CDFW News

CDFW and Partners Host Nearly 200 Events Statewide in Celebration of California Biodiversity Day 2026

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 12:14:46 GMT

This year’s event lineup includes a wide variety of in-person and virtual experiences across the state. Clockwise from top left: Dive into an underwater bioblitz at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, take on the 30 Species Challenge Hike at Mount Tamalpais State Park, tune in to a virtual elephant seal livecast from Hearst San Simeon State Park, learn about tarantulas at Bethany Reservoir State Recreation Area and help remove invasive plants during a climate resilience workday at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. California State Parks photos

SACRAMENTO — The California Natural Resources Agency, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), California State Parks, California Academy of Sciences (CAS) and California Volunteers invite the public to join the celebration for California Biodiversity Day 2026. With more than 180 events taking place across the state from September 5-13, the nine-day celebration will offer opportunities for all to connect with nature and learn simple ways to help protect and steward the environment.

“California Biodiversity Day provides an opportunity to get outside, learn more about the remarkable nature around us, and discover how we can protect it and help it thrive,” said California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot. “In California, we often celebrate our cultural diversity, but less so our biological diversity. The fact is our state is one of three dozen ‘biodiversity hotspots’ in the world, home to a richness of plants, animals and other life almost unparalleled across our planet. That's something worth celebrating, and something we all have a role in protecting for generations to come.”

“California is a biodiversity hotspot well worth a celebration,” said CDFW Director Meghan Hertel. “California Biodiversity Day gives us not just one day for this celebration but nine days to explore, appreciate and put a spotlight on the incredible natural diversity found across our state. Whether you go somewhere new or visit a familiar place, as part of a California Biodiversity Day event or out on your own, this week is all about taking a closer look at our varied landscape and the vast number of species that call the Golden State home.”

“From the smallest tidepool creature to towering redwoods, every piece of California’s remarkable biodiversity is worth cherishing and understanding,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “California Biodiversity Day gives people of all ages an opportunity to experience that richness firsthand. I invite everyone to take this opportunity to explore one of their 280-plus state parks and come celebrate California’s unparalleled plants and wildlife with us.”

“California Biodiversity Day is a great reminder to slow down, notice, and appreciate the incredible nature of our state,” said California Academy of Sciences Director of Community Science Rebecca Johnson, PhD. “Nature observations made and shared by Californians and visitors to California on iNaturalist not only help us learn about plants and animals all around us, but they are how we gather critical biodiversity data at scale. The California Biodiversity Data Exchange, a partnership with CDFW, iNaturalist, and Cal Academy, provides the state with critical iNaturalist data to inform and strengthen conservation decision-making throughout California. Every observation shared on iNaturalist — during California Biodiversity Day events and beyond — directly supports our efforts to protect the species and places that make our state extraordinary.”

“On California Biodiversity Day, we celebrate the power of service to protect the places and ecosystems that make our state so extraordinary, said Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement Director Josh Fryday. “Across the state, California Service Corps members and volunteers are restoring habitats, planting native species and ensuring California’s diverse landscapes and wildlife continue to thrive. Through Climate Action Counts, every Californian can take meaningful steps to help protect the communities we call home.”

“University of California Agriculture and Natural Resource recognizes the intrinsic value of biodiversity as well as its essential role in generating food and fiber, and providing invaluable environmental services,” said UC Environmental Stewards Director Greg Ira. “Through our programs — including our new statewide Biodiversity Conservation and Stewardship Program Team — we embrace our role as part of this vast community of life that sustains us all.”

This year’s event lineup includes a wide variety of in-person and virtual experiences, from mountain hikes and underwater dives to paint parties and cozy campfires. Find an event near you using our interactive California Biodiversity Day events page. Here are some picks to get you started:

