CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
Calendar Announcement
Date: 21 November 2016 Contact: Linda Hitchcock/ Elizabeth Hammack, SP III Email: [email protected] [email protected] Phone: (831) 335-6391 Elise Fleishman, SPA [email protected] (831) 335-1743
Weekly Activities Update & Green Friday Weekend November 21-27, in area California State Parks
Turn Black Friday green! This post-Thanksgiving weekend, Friday November 25 through Sunday November 27 California State Parks is partnering with REI and encouraging people to connect with California’s outdoors. Spend the weekend celebrating family and friends in the outdoors.
To inspire people out of the stores and into our parks, the Invent Your Adventure campaign has partnered with REI to provide the opportunity to win $100 gift cards to REI by participating in a three day social media based photo contest set locally in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Mount Tamalpais State Park, and across the state at: Cardiff Seaside State Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, and Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. For information on the photo contest, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/inventyouradventure.
Please @CAStateParks and use the following hashtags to show us how you are celebrating your Green Friday: #InventYourAdventure, #OptOutside
Castle Rock State Park 1500 Skyline Blvd. in Los Gatos
The Untold Stories of Castle Rock Friday, November 25 at 9 am Meet at Saratoga Gap Area at 9 am for a 3 hour guided hike that will explore the less traveled parts of Castle Rock State Park. Former Ranger Miles Standish will take you on a journey to explore the early pathways of the native peoples, park history, redwood ecology, and a secret 1 Events made possible by Friends of California State Parks, Mountain Parks Foundation, Coastside State Parks Association, Waddell Creek Association, and Portola and Castle Rock Foundation.
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DPR 985C (New 2/2016)(Word 2/23/2016) trail. Bring you camera, hiking shoes, water, and food. We hike rain or shine. Event is free. The Saratoga Gap Parking Area is located at the intersection of Highway 9 and Highway 35 in Los Gatos. For more information, please call State Parks Naturalist Interpreter Rose Nelson at (831) 291-8273 or email [email protected]. Event made possible by Portola and Castle Rock Foundation, California State Park volunteers, and California State Park. Visit us on the web at www.portolaandcastlerockfound.org and www.parks.ca.gov.
Highlights Hike Friday, November 25 at 10 am Meet in the Castle Rock parking lot at 10 am for a 3 mile, 3 hour hike of the classic highlights of the park. Two of our knowledgeable docents will guide you along the Saratoga Gap Trail to experience the sweeping views of the San Lorenzo Valley and beyond. Please bring good hiking boots, plenty of water and snacks. Castle Rock State Park is located at 1500 Skyline Boulevard in Los Gatos. Event is free; day-use parking is $8. For more information, please call State Parks Naturalist Interpreter Rose Nelson at (831) 291-8273 or email [email protected]. Event made possible by Portola and Castle Rock Foundation, California State Park volunteers, and California State Park. Visit us on the web at www.portolaandcastlerockfound.org and www.parks.ca.gov.
Portola Redwoods State Park From Highway 35, turn west onto Alpine Rd., go 3 miles, and turn onto Portola State Park Rd. Use low gear as both these roads are steep and winding (650) 948-9098
Signs of the Winter Forest Friday, November 25 at 11 am Meet at the Visitor Center at 11 am to explore the sticky, slimy, wildly colorful, and oddly shaped fungi of the forest. Join docent and amateur mycologist Steve Warner and State Park Interpreter Rose Nelson for a 1 to 2 mile stroll as we take an in-depth look into the forest and beyond. (Picking mushrooms in a state park is illegal, so we’ll just be looking.) Portola Redwoods State Park is located 3 miles down Alpine Road off Highway 35 in La Honda. Event is free; day-use parking is $10. For more information, please call State Parks Naturalist Interpreter Rose Nelson at (831) 291-8273 or email [email protected]. Event made possible by Portola and Castle Rock Foundation, California State Park volunteers, and California State Park. Visit us on the web at www.portolaandcastlerockfound.org and www.parks.ca.gov.
