Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

2012 Calendars Are Here!

2011-07-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

Plan ahead with these beautiful wall calendars from local photographer, Michael Santa Cruz.

This year's edition of the Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos calendar is stunning and includes several images of our parks. It is available in all five of our parkstores.

Visit his website to see the selection of other calendars that he offers for sale. http://apollopub.com/home.html

Michael says about his work"I have been taking pictures for most of my life because photography is my way of being able to share the beauty I see with others. I am a nature lover and an art enthusiast finding my peace and joy in the great outdoors and in the beautiful creations of others. We are all surrounded by a magnificently beautiful world. Yet in our busy, complex life-styles, much of this beauty becomes forgotten and ignored. It is my hope that these photographs can bring you some of the great joy and peace I felt when I was taking them."

Mother's Day in the Parks

2011-05-04T14:27:00.000-07:00

Why not take your favorite mother for a walk in the park this weekend?

Upcoming events this Sunday, Mother's Day, May 8th include:
"Search for the Fountain of Health" at Rancho Del Oso
"Wildflower Walk" at Rancho Del Oso
"The Women of Big Basin" at Big Basin
"Redwood Loop Walk" at Big Basin
"What's That Bird?" at Big Basin
For more information on these and other park events for the month of May, click here.

Here are some suggested gifts from our 5 parkstores.

Natural Bridges

French Metal Barrettes

State Parks Hiking Guide, Metal Water Bottle with State Parks Logo, Happy Camper Socks

Seacliff

Seacliff Water Bottle, California State Parks Beach Towel, Whale Watching Handbook

Wilder Ranch

Local Butterflies Guide, Lupines and Monarchs T-Shirt

New Brighton

Chinese Silk Covered Journal, Sandalwood Fan

Santa Cruz Mission

Coiled Basket, Dentalium Shell Necklace, Abalone Earrings

Wilder Ranch is Busy This Spring

2011-04-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

This local favorite has so much to offer. With it's 34 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails visitors have many lovely vistas to enjoy and habitats to discover.
A good place to start exploring is in the historic complex which consists of about half a dozen historic buildings that are open to the public. See farm animals in their fields, pens and stalls.
On many weekends costumed docents are on hand to regale you with Wilder Ranch lore and demonstrate skills from an earlier time.

You can step inside the visitor center and meet some of the people who have called this place home.

You can also learn about the habitats, plants and wildlife in these beautifully painted in murals.

While you are there, stop in to the parkstore and browse among carefully selected merchandise which reflects the park's themes. Your purchases help Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks in our mission to support the educational programs in the park.

Upcoming Events:
On Saturday April 30 you can be a part of the annual event "Spring Garden Planting Day" from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Help plant the heirloom vegetable garden as it would have been c.1900. Also enjoy composting demonstrations, gardening information and children's garden crafts. The event is held on the grounds of the Wilder Ranch Cultural Preserve.

On May 15-17 Wilder Ranch will become the newest site on the international Xterra tour. Xterra operates the nation's leading off-road triathlon series as well as a trail run series which has rapidly become its fastest growing segment. You can read more on their website here. If you go, stop by the Friends booth in the Expo area to say "Hi".

For more information about Wilder Ranch State Park, visit the California State Parks website here or become a fan on Facebook here.

Take a Look Under the Sea

2011-04-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

"Marc Shargel is an inspired photographer who has the unique ability to capture the mystery, deep beauty, raw power, and fragile nature of the underwater world that is our California coast. Through his eyes and exceptional talent, each of us can explore and embrace our living, yet threatened, coast."

—Fred Keeley, former Speaker pro Tempore, California State Assembly. Author of the Marine Life Management Act.

All three volumes in this beautiful set of books by Marc Shargel are now available at Natural Bridges State Beach and Seacliff State Beach. The books are organized geographically into three California coastal regions: Southern, North Central and Far North, each with stunning photos and educational text.
We also have some of these images available on notecards. It was hard to chose just a dozen images for our stores from the amazing assortment he offers!

