Dos Rios, California’s newest state park, opened to the public in mid-June. Adjacent to two rivers and a wildlife refuge, the park is packed with scenic views and opportunities to explore nature. The formation of this park not only provides the area with much needed outdoor spaces near Modesto, but it also provided unique training to the next generation of trail builders with the California Conservation Corps.
“I never thought I’d be part of building a state park,” said Corpsmember Carlos Montalvo. “You take more appreciation of a park when you know what it takes (to build).”
The creation of Dos Rios State Park was no small feat. Crews from the CCC Delta and Inland Empire Centers, located in Stockton and San Bernardino respectively, worked tirelessly with State Parks crews to clear overgrown brush, construct fencing, install rip rap, and ensure ADA-compliant walking paths.
“It’s very meticulous. You really have to check your percentages with the smart level,” said Corpsmember Alexzander Barrett. “We have to make sure that people on wheels can navigate the path easily.”
Located about eight miles west of Modesto, the approximately 1,600-acre Dos Rios property is the largest public-private floodplain restoration project in California to restore habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife at the Tuolumne and San Joaquin Rivers.
Months of hard work went into perfecting the small details. Along the way, as part of CCC’s paid training program, Corpsmembers learned valuable skills including rock work, skid steer operation, fence construction, and more.
“Working on the Dos Rios project resonates with the California Conservation Corps and our Corpsmembers because it furthers the Governor’s vision of access for all Californians to our outdoor spaces,” said CCC Director, JP Patton. “And for many in the CCC, this park enhances the communities where they and their families have lived and worked for generations.”
Corpsmembers also gained insight into future careers working with California State Parks.
“Through our partnership with CCC, Dos Rios stands as a model for climate-smart career paths where more land is conserved, habitat protected, and accessible to the public, all while providing critical job skills to the next generation,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero.
“It’s such an amazing field to be in,” said Corpsmember Azucena Peraza, who wants to continue working outdoors in state or national parks. “I don’t think people realize the type of work they can actually get done out here.”
Now open to the public, the CCC joins its State Parks partners in inviting visitors to experience Corpsmembers’ work for themselves. The 1,600-acre property provides habitat for a number of threatened and endangered wildlife, including birds that migrate through the central valley.
“I feel like this is the spot for bird watchers,” Montalvo said. During breaks at work, he often spent time near the water relaxing. “I see owls and hawks. It’s really nice.”
With Dos Rios now open for exploring, there are still many more opportunities for young adults to enroll in the CCC and experience first-hand what it takes to build a park. If you’re interested, and are 18 to 25, or military veteran up to age 29, visit ccc.ca.gov to learn more.
