There's always something happening at Santa Cruz State Parks. We update our website often, so please check back for upcoming news.

News

10/10/10 - DOCENT TRAINING: Getting Involved and Giving Back
2010 Classes now forming-- The Next Upcoming Volunteer Trainings are at Wilder Ranch State Park (831)426-0505 and Seacliff State Beach (831) 685-6444. New volunteers are encouraged to call the park today!

The following California State Parks from Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz are actively seeking volunteers to sign up for annual Docent Training Classes. Call the specific park for more information or to register.

Wilder Ranch State Park: Annual Training February to March
Wilder Ranch State Park is accepting applications for its Docent Program. Docents lead ranch tours and nature walks, present living history, and help put on a variety of annual special events. Docents are especially needed to assist with the parks “Ranch Kids Days” where local schoolchildren come for a comprehensive local history program where they become “ranch hands” for a day. For more information, call Wilder Ranch at (831) 426-0505 or email rhaver@parks.ca.gov. Training usually runs February through March.

Seacliff State Beach and The Forest of Nisene Marks: Annual Training January to February.
Seacliff’s natural and historical wealth is interpreted to visitors by a dedicated team of docents. As visitors explore the tidepool tank and exhibits at the Visitor Center, docents share stories about the natural and cultural history of the area. When volunteering as trail guides, docents lead visitors and school children on guided discovery walks of the fossils, forest, ship and shore. Call (831) 685-6444 or email fhazelwood@parks.ca.gov for more information or to sign up. Training usually runs in the spring.

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park- Ongoing Training
Docents at the mission can find many opportunities to connect visitors and schoolchildren to the hidden history of this site. Help with candle-dipping, tortilla making, weaving, and all the activities that reveal the life and times of those who were a part of the mission system. Call 831-429-425-5849 or email ccecchettini@parks.ca.gov for more information.

Natural Bridges State Beach-Spring Tidepool training and Fall Monarch Season Training
This park is all about butterflies and sea creatures. Docents lead monarch butterfly and tidepool tours during the week and lead tours for the public on weekends. They also host the visitor center, help put on events, and help with native plant restoration projects. Call (831) 423-4609 and ask to speak with the docent coordinator or email mnitzberg@parks.ca.gov.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Annual Training March to April
Are you interested in the beautiful and varied natural assets or rich cultural history of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park? We would love to have you here working with us. Call the docent coordinator at the visitor center (831) 335-7077 or email jsidel@parks.ca.gov to discuss becoming a Volunteer Docent on this dynamic and fun team. Training usually runs in the spring.

Rancho del Oso-at the Western entrance to Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Training is ongoing
Rancho del Oso is located at the western entrance of Big Basin Redwoods, up the coast, 16 miles north of Santa Cruz along Highway 1. Steeped in local history and rich in natural beauty, volunteers host this special site that houses the Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center and an orientation center along the Skyline to the Sea trail. Staff at Rancho del Oso can be reached at (831) 427-2288 or email rdopis@parks.ca.gov.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Training in April and May
Join a knowledgeable and enthusiastic team of volunteer naturalists and park staff dedicated to helping the environment through education at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Big Basin Docents will be trained in redwood ecology, local history, and the art of public speaking. Docents lead guided walks, host the museum, and share their own interests and skills with the park and its visitors. You must be at least 16 years of age and be able to volunteer a minimum of six hours per month. A curious spirit and open mind are plusses! Docent training is typically held every other year at Big Basin on Saturdays. Please call the docent coordinator at (831) 338-8883 or email sblake@parks.ca.gov. Training usually runs in the spring.

Año Nuevo Coast State Park: Annual Training October to November
This ten-week training program (on Wed evenings and/or Sat mornings) is one of the most comprehensive within the California State Parks system. We pull in resident experts to teach classes on a variety of subjects including marine mammals, the natural and cultural history of Año Nuevo, Ohlone Indians, birds and terrestrial animals, geology, and more. If you are a lighthouse enthusiast you can also inquire about volunteering at Pigeon Point Lightstation State Historic Park. For more information or to sign up, please call the docent coordinator at 650-879-2032 or email anovolcoordinator@parks.ca.gov.

