Take a walk on the wildflower side 

It's spring and that means ubiquitous, orange California poppies are popping up everywhere, along with loads of other cheery wildflowers. Here's a selection of what else you might spy during a visit to a local state park or beach. 

Beaches

• Seaside daisies are found in sunny places, usually near the beach
• Blue-eyed grass grows among the grasses and sports little blue-purple flowers  
• Lupines come in small annual and large perennial varieties, and can be found in sunny fields and along open trails 
• Rosy sandcrocus is non-native, but its tiny pink flowers and habit of growing in the trail make it adorable and hard to miss  

Forests

• Trillium, aka wake-robin, can be found along trails in shady forests
• Redwood violet, a cute little yellow flower, also can found along forest trails
• Redwood sorrel covers the ground of open areas in redwood forests
• Clintonia features lovely dark green leaves and a little cluster of red flowers on a tall stalk 
• Forget-me-nots are true blue and all over, and you’ll likely see native and non-native varieties 
• Wild iris, or Douglas iris, are beginning to rise out of their nests of long, thin leaves, and come in shades of purple, yellow or white
• Periwinkle, or vinca, is a rampant invasive, but it does have lovely periwinkle blue flowers this time of year  

Donate your vehicle to support local state parks and beaches

A vehicle donation is a unique way to support us while providing an opportunity for you to free yourself of a vehicle you no longer need. 

Joanne Tanner recently donated an unwanted car to support Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks through the CARS program. Here's what she had to say about her experience: 

The process was really easy; [I] filled out initial forms online, which only took 15 -20 minutes, then received a phone call asking for a little more info and then the pickup time was set through another call made to me. (I didn’t have to call anyone and sit on hold for hours!) The tow was actually a raised bed truck, I think they liked this car well enough to take care with it. The driver was right on time, polite, quick and efficient and all I had to give him was one release signature and the car was off on its journey.

Friends is hiring in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties

Work with Friends! Become a Visitor Service Aide and greet park visitors at entrance kiosks. We are currently hiring for state parks and beaches throughout Santa Cruz County and coastal San Mateo County. Jobs are available now.

This position is a visitor service/kiosk staff role. 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 parks staff in the operations of the campgrounds and day-use areas at our beautiful state parks. Learn more and apply online today!