A notecard and envelope with an illustrated group of california poppies
Send someone a splash of gold with this sweet boxed set of poppy notecards. 🖋️ These cards are great for birthday greetings, thank you notes & other thoughtful messages.
The box set is available at all ParkStores & Online. Purchase your set by visiting: thatsmyparkstore.com/products/box...
The walk is free and meets next to the park map in the Wilder Ranch main parking lot. Rain cancels the event.
🎟 Parking is $10 & helps Friends support the park. Learn more & RSVP: bit.ly/3OrWkct
Waves washing up on a rocky shoreline
Join a guided 2.5-mi walk along the bluffs of Wilder Ranch State Park this Sat (Mar 14) from 11a.m. to 1:30p.m. Visitors will be treated to views of the ocean, discover more about the geology of the coastal bluffs and learn about the animals that call the state park home.
Sunset over the ocean with beach visitors silhouetted on the sand
Take a stroll through Lighthouse Field State Beach on the Westside of Santa Cruz for sounds of waves 🌊 crashing and beautiful sunsets. 🌅 Stop by Steamer Lane Supply for some tasty food and drinks.
Parking is $10 and helps Friends support the park. Learn more about these & other trails at Castle Rock by visiting bit.ly/4b5X5zt
🥾 Ridge/Trail Camp Loop: Gear up for a 5.15-mi hike that takes you past Castle Rock Falls & Goat Rock into the forest, with views of the San Lorenzo Valley and glimpses of the Monterey Bay
Three hikers standing at an overlook in the forest of Castle Rock
Get ready to admire the beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains at Castle Rock SP! 🤩 Here are 2 hikes at two levels to explore!
🥾 Castle Rock Loop: A 1.3-mi loop starting from the main parking lot that offers a breathtaking view for all at Castle Rock Falls
Each trip is led by experienced backcountry naturalists who provide guidance, support and interpretation along the way. Participants need to bring their own backpacks, sleeping bags and sleeping pads. Spots are limited — reserve your adventure today! Learn more: bit.ly/4svzNef
A group of women laughing in a forest
Get started backpacking in 2026! The CA State Parks Backpacking Adventures Program is offering 2 trips designed to build skills, confidence & connection:
🥾 Women’s Weekend: June 5–7 • Butano State Park • 15 mi total
🥾 Back to Big Basin: June 18–21 • Big Basin Redwoods State Park • 25 mi total
Two parks passes resting on a log
Have you picked up your park pass for the year? The passes start at $125 and grant access to most state parks across CA!
Passes can be purchased in-person at 1 of 14 locations in Santa Cruz & coastal San Mateo counties or on the ParkStore Online. thatsmypark.org/visit/state-...
A dog walking on a leash in the sand
Daylight Savings is around the corner, making it the perfect time for evening beach walks with your 4-legged friend. Make sure you:
🐾 Pick up after your dog
🐾 Check which parks & beaches are dog-friendly
🐾 Bring water & treats
🐾 Ensure you have a 6-ft max leash
More tips: thatsmypark.org/visit/dogs/
Join us at the first 2026 Open House event at the Castro Adobe State Historic Park this Sunday (March 8)! 📣 Create your own cascarónes — a colorful Mexican tradition of eggshells filled with native flower seeds that can be cracked open for good luck.
🎟️ Preregistration is encouraged: bit.ly/40AgOlS
The open house event includes live demonstrations in the blacksmith shop🔨, a house museum tour 😲, and other demonstrations!
🎟 Parking is $10 & helps Friends support the park
🌧 Rain cancels this event
🙋 Questions about the event or volunteering? Email wilderranch@ports-ca.us
Wilder Ranch State Park Volunteer Open House, March 7th, 11-3
A state parks volunteer speaking to children in a barn at Wilder Ranch
Make plans to attend the Wilder Ranch Volunteer Open House this Saturday (March 7) from 11-3!🙋♀️🙋🏽 Meet current volunteers who help bring this special place to life and learn how to become a volunteer at the state park!
