Be sure to visit our Nature Museum, located across the street from Big Basin State Park Headquarters (follow the crosswalk from Headquarters). It’s open year-round, from 8-5. Discover Big Basin’s amazing natural resources!
WHEN: 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m., Year Round
MORE INFORMATION: http://www.bigbasin.org/activitiesmain.html
Litter Getters is a great way to learn how to make a difference while keeping our parks clean. This program encourages children to collect trash and act responsibly while visiting California State Parks. Each bag of litter collected earns a sticker. Once all of the stickers have been collected, participants will earn an official Litter Getter recycled pencil. Litter Getters is offered year ’round and is suitable for most ages. More information is available at any open campground entrance station or from park staff.
WHEN: Year round
COST: FREE
MORE INFORMATION: http://humboldtredwoods.org/litter_getters
On Saturdays at 1:00pm Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers a guided hike through the North Grove area of the park. Come enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the park while learning about why this place is so special. The hike is approximately 1.5 hours long and is open to all family members (except dogs). Meet at the Visitor Center and wear appropriate footwear.
WHEN: 1:00p.m., Saturdays
COST: FREE with paid admission to the park
MORE INFORMATION: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551
For more information, please call the Visitor Center at (209) 795-3840 or (209) 795-7980.
Join docents Chris MacIntosh and Paul Billig in finding and focusing on fungi during this non-technical, 7-mile fungus appreciation hike in Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve. You’ll see a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes growing underfoot (and sometimes overhead). You’ll train your eyes to search for the sometimes camouflaged but always fascinating fungi that flourish in a variety of habitats during winter. The rain (or lack of) will determine what fungi are seen. Bring boots for mud, stamina, and your curiosity. Despite frequent stops, there are some very steep sections of trail.
WHEN: 9:00a.m.-4:00p.m., Sunday
January 8, 2012
February 19, 2012
COST: FREE
MORE INFORMATION: http://www.openspace.org/preserves/pr_purisima.asp
As the sun sets below the Dipsea Ridge and Muir Woods transitions from day to night, come see and hear the subtle changes of an ancient redwood forest. Travel slowly through the Woods on this easy walk in search of the rich sounds of nature that are fast becoming endangered in this busy metropolitan area. Bring flashlight, dress in layers and sturdy shoes. Adults of all abilities welcome. Heavy rain cancels.
WHEN: 4:30-6:30p.m., Tuesday
January 24, 2012
February 28, 2012
COST: Entrance fee applies
MORE INFORMATION: http://www.nps.gov/muwo/planyourvisit/. Reservations required 388-2596.
Grow and care for native plants and help maintain critical habitat in Muir Woods National Monument.
WHEN: 10:00a.m.-1:00p.m., every Wednesday from December 7, 2011 to February 29, 2012
COST: FREE
MORE INFORMATION: http://www.nps.gov/muwo/planyourvisit/. RSVP for meeting locations and directions; phone (415) 383-4390.
Every day is Earth Day in Muir Woods and we celebrate in the winter, planting and weeding in the Redwood Creek Watershed. Volunteer to help our native plant nursery in restoration work throughout the watershed. Registration begins at 8 am. Thank you lunch provided. Individuals and groups welcome; call 561-3077 or e-mail volunteer@parksconservancy.org for more information or to sign up.
WHEN: 8:00a.m.-12:00p.m., Sunday, January 29, 2012
COST: FREE
MORE INFORMATION: http://www.nps.gov/muwo/planyourvisit/
Join docent David Auerbach on one of our most diverse hikes—by mountain streams, oak woodlands, chaparral and redwoods. You’ll discuss forests, flowers and fires on a six-mile, four-hour hike. This somewhat strenuous ascent is rewarded with ocean views on a clear day. Bring water, lunch and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters.
WHEN: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2012
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: http://www.bigbasin.org/activitiesmain.html
Find out why you’ll be breathing some of the cleanest air in the world with docents Bob Segalla and Sam Berry on the lush Purisima Creek, Craig Britton, and Harkins Ridge Trails in Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve. This moderately-paced, 7-mile, 1,100-foot elevation change hike is suitable for capable children. The return is a steep downhill walk. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after January 19.
WHEN: 10:00a.m.-3:30p.m., Saturday, February 4, 2012
COST: FREE
MORE INFORMATION: http://www.openspace.org/activities/activity_detail.asp?activity_ID=1984
Flowers in the winter? Fall rains bring a whole new blooming season upon us—many plants survived through the long, hot, dry summer just waiting for the cooler, wetter months to return and refresh them. Lichens, mosses and many chaparral plants just begin blooming this time of year! Join docent Scott Peden and learn to identify these flowering plants. You’ll also visit several historical spots within the park. Saturday’s walk is a four-mile, four-hour walk that includes two chimney trees and a waterfall. Sunday’s walk is a five-mile, five-hour walk that includes a chimney tree. Bring water and lunch. Meet at Park Headquarters.
WHEN: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19, 2012
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: http://www.bigbasin.org/activitiesmain.html
