Calendar of Events
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PopUp Picnic in the Park
PopUp Picnic in the Park
Enjoy a relaxing lunch outdoors at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park on Thursdays this summer. PopUp Picnics in the Park will be held Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. […]
3 events,
Critter Safari
Critter Safari
There are many animals that call the redwood forest their home. Sometimes we may not be able to see them, but they’re there! Join us on a walk […]
Critter Safari
Critter Safari
There are many animals that call the redwood forest their home. Sometimes we may not be able to see them, but they’re there! Join us on a walk […]
Junior Rangers
Junior Rangers
Discover the fascinating secrets of the forest! Explore, practice outdoor skills and play games as you learn about plants, animals, geology, and more. This one-hour program is designed […]
10 events,
Little Rangers
Little Rangers
This fun program is designed for children ages 3-6 and their families. Pretend, play, sing and explore! This 30-minute program will introduce youngsters to the wonders of the […]
A Walk in the Past
A Walk in the Past
No Safeway? No Home Depot? No pharmacy? How did the Ohlone Indians survive? Take a walk with Docent Eva Fewel and learn about some of the plants the […]
Junior Rangers
Junior Rangers
Play games, hike, and explore the redwood forest during this 1-hour program for kids’ ages 7-12. Sorry parents, this is a kid’s only program! Meet at the Campfire […]
12 events,
Guided Hike through Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve
Guided Hike through Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve
Join us for a 1-mile, 2-hour guided walk along the Sequoia Audubon Trail in the Pescadero Marsh, an important stop along the Pacific Flyway. Learn about the fascinating […]
Wildflower and Nature Hike of Waddell Valley
Wildflower and Nature Hike of Waddell Valley
Join Bryce Stauble and learn to identify many of Waddell Valley’s plants within Rancho del Oso’s seven diverse habitats. Observe the monthly change of the ecosystems. Each walk […]
Meteor Trail Hike
Meteor Trail Hike
Join Docent Hal Anjo 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 […]
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3 events,
Special Two-Hour Junior Rangers
Special Two-Hour Junior Rangers
This special Junior Rangers is for kids ages 7-12 only. We’ll be taking a hike, so make sure your Junior Ranger dresses appropriately, with closed-toe shoes. Please register […]
Junior Rangers
Junior Rangers
Junior Rangers is a statewide program in California State Parks for kids ages 7-12. The drop-in, free programs will be held Thursdays in the summer at Santa Cruz […]
Star Stroll
Star Stroll
We not only love to learn about the river and trees, but about our cosmos as well! Along this 2-mile round-trip stroll to the Observation Deck, you may […]
2 events,
Guided Adobe Tours (afternoon)
Guided Adobe Tours (afternoon)
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 […]
Rivers and Redwoods
Rivers and Redwoods
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is more than just redwoods! Join one of our docents as we explore beyond the old growth forest and onto the river. This […]
6 events,
Birding for Beginners in Waddell Valley
Birding for Beginners in Waddell Valley
Naturalist Interpreter Jeremy Lin will lead an approximate two-mile hike to observe and enjoy morning wildlife at Rancho del Oso. We will take our time and move slowly. […]
What’s that Bird?
What’s that Bird?
This easy, one-mile stroll with Docent Karen DeMello will introduce you to the birds of the redwood forest. Beginner birders are welcomed! Bring binoculars if you have them–but […]
Guided Hike along the Gray Whale Cove Trail
Guided Hike along the Gray Whale Cove Trail
Join us for a moderate 2-mile, two-hour hike along the scenic Gray Whale Cove Trail at McNee Ranch at Montara State Beach. Enjoy ocean views, coastal plants, and […]
2 events,
Guided Hike in Burleigh Murray State Park
Guided Hike in Burleigh Murray State Park
Join us on a leisurely 2-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 […]
Nature Wander
Nature Wander
Find out what’s growing and blooming right now in the Waddell Valley on this approximately 1-mile, 1.5-hour guided walk with docent naturalist Ann Garside. She will share information […]
2 events,
What’s that Bird?
What’s that Bird?
