Nature

Spend the morning with resident and migratory birds of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park! On this 1 mile stroll, which will last approximately 1.5 hours, participants have the opportunity to observe, and listen to, a handful of bird species in the park. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The meeting location changes on a monthly basis, so please register for free through the link below for more information.

Amateur and expert birders alike will find a place on the Early Bird Tour! Local guides lead these 2-3 mile walks, sharing the life histories of the birds that call Elkhorn Slough home, and giving tips on identifying species.

Every Sunday at noon, the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks will be taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest.  On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among those old-growth giants over 200 feet tall. They say that the Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed!

On this 2.5 mile hike, be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces, with many stops to view the many birds, plants, and scenery along the way. You will help each other spot and identify birds! Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather, and good walking shoes. Meet next to park map in Wilder Ranch main parking lot.   *Rain cancels. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505.  Follow links below for the required free registration.

On Fuel Reduction Workday, in which park staff manually clear fallen debris in select areas of the Redwood Grove, and by doing so, reduce the fuel load and restore old-growth habitat. Park staff will facilitate organizing this debris into brush piles. Participants should be prepared to help with a fair deal of manual labor. This event will be meeting in front of the Visitor Center. If possible, please bring work gloves. The parks offer a limited supply.

Get ready to hike around an ancient seafloor! On this 1.5 mile hike through the Sandhills, which will last approximately 2 hours, participants can meander through sandy soils on the mountain top, about 800 feet above present day sea level. Explore this beautiful landscape and learn about the rare and unique things that call it home. The hike is recommended for ages 8 and up. Children need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Plan to meet in the parking lot of the campground (located off Graham Hill Rd.). Program starts at 10:00am.

On this hike you will be discovering the natural history of Wilder Ranch as well as the people and forces that shaped it. Be prepared to explore for 5 hours on this 8 mile hike with 1000 ft. of elevation gain. Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather, and good hiking shoes. It is also highly recommended you bring at least 32 oz of water and lunch to eat on the trail. Meet by the Visitor’s Center by the front of the Meder House in the historic complex. Rain cancels. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505. Reservations are required using the website link below.

Every Sunday at noon, the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks will be taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest.  On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among those old-growth giants over 200 feet tall. They say that the Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed!

The Fall Creek unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods is extraordinary!  Don’t miss this chance to explore it with a guide!  Explore this beautiful creek system and learn a bit about its history. On this multi-mile, moderately graded hike, you’ll be be meandering along Fall Creek to the historic Barrel Mill and Lime Kiln sites.  You will meet with your guide in the main parking lot of Fall Creek (located off Felton Empire Grade).

During this program, you’ll learn about a few in-tree-guing plant species residing in the Santa Cruz Mountains! On this 1 mile walk, you’ll be chattin’ about tree identification with a local expert and observing a handful of species along River Trail and in the adjacent Redwood Grove. Beleaf us, it’ll be a great time!

Every Sunday at noon, the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks will be taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest.  On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among those old-growth giants over 200 feet tall. They say that the Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed!

On this 2.5 mile hike, be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces, with many stops to view the many birds, plants, and scenery along the way. You will help each other spot and identify birds! Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather, and good walking shoes. Meet next to park map in Wilder Ranch main parking lot.   *Rain cancels. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505.  Follow links below for the required free registration.

On this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, we’ll explore the plants, animals, and geology of our coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Pre-registration required at www.santacruzstateparks.as.me. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot. Rain cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.

Every weekend day at noon, the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks will be taking folks on a guided walk through the Old Growth Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest.  On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among those old-growth giants over 200 feet tall. They say that the Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed!

Spend the morning with resident and migratory birds of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park! On this 1 mile stroll, which will last approximately 1.5 hours, participants have the opportunity to observe, and listen to, a handful of bird species in the park. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The meeting location changes on a monthly basis, so please register for free through the link below for more information.

Amateur and expert birders alike will find a place on the Early Bird Tour! Local guides lead these 2-3 mile walks, sharing the life histories of the birds that call Elkhorn Slough home, and giving tips on identifying species.