Nisene Marks Adventure—20 years later
October 18, 2009 from 9:45am -5:00pm

Come and experience the Forest of Nisene Marks as you've never seen it before. Twenty years after the Loma Prieta Earthquake, San Francisco is still trying to claim our thunder. We all know that 95003 was the "epicenter" of things in 1989, and it will be again on October 18, 2009 when Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks takes an exclusive group deep into the heart of the Forest of Nisene Marks. Historian Sandy Lydon will join Geologist Gary Griggs to lead an exploration of the epicenter of the 1989 earthquake. You'll learn to spot the signs of a big earthquake in the woods. State Parks Director Ruth Coleman will be spending the day with us as we go behind the scenes to see how the current landscape lines up with the historic photographs.

Travel by van to our picnic site way off the beaten track. Get the facts and hear the stories about the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes. Then take a guided hike into the epicenter of the 1989 earthquake. If the weather remains dry we will hike into the Big Slide area where the effects of both earthquakes can be seen - a land of gnarled landscape and twisted trees. This is a rare opportunity to see this part of the forest with those who know how to interpret it.

The Big Slide hike is approximately two miles each way, and does involve a steep change in elevation. For those who desire a more gentle option, we're planning for you, too!

This is a special fundraising event for the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, and our campaign to save the Forest of Nisene Marks. Tickets are $100 for members of Friends and $125 for non-members. Transportation, program, catered lunch are included. To sign up, please contact Peg Danielson at (831)429-1840 ext. 103, or We'll meet at 9:45 at the parking lot at the entrance to the Forest of Nisene Marks on Aptos Creek Road (behind Aptos Station). We'll try to have you back by 5:00, but sometimes interesting things come along that are worth a delay, so plan for the unexpected. Rain does not cancel, but we do reserve the right to modify the adventure.

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
144 School Street. Santa Cruz CA, 95060
Web: www.ThatsMyPark.org