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Santa Cruz County Parks & Recreation Articles



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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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West Cliff survey favors fewer cars, more recreation

West Cliff Drive remains closed to drivers between Almar Avenue and Columbia Street. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local)
SANTA CRUZ >> More than 60% of respondents in a recent survey said West Cliff Drive should be one-way. Respondents ranked …

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A Magical Santa Cruz Mountains Winter Hike at Fall Creek

The Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers a little-known opportunity to experience the wondrous power of flowing water.

Image caption: The Baldwin Hills area in South Los Angeles is one region where a state conservancy would keep open land accessible to the public.
California’s 10 State Conservancies: How They Protect Parks and Open Land

How California’s 10 state conservancies buy up open land and shield it from developers to preserve the natural environment for public use.

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Rules for Rainy Season Riding

Rain is good. Eroded trails aren't. Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship trail director Drew Perkins explains how to be a force for good and not evil when mountain biking after rain.

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Improved access planned for Santa Cruz County’s North Coast

A North Coast Facilities Master Plan lists amenities and potential projects on the North Coast of Santa Cruz County. (Terry Way — Contributed)
DAVENPORT >> A plan to improve North Coast parking lots, build new restrooms and potentially rent cabins …

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Day Trips and Sips: Hiking Aptos, From Redwoods to Restaurants

Enjoy a day trip to Aptos, California, with hiking through the redwoods of The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, breakfast at Cat & Cloud Coffee, and lunch or dinner with local beers at the Parish Publick House.

Image caption: Mike Kahn, Hilltromper's managing director, doing volunteer trail work with Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship at San Vicente Redwoods.
Hilltromper Reboots

The online resource currently serves Santa Cruz County as well as Silicon Valley, which is surrounded by dozens of parks and recreational opportunities.

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Felton Pump Track Proposal Headed to Board of Supervisors

After two community meetings, the proposed pump track in Felton Covered Bridge Park is heading to the Board of Supervisors. During the meeting next Tuesday, December 12, supervisors will vote on whether or not to support the project and give …

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What is Audubon's Christmas Bird Count and How Do I Participate?

Find out what the National Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count is all about and learn how to participate in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Silicon Valley.

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Santa Cruz rail-trail segment to finish in February

Work is expected to finish in February on a paved rail trail near California Street and the Santa Cruz Wastewater Treatment Facility. The path will run along the railroad tracks toward Neary Lagoon and Beach Street. (Tyler Maldonado — Santa …

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Building Back Beaches

Parks and recreation departments... are conducting a scientific study that looks at how climate change will damage the beaches, evaluating effects on cliff erosion, beach access, campground availability and other features

Image caption: Conservation director Bryan Largay helps the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County choose its priorities.
A Conversation with California Conservationist Bryan Largay

The conservation director of Land Trust of Santa Cruz talks about the highlights of his work, and some of the issues he sees in maintaining California’s parks.

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Pushback Against Felton Bicycle Track

Opponents spoke out against the track at the Board of Supervisors meeting

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