Pigeon Point Lightstation State Historic Park
A dedicated group of volunteer docents are on-site Friday through Sunday to host the bookshop, lead tours around the historic grounds, and organize a shore-based whale watching program. Docents also host the interpretive center located in the Fog Signal Building. If you are lighthouse enthusiast, enjoy whale watching, and want to share what you learn with visitors, please contact the docent coordinator at (650) 879-2032 or email anovolcoordinator@parks.ca.gov.

Half Moon Bay State Beach: Annual Training in Spring
Volunteers at Half Moon Bay have several opportunities available. Some choose to do habitat restoration, or serve as beach monitors assisting with the protection of endangered species like the western snowy plover during breeding season. Docents participate in providing educational programs to visiting school groups and host the visitor center. Call the park to learn more about the many ways you can contribute at (650) 726-8819.

In addition to docent training, volunteers are also sought for habitat restoration, campground hosting and a variety of other activities. If you have questions or would like more information before you select a park, please call us at: (831) 335-6391




03/01/10 - Tidepool Docent Training Starts at Natural Bridges
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Natural Bridges State Park
Sign up Now for Tidepool Docent Training
Begins in March

Natural Bridges State Beach is currently seeking curious, enthusiastic individuals to share about the marine life at the park. The training program will cover information about the park and tide pool life, along with public speaking and teaching techniques. Following training, volunteers give a minimum of 6 hours per month. Natural Bridges is located at the end of West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. To sign up now for docent training beginning in March, please call (831) 423-4609 or email mnitzberg@parks.ca.gov.

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03/01/10 - Volunteer! Docent Training for Big Basin Redwoods State Park
•Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Volunteer Training begins in March!
Join a knowledgeable and enthusiastic team of volunteer naturalists and park staff dedicated to helping the environment through education at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Big Basin Docents will be trained in redwood ecology, local history, and the art of public speaking. Docents lead guided walks, host the museum, and share their own interests and skills with the park and its visitors. You must be at least 16 years of age and be able to volunteer a minimum of six hours per month. A curious spirit and open mind are plusses! Docent training is held at Big Basin on Saturdays. Please call the docent coordinator at (831) 338-8883 or email sblake@parks.ca.gov.



02/13/10 - Migration Festival at Natural Bridges State Beach
Fly, swim, waddle, walk, bike or drive as you migrate to Natural Bridges State Beach for a full-day of activities that celebrate the migration of whales, butterflies, birds and the many creatures that travel. The park will host migratory animal talks, active kids’ games, crafts, skits live music by the nature-loving 5M's band, educational booths and displays, along with the now-famous free habitat cake served at the end of the event.
Location : Natural Bridges State Beach
Contact : (831) 423-4609

Event is Free. Parking $10.

The park is located at the end of West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz.


02/06/10 - Volunteer at Seacliff State Beach
Volunteer with a View!
Seacliff State Beach
Sign up for Annual Docent Training
Saturdays in February, 2010

Seacliff State Beach in Aptos is seeking volunteers to help keep the visitor center open and available to the public and school groups. Volunteer training will be held on Saturdays in February. If you enjoy sharing your knowledge of nature and history, join the Seacliff docent family and help out by hosting the visitor center, assisting with special events, working with school groups, and leading guided walks. Volunteering for parks is a great way to learn more about nature and history, share your knowledge with your neighbors, and make new friends!
To learn more please call (831) 685-6444 or e-mail fhazelwood@parks.ca.gov.

