What's New

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Backcountry Trail Camps provide an incredible wilderness experience in the backyard of the Bay Area. Plan a backpacking trip and explore for yourself.

BACKPACK
Tribute Tables

Pay tribute to a loved one, celebrate a milestone or demonstrate community support with a Tribute Table.

GIFT
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Improving the resilience of our coastline starts with studying coastal processes, planning for change, and adapting to new conditions.

LEARN
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Turn your used vehicle into support for local state parks and beaches — arrange a donation today.

DONATE

Plan Your Visit

Our Mission, Our Passion

a lone angler stands on rocks while waves crash

Our local parks and beaches: thriving and available to all!

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks (Friends) is a vital partner with California State Parks, creatively working to ensure our cherished local parks and beaches are thriving and available to all. Friends’ innovative and collaborative community partnership provides support and investment for education, equity and inclusion, conservation, facilities improvements, historic preservation and cultural events.

I want to help!

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#thatsmypark

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Apr 24

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Serene moments at the historic Santa Cruz Mission 🍃🌸 Enjoy a picnic, quiet spot to read a book or a tranquil walk at the Santa Cruz Mission State Park. #thatsmypark #santacruzmissionshp #downtownsantacruz #hiddengems

Serene moments at the historic Santa Cruz Mission 🍃🌸 Enjoy a picnic, quiet spot to read a book or a tranquil walk at the Santa Cruz Mission State Park.

#thatsmypark #santacruzmissionshp #downtownsantacruz #hiddengems ...

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Apr 24

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Recent visitors shared a magical scene from the riverbanks at Henry Cowell. No, these are not fairies… but it’s still a special connection between earth and sky. The white, fluffy “cottony” material drifting through the air is the seed dispersal from Black Cottonwood trees. These trees are native to the riparian zones of Henry Cowell, particularly along the San Lorenzo River.  Each seed will float yards, or miles, on its nearly weightless fibers. Then some will come to rest in a damp, welcoming spot and they too will become black cottonwoods up to a hundred feet tall.  #MountainParksFoundation #RedwoodRx #MPFRedwoodRx #RedwoodRxClasses #HenryCowellRedwoods#RedwoodsStatePark #ThatsMyPark #CaliforniaStateParks #CAStateParks #SantaCruzMountains #OhloneTerritory #Awaswas #LandStewardship #SanLorenzoRiver #BlackCottonwoodTree #BlackCottonwood #Riverbank #Community #Belonging #Nature #Outdoors #Redwoods #California #Spring CAStateParks FriendsOfSCStateParks santacruzmountainsstateparks MountainParksFoundation

Recent visitors shared a magical scene from the riverbanks at Henry Cowell. No, these are not fairies… but it’s still a special connection between earth and sky. The white, fluffy “cottony” material drifting through the air is the seed dispersal from Black Cottonwood trees.

These trees are native to the riparian zones of Henry Cowell, particularly along the San Lorenzo River.  Each seed will float yards, or miles, on its nearly weightless fibers. Then some will come to rest in a damp, welcoming spot and they too will become black cottonwoods up to a hundred feet tall. 

#MountainParksFoundation #RedwoodRx #MPFRedwoodRx #RedwoodRxClasses
#HenryCowellRedwoods#RedwoodsStatePark #ThatsMyPark #CaliforniaStateParks #CAStateParks #SantaCruzMountains #OhloneTerritory #Awaswas #LandStewardship #SanLorenzoRiver #BlackCottonwoodTree #BlackCottonwood #Riverbank #Community #Belonging #Nature #Outdoors #Redwoods #California #Spring

CAStateParks FriendsOfSCStateParks santacruzmountainsstateparks MountainParksFoundation ...

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Apr 23

Open
🏕️ Reflecting on the echoes of the past, many of our visitors share tales of the "way we were." ❤️ Although Big Basin has faced its challenges, the memories we've created together will forever hold a special place in our hearts. 🦌 While some elements of the past may not return, our commitment to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all—humans, wildlife, and nature—remains strong. Together, we will build new memories that honor our incredible landscape. 📋 We value your voice! Help shape the future of the park by sharing what matters most to you in our rebuilding efforts. #BigBasin #ThatsMyPark #Resilience #ReimaginingBigBasin #SantaCruzHiking

🏕️ Reflecting on the echoes of the past, many of our visitors share tales of the "way we were."

❤️ Although Big Basin has faced its challenges, the memories we've created together will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

🦌 While some elements of the past may not return, our commitment to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all—humans, wildlife, and nature—remains strong. Together, we will build new memories that honor our incredible landscape.

📋 We value your voice! Help shape the future of the park by sharing what matters most to you in our rebuilding efforts.

#BigBasin #ThatsMyPark #Resilience #ReimaginingBigBasin #SantaCruzHiking ...

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