Expanding Outdoors for All

California is full of incredible landscapes. From our coastline to the mountaintops, California is the most biodiverse state in the U.S. People travel from around the world to experience these special places, yet too many Californians still lack ready access to parks, open space, and nature in their own neighborhoods. In particular, disadvantaged communities and communities of color disproportionately lack access to safe places to enjoy the outdoors and experience nature.

This session, Audubon California is co-sponsoring SB 1268 (Gonzalez) with our partners Green Latinos to codify Governor Newsom’s Outdoors for All initiative. SB 1268 has now passed the California Legislature and is headed to Governor Newsom for consideration. 

What would enacting SB 1268 change?

If signed into law, the bill will reinforce California’s commitment to more equitable access to the outdoors and nature-based recreation for all Californians.

SB 1268 has passed both houses of the California Legislature. The Senate approved the Assembly’s amendments on August 27, completing legislative action on the bill, and the final version was enrolled on August 30. The next step is consideration by Governor Newsom.

What can our future look like when we prioritize Outdoors for All?

Across California, investments in parks, habitat restoration, and public access are already showing how benefits for people and nature can go hand in hand.

In Northeast Los Angeles, the Audubon Center at Debs Park and partners are restoring native habitat at Rio de Los Angeles State Park, a separate urban park just a few miles from the Center in the nearby Cypress Park neighborhood. Community members help plant and care for vegetation that supports birds, including the endangered Least Bell’s Vireo. The work is improving habitat along the Los Angeles River while giving people opportunities to experience nature, volunteer, and care for a local green space.

In South Gate, Trust for Public Land helped transform former industrial land into Urban Orchard Park, seven acres of green space for a community that has historically lacked access to parks. Supported by California’s Statewide Park Program, the project includes walking and biking paths, native landscaping, educational gardens, hundreds of fruit trees, and a wetland that captures and filters stormwater.

At the Salton Sea, Audubon California is working with state agencies and local partners on the Bombay Beach Wetland Enhancement Project. More than $5 million in state funding is helping restore hundreds of acres of wetland habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, reduce dust pollution near the community, and advance plans for trails, interpretive signage, and other opportunities for people to experience the restored landscape.

Why is it important to prioritize access to the outdoors?

Access to the nature and outdoor recreational opportunities provides a host of benefits for people, birds and other wildlife, and local economies. The list below details just some of the benefits communities receive from greenspaces and parks.

• Access to parks and open spaces supports physical, mental, and social well-being. 
• Trees, wetlands, and other green spaces can provide relief from extreme heat, absorb and filter stormwater, and store carbon, helping communities adapt to a changing climate.
• Protecting and restoring outdoor spaces also creates habitat for birds and other wildlife. When parks and open spaces are designed and cared for with biodiversity in mind, they can provide food, shelter, and nesting habitat while giving people opportunities to experience nature close to home.
• Expanding access to nature also supports California’s 30x30 goal to conserve 30 percent of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030.
• Outdoor recreation  supports California’s economy. With the largest outdoor recreation economy in the country, California’s parks, public lands, and natural spaces support jobs, local businesses, and communities across the state.

Audubon California will continue working alongside partners to advance SB 1268 and make equitable access to nature a lasting commitment in California. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow our community on social media for opportunities to take action as the bill moves through these final legislative steps.