Co-Sponsored by California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks



02/06/10 - Volunteer at WIlder Ranch State Park
Wilder Ranch State Park
Volunteer on the Ranch!
Sign up now for Docent Training

If you have gone on a nature walk, taken a school or public ranch tour, participated in a living history program, or enjoyed a special event day at Wilder, you have probably met Wilder Ranch docents. Docents do all this, and more. In fact, most programs at the park are presented by volunteer docents. Volunteers make these activities possible. With this in mind, Wilder Ranch State Park is putting out it’s annual call for volunteer sign-ups. California State Parks is encouraging prospective volunteers to join the program. New docents attend a series of classes and then choose what they would like to do: helping with school group programs, leading living history demonstrations on weekends, putting on park events like the annual Harvest Festival, helping to care for the farm animals, or assisting with hikes, tours, and hosting the visitor center.

One program that is exciting and growing is the "Ranch Kids Day" school field trip. The program is offered on a limited basis because of the number of volunteers needed to offer this quality program. Students come from local schools to try their hand at many early-day tasks including forging iron in the blacksmith shop, examining the workings of the water-powered Pelton wheel, grooming the horses, churning butter from fresh cream, baking muffins and cookies and preparing vegetable soup on the wood burning oven, shucking corn to feed to the chickens, and, (believe it or not, one of the favorites) doing laundry using soap, a grater, tubs, washboards, wringers and an old-fashioned iron. The day is a great lesson in local history for the kids.

If you are interested in sharing your time to make these programs possible, please call Wilder Ranch Interpretive Center at (831) 426-0505. Applications are being accepted now through January for classes that begin the first week of February 2010.

Co-sponsored by California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

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02/01/10 - Current Activities for February 2010--
CELEBRATE SANTA CRUZ’S RICH NATURAL HERITAGE AT

THE 24th ANNUAL MIGRATION FESTIVAL!
Saturday, February 13, from 11 AM to 4 PM
At Natural Bridges State Beach

Fly, swim, waddle, walk, bike or drive as you migrate to Natural Bridges State Beach for a full-day of activities that celebrate the migration of whales, butterflies, birds and the many creatures that travel. The park will host migratory animal talks, active kids’ games, crafts, skits, live music by the nature-loving 5M's Band, educational booths and displays, along with the now-famous free habitat-cake served at the end of the event.

You can purchase a picnic at the park or bring your own. A day use parking pass is $10; the event is free. Natural Bridges State Beach is located at the end of West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. More information is available by calling (831) 423-4609 or visit us on the web at www.santacruzstateparks.org.

Sponsored by California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Natural Bridges State Park
Sign up Now for Tidepool Docent Training
Begins in March

Natural Bridges State Beach is currently seeking curious, enthusiastic individuals to share about the marine life at the park. The training program will cover information about the park and tide pool life, along with public speaking and teaching techniques. Following training, volunteers give a minimum of 6 hours per month. Natural Bridges is located at the end of West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. To sign up now for docent training beginning in March, please call (831) 423-4609 or email mnitzberg@parks.ca.gov.

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Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Volunteer Training begins in March!
Join a knowledgeable and enthusiastic team of volunteer naturalists and park staff dedicated to helping the environment through education at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Big Basin Docents will be trained in redwood ecology, local history, and the art of public speaking. Docents lead guided walks, host the museum, and share their own interests and skills with the park and its visitors. You must be at least 16 years of age and be able to volunteer a minimum of six hours per month. A curious spirit and open mind are plusses! Docent training is held at Big Basin on Saturdays. Please call the docent coordinator at (831) 338-8883 or email sblake@parks.ca.gov.
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FEBRUARY ACTIVITIES AT NATURAL BRIDGES STATE BEACH
Located at the end of West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz (831) 423-4609

End of Monarch Season --
IMPORTANT NOTE: The season has ended for tours of the monarch grove— please remove this activity from your calendar listings. Thank you for sharing these tours with your patrons! Help us say goodbye to the migrating monarchs at the 24th Annual “Migration Festival, Saturday, February 13 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Natural Bridges State Beach.

Park Restoration Troop— Some Sundays from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Call the park to join the list to become part of this group of volunteers that help restore the park’s natural habitat: (831) 423-4609.

