Local California State Parks Host Long Weekend of Activities July 25-28th!

Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 (831) 338-8883 
Tales of the Basin Storytelling Event!
July 27 & 28, 2013
Tales of the Basin will spotlight storytellers, park history, special children’s performers and the tradition of spinning a yarn beside the evening fire. South Bay Storytellers will present the campfire program on Saturday night. 
A Walk in the Past
Saturday, July 27 at 10:00 am
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 Ohlones used for food, tools and medicine. This is a 4-mile, 2.5-hour walk. Meet at Park Headquarters. 
Felling the Giants
Saturday, July 27 at 12:00 noon
Logging was the major industry in the Santa Cruz Mountains for over 50 years. How did lumbermen cut down these tall, tall trees? What was life like in a logging camp? What tools did they use? Join docent Paul Fewel as he tells stories of the logging days and demonstrates how loggers were able to fell these giants—without chainsaws! Meet at Park Headquarters. 
Big Basin “Nature Tails”
Saturday, July 27 at 4:30 pm
A world of animal songs and stories presented for children of all ages by local storytellers. Meet at the Campfire Center. 
Storytellers’ Showcase Campfire!
Saturday, July 27 at 6:30 pm
Sit back and experience an old-fashioned evening steeped in the oral tradition, as our guest storytellers weave their yarns in our historic amphitheater. Meet at the Campfire Center. The evening begins with fire lighting and marshmallow roasting at 6:30, and storytelling at 7:00. 
Peter and the Wolf Big Basin Style
Sunday, July 28, 9:30 am
All ages are invited to listen to Peter's adventure in the Land of the Tall Trees and Marbled Murrelets, a twist to the familiar story with music by composer Sergei Prokofiev. There is no wolf in this version! This tale will be told by docent Karen DeMello over a one-mile, 90-minute easy walk in the redwoods. Meet at Park Headquarters.  
Family Discovery Walk
Saturday, July 27 at 1:00 pm
Join docent Norm Beeson for a fun-filled family walk and investigate the mysteries and wonders of Big Basin’s redwood forest! We’ll discover what surprises the day offers on this easy, one-mile roundtrip walk that lasts about 1.5 hours. Bring water, a snack and an adventurous spirit! Meet at Park Headquarters. 
Redwood Loop Walk
Every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm AND Tuesday, July 2 and Tuesday, July 9 at 11:00 am and 2:00 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 90-minute walk. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Meet at Park Headquarters. 
Coffee Talk and Crafts
Saturday, July 27 from 9:00-12:00
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. Docent Norm Beeson will be happy to answer your questions about the park and help get you going on the right trail. And there’s a fun craft activity for the kids! 
Junior Rangers
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 3:00 pm and Sunday at 11:00 am
Discover the fascinating secrets of the forest! Explore, practice outdoor skills and play games as you learn about plants, animals, habitats, and more. This one-hour program is for kids ages 7-12. Sorry parents, this program is for kids only! Please register your child at the Nature Lodge 15 minutes before the program begins. Please be sure your child is dressed for active play in the outdoors. 
Big Basin Nature Club 
Friday and Saturday at 4:30 pm and Sunday at 10:00 am
This fun program is for children ages 3-6 and their families. Pretend, play, sing and explore! This half-hour program will introduce youngsters to the wonders of the redwood forest. Meet at the Nature Lodge. 
Evening Campfire Program
Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 6:30 pm
Join us in our historic campfire center for an evening of song and story. Serenade the glittering stars and learn about redwood ecology, creatures of the forest or stories of the park while relaxing in the shadows of the towering trees. Fire lighting and marshmallows (we provide the sticks and marshmallows!) at 6:30 pm; program begins at 7:00 pm. Wheelchair, stroller accessible. Good dogs welcome! 
Sempervirens Falls Saunter 
Sunday, July 28 at 1:00 pm
Join docent Hal Anjo in this moderate five-mile, four-hour loop walk by one of our prettiest falls, plus an interesting rock formation and old-growth redwoods. Meet at Park Headquarters. 
Horse Tails
Sunday, July 28 at 11:30 am
Come meet Bellarose the horse and learn about the important role horses played in early Big Basin history. Join docents Peggy O’Shea and Maura McNamara as they share stories of how horses were used by the Spanish explorers, early settlers and the lumber and tanning industries. Meet at Park Headquarters. 

Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center
Located 17 miles north of Santa Cruz off highway 1 (831) 427-2288From Santa Cruz, turn right just before the Waddell Creek Bridge at the sign for Rancho Del Oso Nature and History Center. From Half Moon Bay take Highway One south 30 miles and turn left after the Waddell Creek Bridge (2.6 miles south of Año Nuevo State Reserve).  For more information call(831) 427-2288 or (831) 425-1218. Extended Summer Hours: Thurs.-Sun 12-4. 
Critter Crafts
Fridays in July from 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Drop in for fun nature-themed craft time at the Nature and History Center on Fridays throughout July and August. We will have a make-and-take-activity most children can complete independently, although parents may need to assist preschool-aged children. Any age child is welcome to participate! 
From Sea to Tree: The Marbled Murrelet
Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 10:00 am
Join California State Park Environmental Scientist Portia Halbert as we discover the elusive, endangered Marbled Murrelet, which lives most of its life at sea and nests only in the tallest trees in the world. Learn about the Marbled Murrelet’s habitat and life cycle and the scientific efforts under way to prevent its extinction. Program meets at the Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center.  
Berry Creek Falls Hike
Sunday, July 28, 2013 at 10:00 am
Join in the fun for an all-day hike to Berry Creek Falls.  Hiking from the Ranger Station to the three gorgeous waterfalls is an all-day affair so bring lunch, water and energy.  The hike is 7 miles each way over moderately easy trail except for the uphill around the 3 sets of gorgeous waterfalls. Please wear good hiking shoes for the 14-mile trek.  Arrive early at the Hwy 1 gate across from Waddell Beach, and then walk in approximately 1 mile to the ranger station to meet your guide at 10:00a.m. at the Ranger Station. Call to RSVP - (831) 427-2288 or just show up! 
Critter SafariJuly 28, 2013 at 1:00 PM
On this leisurely family-friendly walk we’ll scan for wildlife and uncover the tracks and other “signs” that animals leave.  We’ll see how predator and prey (from deer and bobcats to hawks and lizards) survive in our streams, forests and fields. Meets at the Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center. Events made possible by California State Park Docents, California State Parks and Waddell Creek Association.

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
Located on School St. off of Mission and Emmet Street in Santa Cruz (831) 425-5849 
Junior Rangers at the Santa Cruz Mission “Vaqueros”
Thursday, July 25th, 11:00AM – 12:15
Junior Rangers is a statewide program for 7 – 12 year olds. Find out where western cowboy traditions were born. We’ll practice the art of roping and craft with leather. This program is FREE. Space is limited. Please pre-register by calling 831 425-5849.      
Drop In Family Craft – Papel Picado at the Santa Cruz Mission
Saturday, July 27th, 1:00-4:00pm
Enjoy an informal afternoon at this hidden jewel near downtown Santa Cruz. You can create your own colorful cut paper decorations. The event is FREE.  Rain Cancels. The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is located on School St. off of Mission and Emmet Street in Santa Cruz. Please call (831) 425-5849 for more information.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Located Off Hwy 9 in Felton (831) 335-7077. 
Hike-Questing For (the other) Giants
Friday, July 26 at 2:00p.m.
Meet in front of the Nature Store via the Park’s main entrance off Hwy 9
Discover the Park’s best kept secret – it’s other giant trees with Park Docent, Nancy Parker.  Early summer is the best time to search for magnificent broadleaf trees in Cowell’s riparian (river zone) forest – Western sycamores, big leaf maples, white alders, black cottonwoods, box elders and California bay.  The 2-hour/2 mile walk is along flat trails.  Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and snacks. Meet at 2:00p.m. in front of the Nature Store in the day use parking lot at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.  Enter the park from Hwy 9 (near downtown Felton, CA).  Day-use parking fee is $10.  More information is available at (831)335-7077. 
Little One’s Nature Club ages 4-7 accompanied by an adult
Every Friday in July at 11:00a.m.
Meet at the Campfire Center off Graham Hill Road
Learn about nature, make a craft, listen to a story, play with puppets and much more in this hour long program!  Meet at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campfire Center.  Program is free.  Park entrance/parking fee is $10.  For more information call 335-7077. 
Old-Growth Redwood Walks
Every Saturday and Sunday in July at 11:30a.m. and 2:00p.m.
Meet at the Visitor Center via the Park’s main entrance off Hwy 9
Come experience a forest adventure on a docent-led walk through the magnificent old-growth coast redwood forest. Be prepared to be amazed!  Guided walks begin at 11:30a.m. and  2:00p.m, meet at the Park Visitor Center and last about an hour.  Day-use parking fee is $10.  More information is available at (831)335-7077. 
Campground Programs
Thursdays through Sundays
Junior Ranger Programs, Guided Walks, Campfire Programs, Star Gazing on the Observation Deck, there are many exciting campground programs happening at Henry Cowell Redwoods.  Call (831) 335-7077 for more information. Events made possible by California State Park Docents, California State Parks and Mountain Parks Foundation.

The Forest of  Nisene Marks State Park
Located four miles north of Aptos on Aptos Creek Road 
Guided Nature Walks – 1.5 hour program
Every Sunday in July at 2pm
Come explore and learn about the history, geology, plants, and wildlife on this guided nature walk. Bring water, good shoes, and be prepared to discover the coastal mountains of Santa Cruz County. Meet at the kiosk. Events made possible by California State Park Docents, California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.

