Wildflower Walk!
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
10:00am
Did you know there’s always something abloom in Big Basin? Join docent Scott Peden and learn how to identify each of these flowering plants. //READ MORE
Redwood Loop Walk
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
11:00am and 2:00pm
How do these grand redwoods grow to be so old? So tall? How are they important to humans? Join us for this fun and informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. //READ MORE
The Forest of Nisene Marks 50th Anniversary Celebration
Parks and Beaches, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
10:30pm-3:00pm
Co-Sponsored by The Advocates for the Forest of Nisene Marks
and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
Let’s celebrate!
Ride in – Run in – Hike in
Bring the Family
Spend the day
50 years ago,in the year 1963, the Marks family of Salinas Valley, with the assistance of the Nature Conservancy, deeded 9,700 acres of second growth redwood trees, cool canyons and steep mountain ridges to California State Parks in memory of the family matriarch, Nisene. She was an ardent lover of nature and stipulated that the property be left undeveloped. An additional 500 acres were added to the park in 1998 by contributions through the Save-the-Redwoods League and the Sempervirons Fund. With its legacy of ancient trees, earthquakes, rugged topography, sawmills, bustling logging camps, clear cutting, lumber trains, oil exploration, years of quiet re-growth and more earthquakes, the Forest of Nisene Marks offers the opportunity to experience miles of trails in a serene, natural setting, just minutes from the rush of civilization.
A new ADA trail makes the forest accessible to everyone. Designed to accomodate wheelchairs & strollers, with handicapped parking spaces nearby, the Waggoner Overlook Trail will be officially opened during our day of celebration. State Parks ranger Jerry Waggoner, who for many years provided visitors with insights into the history and ecology of the park, was a strong influence in the formation and direction of the Advocates.
Schedule of Events
10:30-11:30
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Official opening of the Waggoner Overlook ADA trail. Hear Supervisor Zach Friend, Supervising State Parks Ranger Bill Wolcott, & others share their stories. Meet Karl Mertz, who has been a part of the park’s history for the last 94 years. Join the bagpipe procession from the kiosk to the new Overlook. Honor the people who have worked to preserve this beautiful place. Live music!
Location: Meet at the kiosk parking lot.
12:00-3:00
Living History Lumberjack Demonstration
Log splitting, hand sawing, axe throwing, tree climbing—get a sense for the early days when The Forest of Nisene Marks was owned & operated by the Loma Prieta Lumber Company (1883-1923). Learn about new sustainable forestry techniques and all that has changed in the last century.
Location: Mary Easton Picnic Area.
12:00-2:00
BBQ
Hamburgers, hot dogs, & more! Suggested donation: $3.00 per person.
Location: Mary Easton Picnic Area.
12:00-3:00
Kids in the Forest
Music, storytellers, Doug the Surfing Musician, face painting, treats & crafts. Bring the kids for a fun & educational adventure.
Location: Mary Easton Picnic Area.
50 years ago, in the year 1963, the Marks family of Salinas Valley, with the assistance of the Nature Conservancy, deeded 9,700 acres of second growth redwood trees, cool canyons and steep mountain ridges to California State Parks in memory of the family matriarch, Nisene. She was an ardent lover of nature and stipulated that the property be left undeveloped. An additional 500 acres were added to the park in 1998 by contributions through Save-the-Redwoods League and the Sempervirons Fund.
With its legacy of ancient trees, earthquakes, rugged topography, sawmills, bustling logging camps, clear cutting, lumber trains, oil exploration, years of quiet re-growth and more earthquakes, the Forest of Nisene Marks offers a rich history and the opportunity to experience miles of trails in a serene, natural setting, just minutes from the rush of civilization.
Directions:
The Mary Easton Picnic Area is 1.6 miles beyond the entrance kiosk and .6 mile beyond George’s Picnic Area parking.
Limited parking at George’s Picnic Area or Porter Family Picnic Area.
Felling the Giants
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Meet at Park Headquarters. 12:00 pm
1:00pm
Logging was the major industry in the Santa Cruz Mountains for over 50 years. How did lumbermen cut down these tall, tall trees? What was life like in a logging camp? What tools did they use? Join docent Paul Fewel as he tells stories of the logging days and demonstrates how loggers were able to fell these giants—without chainsaws! Meet at Park Headquarters.