And, especilly for kids, we have "Incredible Ocean", an around-the-world journey that is as fantastic as it is fascinating. This amazing book is filled with facts and photos about our boundless oceans and the many types of animals who call them home. A global mapping feature helps children locate where each subject can be found throughout the world.

Spring Shawls

2011-04-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

When I attended the San Mateo Gem and Jewelry Show, I was not looking for shawls. But when I found this selection with butterflies and flowers in bright spring colors, I had to bring some back! The prices are great at only $25 each. They are lightweight, just right for keeping the chill off in the evenings. They are made from 70% Pashmina and 30% silk and have a delightful feel. Available exclusively at Natural Bridges State Beach.
Remember that Mother's Day is coming up on May 8th!

April is National Garden Month

2011-04-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

We have seeds from local companies to make your garden grow!
Douglas-Michel butterfly plants is a husband/wife team from Aromas that has been supplying us with varieties of milkweed seeds for many years. They run a home-based nursery that is dedicated to providing quality plants that attract butterflies; and to educating the public about the challenges presented in preserving the environment for butterflies. Their specialty is growing Monarch host plants including Ascelpias curassavica ("Silky Gold" and "Red Butterfly"), Asclepias Speciosa, and Asclepias Fruticosa (nut tree). Visitors to Natural Bridges are often motivated after visiting the park, to plant milkweed as this is the only plant on which the Monarch butterflies choose to lay their eggs. These are available at Natural Bridges only.

This year we chose selections from the vast seed offerings of Renee's Garden in Felton. Owner, Renee Shepard, established Renee's Garden to do what she likes best - searching out the very best seeds from around the world, testing them in her own gardens, cooking (and developing recipes around their unique characteristics), and sharing them with other gardeners.
The seeds are enclosed in individually written packets which feature beautiful watercolor portraits, personally written descriptions, complete growing instructions, a quick-view planting chart, growing tips, harvesting information and cooking ideas.

Variety packets of Renee's seeds are available in all 5 of our parkstores.

For 101 suggestions for celebrating National Garden Month visit the National Gardening Association website here. http://www.nationalgardenmonth.org/index.php?page=101ways

Celebrate at Wilder Ranch on April 30 by attending the Spring Garden Planting Day/Earth Day Celebration. On Saturday, April 30 from 11:00am to 3:00pm, you can plant a seed for Earth Day at Wilder Ranch State Park. You’ll get your hands dirty while helping plant a little history in the Wilder Ranch Heirloom Garden. Ranch Hands of all ages are welcome. Children can plant and bring home their own sunflower or heirloom bean. There will be living history demonstrations, composting information, and refreshments. For more information follow this link. http://www.santacruzstateparks.org/whatsnew/news_detail.php?id=178

A Thanks to Tim Ward Art Studios

2010-07-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

One of the local businesses that helped out tremendously with our "Save The Lifeguards" campaign was Tim Ward Art Studios. Tim generously donated his time to create the logo for the campaign. We were so fortunate to have his talent in this area.

In the design and illustration realm, Ward's involvement in action sports culture has evolved from local notoriety to international distinction. He has worked with some of the largest names in these industries and has also created an extensive portfolio outside of them.

Many of us locals know him for his popular line of Santa Cruz stickers which you will see on cars all over town. We have been carrying these stickers quite successfully in our parkstores at Natural Bridges and Seacliff State Beaches. Tim donates a portion of the proceeds from these stickers to local environmental organizations.

Artwork by Ward covers a wide range- from beautiful oil on canvas paintings and dreamlike graphite drawings to regularly published illustration and internationally acclaimed logo branding. In much of his painting and drawing work, Ward strives to share the serenity and the beauty of the ocean and sky. These images are striking and subtle all at once. His unique graphites and colorful oils have been exhibited in California and Hawaii.

