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The Big Basin activities calendar is comprised primarily of hikes led by Big Basin Redwoods State Park volunteer docents on the popular park trails. All docents undergo training in plant communities, animals, cultural and historically significant park events. Hiking with a docent as your guide gives you ready access to knowledge of the local environment.   | |||||||
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Sunday, June 17 from 9:30–12:30 - Micki Saturday, June 23 from 10:00–12:30 - Norm Saturday, July 14 from 9:30–12:30 - Kathy Come to the Sempervirens Room in the There’s a fun craft activity for the kids, nature and historical displays, information desk with handouts, a raised relief map of Big Basin showing trails and a multimedia kiosk that displays trail information, events calendar and park photography. |
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Sunday, June 17 at 11 am and 2 pm - Barry Saturday, June 23 at 11 am and 2 pm - Ron Sunday, June 24 at 11 am and 2 pm - Sinensky Friday, June 29 at 11 am and 2 pm - Ron Saturday, June 30 at 11 am and 2 pm - Barry Sunday, July 1 at 11 am and 2 pm - Barry Friday, July 6 at 11 am and 2 pm - Hal Saturday, July 7 at 11 am and 2 pm - Norm Sunday, July 8 at 11 am and 2 pm - Barry Friday, July 13 at 11 am and 2 pm - Hal Saturday, July 14 at 11 am and 2 pm - Glenn Sunday, July 15 at 11 am and 2 pm - Michael S. Friday, July 20 at 11 am and 2 pm - Barry Saturday, July 21 at 11 am and 2 pm - Mike W. Sunday, July 22 at 11 am and 2 pm - Norm Friday, July 27 at 11 am and 2 pm - Hal Saturday, July 28 at 11 am and 2 pm - Ron Sunday, July 29 at 11 am and 2 pm - Barry Sequoia sempervirens also known as Coast redwoods or California redwoods are the tallest trees on earth. Once the dominate tree of the northern hemisphere, their linage running back 200 million years to the time of the dinosaurs. Restricted to the California coast by the last ice age 20 million years ago, extensive logging beginning around 1850 cut down 95% of this primal forest. Join us for this fun and informative guided stroll on the Meet the famous |
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Sunday, June 17 at 3 pm Monday, June 18 at 3 pm Friday, June 22 at 3 pm Saturday, June 23 at 3 pm Sunday, June 24 at 3 pm Monday, June 25 at 3 pm Tuesday, June 26 at 3 pm Friday, June 29 at 3 pm Saturday, June 30 at 3 pm Sunday, July 1 at 3 pm Monday, July 2 at 3 pm Tuesday, July 3 at 3 pm Friday, July 6 at 3 pm Saturday, July 7 at 3 pm Sunday, July 8 at 3 pm Monday, July 9 at 3 pm Tuesday, July 10 at 3 pm Friday, July 13 at 3 pm Saturday, July 14 at 3 pm Discover the fascinating secrets of the forest with Park Interpreter |
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Sunday, June 17 at 4:30 pm Monday, June 18 at 4:30 pm Wednesday, June 20 at 1:30 pm Friday, June 22 at 4:30 pm Sunday, July 1 at 4:30 pm Monday, July 2 at 4:30 pm Tuesday, July 3 at 4:30 pm Wednesday, July 4 at 1:30 pm Friday, July 6 at 4:30 pm Saturday, July 7 at 4:30 pm Sunday, July 8 at 4:30 pm Monday, July 9 at 4:30 pm Tuesday, July 10 at 4:30 pm Wednesday, July 11 at 1:30 pm Friday, July 13 at 4:30 pm Saturday, July 14 at 4:30 pm This fun program is for children ages 3–6 and their families. Pretend, play, story telling, sing and explore. This half-hour program will introduce youngsters to the wonders of the |
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Sunday, June 17 at 7:30 pm Sunday, June 24 at 7:30 pm Sunday, July 1 at 7:30 pm Sunday, July 8 at 7:30 pm Sunday, July 15 at 7:30 pm Sunday, July 22 at 7:30 pm Sunday, July 29 at 7:30 pm Twilight is the soft glowing light from the sky when the sun is below the horizon. Adventure is an exploration into the unknown. Put these together and venture into the evening with State Park Interpreter This is the time when |
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Monday, June 18 at 7 pm Saturday, June 23 at 7 pm Monday, June 25 at 7 pm Tuesday, June 26 at 7 pm Saturday, June 30 at 7 pm Monday, July 2 at 7 pm Tuesday, July 3 at 7 pm Thursday, July 5 at 7 pm Saturday, July 7 at 7 pm Monday, July 9 at 7 pm Tuesday, July 10 at 7 pm Thursday, July 12 at 7 pm Saturday, July 14 at 7 pm Monday, July 16 at 7 pm Tuesday, July 17 at 7 pm Thursday, July 19 at 7 pm Saturday, July 21 at 7 pm Join Big Basin Interpreter Rhiannon or Susan at the historic campfire center for an evening of song and story. Serenade the glittering stars and learn about Fire lighting and |
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Tuesday, June 19 at 9 am Tuesday, June 26 at 9 am Tuesday, July 3 at 9 am Tuesday, July 10 at 9 am Tuesday, July 17 at 9 am Tuesday, July 24 at 9 am Tuesday, July 31 at 9 am Docent |
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Wednesday, June 20 at 10 am Wednesday, June 27 at 10 am Wednesday, July 4 at 10 am Wednesday, July 11 at 10 am Wednesday, July 18 at 10 am Wednesday, July 25 at 10 am This two hour special Junior Rangers is for kids ages 7–12 only. We’ll be taking a hike, so make sure your Junior Ranger dresses appropriately, with closed-toe shoes. Please register your child 15 minutes before the program with Interpreter Susan Blake at the Nature Lodge. |