Co-sponsored by California State Parks and the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

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FEBRUARY ACTIVITIES AT BIG BASIN REDWOODS STATE PARK
Located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 (831) 338-8861

Ocean View Summit Hike
Saturday, February 13 at 10:00 am
Join docent David Auerbach 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, four-hour hike. This somewhat strenuous ascent is rewarded with ocean views on a clear day. Bring water, lunch and good hiking shoes. Heavy rain cancels. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Redwood Loop Walk
Saturday, February 13 at 11:00 am
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 one-hour walk. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Meet at Park Headquarters.

North Escape Stroll
Saturday, February 13 at 1:30 pm
This is a dog-friendly stroll along our beautiful North Escape Road where you’ll experience the forest through touch, smell and sound. Discover the amazing acorn granaries, the fragrant Douglas-firs and the grand redwoods. Learn about the different elements that create a redwood forest. This ¾-mile stroll with docent Oscar Medina will take an hour. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Romance in the Redwoods
Sunday, February 14 at 12:00 noon
Join docent Bill Rhoades on this fun Valentine’s Day walk. On this easy, 1.5-hour walk you’ll discover love in the wild and how plants and animals attract each other. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Winter Wildflower Walk!
Saturday, February 20 at 10:00 am
Sunday, February 21 at 10:00 am
Flowers in the winter? Fall rains bring a whole new blooming season upon us—many plants survived through the long, hot, dry summer just waiting for the cooler, wetter months to return and refresh them. Lichens, mosses and many chaparral plants just begin blooming this time of year! Join docent Scott Peden and learn to identify these flowering plants. Saturday’s walk is a four-mile, four-hour walk. Sunday’s walk is a five-mile, five-hour walk. Bring water, lunch and good hiking shoes. In case of rain, there will be a wildflower slide show in our warm Sempervirens Room! Meet at Park Headquarters.

Redwood Loop Walk
Saturday, February 20 at 11:00 am
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 one-hour walk. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Redwood Loop Walk
Sunday, February 21 at 11:00 am
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 one-hour walk. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Coffee Talk
Saturday, February 27 from 9:30-12:00
Come to the Sempervirens Room next to Park Headquarters for free coffee or hot chocolate! This is a great way to start your day in Big Basin. Norm Beeson, a Big Basin docent, will be happy to answer questions about the park and help get you going on the right trail.

Redwood Loop Walk
Saturday, February 27 at 12:30 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 one-hour walk. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Berry Creek Falls Hike
Sunday, February 28 at 9:30 am
Travel deep into the heart of Big Basin as you experience a wide range of habitats on this moderate to strenuous 12-mile-loop hike. Wind through shady redwood canyons and climb dry ridges as you hike to the jewel of Big Basin—65-foot Berry Creek Falls. Bring lots of water, lunch and wear layers. Docent Bill Rhoades will be your guide on this six- to seven-hour hike. Bring a poncho if it’s raining. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Redwood Loop Walk
Sunday, February 28 at 11:00 am
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 one-hour walk. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Sponsored by California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

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FEBRUARY ACTIVITIES AT WILDER RANCH STATE PARK
Located two miles north of Santa Cruz, on Highway 1 (831) 426-0505

Wilder Ranch Living History Demonstrations: Some weekend days, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
History comes alive at Wilder Ranch State Park on many weekends. Step back in time to visit a c.1900 dairy ranch in Santa Cruz County. On Feb. 8 & 22, learn about hand quilting with master quilter, watch blacksmithing, and learn about Meder family voyage to California on Saturdays 14th & 28th. Call (831) 426-0505 for other days and activities.

History, Nature, and Scenic Views: A Tour of the Grey Whale Ranch Area
Saturday, February 13 at 9:00 AM
This challenging guided three-hour hike will explore the natural and cultural history of the upper hills of Wilder Ranch State Park. Meet at the Wilder Ranch interpretive center. Bring good walking shoes, lunch, snacks, and water. Hike is canceled if rain.