Old Tree Amble Friday, November 25 at 1 pm Meet at the Visitor Center at 1 pm for a guided hike into the old-growth redwood grove. On this 0.5 mile trail we will discuss the complexities, importance and beauty of old-growth redwood trees. Please dress warmly and bring water and sturdy shoes. Portola Redwoods State Park is located 3 miles down Alpine Road off Highway 35 in La Honda. Event is free; parking is $10. For more information, please call State Parks Naturalist Interpreter Rose Nelson at (831) 291- 2 Events made possible by Friends of California State Parks, Mountain Parks Foundation, Coastside State Parks Association, Waddell Creek Association, and Portola and Castle Rock Foundation.
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DPR 985C (New 2/2016)(Word 2/23/2016) 8273 or email [email protected]. Event made possible by Portola and Castle Rock Foundation, California State Park volunteers, and California State Park. Visit us on the web at www.portolaandcastlerockfound.org and www.parks.ca.gov.
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park Located on School St. off of Mission and Emmet Street in Santa Cruz. Hours of operation are Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from 10am-4pm, and Sundays from noon-4 pm. Call (831) 425-5849 for more information. Closed Thursday, November 24 for Thanksgiving.
Drop-In Family Craft Friday, November 25 from 1 pm to 3:30 pm Ramillettas – create layered paper decorations Enjoy an informal afternoon at this hidden jewel near downtown Santa Cruz creating your own crafts. Events are free. The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is located on School St. off of Mission and Emmet Street in Santa Cruz. Please call (831) 425-5849 for more information. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks. Visit us on the web at www.thatsmypark.org and www.parks.ca.gov.
Living History Demonstration – What They Wore Saturday, November 26 at 1 pm Color, cloth, and cut – the clothing worn by people in the Mission wasn’t all about style – it was about identity, status, and different roles in the community. We’ll demonstrate the apparel you may have seen here in the early 19th century, and learn what the clothing meant to the people who wore it. This event is free. Rain or Shine. The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is located on School St. off of Mission and Emmet St. in Santa Cruz. Please call (831) 425-5849 for more information. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks. Visit us on the web at www.thatsmypark.org and www.parks.ca.gov.
Mission Strategy Game Sunday, November 27 at 12:30 pm to 2 pm Gather round the table and play a board game set in the 18th century. Spend Spanish real coins and roll the sheep’s knucklebone to determine the fate of your mission. Geared for ages 8 and older. The event is free. Rain or shine. The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is located on School St. off of Mission and Emmet Street in Santa Cruz. Please call (831) 425- 5849 for more information. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks. Visit us on the web at www.thatsmypark.org and www.parks.ca.gov.
Guided Adobe Tour at the Santa Cruz Mission Sunday, November 27 at 2pm Join us at the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park for a guided tour of the oldest building in Santa Cruz. Come learn about the many families who have called this 180-year-old mission 3 Events made possible by Friends of California State Parks, Mountain Parks Foundation, Coastside State Parks Association, Waddell Creek Association, and Portola and Castle Rock Foundation.
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DPR 985C (New 2/2016)(Word 2/23/2016) adobe their home. Tours are conducted rain or shine. The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is located on School St. off of Mission and Emmet Street in Santa Cruz. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks. Visit us on the web at www.thatsmypark.org and www.parks.ca.gov.
Wilder Ranch State Park Located two miles north of Santa Cruz, on Highway 1 (831) 426-0505
Old Cove Landing Coast Nature Walk Friday, November 25 at 11 am Need to walk off some of those extra calories from Thanksgiving? Join us on Friday November 25 on this two-hour natural history excursion. You will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the spectacular coastal bluffs. Meet at the Wilder Ranch Interpretive Center, located two miles north of Santa Cruz, on Highway 1. Bring a snack, water, binoculars, and good walking shoes. Binoculars are now available to borrow. This is a family-friendly walk. Rain cancels. For more information, please call (831) 426-0505. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks. Visit us on the web at www.thatsmypark.org and www.parks.ca.gov.
