Newsletter

March 8, 2024
Docent training at Wilder Ranch, fishing spots and more!
February 23, 2024
State Parks shares vision for Big Basin Redwoods SP, guided backpacking program returns and more!
February 9, 2024
State Parks Storm Updates, Fungus February and More!
January 26, 2024
Flash Flood at Wilder Ranch State Park, the Migration Festival, Check Out Elephant Seal Tours, Learn About Tribute Tables and More!
January 12, 2024
Storm Cleanup at Seacliff, Discovering New State Parks in the New Year, Tips to Start Hiking and More!
December 8, 2023
Favorite hot drinks, Castro Adobe Open House, Secrets to Viewing Elephant Seals and more!
December 7, 2023
2023 Highlights — Your State Parks & Beaches
November 17, 2023
Upcoming Holiday Sale, Tribute Tables, Donating Cars and more!
October 20, 2023
Spooky State Park happenings, haunting history, Trunk or Treat in the forest
October 6, 2023
Fall camping, snacks at Wilder Ranch, Monarchs are back and more!
September 22, 2023
Enjoy fall hiking, set your sights to the skies for birding season, and come welcome back the Monarchs
September 8, 2023
Plan a picnic, take a State Parks survey, watch pelicans bathe and mark your calendar for movie night at Seacliff State Beach
August 25, 2023
Two ribbon cuttings in one week: Work celebrated at Seabright and Manresa Uplands state beaches
August 11, 2023
Camp near the coast, sign up for kid programs and summer ParkStore essentials!
July 28, 2023
Rancho del Oso camping is now available, Celebrate Seabright State Beach's iconic history, RSVP now for Art of the Rancho and more!
July 14, 2023
World's Shortest Parade brings lots of love, #BackToBigBasin marks its first anniversary, and more!
June 23, 2023
See you at the World's Shortest Parade and so much more from Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
June 9, 2023
Hike Big Basin, celebrate State Parks Week, eat fish & chips at Seacliff and more!
May 26, 2023
Memorial Day Weekend fun awaits at State Parks!
May 12, 2023
Last chance for Gerbera orders! Also, track down local wildflower hotspots — Big Basin Redwoods State Park is blooming with color
April 28, 2023
Track down local wildflower hotspots, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is blooming with color, reserve your camping spot!
April 7, 2023
Friends helps facilitate reunion of surviving Seacliff pier benches to families, meet Haley Hernandez, Spring into a nice walk and more!
March 24, 2023
Bookshop Santa Cruz presents: Brian Selznick, Seacliff State Beach update, thank you Discretion Brewing and more!
March 10, 2023
Storm closes local state parks this weekend, Friends board member Charlene Duval honored and more!
February 24, 2023
Saying farewell to the pier at Seacliff State Beach, Backpacking Adventures returns and more!
February 10, 2023
Fungus February is here, Love your parks this Valentine's Day and more!
January 27, 2023
Seacliff State Beach Recovery Fund established, parks and beaches reopen and more!
January 13, 2023
Check in here for storm updates and info on what parks are open
December 26, 2022
7 things to do at local state parks & beaches
December 15, 2022
Celebrating new accomplishments in 2022: Our state parks and beaches
December 3, 2022
It's all here: Amazing Monarchs, Online Holiday Sale, Tribute Tables, King Tides, and Elephant Seal Tours!
November 19, 2022
Video debut: 20 years of labor and love, Friends' Holiday Sale reminder, Fall hike at Big Basin and more!
November 4, 2022
Castle Beach memorialized, Pigeon Point marks 150 years of lighting the way and more!
October 21, 2022
It’s monarch butterfly season, fish and chips at the cement ship and register for the Castro Adobe Open House!
October 7, 2022
Camp locally, spark change this #Cartober, bus parking at Big Basin and celebrating Archaeology Month!
September 23, 2022
Big Basin new split rail fencing, main entrance to Nisene Marks closure, celebrating monarchs at Natural Bridges, and more!
September 9, 2022
Registration for State Parks field trips is now open, volunteer and job opportunities abound, join a guided walk and more!
August 26, 2022
Read Big Basin visitor experiences, celebrate the 4th annual Biodiversity Day and see the mosaic mural restoration at the Santa Cruz Mission
August 12, 2022
Access expands at Big Basin, find the right state park pass for you and check out a free State Parks event this weekend!
July 22, 2022
Big Basin opening day, restoration of barn doors at Wilder Ranch State Park and #FindNewAdventure at Half Moon Bay State Beach
July 8, 2022
Big Basin reopening on July 22, thanks for attending Feed-The-Force, join us for a tour at the Castro Adobe!