Wilder Ranch Coast Nature Walks: Saturdays, February 6, 20, & 27 at 11:00 AM
On these two-hour natural history excursions you will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the spectacular coastal bluffs. Meet at the Wilder Ranch interpretive center. Bring a snack, water, binoculars, and good walking shoes. Binoculars are available to borrow. Walk is canceled if rain.

Co-sponsored by California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

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01/31/10 - Current Activities: January 2010
VOLUNTEERS BRING WILDER RANCH’S HISTORY TO LIFE
Annual Call for Volunteers

Wilder Ranch State Park is looking for new volunteers to join their crew of “ranch-hands,” to bring the history of this early Santa Cruz dairy ranch to life. Sign-ups take place now through January; training begins in early February. New volunteers learn to lead living history activities at the park. Wilder Ranch is especially seeking volunteers to help on weekdays with the “Ranch Kids Day" program, where school-children experience local history as they visit a host of hands-on stations led by docents. Call (831) 426-0505 to request an information packet and become a docent at one of Santa Cruz’s most treasured parks!

Sponsored by California State Parks and the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

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VOLUNTEER WITH A VIEW
Seacliff State Beach
Sign up now through January for Annual Docent Training

Seacliff State Beach in Aptos is seeking volunteers to help keep the visitor center open and available to the public and school groups. Volunteer training will be held on Saturdays in February. If you enjoy sharing your knowledge of nature and history, join the Seacliff docent family and help out by hosting the visitor center, working with school groups, and leading guided walks. Volunteering for parks is a great way to learn more about nature and history, share your knowledge with your neighbors, and make new friends! To learn more, please call (831) 685-6444 or e-mail fhazelwood@parks.ca.gov.

Co-Sponsored by California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

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JANUARY ACTIVITIES AT WILDER RANCH STATE PARK
Located two miles north of Santa Cruz, on Highway 1 (831) 426-0505

Wilder Ranch Living History Demonstrations: Weekends, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
History comes alive at Wilder Ranch State Park on many weekends. Come for a picnic or a stroll, and you’ll also find Victorian lawn games for your enjoyment. If you smell something delicious, check to see what’s cooking in the historic ranch house. Look for quilting demonstrations, blacksmithing and other activities that are presented by volunteer docents. Activities vary depending on volunteer availability. Call (831) 426-0505 for more information.

History, Nature, and Scenic Views: A Tour of the Grey Whale Ranch Area
Saturday, January 9 at 9:00 AM
This challenging guided three-hour hike will explore the natural and cultural history of the upper hills of Wilder Ranch State Park. Meet at the Wilder Ranch interpretive center. Bring good walking shoes, lunch, snacks, and water. Hike is canceled if rain.

Wilder Ranch Coast Nature Walks: Saturdays, January 2, 16, and 23 at 11:00 AM
On these two-hour natural history excursions you will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the spectacular coastal bluffs. Meet at the Wilder Ranch interpretive center. Bring a snack, water, binoculars, and good walking shoes. Binoculars are available to borrow. Walk is canceled if rain.

Co-sponsored by California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

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JANUARY ACTIVITIES AT NATURAL BRIDGES STATE BEACH
Located at the end of West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz (831) 423-4609

Tours of the Monarch Grove—
All Saturdays in January at 11:00am and 2:00pm
All Sundays in January at 11:00am and 2:00pm
Monarch butterfly season is winding down, but if you head over to Natural Bridges, you may be able to see a few before they are gone. The monarchs are migrating from their over-wintering sites heading north, south and east. Public tours are offered on weekends and no reservations are necessary, or you may call 423-4609 to arrange a tour for a group of 10 or more. Meet at the Visitor Center for the hour-long program.

Park Restoration Troop— All Sundays from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Your help is needed with Park Restoration! We meet every Sunday from 3-5 pm. Projects vary with the weather. As a team it is enjoyable to weed, water, or plant, while knowing that your efforts are helping protect the park's plants and wildlife.