Natural Bridges State Beach 2531West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Monarch Butterfly Tours Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 2 pm Meet at the visitor center for a guided tour of the overwintering monarchs. Migration is variable, to find out the current population, or to arrange a tour for groups of 10 or more, please call (831) 423-4609. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks. Visit us on the web at www.thatsmypark.org and www.parks.ca.gov.
Half Moon Bay State Beach 95 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA (650) 726-8804
Guided Hike in Burleigh Murray State Park Sunday, November 27 at 10 am Join us on a leisurely two and a half mile, two hour hike along Mills Creek at Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park. Enjoy one of our area’s hidden treasures as you learn about the lives of the first pioneers and farming families. Meet at the Burleigh Murray State Park parking lot, located in south east Half Moon Bay. From Highway 1 turn east on Higgins Purisima Road and you will reach the park in about 1.5 miles. For more information regarding guided hikes and group programs please contact Park Interpretive Naturalist Angie at (650) 726-8819 or email [email protected]. Event made possible by Coastside State Parks 4 Events made possible by Friends of California State Parks, Mountain Parks Foundation, Coastside State Parks Association, Waddell Creek Association, and Portola and Castle Rock Foundation.
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DPR 985C (New 2/2016)(Word 2/23/2016) Association, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks. Visit us on the web at www.coastsidestateparks.org/ and www.parks.ca.gov.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Day Use Area located off Hwy 9 in Felton (831) 335-7077 Fall Creek Unit is located off Felton Empire Road near downtown Felton. Campground entrance located at 2591 Graham Hill Road www.facebook.com/HenryCowellRSP/
Guided Redwood Grove Walks Saturday, November 26 at 11 am Sunday, November 27 at 11 am How do redwoods grow to become the tallest organisms on earth? How important are banana slugs to the redwood ecosystems? Why are there so few old growth trees left? Answer these questions and more every Saturday on our Redwood Grove Walks. One of our knowledgeable docents will lead you through our magnificent old growth forest and answer any questions you may have. Meet at the Visitors Center in the Day Use area of Henry Cowell located off of Hwy 9 in Felton. Tour is free; day-use parking is $10. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks. Visit us on the web at www.mountainparks.org and www.parks.ca.gov.
Año Nuevo State Park Located off Hwy1, halfway between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz 1 New Year’s Creek Road, Pescadero, CA 94060 | (650) 879- 2025
Geology Walk Sunday, November 27 at 1 pm Join us for 1 mile, 1 hour stroll along the ever-changing Cove Beach, uncovering evidence of the hard-to-see forces that shape Año Nuevo’s beaches and cliffs. You will walk along active faults, ancient fossil beds, forgotten shorelines, and a mysterious river of sand. Suitable for all ages. Rain cancels. Event is free; parking fee is $10. For more information, please call the (650) 879-2025. Event made possible by Coastside State Parks Association, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks. Visit us on the web at www.coastsidestateparks.org/ and www.parks.ca.gov.
Self-Guided Seal Walks Daily, between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm Equal Access Seal Tours available upon reservation with 2-weeks’ notice at [email protected] or call (650) 879-2025 Stroll over sand dunes, enjoy beautiful ocean views, and gain a unique opportunity to view a large colony of Northern elephant seals as they return to shore to molt, or shed their fur, in this annual excursion. The self-guided trail is 3 miles round trip. Layered clothing, closed-toed
5 Events made possible by Friends of California State Parks, Mountain Parks Foundation, Coastside State Parks Association, Waddell Creek Association, and Portola and Castle Rock Foundation.
