Watch history come to life this weekend at Wilder Ranch State Park during Life on the Ranch Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 7. 😲 Visitors will be treated to tours through the Victorian-era house, play old-fashioned games and more. The blacksmith and machine shop will be open for demonstrations on how items were crafted years ago.

The event is free. Parking is $10 and helps Friends support the park.

@santacruzhistoricstateparks
#thatsmypark #WilderRanch #Ranch #RanchDay #event #Victorian #Blacksmithing #Kids #Games #Demonstrations #StatePark ...

Corporate wants you to spot the difference between these two pinnipeds…

California sea lions have been arriving at Año Nuevo Island for their pupping season, but try not to confuse them with elephant seals! Sea lions and elephant seals are both pinnipeds—a group of flipper-footed, carnivorous marine mammals that includes seals, sea lions, and walruses. How can you spot the difference between them?

First, take a look at their ears. Elephant seals are considered “true seals,” a group of pinnipeds that have ear holes but lack external ear flaps. Sea lions, on the other hand, have external ear flaps that can be spotted through a pair of binoculars.

Elephant seals and sea lions also move differently on land. Equipped with small, short, and less mobile flippers, elephant seals travel the beaches by undulating on their stomachs, almost like a caterpillar. Sea lions, on the other hand, have large front flippers, and their long back flippers can rotate underneath their body, allowing them to “walk” on land.

Now, you’re a seal and sea lion expert! Put your knowledge to the test by visiting Año Nuevo’s live island camera, where you might spot these pinnipeds mingling on the beaches of Año Nuevo Island. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_Id=31197

📍 Quiroste Tribal Land

Image Description: A California sea lion lays on top of a large male elephant seal, who is sleeping on the beach.
Credit: Bruce Lyon

#AñoNuevoStatePark #ElephantSeal #SeaLion #CaliforniaSeaLion #NorthernElephantSeal #Pinniped #SpotTheDifference #CaliforniaStateParks #CaliforniaWildlife #CoastalCalifornia #ThatsMyPark ...

You are invited to experience an oasis of tranquility at one of the most beautiful locations in Santa Cruz County!

Inspired by the teachings of the flowing water, we will relax deeply and learn important healing skills that we can practice anywhere. By slowing down on the green banks of the creek we will savor the experiences of the senses and arrive fully in the present moment.

Qi Gong is an ancient healing system that attunes us with nature through fluid movement, gentle stretching, and self-massage. We will learn and practice a simple sequence twice during the course, which is a wonderful preparation for our walking, standing, and sitting meditations that follow.

There will be simple explanations for all practices, no experience is necessary.
This is a gentle, experiential program—not a vigorous hike. Most of our time together will be spent in silence, though there will be space for questions and guidance throughout the course.

Class meets in the parking lot at the main entrance to Fall Creek. Note that there are no restrooms in this park.

Class size is limited, and advanced registration is required. Those who register will receive more detailed information and directions via email.

Teachings of Water: Meditation and Movement
Monday, July 21, 2025
10:00am - 12:00pm
Fall Creek Sub-Unit, Henry Cowell Redwoods
$35 per session. Led by Jim Gallas

https://www.mountainparks.org/rx-classes/2025-07-21

#MountainParksFoundation #RedwoodRX
#HenryCowellRedwoods#RedwoodsStatePark #ThatsMyPark #CaliforniaStateParks
#CAStateParks #SantaCruzMountains #OhloneTerritory #Awaswas #LandStewardship #Community #Belonging #Nature #Outdoors #Wellness #Meditation #Nature #Forest #Mindfulness #QiGong #SanLorenzoRiver #WaterMeditations ...

Join us to connect with community, breath, body, mind, and spirit while being held by the Redwood forest. 

We will start by checking in with the emotional body before moving into breath work to ground and settle into the body and space, followed by gentle, joyous movement. We will rest and allow the mind to meditate.

Class will conclude with journaling to notice how the body, mind, and spirit are feeling after practice. You will have the option to walk back to the meeting spot in community or stay and enjoy more time in the park.

The forest can be messy, please bring a yoga mat that you don’t mind getting dirty or a towel to put under your mat. Additional yoga props such as blocks, cushions and straps are welcome but not required. Journals and pens will be provided.

This class is intended for anyone identifying as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color. All levels of yoga experience are welcome – no experience required!

Group size is limited, and advanced registration is required. Meet at Picnic Area 1 in the day use area of Henry Cowell. We will be walking from there to another location, so please be on time. Those who register will receive more detailed directions and information via email.

Connecting to Self and Nature: A BIPOC Yoga Experience in the Redwoods
Sunday, July 20, 2025
9:00 AM 11:00 AM
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
$35.00 per class. Led by Krystle Shield

https://www.mountainparks.org/rx-classes/2025-07-20

#MountainParksFoundation #RedwoodRX
#HenryCowellRedwoods#RedwoodsStatePark #ThatsMyPark #CaliforniaStateParks
#CAStateParks #SantaCruzMountains #OhloneTerritory #Awaswas #LandStewardship #Community #Belonging #Nature #Outdoors #Yoga #Redwoods #Wellness #Nature #Forest #Mindfulness #Restful #Breath #Body #Mind #Connection ...

Remember to vote for Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks in the New Leaf Community Market Envirotoken program! We’re on the ballot at New Leaf’s Aptos, Capitola and Santa Cruz Westside locations. Voting online is simple. Here’s how:

✅ Select the store you’d like to vote for
✅ Select Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
✅ Enter your email address as well as zip code
✅ Submit your ballot

Funds received by Friends for this program will be dedicated to supporting 🙌 Kids2Parks — an innovative park-equity program to bring students from Title 1 schools on State Parks field trips. Voting is open through June 17. Everyone can vote for Friends at each available store location once a day. Vote today and tell your friends! Use the link in our bio!

#Thatsmypark #donate #Envirotoken #NewLeafMarkets #Vote #Support #Nature #StateParks #Kidstoparks ...