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Wednesday, June 20 at 3:30 pm Wednesday, June 27 at 3:30 pm Wednesday, July 4 at 3:30 pm Wednesday, July 11 at 3:30 pm Wednesday, July 18 at 3:30 pm Wednesday, July 25 at 3:30 pm Enjoy roasting Ranger Apples and marshmallows along with music and crafts at an early afternoon campfire program with Park Interpreter Drop by anytime between 3:30 to 5:00 pm at the historic Information on area mountains lions can be found at the |
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Nature's Supermarket Thursday, June 21 at 7 pm Thursday, June 28 at 7 pm Thursday, July 5 at 7 pm Thursday, July 12 at 7 pm Thursday, July 19 at 7 pm Thursday, July 26 at 7 pm How would a Quiroste Ohlone mother make dinner Big Basin 500 years ago? No microwave, no Zojirushi rice cooker with fuzzy logic, not even an induction cook top. Lucky for the Ohlone moms these necessities weren't necessary. Join Ranger Following a song to the Tanoak Tree, an offering of a broad-leaved herb to the fire, you get to taste Ranger Takone's creation. Meet Alex at the |
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Ocean View Summit Loop Friday, June 22 at 10:30 am Friday, July 20 at 10:30 am Join docent, equestrian, certified California Naturalist and avid hiker From |
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Friday, June 22 at 7 pm Friday, July 6 at 7 pm Friday, July 13 at 7 pm Friday, July 20 at 7 pm Friday, July 27 at 7 pm Bring your camp chair. We’ll bring the marshmallows, songs and stories. Sit around the campfire, roast marshmallows, sing some songs and hear stories about Big Basin. If possible, please walk to the campfire, as parking is limited to disabled parking. Meet at the |
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Saturday, June 23 at 12 pm Sunday, June 24 at 12 pm Saturday, July 7 at 12 pm Saturday, July 14 at 12 pm Sunday, July 15 at 12 pm Saturday, July 21 at 12 pm Sunday, July 22 at 12 pm Saturday, July 28 at 12 pm Explore the park’s most scenic wilderness back-country with docent naturalist Barry Grimm. The route, mileage and elevation gain will be chosen based on the participant’s experience level, weather and trail conditions. The pace will be moderate - with short stops to learn about the redwood forest’s plants, animals and native peoples. Bring water and shoes that are suitable for primitive foot trails. Meets at the park headquarters flag pole. Rain does not cancel this hike. |
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Sunday, June 23 at 1 pm Is that an Black-tail fawn or a Mule deer fawn and how do you tell the difference? That’s one of the many questions naturalist |
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Men of Big Basin Sunday, June 17 at 1 pm Celebrate Father’s Day and the first day of summer by honoring some of the remarkable men who lived in, worked in and fought in and for Big Basin. Living history reenactments bring you back in time where you’ll meet pioneer settlers, Big Basin founders and early park rangers. We’ve all asked ourselves the burning question “Who is Sam H. Rambo and is he related to John?” This is your once a year chance to stroll through the magnificent redwoods alongside the Father of the Forest on this half-mile, one-hour guided walk and find out the answer to one of life’s fundamental questions. Wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet at |
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Friday, June 29 at 9:30 am Learn about the plants of the redwood community with David Casterson, naturalist and author of David will bring colored pencils and photocopies from his book of plants common along the trails of the park. In addition to learning more about these plants, participants will take home their own hand tinted notecards. Meet David at |
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Saturday, June 30 from 12–3 pm Saturday, July 28 from 12–3 pm Come to the Sempervirens Room, meet herpetologist |
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Saturday, June 30 from 1–1:30 pm Saturday, July 28 from 1–1:30 pm Bring the whole family and join docent |
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Saturday, June 30 from 1:30–3:00 pm Saturday, July 28 from 1:30–3:00 pm Come sit in the circle of ancient redwoods, nature’s reading room, and choose a book or two to read with your family. Drop by anytime between one and three in the afternoon and literary critic and docent |
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Monday, July 2 at 8 am Monday, July 9 at 8 am Monday, July 16 at 8 am Monday, July 23 at 8 am Monday, July 30 at 8 am This easy, one-mile stroll will introduce you to the birds of the redwood forest. Beginner birders are welcomed! You’ll meet |
