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Santa Cruz County Parks & Recreation Articles



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Low-Impact Camping Ordinance Raises Questions in Fire Zone

The Low Impact Camping Ordinance drafted by the Santa Cruz County Planning Commission took some rural residents by surprise. On one hand, people are already renting out camping sites on their private properties, sometimes with negative impacts on neighbors, sometimes …

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Fall Creek Hike

It’s dawn and I’m the first to park in the Henry Cowell State Park parking lot up Felton-Empire Grade Road. I had to use my phone alarm to wake up. I hope hiking will get my circadian rhythm in alignment …

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Castle Rock SP: The Crown Jewel on Santa Cruz’s Skyline

Ten recreation options available at Castle Rock State Park, just north of Boulder Creek, from climbing to horseback riding to picnicking with a view.

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Rail-Trail Money Threatened After Santa Cruz County Supervisors Vote

A rendering shows a version of Segment 11 of the rail trail on Cliff Drive in Capitola. (Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission)
SANTA CRUZ >> A Santa Cruz County supervisors vote on Tuesday shocked county staff and left an …

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Big Basin Redwoods State Park Update

California State Parks staff continues to move forward with the Big Basin Redwoods State Park Facilities Management Plan (BBFMP). Site planning and design considerations are in the works with the Reimagining Big Basin project team engaging stakeholders and the public …

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A “Jewel in the Community:” Ramsay Park Project Moves Forward

In a little more than a year, Ramsay Park in Watsonville will boast a new dog park, a new multi-use synthetic sports field, a new state-of-the-art nature center and new lights for its pathways, parking lots and athletic fields.

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Land Trust of Santa Cruz County Protects Habitat for Rare and Endangered Santa Cruz Long-Toed Salamander

The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County acquired 14 acres of core habitat critical to the recovery of the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander.

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The Wildflowers of Coyote Ridge

A conversation with Dr. Stu Weiss about the Máyyan 'Ooyákma-Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve, and why it is one of the Bay Area’s premier wildflower hot-spots.

Image caption: Kindergartners during recess at Redwood Heights Elementary School in Oakland.
Our Students Need More Recess

More frequent outdoor breaks can improve student attention, reduce behavior problems. Over the last decade, a growing list of U.S. states—including Missouri, Florida and New Jersey—have mandated daily recess. California joined the trend in late 2023.

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Product Launch: Find & Protect Wildflowers With BloomTracker

Hilltromper announces an online resource that tells you where your favorite flowers are blooming right now, and helps preserve these wonders of nature.

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Skypark Tot Lot Grand Opening Set for Sunday

City of Scotts Valley has announced the grand opening of the inclusive Skypark Tot Lot Playground on Sunday, March 17, from 11am-1pm.

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Sempervirens Fund Permanently Protects 120 Acres in Santa Cruz Mountains’ Upper Zayante Watershed

With the donation of a conservation easement from private landowners to Sempervirens Fund, California’s first land trust, 120 acres in the Upper Zayante watershed will be protected in perpetuity.

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West Cliff Drive

A 2.5-mile bike and pedestrian path skirting the cliffs.

Image caption: Sign up for a free spin through the Capitol Building and its gardens.
20 Free Things to Do in Sacramento County

Home to the state capital, Sacramento County offers many amusements for visitors and locals alike. But only some require no cash outlay.

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New Big Basin Redwoods State Park Plan Incorporates Public Input

Following the devastation of the CZU Fire, you have an opportunity to join the historic process of shaping the future of the oldest State Park in California.

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Santa Cruz Rail and Trail: Questions and Conundrums

It is said that there are more opinions than people in Santa Cruz county, and the Rail and Trail project has not only spanned decades, it swarms with opinions, ideas, and contradictions. As the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission takes …

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