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Reimagining Big Basin virtual event planned: Returning with Resilience

Join us on Thursday, Jan. 20 for a live virtual event to discuss planning, designing and managing strategies to support Big Basin’s re-emergence as a model for climate resilient wildland parks throughout California.

The panel of experts for this event include Jay Chamberlin (California State Parks), Steve Auten (Auten Resource Consulting), Tim Hyland (California State Parks), Brendan Connolly (Mithun), and Schulyer Greenleaf (Yosemite Conservancy). Each panelist will give a short presentation on the topic of climate change and resilience; transportation and access; forest management and design; and architectural considerations.

Find the event registration link below or on the project website. Spanish translation will be available during the presentation.
Register for this event
Happy New Year! We're thankful for all of our members — you make a difference!

Membership is one of the best ways to help Friends support Santa Cruz District State Parks. At Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, member support enables us to continue working to ensure our cherished local parks and beaches are thriving and available to all.

Your membership also allows Friends to provide support and investment in education, equity and inclusion, conservation, facilities improvements, historic preservation and cultural events.

If you're not already a member, consider becoming a Friends member today! Membership includes:
  • Personalized membership card
  • One-day, day-use pass good at any state park or beach in Santa Cruz County and coastal San Mateo County
  • 15% off purchases at our ParkStores at Seacliff, Natural Bridges, Santa Cruz Mission, Wilder Ranch
  • Invitations to special events
  • Bi-Monthly e-news subscription
We are thankful for continued member support!
California State Parks honored by The History Forum at annual gala  

The History Forum, a group that promotes a deep understanding of local history and presents awards for distinguished service to local history, celebrated work in local state parks during its annual gala.

A project of the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park (SHP) was recognized for outstanding promotion of local history with the presentation of the annual Dolkas/Mertz Award. A Virtual Bell Exhibit, For Whom the Bell Tolls, which explores the changing symbolism of Mission Bells and El Camino Bell Markers, was honored. The bilingual online exhibit shares a variety of perspectives to illustrate how the bells have held different meanings for different communities over time. View the virtual exhibit. The exhibit was developed by Historian Martin Rizzo-Martinez and Interpreter I Julie Sidel with technical development by Rhiannon Sims, Interpreter II.

The Dolkas/Mertz Award, includes a grant of $3,500 to support a new installation at the Santa Cruz Mission SHP, including an interactive touchscreen kiosk and a permanent mounting for the existing bell.

The History Forum shared highlights from a History Forum field trip and fundraiser held at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The walking tour highlighted our majestic ancient redwoods and raised funds for the Friends Fire Fund. At the gala, Friends Executive Director Director Bonny Hawley explained how The History Forum's $2,000 gift to the Friends Fire Fund will support recovery efforts at Big Basin.

A new year, a new adventure

#FindNewAdventure this year at local state parks and beaches! Make a resolution to explore, learn and find inspiration at a park or beach near you. Here are some of our favorite winter activities to get you started:

  • Spend time with Western Monarch Butterflies at Natural Bridges State Beach & Lighthouse Field State Beach. Monarchs overwintering at both sites are a sight to see! Don't forget to bring your binoculars so you can catch a glimpse of them clustered together in the leaves of the Eucalyptus trees.
  • At Año Nuevo State Park, catch a fantastic glimpse into the largest mainland breeding colony of northern elephant seals in the world by scheduling a docent-led tour today.
  • Take a beautiful 1.3 mile out-and-back walk through the forest to the Falls Overlook platform at Castle Rock State Park— bring water and snacks for a scenic stop!
  • The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is filled with fossilized seashells—a reminder that several million years ago, this area was covered by the inland sea! Explore the trail to Maple Falls and see what interesting things you can spot.
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Ocean Watercolor Set — $32.00

Paint the colors of the ocean

Look closely and you'll realize that the ocean isn't just blue! This calming watercolor set has every hue you need to paint the ocean from the bluffs of Wilder Ranch State Park or the dunes at Manresa State Beach.

All ParkStore purchases benefit local state parks and beaches. Thanks for your support!

ORDER NOW

Apply now to work in beautiful places!

Work with Friends! We have two Senior Visitor Service Aide positions available. These positions are full-time, benefited and start at $20.00 per hour. Learn more and apply on our website.

Or become a Visitor Service Aide and greet park visitors at entrance kiosks. This part-time seasonal position has flexible hours and pay starts at $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. Learn more and apply online today!

Castro Adobe - Painting Baseboards and Chair Rail

Restoration efforts are moving forward at the historic two-story adobe building at Castro Adobe State Historic Park! Experts spent much of the fall of 2021 restoring two unique elements in the interior of the Castro Adobe: the painted baseboards and chair rails. We're excited to share this step in the restoration process!

It is important to conserve the features of the adobe and retain as much original material as possible—and that includes preserving the baseboard and chair rail paint.

Learn more about how we're working to conserve the Castro Adobe by reading our latest blog post.

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