June 24, 2022
Campgrounds are open, #FindNewAdventure to avoid the crowds, learn more about Feed-the-Force this Fourth of July
June 10, 2022
Reimagining Big Basin Vision Summary released, first annual Doors Open events and Castro Adobe roof update
June 3, 2022
Thank you for your Gerbera-N-Go order!
May 27, 2022
Reimagine Big Basin as a connected, collaborative state park
May 20, 2022
Big Basin Vision meeting planned, bald eagles at local state beaches and Gerbera N-Go orders still available!
May 6, 2022
Gerbera-N-Go is back, Castro Adobe wins Best Of Santa Cruz, and join us at the Santa Cruz County History Fair
April 15, 2022
Castro Adobe tours return, saving the Santa Cruz Mission 10 year anniversary, join the Wilderness Patrol
April 1, 2022
Registration now open for free Kids2Parks field trips, the annual Coastal Wildflower Festival is back, and more!
March 18, 2022
Remembering a dear friend and more updates from your local state parks and beaches
March 7, 2022
Registration now open for guided backpacking trips, local history book release and Castro Adobe featured in the Good Times!
February 18, 2022
Colorful winter sunsets explained, #FindNewAdventure and trails reopen at Fall Creek!
February 4, 2022
What's New: Register for Reimagining Big Basin Workshop; Scarf Sale Happening Now
January 21, 2022
Upcoming low tide schedule, dog-friendly parks and more!
January 7, 2022
Happy New Year!
December 13, 2021
A bright spot in 2021: Our state parks and beaches
December 10, 2021
In-Person Holiday Sale happening this weekend!
December 4, 2021
Happening now! ParkStore Online Holiday Sale — 20% off everything!!
December 1, 2021
Holiday Sale Gift Guide, historic moment at Año Nuevo and more!
November 19, 2021
Holiday Sale, Wilder Ranch Recipe Cookbook and more!
November 14, 2021
Help Reimagine Big Basin—Webinar Tuesday, November 16
November 10, 2021
Public Meeting Tonight!
November 3, 2021
Friends Annual Meeting and more!
October 30, 2021
The Adobe Series Flash Sale!
October 22, 2021
Reimagining Big Basin project: share park memories and more!
October 18, 2021
Help us furnish the Adobe Castro!
October 16, 2021
Wilder Ranch Flash Sale!!
October 14, 2021
Help us furnish the Adobe Castro!
October 8, 2021
Marbled Murrelet returns to Big Basin and more!
September 25, 2021
ICYMI — 20% off select Natural Bridges ends today!
September 24, 2021
SURPRISE SALE — 20% off select Natural Bridges merch today and tomorrow ONLY!
September 17, 2021
Say hello to the Wilder Ranch farm animals
September 3, 2021
New book chronicles epic effort to preserve Big Basin
August 28, 2021
FLASH SALE — 20% off select Nisene Marks merch this weekend only!
August 18, 2021
Friends Fire Fund Update
August 17, 2021
Big Basin: New Documentary shows regrowth one year after the fire
July 30, 2021
FLASH SALE — 20% off select Seacliff State Beach merch
July 23, 2021
Elephant seal viewing area reopens & Castro Tours available
July 14, 2021
VIRTUAL Event with Helen Macdonald, Vesper Flights, on July 18
July 9, 2021
Author talk, State Parks events and more on tap in July!
June 25, 2021
Iconic 'That's My Park' art series by Michael Schwab marks 15 years
June 18, 2021
Thank you for your Gerbera-N-Go order!
June 11, 2021
Find New Adventure at local state parks and beaches
May 28, 2021
ParkStores reopen at Seacliff, Natural Bridges & Santa Cruz Mission!
May 14, 2021
The Gerbera Festival is back, drive-through style & parks are reopening!
April 23, 2021
Spring is shining in local state parks and beaches
April 9, 2021
Spring is here — State Parks jobs available, wildflowers blooming and more!
March 26, 2021
Kids2Parks field trip registration opens April 1
March 12, 2021
Beach wheelchair inventory doubles at local state beaches!
February 26, 2021
Work in State Parks! Friends is hiring!
February 12, 2021
State Parks campgrounds reopen
January 22, 2021
Big Basin begins to heal
December 31, 2020
Start 2021 in nature with a redwood hike or beach walk
December 22, 2020
A bright spot in 2020: Our state parks and beaches
December 18, 2020
Thank You & Happy Holidays
December 4, 2020
Holiday Sale happens this weekend!
November 30, 2020
Members Only: Don't miss the ParkStore Online Holiday Sale — 30% off!!
