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

What better way to celebrate Earth Day than by surveying your favorite park to discover as many different critters and plants as you can for community science? Don’t know the trails, or would just like some company? Our docents are waiting to guide you to the best spots in the park! Join us at 10 am for the bio briefing at the Kirkwood Entrance parking lot, then we’ll hit the trails and get exploring. Make sure to bring a way to document your findings—phone or tablet, camera, voice recorder, notebook, sketchbook, whatever your style is! All ages welcome. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 291-8273 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/CastleRock. Event made possible by the Portola and Castle Rock Foundation and California State Parks.

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

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!

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!

Rancho San Andres Castro Adobe State HistoricParkCastroAdobe Open House: Life on Rancho San AndresSunday, April 21 from 10:30am to 3:30 pm Hoorayfor April showers! Rain, rain, don’t go away! Water on the rancho was criticalto its success. Land granted to prominent Californios like the Castros alwayshad water sources, including springs, creeks, and rivers to ensure life on therancho thrived. The people who lived on the rancho were dependent on the cropsthey grew and the animals they raised for their survival, which both neededplentiful water to live. Come learn about life on the rancho and how reliantearly Californians were on the land called Rancho San Andres. Listen to live music andenjoy our newly installed interpretive displays.  Reservations for a free 90-minute docent ledtour 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.                                  

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.