Love to hit the trails? Take on the 30 Species Challenge Hike at Mount Tamalpais State Park, explore the rare pygmy forest at Van Damme State Park, search for glowing nighttime wonders on a biofluorescence walk at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area or join a bilingual (English and Spanish) bioblitz in Oakland.
Fascinated by wildlife? Learn all about tarantulas at Bethany Reservoir State Recreation Area, glimpse sea stars and hermit crabs during sunset tidepooling at MacKerricher State Park, or go birdwatching at the California State Capitol.
Feeling artsy, lyrical or curious? Pick up a paintbrush at Los Angeles State Historic Park, enjoy live poetry at Monterey State Historic Park or join trivia night around a campfire at Mount Tamalpais State Park.
Looking to make a difference? Help restore habitat for native wildlife at Año Nuevo State Park or join a climate resilience workday at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Scuba divers can join an underwater bioblitz to document biodiversity at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Interested in the intersection of nature, culture and community? Join our special Elkhorn Slough Reserve event honoring California Biodiversity Day and Latino Conservation Week or learn about native birds and their cultural significance to the Wilton Rancheria's Miwok and Nisenan people.
Curious about the science behind a biodiversity hotspot? Tune in to a virtual talk to learn what makes Santa Barbara County an incredible hub that has led to national environmental protections.
Ready to take action at home? Get outside, discover California’s natural wonders and volunteer to help protect the communities we call home. Explore simple ways to take action with Climate Action Counts, because every action counts.
We’ve got virtual adventures too! Watch elephant seals live at Hearst San Simeon State Park, catch up with beavers at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park or learn how jellyfish thrive at San Elijo State Beach from wherever you are.

Can’t make it to an event? You can take part in California Biodiversity Day no matter where you are! Simply join the Find 30 Species for California Biodiversity Day project on iNaturalist and record 30 wild species between September 5 and 13.  Every observation adds to a statewide picture of California’s amazing biodiversity, and the information we gather together helps inform the California 30x30 Initiative.

California is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and is home to more species of plants and animals than any other state. California Biodiversity Day, observed annually on September 7, was established in 2018 to safeguard the state's natural heritage. Since then, several executive orders and other actions by the Newsom Administration – such as the Pathways to 30x30 strategy – have built on this foundation to understand and protect the state’s unique natural resources.

State Parks offers programs and events year-round, with opportunities to explore, learn and connect at parks across the state. Discover more upcoming events this fall using the new statewide event calendar and interactive map at parks.ca.gov/events.

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Media Contacts
Alicia de la Garza, CDFW Communications
Newsroom@parks.ca.gov, California State Parks
Megan Ely, Cal Academy Communications

CDFW Completes Bobcat Population Survey, Finds Stable Statewide Numbers Estimated at 62,000 Animals

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 12:57:19 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is pleased to present the California Bobcat Population Monitoring Project’s Report of Findings (PDF), the most extensive and comprehensive bobcat population survey ever conducted in California, and possibly anywhere in the United States, and one that leveraged the best available scientific tools and techniques in the process.

The 140-page report was developed over five years and found bobcat populations distributed throughout the entire state with the exception of major urban areas and portions of the Central Valley subject to intense agricultural production.

The report estimates a stable, statewide population of 62,000 bobcats. Two previous statewide estimates from the 1970s and 1980s, which relied on less rigorous techniques, estimated 61,000 and 74,000 bobcats, respectively.

CDFW’s latest findings incorporated modern scientific tools such as GPS satellite collars, fecal DNA analysis, camera traps and necropsies of bobcat carcasses from across the state to determine population size and health.

“What we’ve learned is that these charismatic wild felines are incredibly adaptable and can live in just about any part of the state,” said Rachel Roberts, a Senior Environmental Scientist and CDFW’s Statewide Bobcat Coordinator. “They can live in almost any type of terrestrial habitat. They’re strictly carnivores but will eat almost any kind of meat. And while the statewide population seems stable, various factors can cause local growth and decline.”

The California Bobcat Population Monitoring Project was born in 2020 after the enactment of California Assembly Bill 1254, which made it illegal to hunt, trap or otherwise take a bobcat, except under specified circumstances, including under a depredation permit. The legislation directed CDFW to develop a bobcat conservation and management plan before bobcat hunting could again be considered.

The California Bobcat Population Monitoring Project’s Report of Findings is the first step in complying with the legislative mandate. CDFW expects to publish a draft Bobcat Conservation and Management Plan within the next 30 days. The draft plan, which will include bobcat biology, ecology, historical management information, Tribal perspectives and future management recommendations, will be available for a 30-day public and Tribal review period.

Other noteworthy findings within the Bobcat Population Monitoring Project Report include:

Lower densities of bobcats were recorded in areas of major wildfire scars. While some species are well adapted to fire-scarred areas, catastrophic wildfires create large swaths of land with little to no suitable bobcat habitat.
More bobcats were found in higher elevation areas than expected.
Most human-bobcat conflicts involve chickens that are either unprotected or housed in poorly secured coops.