November 20, 2020
Parks reopen & annual Holiday Sale moves online
November 6, 2020
Monarch butterfly fields trip go virtual and sunset season is back!
October 23, 2020
Holiday shopping starts now with #ShopSantaCruz2020!
October 9, 2020
Wildfire recovery begins in State Parks, PORTs offers distance learning support
September 20, 2020
Friends Fire Fund begins dispersing funds; Castro Adobe adds fire suppression system
September 2, 2020
Support the Friends Fire Fund; Santa Cruz County beaches closed this weekend
August 31, 2020
Please support the Friends Fire Fund
August 20, 2020
Many State Parks closed due to wildfire
August 7, 2020
Enter #StateParksStaycation photo contest; plus updates on the Castro Adobe and Pigeon Point Light Station
July 24, 2020
#Staycation2020: Fresh Air, Great Spaces, Close to Home
July 10, 2020
Amazing birds, virtual Junior Rangers and more!
July 2, 2020
Have a safe and socially-distanced Fourth of July weekend
June 25, 2020
VIRTUAL Event with Jennifer Ackerman, The Bird Way
June 5, 2020
New Tribute Table program launched — honor a loved one today!
May 15, 2020
Our ParkStore Online is restocked with educational toys, seeds and PUZZLES!
May 1, 2020
ParkStore Online Reopens!
April 17, 2020
Pledge to #FlattenTheCurve
March 27, 2020
Social Distancing and State Parks
February 27, 2020
Connect to local history at state park and beaches
February 13, 2020
Bundle up and find your State Parks adventure!
January 30, 2020
February means fun in our local state parks and beaches – Get ready!
January 9, 2020
RSVP for Shadowbrook dinner, mark your calendar for Backpacking Program signups and Castro open house events!
December 19, 2019
How to see the elephant seals, dine at Shadowbrook for Friends and go backpacking in the parks!
December 12, 2019
We Love Our Parks! 2019 Parks Update
December 5, 2019
Shop with Friends this Holiday Season!
November 21, 2019
Redwoods and Our Changing Climate
November 7, 2019
Celebrating our Castro Adobe stewards
October 24, 2019
Friends publishes a new book, garden volunteers needed, Seacliff offers a new game, and more!
October 10, 2019
Mark the 30th anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake with State Parks events
September 26, 2019
Pigeon Point State Historic Light Station to be restored
September 13, 2019
Taquitos Gabriel's, El Jardin win top honors at Mole & Mariachi Festival
September 6, 2019
7th Annual Mole & Mariachi Festival is on Saturday!
August 22, 2019
New entrance opens at Castle Rock State Park
August 8, 2019
Light up the weekend at the Castro Adobe open house this weekend!
July 25, 2019
Keep summer rolling with exciting hiking adventures and new volunteer opportunities at a Friends' state beach.
July 12, 2019
New Seacliff merch out just in time for summer fun with Friends
June 27, 2019
Celebrate safely this Fourth of July!
June 13, 2019
It's time for tacos at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park!
May 24, 2019
Celebrate the SS Palo Alto on June 1st at Seacliff State Beach
May 9, 2019
International Migratory Bird Day Soars into Natural Bridges State Beach
April 18, 2019
Mark your calendars for the Cement Ship Centennial Celebration at Seacliff State Beach
April 4, 2019
Spring is here! Celebrate at the Coastal Wildflower & Earth Day Festival
March 21, 2019
Share your favorite Cement Ship photos to celebrate the S.S. Palo Alto's 100th anniversary
March 7, 2019
Join us for 'Luck o' the Castros' on Sunday, an open house at Castro Adobe State Historic Park
February 22, 2019
Update: Nisene Marks Backcountry is Closed
February 21, 2019
It's Waterfall Season at Local State Parks
February 7, 2019
Monarchs need your help — join us at the Migration Festival on Saturday!
January 24, 2019
Find your State Parks adventure here
January 10, 2019
Participate with State Parks: Plan new trails, volunteer or just go tide pooling!
December 27, 2018
Begin 2019 with hikes, elephants and more!
December 3, 2018
Shop the ParkStore Holiday Sale for great gift ideas
November 15, 2018
Join us for Castro events today and Saturday
October 25, 2018
Please VOTE, join us to chronicle the history of the Castro Adobe and more!
October 11, 2018
Seasons are changing at State Parks
September 27, 2018
Dig into great events at local State Parks
September 13, 2018
Back to the books: We have two great events coming up!
August 23, 2018
It's all happening at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
August 9, 2018
It's all happening at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
July 26, 2018
Have you visited a State Park or Beach lately?