To see more of Tim's work, visit his website at www.TimWard.com

Amazing Support From Local Businesses for the "Save Our Lifeguards" Campaign

2010-06-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

Since the campaign to Save Our Lifeguards (SOL) began, we have been receiving wonderful responses from the local business community.
The raffle is loaded with prizes donated by businesses in our community. See below for a list.
Also, several businesses have joined with us in providing unique opportunities to fund raise directly to their customers at special events.
Here are some of the ways that you can shop local and help the campaign at the same time:

Wednesday, June 9 from 4Pm - 7PM come to Whole Foods in Capitola, and have some tacos. They are offering delicious veggie tacos for only $1 or meat tacos for $2. Proceeds go to Friends for the SOL campaign.

Wednesday, June 9 from 5PM - 9PM at Woodstock's Pizza 710 Front St., Santa Cruz Please print our flyer and present it when ordering your tasty pizza and they will donate a portion of the proceeds to Friends for the SOL campaign. (You can find the flyer here.)

Saturday, June 19 from 9AM - 2PM Kitayama Brothers 481 San Andreas Rd,
Watsonville, CA 95076 Monterey Bay Greenhouse & Nursery Tour
The event will consist of several local growers in the Monterey Bay region who—for just this one day—will be opening their greenhouses and nurseries for tours from 9am to 2pm. Friends will have a booth on site at Kitayama Brothers where you can purchase flowers and snacks to benefit the SOL campaign.

Don't miss the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets and WIN!
Look over this fantastic list of prizes donated by local businesses and then contact Friends to purchase your chance to win.

Hobie Sport Kayak from Surf City Sailing
90 Day Frequent Sailor Membership in the Monterey Bay Sailing Club from Monterey Bay Sailing
One Hour Bay Cruz from Monterey Bay Sailing
"Mendocino Coastline" Watercolor, John C. Flores
2 Hotline Youth Wetsuits from Hotline
Two Tickets to the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Wine Tour from Byington Winery
Two Family Guest Passes to the Lawrence Hall of Science
Weekday Round of Golf for Two from Boulder Creek Golf & Country Club
Tour for Two from Hearst Castle
Gift Certificates from Palace Arts
Hand Woven Guitar Strap by ASpinnerWeaver
Handcrafted Luxury Scarf from Vintage Silk Japanese Kimonos by Silk Redux
1 Gift Certificate for Haircut & Style from David Adams Salon
1 Gift Certificate for Massage or Facial from David Adams Salon
$100 Gift Certificate "Walk the Bay" from Margaret Leonard
VIP Reserve Wine Tasting for 10 from A Taste of Monterey
One Hour Intuitive Reading from Pavia Day Spa
Large Pizza of Your Choice from Upper Crust Pizza
Signed Hockey Puck (Scott Nichol #21) from San Jose Sharks

Save Our Lifeguards!!!

2010-05-11T14:13:00.000-07:00

Last year's historic state budget cuts resulted in the loss of our State Parks Seasonal Lifeguard program. Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks has stepped up and made the commitment to raise the necessary funding to save the seasonal lifeguards. We are taking immediate action to keep Santa Cruz County beaches safe for everyone. Donate Here.
Our lifeguards not only protect swimmers, surfers and kayakers; they do so much more.
Last year our State Lifeguards:

Rescued 151 people
Provided 436 people with direct medical attention
Educated 5,266 individuals, including 825 Junior Lifeguards
Made 95,632 preventative safety contacts that saved lives and prevented injuries

The campaign goal is to raise $60,000 by June 30th. Funding from the Save Our Lifeguards campaign will support the hiring of 45 seasonal lifeguards to protect and patrol our State Beaches. Seasonal lifeguards staff 12 lifeguard towers at the following locations:
Natural Bridges State Beach, Seabright State Beach, Twin Lakes State Beach, 14th Avenue, Seacliff Pier, Rio del Mar State Beach, Manresa Main State Beach, Manresa Uplands State Beach, Sunset State Beach, Palm State Beach.