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Media Contacts:
Rachel Roberts, CDFW Wildlife Branch, (916) 387-5112
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120

CDFW Publishes Guidance on Conserving CESA Candidate Bumble Bees

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:41:14 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has published a document intended to assist CDFW staff, project proponents and others in understanding where and when four bumble bee species that are candidates for listing under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) may be present on the landscape and provide examples of measures that may help avoid or minimize impacts to them.

The document, Considerations for Conserving Crotch’s Bumble Bee (Bombus crotchii), Franklin’s Bumble Bee (Bombus franklini), Western Bumble Bee (Bombus occidentalis) and Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee (Bombus suckleyi) (PDF), provides an overview of life history, seasonal ecology and species-specific information for the four bumble bee species.

As of September 2022, Crotch’s bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis), Franklin’s bumble bee (Bombus franklini) and Suckley’s cuckoo bumble bee (Bombus suckleyi) became the first insect species to become candidates for listing under CESA. They are protected by the same take prohibitions given to species listed as endangered and threatened under CESA.

Because information on species distribution, ecology, conservation needs and legal status continues to evolve, this document is intended to be a flexible, science-based resource that may be updated as new information becomes available or as species status changes through future California Fish and Game Commission determinations under CESA.

This document is non-regulatory and provided for informational purposes only. It does not establish legal requirements, CDFW policy or mandatory avoidance and minimization measures, nor does it replace project-specific review or applicable federal, state or local laws and regulations.

If project proponents believe their project may result in incidental take, CDFW recommends contacting the CDFW regional office closest to the project’s location to discuss specific project-related concerns and options to comply with CESA, if necessary, based on proposed project activities.

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Media Contacts:
Ashley Kammet, CDFW CESA Permitting Program
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120

CDFW Invites Input on Northern Sacramento Valley Hunting Opportunities

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:14:45 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) North Central Region, in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), will hold an online outreach meeting to take comments and recommendations from hunters regarding hunting opportunities in the Northern Sacramento Valley. The meeting will include updates on habitat conditions, availability of water for wetlands and hunting access opportunities.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. using Microsoft Teams. Please email Gray Lodge Wildlife Area staff at glwla@wildlife.ca.gov for a link to attend and instructions on how to submit comments and questions. 

State lands to be discussed include the Gray Lodge and Upper Butte Basin wildlife areas, including the Little Dry Creek, Howard Slough and Llano Seco units (Type A wildlife areas). Federal refuge personnel will also be available to speak about the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex including Delevan, Sacramento, Colusa and Sutter refuges. 

CDFW annually provides an opportunity for licensed hunters to comment and make recommendations on public hunting programs and hear updates about anticipated habitat conditions on Type A wildlife areas through public meetings and outreach. Type A wildlife areas are those that restrict hunter access during the waterfowl season.

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Media Contacts:
Tim Hermansen, Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, (530) 846-7500
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120

CDFW Completes 2026 Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:42:47 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has completed its 2026 waterfowl breeding population survey. Data indicates that mallards, the most abundant duck species in the survey, nearly maintained their 2025 population estimate.

The breeding population of mallards is estimated at 267,101, a 1% decrease from 2025. Total ducks (all species combined) decreased from 482,358 to 435,937 (a 10% decrease). Mallards remain below the long-term average by 18%.

“Abundant April rains combined with carryover water from 2025 allowed favorable habitat conditions for nesting ducks. Average production is expected for most duck species in northern California,” said CDFW Waterfowl Program Biologist Melanie Weaver.

CDFW biologists and warden pilots have conducted this survey annually using fixed-wing aircraft since 1948. The population estimates are for those areas where the vast majority of waterfowl nesting occurs in California, including wetland and agricultural areas in northeastern California, throughout the Central Valley, the Suisun Marsh, and some coastal valleys.

The complete 2026 California Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey Report (PDF) is available at the CDFW website.

The majority of California’s wintering duck population originates from breeding areas surveyed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Alaska and Canada, and these results should be available by late August. CDFW survey information, along with similar data from other Pacific Flyway states, is used by the USFWS and the Pacific Flyway Council when setting hunting regulations for the Pacific Flyway states, including California.

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Media Contacts:
Melanie Weaver, CDFW Wildlife Branch, (916) 502-1139
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858