Wilder Ranch State Park

ENJOY Explore the historic ranch complex Dogs are not allowed at Wilder Ranch Horse camping by reservation, sorry, no backpacking LEARN Watch docents demonstrate living history skills mid-day on weekends, which may include blacksmithing, the shop, woodstove baking, and other period arts. Tour the Visitor Center cultural and natural history exhibits, and talk to our knowledgeable docents and interpreters. GIVE BACK Sign up for the docent classes offered in February and March to become a docent and lead tours of the park for school groups, locals, and visitors. Class size is limited to 35, so please sign up early. Tend the heritage garden Learn to tend the farm animals Contribute to the Meder Home Education and Stewardship Fund and directly enhance this park by purchasing the beautiful new fine art silk-screen print of Wilder Ranch State Beach, created by world-renowned artist Michael Schwab

Interesting Facts * Almost 7,000 acres of coastal landscapes * 5.0 miles of coastline * More than 35 miles of trails for hikers, bicyclists & equestrians * 20,580 people attended educational programs in 2005 * Almost 3,000 local school children served in 2005 * Home to at least 22 rare and sensitive species

Background
Wilder Ranch encompasses a nearly complete watershed within its 7,000 acres, home to many rare plant and animal species. From the crest of Ben Lomond Mountain at over 1,800 feet, the landscape glides down ancient wave-cut terraces to the cultural preserve's historic ranch buildings and visitor center along Wilder Creek, that flows through the marshes of the nature preserve to the Snowy Plover beach habitat along the ocean's edge. Major wetlands restoration projects are attracting original flora and fauna back to this region, now a healthy ecosystem. Volunteer trail work helps sustain the beauty.

Originally the main rancho supplying the Santa Cruz Mission, and later a successful, innovative dairy ranch famous for good butter, the Wilder Ranch historic ranch complex includes the 1790s Bolkoff Adobe, 1860s Meder Home (doubled by the Wilders 1899-1903), 1920s Victorian House, 1940s farm house now housing the Visitor Center, plus the horse barn, milking barn, a functioning machine and wood shop driven by Pelton water wheel, and cowboy cabins by the outer corrals. Volunteers tend the historic gardens, and the farm animals.

The large original Meder Home at the heart of Wilder Ranch is currently being renovated to become a 'touch and use' living museum, where school children and visitors will participate in hands-on rural life of 100 years ago by using sturdy antique replica tools and goods, in our acclaimed Environmental Living History programs. Hopefully, the Meder House will open in 2007.

For more information about Wilder Ranch State Park, please contact