Find New Adventures at local state parks and beaches

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#FindNewAdventure in state parks and beaches; Friends is here to help!

More than ever, local state parks and beaches are feeling the love…a LOT of love. Over the course of the pandemic, state parks and beaches have become even more cherished and very popular havens for recreation, relaxation and self-care. You may have noticed the crowding some parks and beaches are experiencing.

The tragic CZU Lightning Complex fire has also contributed to crowding, following the closure of numerous parks due to the fire, most notably Big Basin and Butano (which is now open for day use!). So, what to do? Find New Adventure!

As we head into a busy summer season, we're encouraging visitors to pick a different path — literally. Maybe it's hitting the beach in the morning or visiting your favorite park on a weekday. Choosing a trail less traveled will help you maximize access to safe and open spaces, while also protecting natural and historic resources.

Follow Friends on social media (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) for tips on new places and spaces to explore this summer and fall. Also, here a few reminders on how to recreate responsibly while visiting local state parks and beaches:

Stay on marked trails to protect delicate plants and wildlife that can be easily scared off by visitors.
Pack your trash to prevent litter that can harm wildlife and watersheds.
Pay your parking fees because funds collected through Friends’ operating partnership with California State Parks support programming, maintenance and other services for visitors.

Plan your next visit today!

Castro Adobe wood floors refinished, open house event set for June 27

It’s been over a year since the pandemic put a halt to our day-to-day lives, but that didn’t stop construction on the Castro Adobe State Historic Park. In fact, the restoration work continued without interruption while the park was closed to the public.

Later this month, the public will have its first chance to tour the historic two-story adobe building since the start of the pandemic. Guided tours will take place Saturday, June 27, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Preregistration is required and COVID precautions will be followed. Learn more and register online. Space is limited.

Visitors will be pleased to see progress made on the restoration. The biggest project was the installation of a fire suppression system in the historic adobe, which was carefully done to maximize fire protection while minimizing visual impact. Additionally, the interior and exterior walls were repaired and whitewashed. Finally, the floors were restored by carefully sanding and treating with tung oil to protect the wood.

Learn more about how you can support the restoration of the Castro Adobe.

Support Friends in New Leaf Envirotokens voting this month

Envirotokens voting is happening at New Leaf Community Markets stores and Friends is on the ballot! This program supports local, nonprofit organizations working for the environment and encourages shoppers to bring in and reuse grocery bags. Customers receive tokens worth 10 cents to give to local, nonprofit organizations for each large grocery bag they reuse.

New Leaf has generously donated thousands to Friends in support of local state parks and beaches over the years.

In-store voting is open now through June 20 at all New Leaf stores. Six nonprofits will be selected to receive donations at each store. We appreciate your vote!

DONATE

ONLINE RESOURCES

PLAN YOUR VISIT

VOLUNTEER

Gerbera Crate - $10

Last call for Gerbera-N-Go orders!

Reimagined for 2021, the Gerbera Festival is back as a drive-through event. The event, in its 11th year, benefits Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau Agricultural Worker Vaccine Program.

• Crates of 5 plants featuring a mix of colors can be preordered online for $10.
• Crates will be available day-of for $15—if not sold out!
• Pick up flowers at Kitayama Brothers Farms: 481 San Andreas Road, Watsonville (next to Sunset State Beach).
• Please stay in your vehicle and wear masks during pickup.

Pre-orders will end Tuesday, June 15! Order now!

ORDER NOW

Work flexible hours in beautiful places

Work with Friends! Become a Visitor Service Aide and greet park visitors at entrance kiosks. Hours are flexible and starting pay is $17.81 an hour. We are currently hiring for state parks and beaches throughout Santa Cruz County and coastal San Mateo County. Jobs are available now.

These positions are for visitor service/kiosk staff. Friends is a nonprofit organization that works in concert with California State Parks to maintain and enhance the state parks in the Santa Cruz District. We are looking for individuals who would enjoy working with state park staff in the operations of the campgrounds and day-use areas at our beautiful state parks. Learn more and apply online today!

State Parks interpretive programs are back!

Guided hikes, junior rangers, and other in-person park programs resume this month in local
State Parks!

Parks that are offering programs include Castle Rock State Park, Half Moon Bay State Beach, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Natural Bridges State Beach, New Brighton State Beach, Portola Redwoods State Park, Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, Seacliff State Beach, Sunset State Beach and Wilder Ranch State Park. Check out the program schedule and make reservations.

Sign up today, because spaces are limited and we can’t wait to see you again!

Jobs available in local State Parks

Wilder Ranch State Park and Natural Bridges and New Brighton state beaches are hiring a motivated Seasonal Senior Maintenance Aide to help keep parks in tip-top shape this summer.

Duties include litter cleanup, landscaping, restroom cleaning, garbage collection, assisting with various projects as needed and answering questions for park visitors. Pay starts at $14.14 per hour for up to 1,500 hours a year, and there are opportunities for advancement within the State Parks system.

Apply online or contact the maintenance office at 831-423-9709.

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