowpack, water availability, and climate change."

The first free-of-cost snowshoe guided tour will begin in coordination with our Free Ski Day at the Park on March 9th! State Park Interpreters will share the rich cultural and natural history for who may or may not have access to snowshoes. In addition, this grant will support the development of a school group two day park experience which include a pre-visit virtual park visit. Thank you donors, and Parks California, for supporting our mission to make parks more accessible, even in the winter!