July 12, 2018
Visit the Castro Adobe this weekend!
June 28, 2018
Pop-Up Picnics, Castro Book Launch, & Your Support for the Mole & Mariachi Festival!
June 14, 2018
PopUp Picnics are back at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
May 24, 2018
Get tickets now for Libro Castro, and mark your calendar for the Mole & Mariachi Festival
May 10, 2018
Archaeology, Migration and Moms celebrated in State Parks this weekend
April 26, 2018
Get tickets now for the 'Libro Castro' stewardship party!
April 12, 2018
Save the Date: 'Libro Castro' fundraising party and book launch
March 29, 2018
Friends and State Parks launch new school field trip program
March 8, 2018
Save the date for an Earth Day restoration at Lighthouse Field!
February 22, 2018
Support parks with new Pennies for Parks program and more!
February 8, 2018
Make your way to the Migration Festival and more!
January 25, 2018
Castro Open House events begin and more!
January 11, 2018
Become a Docent at Wilder Ranch State Park and more!
December 28, 2017
Start 2018 off right with a First Day Hike and more!
November 30, 2017
Get up to 30% off at ParkStore Holiday Sale this weekend!
November 13, 2017
Dine at Shadowbrook and Support Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
November 9, 2017
Generous In Memoriam Gift Benefits Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail and More News
October 19, 2017
Shadowbrook Fundraiser, Archaeology Demonstration, Heritage Harvest Festival on Tap
October 5, 2017
Welcome Back Monarchs Day, Natural Bridges Photo Exhibit & More
September 21, 2017
Mole & Mariachi Winners, Park Events & More!
September 7, 2017
Mole & Mariachi Festival this Saturday, Envirotokens & Founder's Day Celebration at Big Basin
August 24, 2017
Mole & Mariachi Heats Up, History Comes to Life & Grizzly Bears Take Over Rancho Del Oso
August 10, 2017
Summer PopUp Picnics in the Park at Santa Cruz Mission Wrap Up in August
July 27, 2017
Tour the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center at New Brighton State Beach
July 13, 2017
Join us for a Wild Animal Book Talk at Natural Bridges State Beach
June 26, 2017
Wild Animal Book Talk with Tai Moses
June 22, 2017
Join us for PopUp Picnic in the Park, Sidewalk Sale this week!
June 8, 2017
Join us for the annual Gerbera Festival at Kitayama Brother Farms
May 25, 2017
Tickets still available for party at Castro Adobe State Historic Park
May 12, 2017
History comes to life at State Parks
April 20, 2017
Spring Action at Castro Adobe, Seacliff, New Brighton & More
April 6, 2017
Spring into great events at local State Parks
March 23, 2017
Get involved at Castro Adobe State Historic Park
March 9, 2017
Volunteer with Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
February 23, 2017
Castro news, job opportunities and a new State Parks license plate
February 9, 2017
Play, Volunteer or Work in State Parks
January 26, 2017
Storms Impact State Parks and Beaches
January 12, 2017
Start 2017 Off Right by Enjoying Local State Parks and Beaches
December 22, 2016
Thanks for a Great Year!
December 8, 2016
Festivities Abound at State Parks This Month
December 1, 2016
Get 20-30% Off at the ParkStore Holiday Sale — This Weekend Only!
November 29, 2016
Support Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks on #GivingTuesday
November 17, 2016
Join Us for History Events at State Parks
November 3, 2016
It's Time for Autumn Adventures in State Parks
October 13, 2016
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks endorses Measure D
September 29, 2016
Fireworks, Monarchs & History Events Keep State Parks Busy This Fall
September 9, 2016
Ole! Come to the Mole & Mariachi Festival Saturday!
September 1, 2016
Mole & Mariachi Festival Raffle Tickets On Sale Now
August 11, 2016
Visit a State Park or Beach this weekend — there's a lot to do!
July 28, 2016
Friends launches new website and more!
July 14, 2016
Author/Illustrator to host Tidepool Book Talk at Natural Bridges State Beach
July 7, 2016
Come to a Castro-themed campfire at Sunset State Beach and more!
June 23, 2016
Lunch at Santa Cruz Mission, Author and Illustrator comes to Natural Bridges and more!
June 9, 2016
Castro Adobe pops up in Santa Cruz, Friends takes over Instagram and more!
May 27, 2016
Mole & Mariachi Festival date announced, concerts begin at New Brighton State Beach and more!
May 12, 2016
Join us for Spring Celebrations
April 26, 2016
New Leaf Community Market Envirotoken voting is open — Please support Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
April 21, 2016
Mission Mural, Wildflowers, Castro Open House and More!