Just a few months ago, budget woes threatened to close up to 220 California State Parks. Thanks in part to a public outcry, Schwarzenegger announced last month that no parks would close — although many would suffer from reduced hours and maintenance.
While that’s good news, environmental nonprofits like Environment California are urging park lovers to keep the pressure on, pointing out that there’s “the need for the legislature and the Governor to work together to find a permanent funding solution to restore our parks to their beauty and grandeur.”
And what better way to mobilize Californians to support parks than with — movies! Next month, a film series dubbed “California State Parks Starring in Hollywood Films” will be screened at Paramount Studios — and everyone’s invited to enjoy seeing the splendor of our state parks on the big screen.
The four featured films are The Adventures of Robin Hood, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and Vertigo. They’ll screen on Sat., Nov. 7 and Sun., Nov. 8 at Paramount Studios, 555 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. Tickets — which include popcorn — cost $19 for adults or $9 for children per film. Weekend and VIP tickets and packages are also available.
The film series was put together by the California State Parks Foundation, in celebration of the nonprofit’s 40th anniversary. What do you think — Will watching Star Trek IV encourage film fans to support state parks?
Photo of Big Basin State Park, where ‘Vertigo’ was filmed, by Richard Masoner
When people can see (and mostly experience) anything in nature – parks, the ocean, animals – they are more likely to support the conservation of those things. It’s an interesting way to bring awareness to the parks. Is any of the money from the ticket prices going to the California State Parks Foundation?
Comment by Ellisa F. — October 14, 2009 @ 2:32 pm
Thanks (as always) for the attribution on the photo, and thank you for keeping us up to date state parks funding.
Comment by Richard Masoner — October 14, 2009 @ 3:39 pm
Thanks for taking great photos and making them available via creative commons! :)
Comment by Siel — October 14, 2009 @ 4:33 pm