Always call ahead to make sure events have not changed
Wild Flower Walks, South Yuba River State Park, 17660 Pleasant Valley Rd., Penn Valley, North of Nevada City
April 1, 2008 - May 31, 2008
Historically, this area is a treasure trove. Trails, scenic vistas of fast water boiling over massive granite ledges, historic toll crossings and bridges all tell a story of day-to-day life during the Gold Rush era. California State Parks own some 2,000 acres along the South Yuba River, and approximately 9,000 acres are under federal jurisdiction. Much of the remaining land along this part of the river is under private ownership. It is important to respect the rights of these property owners. (530) 432-2546.
April through May.
Poppy and Wildflower Display, Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, 15 miles West of Lancaster
April 1, 2008 - May 15, 2008
Marvel at acres of California Golden Poppies that blanket the hillsides of the western Antelope Valley. The size of the display depends on adequate winter rains and cold temperatures, so call to get up-to-the-minute information. (661) 724-1180. April to mid-May
Astronomy Programs, Fremont Peak SP, 11 miles South of San Juan Bautista on San Juan Canyon Rd.
April 1, 2008 - October 31, 2008
On Saturday nights closest to the new, first and third quarters of the moon, attend 30 to 45 minute discussions by guest speakers. You may view the skies through the 30-inch Challenger reflecting telescope, as well as other telescopes set up outside the observatory. This program will not take place during rainy, cloudy or excessively bright moon phases. (831) 623-2465 or visit www.fpoa.net April – October (call for actual dates), 8pm.
Purísima’s People Day, La Purísima Mission SHP, 3 miles Northeast of Lompoc on Purísima Rd.
April 5, 2008
Let your imagination take you back to mission life in 1822 as costumed staff and docents portray people who may have lived at the mission. The key to enjoying this program is remembering, after all, it’s 1822! Call for details. (805) 733-3713 or visit www.lapurisimamission.org April 5, 11am-2pm.
The Dragoon Era, Fort Tejon SHP, 37 miles South of Bakersfield on I-5
April 5, 2008
Take a step back in time and see California as it was in 1856. At Fort Tejon State Historical Park visitors can witness life at this U.S. Army post of the far west. Fort Tejon was a crossroads for many converging and competing cultures of the 1850s. Visitors are invited to view the living history demonstrations of everyday life of the common soldier and civilian men, women and children at this mountain outpost. For more information call (661) 248-6692 or visit www.forttejon.org April 5
25th Year of Excursion Train Operations!, California State Railroad Museum, Old Town Sacramento
April 5, 2008 - April 6, 2008
Opening weekend for the 25th consecutive year of excursion train operations on the Museum’s Sacramento-Southern Railroad! Beginning this weekend, and continuing every weekend through September, experience the sights, smells, and sounds of a real, working steam locomotive as it pulls vintage passenger coaches and converted freight cars along the levees of the Sacramento River. Regular steam-powered excursion trains depart Saturdays and Sundays, on-the-hour 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., from the Central Pacific Freight Depot in Old Sacramento. Climb aboard for a relaxing 40-minute, 6-mile roundtrip ride. New for 2008--The addition of beautifully refurbished observation-lounge car “El Dorado,” as a first-class riding opportunity (fares and first class service details to be announced shortly). April 5 & 6
6TH ANNUAL PARK ADVOCACY DAY, Sacramento
April 7, 2008
Each year, over 100 state park supporters travel to the State Capitol to advocate for the protection and support of California's 278 state parks. Participants meet with policymakers to discuss the important issues facing state parks throughout California. These meetings make a great impact in legislators' support for key park policies and issues. Visit our website at www.calparks.org to register and more information. Because of the budget cuts and possible state park closures, your support is vital! PLEASE JOIN US! Register online at www.calparks.org by clicking on the Park Advocacy Day icon. Please register by March 21, 2008. For more information call Linsey at (916) 442-2119 or email her at Linsey@calparks.org. April 7, 8:30am-5pm
EARTH DAY 2008 Restoration and Cleanup, Various sites statewide
April 19, 2008
Join the California State Parks Foundation and its various sponsors in this statewide event. The mission is to initiate cleanup and restoration projects at state parks For general information, volunteers can call 1-888-98PARKS or go to www.calparks.org and click on the Earth Day icon. April 19
Woody Club & Car Show, Doheny SB, off Hwy 1, at Dana Point Harbor at Del Obispo Street
April 19, 2008
Come down to Doheny State Beach’s south day-use area for a classic model car show and memorabilia. Have fun spending the day checking out old woodies! Call for details. (949) 496-6172. April 19, 8:00am-3:00pm.