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DPR 985C (New 2/2016)(Word 2/23/2016) shoes, and rain/wind gear are strongly advised. Umbrellas and strollers are not permitted inside the dune area. Pets and drones are not allowed in the park. Day-use parking is $10. Entrance to the reserve for your self-guided walk requires a free permit that can be obtained at the entrance station, or the Marine Education Center. For people with accessibility needs, equal access tours can be reserved with 2 weeks’ notice at [email protected]. On an Equal Access Seal Tour, a docent will accompany you on our accessible van and ride to our wheelchair-accessible boardwalk to view the seals and provide a tour on the natural and cultural history of the park. For more information, please call the park at (650) 879-2025. Event made possible by Coastside State Parks Association, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks. Visit us on the web at www.coastsidestateparks.org/ and www.parks.ca.gov.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park Located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 at 21600 Big Basin Way. (831) 338-8883 www.parks.ca.gov/bigbasin/activities
Redwood Grove Loop Walk Friday, November 25 at 11 am and 2 pm Saturday, November 26 at 11 am and 2 pm Sunday, November 27 at 11 am and 2 pm How do these grand redwoods grow to be so old? So tall? How are they important to humans? Join us for this fun and informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Meet the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest and the incredible Chimney Tree on this 90-minute walk. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Meet at Park Headquarters. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks. Visit us on the web at www.mountainparks.org and www.parks.ca.gov.
Exploring Big Basin Tuesday, November 22 at 9 am Learn about redwoods, forest plants, fires, history and more on these fun, varied hikes with Docents Paul and Eva Fewel and Diane Shaw. Hikes are 5-8 miles and last up to 5 hours. We go rain or shine, but strong winds may cancel. Meet at Park Headquarters. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks. Visit us on the web at www.mountainparks.org and www.parks.ca.gov.
Meteor Trail Hike Saturday, November 26 at 10:30 am Join a Big Basin Docent on one of our most diverse hikes—by mountain streams, oak woodlands, chaparral and redwoods. You’ll discuss forests, flowers and fires on a six-mile, 3.5- hour hike. This somewhat strenuous ascent is rewarded with ocean views on a clear day. Bring water, lunch and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters. Event made possible
6 Events made possible by Friends of California State Parks, Mountain Parks Foundation, Coastside State Parks Association, Waddell Creek Association, and Portola and Castle Rock Foundation.
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DPR 985C (New 2/2016)(Word 2/23/2016) by Mountain Parks Foundation, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks. Visit us on the web at www.mountainparks.org and www.parks.ca.gov.
Hike to Buzzard’s Roost Saturday, November 26 at 10 am Develop your hiking muscles with this challenging 5-mile, approximately 4 hour trip to Buzzard’s Roost. Join Docent Steve Stolper for a hike to a dramatic rock formation with a commanding view of the park. We gain 1,200 feet in elevation on the way up. After a relaxed lunch on the rocks, we return to headquarters. Bring at least one liter of water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing. Rain cancels. Meet at Park Headquarters. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks. Visit us on the web at www.mountainparks.org and www.parks.ca.gov.
Outlook from Mt. McAbee Sunday, November 27 at 1 pm Join Docent Hal Anjo on a hike to McAbee Outlook. We'll stop at the top and enjoy the lovely ocean views, returning through a beautiful old-growth redwood forest. Learn about the different habitats as you watch the environment change as we climb and enjoy the view. Difficulty level is moderate. The hike is six miles and about three and a half hours. Bring plenty of water, snacks and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks. Visit us on the web at www.mountainparks.org and www.parks.ca.gov.
Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike! Sunday, November 27 at noon Explore some of the park’s less travelled backcountry with Docent Barry Grimm. This hike will be individually tailored to your group–so distance can vary from 2 to 8 miles, depending on your needs. The pace is always moderate–with occasional short stops to discover the park’s unique animals, plants and other natural features. Based on group size, experience level and weather conditions, we’ll choose from the many trails that explore the park’s most scenic areas. Dress in layers for changeable weather and temperatures. Bring sturdy walking shoes, water and trail snacks. Meet at Park Headquarters. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks. Visit us on the web at www.mountainparks.org and www.parks.ca.gov.
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7 Events made possible by Friends of California State Parks, Mountain Parks Foundation, Coastside State Parks Association, Waddell Creek Association, and Portola and Castle Rock Foundation.
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DPR 985C (New 2/2016)(Word 2/23/2016)