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Smartphone Quest Monday, July 2 at 11:30 am Monday, July 9 at 11:30 am Monday, July 16 at 11:30 am Monday, July 23 at 11:30 am Monday, July 30 at 11:30 am Bring your smartphone and kids ages 5 and up for a 1-hour adventure walk. We’ll use a free app called Seek to identify plants and animals here, and you can continue the adventure at home! Meet your Interpreter at |
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Saturday, July 7 at 10 am How did the Ohlone Indians flourish for thousands of years and who led to their destruction? Take a walk with certified California Naturalist Monterey County Historical Society and California’s Little-Known Genocide |
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Wildflowers and Other Beauties Saturday, July 7 at 10 am - Kathy and Glenn There are many less-famous yet still beautiful plants in the redwood forest. Join this 4-mile, 3-4-hour hike and meet some hidden gems of Big Basin. Bring water and a snack. Dress in layers and wear good hiking shoes. Heavy rain cancels. Meet at |
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Saturday, July 7 at 10:30 am Saturday, July 28 at 10:30 am Join docent |
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Saturday, July 7 at 11:30 am Logging was the major industry in the Santa Cruz Mountains for over 50 years. What tools did lumbermen cut down these tall trees and what was life like in a logging camp? Join Docent lumberjack “Fire, however, is not the worst enemy of the redwood; a greater enemy, and more dangerous, is the greed, the rapacity, the vandalism that would hack and cut and mutilate the grandest, the most magnificent forest that can be found on the face of the globe, the Redwood Forest of the Big Basin.” The Overland Monthly 1900 |
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Talent Show Saturday, July 7 at 7 pm Come and celebrate Independence Day with a campfire, sing-a-long and on the main stage, the world renown Big Basin’s Got Talent show! If you have a skit, poem, song or a talent you’d like to share, sign up at headquarters in advance. All presentations should be appropriate for all ages. Acts should be 3–5 minutes in length. Actresses, actors, divas and Hollywood talent scouts need to arrive promptly at 7 pm. Campfire lighting and |
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Volunteer with the Trail Crew Saturday, July 14 at 9 am Saturday, August 11 at 9 am Saturday, September 8 at 9 am Saturday, October 13 at 9 am Saturday, November 10 at 9 am Saturday, December 8 at 9 am Big Basin Volunteer Trail Crew makes it possible for others to safely enjoy the beauty of our park by clearing fallen trees and making other repairs to the trails. Join crew leaders A typical workday lasts until mid-afternoon, rain or shine. The tasks are diverse and the locations are sometimes far flung. Please bring your own work gloves, lunch, snacks and water, tools will be provided. Planning for the day takes place at nine, this is the time to have all your questions answered. Children are welcome, but must have a responsible adult or parent attending them at all times. Meet Mike and Norm in the parking area in front of the bathrooms adjoining |
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Sunday, July 15 at 9:30 am Join Docent Continue on the Berry Creek Trail to |
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A Storytelling Event Saturday, July 28 at 7 pm The oral storytelling tradition comes to life with the ancient redwood forest as a backdrop. An evening campfire program on Friday and events throughout Saturday. Saturdays events include Junior Rangers at 3:00 pm, a one-hour program is designed for kids ages 7–12, register at 2:45. Big Basin “Nature Tails” storytelling program at 4:30 pm, animal stories presented for children of all ages and their families. Storyteller Showcase at the historic Campfire Center beginning at 7:00 pm. Sit back and experience an old-fashioned evening steeped in oral tradition as our guest storytellers weave their yarns. Come early marshmallow roasting at 6:30. Presented in collaboration with: weaving our stories into the tapestry of life |
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Redwood Jubilee Saturday, September 29 at 9 am Celebrate the wild heritage of Big Basin Redwoods State Park with a day of special events. A melodrama with the forest as our theater, a timeline tree, games for kids and a special evening campfire program as we honor the Visionaries, Valued Workers and Visitors that have shaped the character of the Big Basin over the past 116+ years. Exhilarate in the beauty of the majestic old growth forest that inspired men and women to Save the Redwoods. There will be events throughout the day with the schedule posted in front of the Sempervirens’ Room at |
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Saturday, October 20 at 6:30 pm History plays out along the Redwood Trail as the Please register at |
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| Questions about Big Basin or becoming a Docent contact: Susan Blake State Park Interpreter (831) 338‒8883 |
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Webpage comments Photos Copyright 2018 contact: Kurt Leal Website Administrator (831) 704‒6855 |