Butano State Park
1500 Cloverdale Rd., Pescadero, CA 94060, (650) 879-2040For weekly updates visit our blog: www.friendsofbutano.blogspot.com or facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ButanoStatePark 
Junior Rangers/Nature Club
Saturdays and Sundays in July from 10 to 11am
Kids 7-12 are welcome to join us for a variety of activities including games, arts, crafts and hiking exploration based on the plants, animals and history of Butano State Park. Kids will earn rewards for the Junior Rangers program. Programs and meeting locations may vary, please refer to posted signs at entrance station and campground exhibits. 
Nature Walk: “Flora and Fauna of Butano State Park”
Saturday, July 27, from 1 to 3pm
Join our naturalist docents Mel & Bob for a walk along the Six Bridges Trail to discover plants and animals that live in the park. Meet at the Visitor Center. 
Nature Walk: “Discover the Redwoods with Your Dog”
Saturday, July 27, from 1 to 3pm
Get your friendly dog on a max 6’ leash and join Butano State Park Interpreter Rosanna for a dog walk along the Olmo Fire Trail to discover the wonders of redwood forests. Meet along the park’s main road at the start of Olmo Fire Road. 
Campfire Programs
Saturday, July 27, from 7:30 to 8:30 pm
Come join us for campfire food, songs, games, and trivia, followed by a slideshow presentation on some of the features of the park or on places worth visiting around Butano. See detailed program in the blog or at the park exhibits. Meet at the Campfire Center. Sponsored by California State Parks and Coastside State Parks Association 

Sunset State Beach
16 miles south of Santa Cruz via Highway One and San Andreas Road.  (831) 763-7062 
Evening Campfire Program – 1 hour program
Every Friday in July at 8:00pm
Join us at the Pine Hollow campfire center for an evening of interactive and educational entertainment for the whole family. Engage in games and songs while learning about the nocturnal animals, marine mammals, or marine environment of Sunset State Beach. Wheelchair and stroller accessible. 
Junior Ranger Programs – 1 hour program
Every Friday in July at 5pm
Every Sunday in July at 10am
Come explore and play games as you learn about plants, animals, geology and more. This program is designed for ages 7-12 only, and kids earn rewards for their participation. Please register your child 15 minutes in advance at the Pine Hollow campfire center and be sure your child is dressed for active play in the outdoors. Events made possible by California State Park Docents, California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

Manresa State Beach
Located off  Highway 1, south of Aptos, take San Andreas Road southwest and continue to Manresa Uplands off of Sand Dollar Rd.  (831) 761-1795 
Evening Campfire Program – 1 hour program
Every Saturday in July at 8:00pm
Join us at the Manresa Uplands campfire center for an evening of interactive and educational entertainment for the whole family. Engage in games and songs while learning about the nocturnal animals, marine mammals, or marine environment of Manresa State Beach. Wheelchair and stroller accessible. 
Junior Ranger Programs – 1 hour program
Every Saturday in July at 5pm
Come explore and play games as you learn about plants, animals, geology and more. This program is designed for ages 7-12 only, and kids earn rewards for their participation. Please register your child 15 minutes in advance at the Manresa Uplands campfire center and be sure your child is dressed for active play in the outdoors. Events made possible by California State Park Docents, California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks 

Little Basin Cabins and Campground
Located off Highway 236. Turn left on Little Basin Rd. go 1.6 miles to the campground.All programs are provided by WOLF School, www.WOLFSchool.org or call 831-338-8018. All daytime programs meet at the Nature Fun Zone.All evening programs meet at the Campfire Ring. 
Junior Rangers
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in July at 3:00pm
Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays in July at 10:00am
Discover the fascinating secrets of the forest. Explore nature, practice outdoor skills, and play games as you learn about plants, animals, geology, and more. This kids-only, one-hour program is for kids ages 7-12 only (sorry parents). Please register your child 15 minutes in advance, and be sure your child is dressed for active play in the outdoors. 
Little Basin Nature Club
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in July at 4:30pm
Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays in July at 9:00am
This fun program is designed for children ages 3-6 and their families. Read, sing, pretend, play, and explore! This half-hour program introduces youngsters to the wonders of the redwood forest. 
Campfires at Little Basin
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in July at 7:00pm
Come learn about Little Basin’s unique history, natural environment, and culture. Be ready to sing some fun songs and hear some interesting facts about Little Basin. 
Night Hike and Astronomy Night
Alternating Activities All Fridays and Saturday in July at 9:00pm
“Night Hike” - Explore the other half of the 24 hour cycle of life on a hike around Little Basin at Night. Use your senses to discover owls, coyotes, frogs, and other nocturnal creatures that call Little Basin home.  This is a 1 hour program and is about a mile or less.“Astronomy Night” -  Bring the family out at night to see the breathtaking view of the stars from Little Basin. We will bring the telescope out and talk about the planets and seasonal constellations that we can see, weather permitting.  This is a 1 hour program. 
“Tanbark Loop” and “Eagle Rock” Guided Hikes
Alternating trails All Fridays and Saturdays in July at 9:00am
“Tanbark Loop” - Hike a beautiful trail around the basin and learn about the wide variety of flora and fauna here in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This is a moderate hike 1.5 mile hike, usually taking about 2-3 hours.  Please bring water to drink.“Eagle Rock” - Get a spectacular view over the Santa Cruz Mountains! Check out the changes in flora and fauna as you hike up to the highest point in Big Basin State Park at 2,500 ft elevation. This is a moderately difficult 3 mile hike, usually taking 4-5 hours.  You should bring water to drink as well as a snack. 