Spring Wildflower Trains, Railtown 1897 SHP, Jamestown, corner of 5th and Reservoir
April 19, 2008
Special afternoon Wildflower Train departs from the Railtown Depot at 4:30 p.m. these two Saturdays only! Prior to boarding the train, passengers will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with wildflowers of the Sierra Nevada foothills. The train features Interpretive Park Rangers from the New Melones Recreation Resource Center, who answer questions and point out flower groupings along the way (subject to seasonal variations). En route, a stop will be made to allow guests to spread wildflower seeds along the tracks! Tickets are $10 adults, $4 youths ages 6-17, ages 5 and under ride free. Train capacity is limited, and reservations are suggested. Regular steam-powered excursion trains also depart on-the-hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this day. For more information call (209) 984-3953. April 19 & May 3
31st Annual Columbia Wine Tasting, Columbia SHP, 4 miles North of Sonora via Hwy 49
April 20, 2008
The Gold Country has been “Wine Country” since many early miners sought their favorite homeland beverage. It’s been over 130 years since vineyards and wineries sprang up in the Columbia and Sierra Foothill area. Thirty years ago the wine industry experienced a rebirth. Join us for this special event. Visit www.columbiacalifornia.com for more information. April 20, 1pm-4pm
Annual Wildflower Brunch and Heron Festival, Clear Lake SP, 5300 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville
April 26, 2008 - April 27, 2008
Visit this beautiful park and enjoy omelets in the Park, 9:00am-12-noon, prepared by the park's Interpretive Association. $12 per person. Advance brunch reservations and payment are requested and may be made online. (See below). Visit heron rookeries by pontoon boat to view birdlife close-up. Join docent-led birding and nature walks. Enjoy the art show, the Visitor Center’s natural history museum, children's activities, nature booth exhibits, environmental speakers, and Pomo basket-weaving. For complete program information and required reservations for Wildflower Brunch and pontoon boat tour visit www.heronfestival.org or phone (800) 525-3743. This event is co-sponsored by Clear Lake State Park Interpretive Association and Redbud Audubon Society. April 26-27
Earth Day Weekend!, Big River and Mendocino Woodlands State Parks
April 26, 2008 - April 27, 2008
Join the Big River Stewards program of the Mendocino Land Trust and the Mendocino Woodlands Camp Association for a Earth Day work weekend at Big River and the Mendocino Woodlands state parks on April 26th and 27th
.
Come stay a night at the historic Mendocino Woodlands Camp in the redwoods and help with restoration projects at Big River. Or just join us for the day.
Complimentary lodging will be provided to volunteers in rustic private cabins at the Mendocino Woodlands Camp, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression.
On the Saturday workday (11am-4pm) we’ll remove invasive English Ivy from a mature stand of redwoods bordering Big River near Railroad Gulch.
On Saturday night, a complimentary dinner will be served in the historic Camp One dining hall.
On Sunday, April 27th, after a complimentary breakfast and check-out, volunteers will head to Big River Beach to remove invasive Ammophila (or European Beach Grass) from this scenic beach located between the Big River estuary and the historic village of Mendocino. Help us to finish removing the remaining “old-growth” ammophila and treat resprouts too.
For more information, or to RSVP, contact Big River Stewards Coordinator Matt Coleman at 707-962-0470 or e-mail mcoleman@mendocinolandtrust.org. Lodging is limited to 25 participants.
Opening Day of Yacht Season, Angel Island SP, San Francisco Bay
April 27, 2008
One of the most colorful and exciting days on San Francisco Bay, this annual event includes decorated boats of all sizes. Ferry ticket includes park fee. Phone the Angel Island Association at (415) 435-3522
April 27, 10am-4pm
