Rancho San Andres Castro Adobe State HistoricParkCastro Adobe Open House: Spring Is in theAirSaturday, May 18 from 10:30 am to 3:30 pmYayfor May flowers! Plants were important on the rancho in the 1800s as food,tools, construction materials, and more. Can you guess which one of these wassometimes eaten by both people and their livestock: redwood trees, cactus, ortule grass? The other two plants had important uses at the Castro Adobe too!Come discover the answer and learn more about how the people of Alta Californiaused the natural world around them. Listen to live music andenjoy our recently installed interpretive displays. Reservations for a free90-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  NOTE:  Continuous rain will cancel event.                                  

Rancho San Andres Castro Adobe State Historic ParkCastro Adobe Open House: Spring Is in the AirSaturday, May 18 from 10:30 am to 3:30 pmYay for May flowers! Plants were important on the rancho in the 1800s as food ,tools, construction materials, and more. Can you guess which one of these was sometimes eaten by both people and their livestock: redwood trees, cactus, or tule grass? The other two plants had important uses at the Castro Adobe too!  Come discover the answer and learn more about how the people of Alta California used the natural world around them. Listen to live music and enjoy our recently installed interpretive displays. Reservations for a free90-minute docent led tour are recommended at: www.santacruzstateparks.as.me/CastroAdobeOpenHouse Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks. For more information call (831) 226-9669  NOTE:  Continuous rain will cancel event.                                  

Join one of our workdays to help out and make a difference restoring habitat and maintaining your park! Workdays include Native Plant Garden, Watershed Restoration, Invasive Plant Removal, and Fuel Reduction Workdays. Specific descriptions, meeting locations, times and announcements are listed on the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park webpage, under "Park Events."RSVP for this workday here.

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 8:45 am.For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact bigbasin@ports-ca.us.

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!

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 bigbasin@ports-ca.us.Click here to 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!

The annual Santa Cruz County History Fair will be hosted by the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park on Saturday May 18th from 12-5pm. We will be joined by organizations, individuals, and museums from around the county to bring local history to our community. Sponsored by State Parks, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, & the Capitola Historical Museum. Connect with local historiansDiscover stories of neighborhoods and residentsInvestigate genealogical resourcesComplete the Passport to the Past scavenger huntLearn more about your community! Free Admission for All AgesFor questions or concerns email us santacruzmission@ports-ca.us or call (831) 425-5849

Join us for a special walking tour of Whaler’s Cove and Pigeon Point! Learn about the historic shipwrecks that led to the building of our landmark lighthouse and how the point got its name. The walk is easy and largely flat, but the ground can be uneven. Meet near the sign in front of the first cottage. Ground is uneven, but is ADA Accessible.Register Shipwreck History Walk

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 us for a special walking tour of Whaler’s Cove and Pigeon Point! Learn about the historic shipwrecks that led to the building of our landmark lighthouse and how the point got its name. The walk is easy and largely flat, but the ground can be uneven. Meet near the sign in front of the first cottage. Ground is uneven, but is ADA Accessible.Register Shipwreck History Walk

Join our Natural Bridges Volunteer team to assist with removal of invasive plants.These plants are still small and the ground moist, so it is much easier now!This is an opportunity to get to off trail sites where the deer, bunnies and birds live..Wear long pants, socks, close-toed shoes, layers on top, hat and bring sunscreen and a water bottle. If you have them bring gloves and a trowel or dandelion puller, otherwise borrow from the park. Snacks provided so come join the party!  Please sign up: call 831-423-0871 or santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule

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