Won't you join us in keeping the beaches safe for locals and tourists alike?
Donations can be made by contacting Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks at:
144 School Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 429-1840
Or Click Here to Donate Online

Shell Dishes

2010-05-08T07:56:00.000-07:00

An art show in Santa Cruz over the weekend led to discovery of a local artist, D'vorah, and her charming ceramic seashell dishes. Actual shells and seaweed were used to create the mold which the clay was pressed into. The dishes are finished with beautiful crackle glaze in both deep blue and aquamarine. You will find them this week in the store at Seacliff State Beach.

Chocolate & Chitchat

2010-05-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

Come enjoy "Chocolate & Chitchat" with old friends and new at Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks 2nd Annual Open House.
We will break out the chocolate, strawberries and Martinelli's to celebrate an awesome year of working to Save Our State Parks!
When: Friday, May 7th from 5:00PM to 7:00PM
Where: Cruz Mission State Historic Park, 144 School St., Santa Cruz.
The Mission Adobe building will be open during the event. If you have not visited the oldest building in Santa Cruz, this could be your chance.

California Indian Traditional Shell Jewlery

2010-04-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I had the good fortune to be in Sacramento during the Annual Indian Art & Crafts Market at the California State Indian Museum. This is a small but wonderful museum which sits at the corner of the property just outside Sutter's Fort State Historic Park in the heart of Sacramento.

California Indian cultural items in the museum include fabulous collections of basketry, beadwork, clothing and exhibits about the ongoing traditions of various California Indian tribes. Descendants of the first Californians, tens of thousands of them, still live in California and still cherish and carry on their unique cultural heritage. Indigenous people have donated many photographs of family, friends and memorable times for use in the museum. A section of the museum features a hands-on area, where visitors can try their hand at using Indian tools, such as the pump drill, used for making holes in shell beads and other materials; the mortar and pestle and soap root brush, made from the soap root plant, all used for grinding acorns.

The event showcased about 15 artists or families who came from all over California.
There I met Chuck Snell and his wife who sell traditional shell jewelry and supplies for making your own jewelry. Their dentalium shell necklaces are a popular item in the museum's gift shop. I was able to purchase from them some of these necklaces as well as a selection of abalone earrings.
This jewelry is simple, elegant, timeless and very affordable. It will make a spectacular addition to our store at the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.
To read more about the dentalium shells and their significance in the Native American cultures, read this interesting article.

The Latest Shipment

2010-04-13T15:45:00.000-07:00

It's always exciting opening boxes here at Friends, because I never know just what I'll find - we're constantly receiving shipments of hermit crab figurines, telescopes, raccoon finger puppets, custom-made socks, hand-carved gourds from Peru and fused-glass jellyfish, just to name a few. This morning, as I opened one of our latest shipments, I knew immediately that we had picked a winner.
These Naturalist Library Pocket Journals, made by Michel Design Works, are the newest addition to the parkstores. Brightly colored, intricately designed and oh-so-compact and convenient, these little gems are perfect for the naturalist with a passion for writing (or anyone with a grocery or to-do list!).
Each notebook features a delicate study of birds, flowers, shells or fish. The patterns are overlaid with romantic handwritten words and phrases culled from vintage postcards. The designs evoke old-fashioned botanical prints, sketches and watercolors done by early botanists and naturalists. As a testament to just how gorgeous these notebooks are, we sold three to our staff before the price tags were even on! You can get one too, by visiting any of our five park stores.

-Kat Bailey, Retail Assistant

New Brighton's Pacific Migrations Visitor Center is Open Again

2010-03-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center at New Brighton State Beach is open for business again. Welcome back to lead interpreter, Jeff Barnes.
If you have not seen the engaging and informative displays, stop by and treat yourself!
The center is now open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 4:00.

As Summer approaches, hours will increase and you can expect some great entertainment around the campfire during the summer months.

The parkstore has a new look this season. Check out the fun and unique new apparel as well as the favorites from last year. Members receive a 15% discount in all Friends stores. All proceeds go to support educational programs in our local California State Parks.
Good Health, Extreme Happiness, Good Fortune!

