State parks showcase and protect examples of California's rich ecological and cultural diversity. Park lands provide habitat for a wide variety of plants and wildlife, and even include underwater and marine areas. Parks contain critical habitat for rare species, and often serve as key scientific research sites. Some parks lands were degraded by prior land use. Since stewardship of these lands requires more than simple protection, park lands are actively managed to restore their quality.
State parks contain significant examples of California's cultural heritage.
The state's prehistory is represented by ancient Native American villages, food gathering areas, and rock art sites. Historic places and events such as the Spanish - Mexican period and the Gold Rush are commemorated in parks. Active management by archeologists, historians and curators preserve and protects these sites for future generations.