Join a State Park Educator and enjoy the flora and fauna of Butano State Park on this moderate 2.2 mile loop. This hike features creekside riparian habitat, redwood forest, and oak woodlands. Keep your eyes peeled for banana slugs and newts! Where: Meet at the Visitor Center near the front entranceTime: 10:00amParking:  Parking is located by visitor center. Additional parking is located at the picnic area further down Butano State Park Road. $10 vehicle day use fee applies. Preparation: Participants should wear sturdy shoes and a hat, and bring plenty of water & snacks. Hike includes some slippery downhill in the winter; trekking poles are encouraged. Steady rain will cancel. Note that there is no running water in this park, so bring plenty!Contact: halfmoonbay@ports-ca.us or (669)758-1819

Enjoy a walking tour of Pigeon Point! Learn about how we have changed from hunting whales to watching them. Discover the history of shore whaling off the Pacific coast and the impacts it had on native wildlife. Tour ends on the observation deck with a hands-on activity for all ages that explores the unique adaptations of toothed whales and baleen whales use to catch their prey. Hopefully, we will be able to see whales migrating north while we’re out there! Bring your own binoculars or borrow some of ours.Register

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday and Sunday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!

Join us for a guided tour through Santa Cruz’s oldest building, the only remaining example of indigenous housing from the California Missions. Learn about the daily life of people who lived here, and ways in which the Spanish Mission system drastically impacted local native people’s culture and landscape. This is a FREE event open to the public, no reservations required. Call (831) 425-5849 for more information.

Come explore the tidepools at Natural Bridges State Beach on this guided tour.  Our Marine Protected Area is a beautiful and diverse habitat you will not want to miss!SIGN UP HEREParticipation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival at the entrance kiosk. Please plan to meet promptly at Natural Bridges State Beach Visitor Center. Please be sure to prepare yourself with a re-usable water bottle, backpack, hiking shoes, and sun protection (ie. hat/sunglasses/sunscreen).  Rain cancels this guided tour due to safety.For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact (831) 423-4609 or email Naturalbridges@ports-ca.us.We look forward to seeing you soon at Natural Bridges State Beach! Join with Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/ikd-ymvj-wdd Or dial: (US) +1 786-592-4236 PIN: 923697224# Learn more about Meet at: https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9282720

Join with Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/quv-mmgs-noj Or dial: (US) +1 507-690-2037 PIN: 936577574# Learn more about Meet at: https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9282720

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.Sign up here!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.

Join our docent-lead walk to learn about a range of flora and fauna! Topics will include critters such as our well-loved banana slugs, endangered Marbled Murrelets, noisy Acorn Woodpeckers and our slow return of our adorable squirrels. Plants covered will include the majestic Coast Redwood, wild flowers and lichens. Prepare to walk 2-3 miles on moderate trails and fire roads. Dress in layers and bring plenty of water and snacks. Rain will cancel. Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or we recommend you reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 11:45 am.For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact bigbasin@ports-ca.us.

Hike to Castle Rock Falls and Goat RockSat. April 27, 2024 (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM)Castle Rock State Park, Headquarters?Hike one of the most exciting and scenic trails in the Bay Area.  This moderate 5.15 mile loop has 1,190 feet elevation gain and amazing panoramic views.  We leave from park headquarters and visit the top of Castle Rock Falls.  We continue along a rocky trail with views of the San Lorenzo River Valley and the Pacific Ocean.  At Castle Rock Trail Camp, we enjoy a relaxing lunch.  On our way back to headquarters, we pass Goat Rock with its breathtaking vista. This hike is rated “moderate” because hikers need to step onto rocks, balance, and scramble over rocks.  Hikers should be comfortable with their sense of balance.Bring at least one liter of water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing.  Rain cancels.  Meet at Park Headquarters. Program is free, parking in the lot is $10 per car per day.

During this program from 10:00am-12:00pm, you will be introduced to a traditional art: California Basket Weaving. CA basketry is some of the most ornate in the world, and this opportunity will pique your interest in learning more about, and supporting traditional arts and peoples. This 2-hour workshop will teach you how to weave your very own basket out of local Ponderosa Pine needles!All materials are supplied, and no previous experience is necessary. Suitable for participants 12 and up.Click here to RSVP!

Hike at Big Basin with one of our knowledgeable docents and plant enthusiast through the majestic Redwoods post fire. See which plants are thriving after the CZU Lightning Complex fire and likely see some Banana Slugs! Plan for 4 hours of easy walking and 2-4 miles on trails and fire roads. Dress in Layers, bring water and a snack. Rain will cancel. Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or we recommend you reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 9:45 am.For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact bigbasin@ports-ca.us.