This easy, one-mile stroll with Docent Karen DeMello will introduce you to the birds of the redwood forest. Beginner birders are welcomed! Bring binoculars if you have them–but […]
What’s that Bird?
What’s that Bird?
This easy, one-mile stroll with Docent Karen DeMello will introduce you to the birds of the redwood forest. Beginner birders are welcomed! Bring binoculars if you have them–but […]
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4 events,
Special Two-Hour Junior Rangers
Special Two-Hour Junior Rangers
This special Junior Rangers is for kids ages 7-12 only. We’ll be taking a hike, so make sure your Junior Ranger dresses appropriately, with closed-toe shoes. Please register […]
Special Two-Hour Junior Rangers
Special Two-Hour Junior Rangers
This special Junior Rangers is for kids ages 7-12 only. We’ll be taking a hike, so make sure your Junior Ranger dresses appropriately, with closed-toe shoes. Please register […]
Special Two-Hour Junior Rangers
Special Two-Hour Junior Rangers
This special Junior Rangers is for kids ages 7-12 only. We’ll be taking a hike, so make sure your Junior Ranger dresses appropriately, with closed-toe shoes. Please register […]
0 events,
1 event,
In Search of Other Giants
In Search of Other Giants
Coast Redwoods are the tallest living organisms on earth, but are there other giants that live in our forest? Bring the whole family on this search for other […]
5 events,
Wildflower Walk!
Wildflower Walk!
Join Docents Kathy Willott and Glenn Joy on this slow-paced walk with lots of stops to identify flowering plants and take photos. You’ll also visit several historical spots […]
Wildflower Walk!
Wildflower Walk!
Join us on this slow-paced walk with lots of stops to identify flowering plants and take photos. You’ll also visit several historical spots within the park. Saturday’s walk is […]
Living History Demonstration: Archaeology Demonstration
Living History Demonstration: Archaeology Demonstration
How do artifacts give us clues to the past? Follow the archeological process from the dig to the display, and participate in hands-on activities to discover the stories […]
2 events,
Can You Survive (Part 1)
Can You Survive (Part 1)
Join docent Steve Stolper for a hands-on workshop to learn wilderness survival techniques. These skills help you survive a short-term survival situation. We cover the psychology of survival, […]
Creeping Forest Ramble
Creeping Forest Ramble
Explore the natural history of this less-visited trail with docents JC and Becky on a 3-hour, 3.5- mile hike up and down the “creeping” terrain, along creeks, through […]
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1 event,
Star Stroll
Star Stroll
We not only love to learn about the river and trees, but about our cosmos as well! Along this 2-mile round-trip stroll to the Observation Deck, you may […]
0 events,
3 events,
Drop-In Family Crafts
Drop-In Family Crafts
Enjoy an informal afternoon at this hidden jewel near downtown Santa Cruz. You can hand-dip a wax candle in our garden courtyard. Rain Cancels.
Tidepool Book Talk
Tidepool Book Talk
Meet author and illustrator Marni Fylling — and Friends’ members receive a discount on her book. Come to Natural Bridges State Beach for a special presentation by Marni […]
Castro-Coastal Connection
Castro-Coastal Connection
Castro-Coastal Connection, a campfire event led by State Parks Interpreter Joseph Carr Ritchie, will explain the link between Santa Cruz County’s first State Beach, Sunset State Beach, and […]
1 event,
Can You Survive? (Part 2)
Can You Survive? (Part 2)
Join docent Steve Stolper for a hands-on workshop to learn modern wilderness survival techniques. These skills help you survive a short (1-3 day) survival situation. In Part 2 […]
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1 event,
New Leaf Community Day
New Leaf Community Day
Support Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks when you shop today at New Leaf Community Markets in Felton and Boulder Creek. Several Thursdays a year, New Leaf Market […]
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1 event,
Mission Building Game
Mission Building Game
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 […]
2 events,
Birding for Beginners
Birding for Beginners
Join us for a 2-mile morning stroll to discover the wildlife of the Santa Cruz Sandhills. Meet at the Mountain Parks Foundation Nature Store in the day-use area […]
Outlook from Mt. McAbee
Outlook from Mt. McAbee
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. […]
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