Portola Redwoods State Park
From Highway 35, turn west onto Alpine Road, go 3 miles, and turn onto Portola State Park Rd.Use low gear as both these roads are steep and winding (650) 948-9098  
Coffee n’ Crafts
Sundays in July 9 - 10:30am
Come join us in the Visitor Center for a good ol’ fashioned cup o’ joe and your very own bat! Free coffee is provided for our grown-up visitors, and a bat-making project is provided for our littler visitors, but grown-ups are welcome to make their own bat too! Learn about these cool winged mammals, hang out with Audrey the Interpreter and your fellow campers, all while enjoying your coffee and crafts. 
Little Rangers
Saturdays in July at 2pm
Our littlest rangers should have some fun in the forest too! Little Rangers is designed for children ages 3-6 accompanied by their parents. This gives children an opportunity to learn about some of their favorite plants and animals in the park while having a total blast. Activities include puppet appearances, games, puzzles, sing-alongs, and coloring. Groups meet at the Hopkins grove next to the visitor center and last roughly 30 minutes. 
Junior Rangers
Saturdays in July at 11am
Have some fun playing in the woods and learning about the redwoods and its inhabitants: past and present. Junior rangers is a State-wide program designed for children ages 7-12 and gives children an opportunity to learn, have fun, and earn themselves the coveted title of Junior Ranger! Program topics range from plants, and animals, to Native Americans and Historical Events. Sorry parents, this program is just for kids! Drop-off and Pick up is at Hopkins Grove next to the visitor center. Programs are one hour long.Limit of 15 children, Arrive 15 minutes early to secure your spot! 
Campfire
Every Friday and Saturday in July at 8pm
Come enjoy marshmallows, the comforting warmth of our campfire, and have some fun with us! Some activities include (But are by no means limited to!) entertaining and educating slideshows about the unique and interesting features of our park, as well as sing-alongs, silly skits, and trivia. Program generally lasts around 1 hour. Meet at the Campfire Center. 
Old Tree Amble
Every Friday in July at 4pm
Join our interpreter, Audrey, on a scenic and gentle 1 mile hike to the ancient and awe inspiring redwood tree known simply as “The Old Tree”. See the majestic redwoods in all forms and stages of their development and learn about what makes these giants so unique, and vital to the plant and animal community. All hikes meet at the Hopkins grove, next to the Visitor Center. Hike generally lasts 1 hour. 
Creek Sneak
Every Sunday in July at noon
Fun for the whole family! Come join our interpreter Audrey for fun activities down at the creek! Learn about the cool little critters living in the water, and how important the water here is to us and the plants.  All ages are welcome, parents must accompany their children.  Activity is drop-in style, and lasts 1.5 hours. Sponsored by California State Parks and Portola-Castle Rock Foundation

Wilder Ranch State Park
Located two miles north of Santa Cruz, on Highway 1 (831) 426-0505  Wilder Ranch Coast Nature Walk: Saturday, July 27 at 11:00a.m.
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 now available to borrow.  
Wilder Ranch Living History Demonstrations and Ranch Tours
Weekends from 11:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. Tour of the ranch houses at 1:00p.m.
Visit an early day dairy ranch in Santa Cruz County and step back in time to the late 1800’s at Wilder Ranch State Park. Weekends at 1:00p.m., join the 1-hour tour of the 1897 Victorian home, 1896 water-powered machine shop, and other historic buildings. You can also play Victorian games or bring a picnic to enjoy on the front lawn, visit the farm animals and see what activities are taking place on the ranch this weekend. You may learn about hand quilting, watch blacksmithing, or learn about the Meder Family voyage to California.  July 7 and 21 learn about hand quilting with master quilter Carolyn Miller from 10-2 pm. Call (831) 426-0505 for more scheduled activities. Events made possible by California State Park Docents, California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.