Join Half Moon Bay State Beach Staff at the Half Moon Bay Library for a story and a craft. Each month we learn about a different aspect of the natural world. This month's topic is

Rancho San Andres Castro Adobe State HistoricParkCastro Adobe Open House: MexicanIndependence DaySaturday, September 21 from 10:30 am to 3:30pmHappy Mexican IndependenceDay! In 1821, the newly formed country of Mexico gained its independence fromSpain. However, Spanish culture remained on the ranchos of Alta Californiaduring the Mexican rancho period of California history. Come learn about theblending of different cultures at the Castro Adobe, and how the influence ofdifferent cultural groups was evident throughout California, from the saddlesthat vaqueros sat upon to the structure of the Potter-Church Gardenbehind the Castro Adobe. Listen to live music and enjoy our recentlyinstalled interpretive displays.  Reservationsfor a free 90-minute docent led tour are recommended at: www.santacruzstateparks.as.me/CastroAdobeOpenHouse Eventmade possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks. For more information call (831) 226-9669   

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 possibly see some Banana Slugs! Plan for 3 hours of easy walking and 2-4 miles on trails and fire roads. Dress in Layers, bring water and a snack. Rain or high wind 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 8:45 am.For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact [email protected].

Come learn about the story of Big Basin: past, present, and future while wandering under the guardian old-growth redwoods that have seen it all! This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. We will be covering the cultural history of this unique area including Indigenous groups, loggers, and preservationists. Of course, we will also discuss natural history such as the amazing coast redwood and the CZU Lightning Complex Fire as well as the future of our park.Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or you can reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 10:45 am. Bring your own water or purchase water from Parking Kiosk as there is no running water, electricity or cell service at Big Basin!For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact [email protected] here to Register

On this 2.5 mile family friendly walk, we’ll explore the plants, animals, and geology of our coastal bluffs. Bring water, hat, closed toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. 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.

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!

Come see how the oldest building the county was made. In this demonstration we’ll look at the materials used by the Ohlone to build their homes, and then at the materials used by the Spanish in the building of Mission Santa Cruz. You will get a chance to get your hands dirty and make your own mini adobe brick to take home!This event is FREE, no registration required. Rain cancels. Please call (831) 425-5849 for more information or email us at [email protected] .

Want to learn about the rich dairy history of Wilder Ranch State Park? Dreamt of peeking inside our beautiful Victorian homes and barns? Join us weekly on Saturdays and Sundays for a 1.5 hour long tour of the historic buildings of Wilder Ranch! Meet at the visitor's center at 1 pm. Pre-register here or join us on the day-of. This tour is free. Parking in Day-use lot is $10. Questions? Call (831)426-0505 or email [email protected]

Annual Stargazing for Peace Event. Exact time TBD.

Experience the incredible dark skies around Pigeon Point Lighthouse! Join Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park and Hostelling International for the annual Stargazing for Peace. Enjoy the sunset around 7pm on the observation deck behind the Fog Signal Building. Then learn how to idenitfy constellatiosn with hostel manager and astronomer Jeff Parry. Once it get darks (around 8pm) put that new knowledge to practice with the Santa Cruz Astronomy Club.7:07pm - Sunset7:15pm - Learn To Identify Constellations with Jeff Parry8:00pm - Stargaze with the Santa Cruz Astronomy ClubExpect chilly weather and dress in layers. Feel free to bring warm drinks, blankets, or chairs to sit in while we watch the sky. Please leave flashlights at home. We will have red lights that do not interfere with our night vision. This will make it easier to see the stars! Come enjoy the dark skies!Contact [email protected] with any questions. 

Join State Park Docents on a leisurely two-hour walk. Take a journey back in time along Mills Creek at Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park. This walk will be a 2.5 miles round trip hike with only a small gain in elevation. Along the way you will learn about the lives of early pioneers and farming families who first settled here in the 19th century.  Enjoy one of our area’s hidden treasures. Meet in the parking lot. For more information, call (650) 726-8814.Click here to make your reservation today!

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.