Co-sponsored by California State Parks and the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

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JANUARY ACTIVITIES AT BIG BASIN REDWOODS STATE PARK
Located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 (831) 338-8861

ALL WALKS START AT PARK HEADQUARTERS.

Coffee Talk
Saturday, January 2 from 9:30-11:30
Come to the Sempervirens Room next to Park Headquarters for free coffee or hot chocolate! This is a great way to start your day in Big Basin. Norm Beeson, a Big Basin docent, will be happy to answer questions about the park and help get you going on the right trail.

Redwood Loop Walk
Saturday, January 2 at 12:30 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 one-hour walk. Stroller and wheelchair accessible.

Ocean View Summit Hike
Saturday, January 9 at 10:00 am
Join docent David Auerbach 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,
four-hour hike. This somewhat strenuous ascent is rewarded with ocean views on a clear day. Bring water, lunch and good hiking shoes. Heavy rain cancels.

Berry Creek Falls Hike
Sunday, January 10 at 9:30 am
Travel deep into the heart of Big Basin as you experience a wide range of habitats on this moderate to strenuous 12-mile-loop hike. Wind through shady redwood canyons and climb dry ridges as you hike to the jewel of Big Basin—65-foot Berry Creek Falls. Bring lots of water, lunch and wear layers. Docent Bill Rhoades will be your guide on this six- to seven-hour hike. Bring a poncho if it’s raining.

Winter Wildflower Walk!
Saturday, January 16 at 10:00 am
Sunday, January 17 at 10:00 am
Flowers in the winter? Fall rains bring a whole new blooming season upon us—many plants survived through the long, hot, dry summer just waiting for the cooler, wetter months to return and refresh them. Lichens, mosses and many chaparral plants just begin blooming this time of year! Join docent Scott Peden and learn to identify these flowering plants. Saturday’s walk is a four-mile, four-hour walk. Sunday’s walk is a five-mile, five-hour walk. Bring water, lunch and good hiking shoes. In case of rain, there will be a wildflower slide show in our warm Sempervirens Room!

Coffee Talk
Saturday, January 23 from 10:00-12:00
Come to the Sempervirens Room next to Park Headquarters for free coffee or hot chocolate! This is a great way to start your day in Big Basin. We’ll be happy to answer questions about the park and help get you going on the right trail.

Co-Sponsored by California State Parks and Mountain Parks Foundation

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01/01/10 - For Teachers - Sign up now for Ranch Kids Days
Wilder Ranch State Park
Environmental Studies Program (ESP)

Ranch Kids Day: Travel back in time with your 3rd grade class to the early 1900s to find out what it would be like to live on a dairy farm. Today’s students learn how to live in the past while they participate in the many chores that they would need to know for their survival on the farm.

The program at Wilder Ranch follows the curriculum guidelines set by the State of California. The program is designed for third grade level children. We offer a unique hands-on interpretive living history program. During the ESP, students in period dress assume the lives and activities of the past. They learn to survive through participating in hands-on activities just like the people of the dairy farm did one hundred years ago. The activities may include: wagon rides, preparing period meals, working in the blacksmith shop, old-fashioned laundry techniques, animal care, gardening, old-fashioned games & crafts, calligraphy, journals, microscope, music, stories, and nature walk.

Schedule
The program is held on the first and third Friday of each month; September through November and March through the first week in June.
Two schedules are currently available.
Ranch Kids Day 9:30 AM-1:30 PM
Extended Ranch Kids Day 9:30 AM-5:00 PM (Requires Teacher Workshop)

Cost
Please contact the Park for options and cost.
Attendance Maximum
There is a maximum of 40 students and 16 adults for the program. Parent involvement is required for a successful program.

Reservation Procedure
Reservations for the Ranch Kids Day program are on a first come first serve basis which is determined by the post mark date on your return envelope. Reservations begin on August 1st every year. Please call Wilder Ranch to request a application packet at 831-426-0505.


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