BLM invites the public to celebrate Carrizo Plain National Monument’s 25th anniversary on April 10
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management will host a public celebration marking the 25th anniversary of the Carrizo Plain National Monument from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, April 10, at the Guy L. Goodwin Education Center. The event is free and open to all.
This year’s ceremony coincides with the 250th anniversary of American independence and commemorates the 25 years since the Carrizo Plain gained national monument status. Visitors will be able to participate in virtual and in-person tours of Painted Rock, explore interactive displays with partner organizations, and enjoy complimentary refreshments.
"The BLM is honored to have played a role in the stewardship of this exceptional landscape over the past 25 years," said Carrizo Plain National Monument Manager Johna Hurl. "Strong partnerships are key to preserving the area's vibrant wildflower blooms, fascinating geological features, rare species, and unique cultural treasures. As we look ahead to the next 25 years, we eagerly anticipate strengthening these collaborations and continuing our commitment to managing the Carrizo Plain for generations to come."
The celebration is presented in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Native American Advisory Council, and Friends of the Carrizo Plain. Together, these organizations provide a range of educational and recreational opportunities unique to the region.
“This is one of California's most treasured and picturesque biodiversity hotspots, and CDFW is a proud steward working to conserve, restore, and protect the wildlife and habitats on this land,” said Julie Vance, CDFW Central Regional Manager.
Spanning approximately 250,000 acres, the Carrizo Plain National Monument is known for its significant biological, geological, historical, and cultural resources. Visitors can experience diverse wildlife habitats; seasonally spectacular wildflowers; and striking features such as Painted Rock, Soda Lake’s alkali flats, and sweeping open grasslands shaped by the San Andreas Fault.
“From pronghorn moving across sweeping plains to giant kangaroo rats shaping the very foundation of this ecosystem, Carrizo reminds us that protecting entire landscapes — not just individual species — is how we secure a resilient future for biodiversity,” said Scott Butterfield, Land Program Lead Scientist for The Nature Conservancy.
For more information on the Carrizo Plain National Monument, visit https://www.blm.gov/visit/carrizo-plain-national-monument.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.