Our Newest Wholesale Customer

2010-03-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

Some of you may not have yet discovered Epicenter Cycling in Aptos which opened in December. The store, conveniently located at the entrance to Nisene Marks State Park, is the Santa Cruz area home for all Trek Brand bicycles and bicycle service. It also features a great assortment of accessories for the mountain biker.
We feel this is a great outlet for our Nisene Marks "That's My Park" t-shirts and the trail maps for Nisene Marks and Wilder Ranch. Thanks to owner, Shawn Wilson for giving us the opportunity.

Stop in when you are in the neighborhood, take a look around and tell them "Friends" sent you.
For store hours and a map, you can visit the Epicenter Cycling website here.

The Fused Glass Art of Woventime Studio

2010-03-05T04:31:00.000-08:00

Susan Bradshaw's fused glass sealife designs, alive with light and color, have been extremely popular with visitors at Seacliff and Natural Bridges. The line includes jellyfish, sea stars, sea turtles, fish and ocean waves. Packaged in mat board frames and secure for travelers, they are clearly individual works of art. Once they come out of the package and are placed in a window, that is when the magic of the art of fused glass really comes to life. Susan lives and works in North Monterey County. For more about Susan and Woventime Studio, visit her website here.

That's My Shark

2010-02-24T16:05:00.000-08:00

On January 22nd a young swell shark pup was born in the aquarium at Seacliff State Beach. Perhaps you read this article on the front page of the Santa Cruz Sentinel. Or watched this video on the Sentinel's website.

Already many visitors have come to meet the shark. We wanted to commemorate the event with a t-shirt. The new shirts arrived this week and are now available for purchase in the parkstore at Seacliff State Beach. They are available in youth and adult sizes. Just for fun, we are also offering several choices of shark socks to go with them!

So many wonderful suggestions were made by visitors and volunteers as to what the shark should be named. Final selection will be made by local elementary school students. To keep informed, become a fan of Seacliff State Beach on Facebook.

I ♥ Parks

2010-02-01T16:04:00.001-08:00

Just in time for Valentines Day, our parkstores at Natural Bridges and Seacliff are featuring "Hearts for the Parks" made by local fiber artist Robin West. Each pin is a tiny work of wearable art hand stitched from lovely fabric remnants and embellished with beads, buttons, lace and yarn.
Show your love for parks by wearing your heart on your sleeve, or lapel, or backpack, or wherever you might need a little color.
Robin has been a park visitor since her childhood years and has fond memories of camping at Big Basin every year with her parents as well as many other state and national parks. Many remember her for her Santa Cruz shop "Round Robin Fabrics" which she closed a few years ago to pursue other fabric intensive interests. She currently works from her home studio in Aptos.
Join Robin and Friends in showing your love for the parks.

Think Local First

2010-02-01T15:18:00.000-08:00

Last week "Friends" became the newest member of Think Local First - County of Santa Cruz.
Started in 2007, this organization is "a network of independent and locally owned businesses and community organizations joining together to promote economic vitality and preserve the unique character of our community." You may have noticed the above logo in many storefront windows throughout the county.
We are looking forward to being a part of this great organization as we work to promote our local State Parks here in Santa Cruz County. For more information, visit the TLF website.
When you think local first, remember that Friends has 5 parkstores filled with interesting books, educational toys, parks apparel, notecards, gifts and jewelry. The stores are located in the visitor centers at the following parks: Wilder Ranch, Natural Bridges, Santa Cruz Mission, New Brighton and Seacliff.

Save Our State Parks

2009-06-04T13:54:00.001-07:00

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks has been working hard to rally folks in the area to tell the Governor and Legislator to keep State Parks open. It has been overwhelming the support our community with over 600 folks attending the Save Our State Parks Rally at Natural Bridges on June 1st and 40 people coming up to Sacramento with us to testify before the budget committee June 2nd.