Join a California State Park Interpreter in cultivating a deeper connection to the world around us to nourish your mental health and well-being. In this two-hour workshop experience, you will learn skills for nature journaling, which is the practice of being curious and mindful in nature by documenting your experiences and observations. No prior art or writing experience is necessary. Use the paper and colored pencils provided by us or bring your own sketchbook and drawing/writing supplies. Meet in the picnic area. Bring drinking water as none is available in this park. This event is free after the vehicle day-use fee of $10. For more information call (669) 758-1819, or email [email protected]. This event is made possible by Coastside State Parks Association and California State Parks.

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.

Park:Seacliff State Beach  Where:Deck of the Seacliff Visitor Center.  When:11:00 am  Parking:There is a $10 vehicle day-use fee.  What toExpect:  Come along on a 90-minute walkand discover the stories of the S.S. Palo Alto, "The Madman of Seacliff",the great storms of Seacliff and much, more. Sign up here, https://SantaCruzStateParks.as.me/historywalk orgo to . Meet on the deck of the Seacliff Visitor Center. Rain cancels.   Length: 90minutes. Ages: Allages welcome. Preparation: Participantsshould wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. Steady rain cancels this event. Special Instructions: Steadyrain cancels this event. Contact: [email protected] or call831-685-6444 Social Media: Followus on Facebook and Instagram

Join California State Park scientists, planners, partners, and naturalists for an evening of presentations highlighting current efforts to restore and protect park ecosystems, such as Seacliff State Beach and Big Basin Redwoods State Park, amidst a rapidly changing climate.This free event will be hosted at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center (100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060). For more information, contact Elizabeth Evans at [email protected] or 916-268-1876.

Join us for an astronomy-themed evening at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. We'll be learning about the moon, stars, solar system, planets, all things astronomy, through activities, games, interactive models, etc. 6:00-8:00 - jazz music and interactive astronomy booths 8:00-9:00 - guest speaker presentation 9:00-10:00 - moonlight walk through the Redwood Grove 9:00-11:00 - telescope viewing with Santa Cruz Astronomy Club

During this 1-hour program for ages 7 to 12, kids become Junior Rangers by participating in hands-on activities to earn prizes while learning how to protect the natural world! Activities vary from nature walks, to games, to nature-inspired crafts and are based on a different theme each week. Register in advance here. Walk-ins are welcome. Meet at the amphitheater at the north end of the campground.Program is free. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.

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!

Art in the Park:Big BasinSaturday,June 15 from 10 am to 2 pmAs part of California State Parks Week, join us for Art in the Park at Big Basin! Viewart exhibits created through the Big Basin Art About program that celebrates Big Basin's recovery fromthe CZU Lightning Complex Fire, and create your own. Enjoy a guided naturejournaling hike (no experience or art supplies needed), kids' arts and craftswith your little ones, and watch members of the Central Coast Plein Air Painters work their magic on site! Food is availablefor purchase from food trucks or bring your own picnic! Bring sun protection,bug spray, and drinking water as there is none available in the park. Freeevent. Santa Cruz Metro Service STRONGLY recommended as Big Basin parking lot will fillearly. Santa Cruz Metro Route 35B bus to Big Basin will be FREE and offer EXTRA SERVICE for thisevent. Vehicle day-use fee is $8 with reservation, $10 first-come, firstserved. For more information, call (669) 899-1516 or email [email protected]. Event made possible by Mountain ParksFoundation, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, Parks California, Save theRedwoods League, Santa Cruz Metro, and California State Parks.

Holy cow! As summer approaches it’s time for the matanza! This annual slaughter of cattle took place in the summer and was extremely important in Alta California. Why were cows so important? Californios like Juan Jose Castro made their wealth in the cow hide and tallow trade, which produced goods like soap, candles, and everything leather. Learn about the importance of the vacas in Alta California and how cows allowed the Castros to build their dream home we call the Castro Adobe.Niños, come to the kids’ table and learn how to make a candle! Listen to live music and enjoy our recently installed interpretive displays. This free event requires pre-registration.Reserve your 90-minute tour of the Castro Adobe at: https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/CastroAdobeOpenHouse.NOTE: Continuous rain will cancel the event. For more information, call (831) 226-9669. This event was made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.