Beach wheelchair inventory doubles thanks to grant funding 

We are excited to announce the addition of five new beach wheelchairs — funded by a $13,762 grant from the California Coastal Conservancy — to improve access for visitors at local state beaches.

“Our goal is to make our beloved state parks and beaches accessible to all,” Friends Executive Director Bonny Hawley said. “Doubling the number of available beach wheelchairs is one way we can help more people and their families explore the beautiful coast in a comfortable, safe way.”

The new beach wheelchairs are a valuable contribution to State Parks’ mandate of improving park access to all residents, as well as Friends’ mission of equity and inclusion for all. They add to the five beach wheelchairs already in service. Wheelchairs can be used at any of eight state beaches in Santa Cruz County, including Natural Bridges, Seabright, Twin Lakes, New Brighton, Seacliff, Manresa, Sunset and Palm.

Friends will provide support to State Parks for public outreach about the program, management and maintenance. Friends also is partnering with Shared Adventures, a local nonprofit organization that provides year-round opportunities for social and recreational interaction for community members with disabilities, to provide additional access including multiday beach wheelchair use and beach wheelchairs for children.

“We believe in getting people outdoors and moving beyond limitation,” Shared Adventures Executive Director Foster Andersen said. “Our new partnership with Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, along with this addition of beach wheelchairs available locally at no cost to visitors, will make our state beaches more accessible to individuals and families.”

Reservations can be made by email or calling 831-335-8487 Monday to Thursday (excluding holidays), between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Email is preferred. Learn more.

Birds begin spring migration back to Monterey Bay area

Migratory birds will start showing up in our area again as the season shifts to spring — a few have already been reported! Here are some feathered friends to keep an eye out for, and where you might be able to spot them.

• Pacific-Slope Flycatcher: seen frequently in Nisene Marks. Has a very distinct call that’s easy to learn and identify.
• Wilson’s Warbler: spotted often in the Monarch Grove at Natural Bridges in the spring. Bright yellow with an adorable black cap.
• Caspian Tern: seen at lots of local beaches, including Seacliff and Seabright. They also have a distinct call that makes them easy to identify.
• Barn Swallows: spotted every year at Wilder Ranch — particularly near the historic buildings, where they make their mud nests in the eaves — and are a sure sign of spring.

Ready to take your birding to the next level this year? Pick up essentials from the Field Guide Collection, including A Californian’s Guide to Birds Among Us, which is great for beginners, is fairly local, and includes great information about behavior and habitat that really set it apart from other field guides. Also, check out this handy pocket guide to common yard birds. Remember, ParkStore purchases support local state parks and beaches. 

Be sure to tag Friends in your birding photos on social media or use #thatsmypark when sharing! 

Photos: Wilson's Warbler (top), Caspian Tern (below), Pacific-Slope Flycatcher (bottom left), Barn Swallow (bottom right); all images Wikimedia

Call for entries: State Parks users encouraged to enter photo contest

The fourth annual “A Shot in the Park” juried photography exhibition is accepting submissions through Wednesday, March 31, 2021. The 2021 exhibition will be presented virtually, opening May 7.

This exhibition encourages California State Parks users, supporters and photography enthusiasts to capture and share their favorite views, places, moments and adventures. The theme of the contest is the exploration and enjoyment of all that our diverse California State Park System has to offer.

To qualify, a submitted photo must be taken within the boundaries of a California state park or the California state park must be the primary focus in the image. Please click here for more exhibition information, rules and the entry form. There is no fee to enter. Email with questions.