The current rotation at the ParkStore includes:
🐝 Pollinator-friendly seeds
🦋 Butterfly-themed cards
🤗 Cuddly plushies of the animals that migrate through the area
👉 Learn more about the ParkStore and the state park by visiting: bit.ly/4tYVNyR
A display table with merch at a parkstore
Stop by the Natural Bridges ParkStore this weekend to find migration-themed items and gifts! The ParkStore display regularly rotates throughout the year with the events and seasons.
Use the guide to learn about flowers as they start to bloom at local state parks. The guide is available at all ParkStores and the ParkStore Online: bit.ly/4aXWsrE
The book cover to Introduction to California Spring Wildflowers
For the flower lovers, pick up a copy of the "Introduction to California Spring Wildflowers of the Foothills, Valleys, and Coast" and get an information-filled guide on CA's coastal wildflowers. 💐🌷
Groups of all levels can participate. Tools & supplies will be provided to volunteers, including snacks & water.
Learn more and register: bit.ly/40EoeEJ
After a night of camping, volunteers will prepare the campground for the season. This ✨unique experience✨ is a great way to camp at the beach & help maintain an outdoor space for the community. The work involves light to difficult levels of labor 💪 to prepare the campsite for the season.
Volunteer Cleanup (and Campout!) Manresa Uplands State Beach - Campout March 28. Campground cleanup March 29.
Join Friends & The Advocates for Nisene Marks for an unforgettable camping ⛺ & volunteering experience 🙋♂️ at Manresa Uplands State Beach on Mar 28 & 29. This event brings volunteers to the park to experience the campgrounds before it's officially open for the season.
Groups of people playing on the beach at Natural Bridges State beach
Ready to make a difference in 2026? Become a member of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. Members help Friends:
✨ Preserve state park lands
✨ Protect historic treasures
✨ Fund programming throughout the parks and beaches
✨ Inspire connections between people and the parks
Visit: bit.ly/3KGznR5
Get involved at Wilder Ranch! 🌿 Volunteers are needed to support history tours, nature walks, field trip programs, gardening, living history demonstrations & more.
Volunteer training takes place from 10am-3pm Saturdays Mar 14, 21, 28 & Apr 4.
Email wilderranch@ports-ca.us to learn more & sign up.
A person modeling the forest of nisene marks t shirt
Show your love of The Forest of Nisene Marks State Parks with this classic Nisene Marks T-shirt. This unisex shirt features the iconic art of Michael Schwab and is available at the Seacliff ParkStore and the ParkStore Online: thatsmyparkstore.com/products/t-s...
The lighthouse at Pigeon point
Learn about the rich history of the Pigeon Point Light Station on a 45-min walking tour🚶🚶♀️🚶🏽♀️at 2 pm this Sun! Visitors will be treated to stories about whalers, shipwrecks, stewards of the lighthouse & more!
The tour is free, though RSVPs are encouraged. bit.ly/3O9Heba
Two park passes resting on a fence
Get your ticket to adventure by purchasing a park pass, granting you access to most state parks across CA! Passes start at $125 & are valid for a year.
They can be purchased on our website or in-person at 14 locations in Santa Cruz & coastal San Mateo counties. thatsmypark.org/visit/state-....
Overnight camping is available for volunteers! Learn more and RSVP to volunteer by visiting: bit.ly/4r6TQi3
Two volunteers in a forest with a pair of hedge trimmers
Roll up your sleeves and volunteer with Portola and Castle Rock Foundation to clean up the Portola Redwoods State Park campground! 💪 Volunteers will work from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, helping to prune trees, rake fallen leaves and brushing out campsites. 🏕️
Learn how to volunteer with CA State Parks & see if Wilder Ranch is the right fit for you.
🎟 Parking is $10 & helps Friends support the park
🌧 Rain cancels this event
🙋 Questions about the event or volunteering? Email wilderranch@ports-ca.us
Wilder Ranch State Park Volunteer Open House: March 7th 11-3
Interested in volunteering? 🌿 Attend the Wilder Ranch Volunteer Open House on Mar 7 from 11-3 & meet the volunteers who help bring this special place to life.
Chat with current volunteers about opportunities, enjoy live demos in the blacksmith shop & kitchen, take a house museum tour & more.
