Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship Teams Up with New Partners for National Trails Day

May 5, 2023
We’re beyond excited to be partnering with over 20 different local organizations for National Trails Day 2023, including a few for the first time ever!

After serving local trails for 25 years, we’re proud to partner with these environmental-focused organizations for the first time! Together, we’ll introduce more folks to the power of sustainable trails, and help maintain and protect popular open spaces throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains.

If you’re still looking for a National Trails Day event to join, check out a few of our picks with our brand-new partners below:

1. Native Plant Maintenance at Lower San Lorenzo River with Coastal Watershed Council

Are you looking for a meaningful and rewarding way to give back to your community and protect our local environment? Then join us for a volunteer event with Coastal Watershed Council (CWC) and support the San Lorenzo River ecosystem!

Led by River Ecologist Kaiya Giuliano-Monroy, this event will take place from 10 - 12 p.m. and will give you the opportunity to learn more about the San Lorenzo River and help maintain the native ecosystem along the San Lorenzo Riverwalk banks.

Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate, and no prior experience is necessary. Whether you're a nature lover, a conservation enthusiast, or just looking for a fun and meaningful activity to do with friends and family, this event is perfect for you.

Please note that volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Don't miss out on this chance to make a positive impact on our community and environment. Sign up now to be a part of this rewarding experience and help preserve the beauty of the San Lorenzo River for generations to come!

2. Beach and Trail Cleanup at Natural Bridges State Beach with Save Our Shores

Are you passionate about preserving our beautiful coastlines and marine life? Then join us for a beach and trail cleanup from 10:00 - 12:00 p.m. at the iconic Natural Bridges State Beach, led by Peter Disney, Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator at Save Our Shores (SOS).

By removing trash and debris from our trails and beaches, we're not only creating a safer local environment for visitors and wildlife, but also fostering a healthy and thriving ecosystem for the entire Monterey Bay.

As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to record data on the types and amount of debris collected. This information is used by SOS to influence policy and increase awareness of how human activities impact our environment.

Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate, and those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Don't miss out on this chance to make a real difference in our community and help protect our precious natural resources. Sign up now to be a part of this meaningful and rewarding experience!

3. Guided Hike in Upper Fall Creek with Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History (SCMNH) for an educational guided hike in the stunning Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, in partnership with California State Parks and Mountain Parks Foundation.

Our knowledgeable guide, Rocio Sánchez-Nolasco, Public Programs Coordinator, will lead us on a journey to explore how the landscape has responded to fire, from redwood trees to wildflowers, and banana slugs to birds, as well as consider the future of this landscape.

This event is suitable for all ages and abilities, and we welcome volunteers under the age of 14 with adult supervision. Don't miss out on this chance to learn, explore, and connect with nature!

4. Trail Maintenance in Quail Hollow with Friends of Quail Hollow Ranch and Santa Cruz County Parks

Join Friends of Quail Hollow Ranch and Santa Cruz County Parks for a day of trail maintenance in Santa Cruz's best-kept secret: Quail Hollow Ranch. Within its 300 acres reside several unique plant communities, including rare Santa Cruz sandhills habitats, a dwarf redwood forest, and a seasonal wetland with the tallest Red Willow in California.

Added to Quail Hollow's considerable biological interest is the fact that the historic ranch house used to be the test kitchen and garden for Sunset Magazine, that arbiter of California domestic style.

Help us preserve this natural wonderland by joining our trail maintenance efforts. Not only will you be making a difference, but you'll also have the opportunity to explore the beauty of Quail Hollow firsthand. Don't miss out on this chance to give back and discover one of Santa Cruz's hidden treasures!

5. Trail Maintenance at Ramsay Park with Watsonville Wetlands Watch

Join Watsonville Wetlands Watch and the City of Watsonville to restore habitat and improve the trails at Ramsay Park! We will work to control invasive weeds in a riparian area next to the trail. In addition, we will care for some of the trees planted to provide shade to the trails. Volunteers can also pick up litter to clean up the trails and prevent trash from polluting the wetlands. Bonus: Check out the Ramsay Park Pump Track! This event will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and give you a chance to learn about the habitat restoration on the amazing trails in Watsonville!

This event is suitable for all ages and abilities, and we welcome volunteers under the age of 14 with adult supervision.

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