Friends of Santa Teresa Park News and Picture Archive, 2009

The following are archived news events and pictures from our homepage, from 2009.

Saturday, December 19, Santa at the Ranch, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 1:00pm – 3:30pm.
Meet Santa without standing in crowded malls! Santa will listen to children’s holiday wishes and hand out candy in the ranch house’s decorated Victorian parlor. Bring a camera for the perfect holiday family photo. The ranch is located at the corner of Camino Verde and Manila Drive in San Jose. (408) 226-5453.
Saturday, October 24, Bugged-Out Movie Night – Tarantula, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm -10:30pm. Explore the fascinating life of the tarantula in our world. Hang on to your seats while watching the 1950s thriller “Tarantula”, followed by some safe close encounters with the real-life creatures! Meet at the ranch barn, located at 372 Manila Drive in San Jose. Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
Annual End of Season Volunteer BBQ on Saturday, October 24, 2009, at Vasona Lake County Park at Creekside and Meadowbrook, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. RSVP by Friday, October 9, 2009, to volunteer@prk.sccgov.org or (408) 355-2254.
Saturday, October 17, Introduction to Geocaching, Calero County Park, 8:45 am – 12:00pm. Join Docent Sam Drake from Geocachers of the Bay Area on a caching adventure in beautiful Calero County Park. Hike the Figueroa, Vallecito, Pena and Los Cerritos trails – finding 7 hidden caches along the way. All equipment and instruction provided for free! Meet at the Calero day use area with comfortable hiking shoes, water and sun protection. Reservations required. (408) 355-2240.
Thursday, October 15, Healthy Trails Toddler Trek, Santa Teresa County Park, 4:30pm -6:00pm. Join a Docent from Strollerhikers.com on this moderate 2.5-mile hike geared for families with young children. Bring your infant packs/carriers, sun protection, sturdy hiking shoes, water and snacks. Meet at the Fortini Trail parking lot. (408) 355-2240.
Saturday, September 26, Free Outdoor Photography Class, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 9:30am – 12:30pm. Join Docent Ron Horii for a free outdoor photography workshop. Learn how to choose and use a camera, discover how to take better outdoor photos and more! The class includes an indoor slideshow followed by demonstrations and an easy walk around the Historic Ranch to take pictures. Bring your own camera – any kind will do. Open to ages 14 and up – limit 30 participants. Meet in the barn, 372 Manila Drive at Camino Verde in San Jose. Bring comfortable walking shoes, water and sun protection. Reservations required. (408) 355-2240.
Saturday, September 12, Lost in Space Movie and Star Night, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch,
7:30pm -10:30pm. View the heavens through powerful telescopes and explore our solar system. Laugh while watching the 1960s sci-fi television series “Lost in Space”. Meet in the ranch barn at 372 Manila Drive in San Jose. Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
Saturday, September 12, Hunters in the Sky, Santa Teresa County Park, 10:00am-12:00pm. Join a Park Ranger for a “lift” to the top of Coyote Peak to view and learn about our local birds of prey. Meet at the Pueblo Group Area. Bring sun protection, binoculars, water and a snack. Reservations required for a van-ride to the top, or you can take the strenuous 1-mile hike up and meet us. (408) 225-0225.
Saturday, August 8. Bugged-Out Movie Night, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30-10:30pm. Explore the fascinating life of grasshoppers in our world. Hang on to your seats while watching the 1950s thriller “The Beginning of the End”, followed by some safe close encounters with the real-life creatures! Meet at the ranch barn, located at 372 Manila Drive in San Jose. Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
Saturday, August 8. Scrub-A-Dub & Old Time Games, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 1:00 - 3:30pm. See below for details.
Saturday, August 1. Family Fandango, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 5:00-8:00pm. Come celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area who originally settled here over 10,000 years ago, early Spanish-speaking colonists of 200 years ago, and English-speaking ranch families who arrived more recently. The evening’s focus is family fun through demonstrations and activities that highlight 1770-1870 California. The Ranch is located at 372 Manila Dr., San Jose. (408) 846-5632.
July 30-Aug. 2, 2009, 10 am - 8 pm, Santa Clara County Fair, the Fairgrounds at 544 Tully Rd., San Jose, free entry, free parking, music, food, parades, animals, food, rides.
Saturday, July 25. Lost in Space Night, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:30pm. View the heavens through powerful telescopes and learn about or solar system. Laugh while watching the 1960s sci-fi television series “Lost in Space”. Meet at the ranch barn, located at 372 Manila Drive in San Jose. Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
Saturday, July 11, 2009. Introduction to Geocaching, Mt. Madonna County Park. Meeting location at the Miller Nature Trail parking lot 8:45am - 12pm. Join Docent Sam Drake from Geocahers of the Bay Area to learn about Geocaching and to go caching in beautiful Mt. Madonna County Park. We’ll hike down the Miller Nature Trail going past the Henry Miller “Cattle King” house historic site finding 6-7 caches along the way. Pre Registration Required! GPS Units Provided - or bring your own! Please wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat and sunscreen, bottled water and snack if desired.CONTACT INFO: Carrie Grisenti, PHONE: 408-355-2240, EMAIL: carrie.grisenti@prk.sccgov.org.
Saturday, July 11. Scrub-A-Dub & Old Time Games, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 1:00 - 3:30pm. See below for details.
Saturday and Sunday, June 27-28, Open Barn at the Mounted Ranger Unit, Brockenhurst Drive off Heaton Moor, 11 am to 3 pm. Monday, June 29, 6:00 pm, community gathering honoring the Mounted Ranger Unit.
Saturday, June 27. Hunters in the Sky, Santa Teresa County Park, 10am - 12pm. Join a Park Ranger for a “lift” to the top of Coyote Peak to view and learn about our local birds of prey. Meet at the Pueblo Group Area. Bring sun protection, binoculars, water and a snack. Reservations required for a van-ride to the top, or you can take the strenuous 1-mile hike up and meet us. (408) 225-0225.
Saturday, June 20, 2009. Festival in the Park- Where Wellness Meets FUN! Hellyer County Park, 11am - 4pm. A multitude of agencies and organizations will provide information and offer opportunities for interactive play, where the goal is to help families take charge of their health, learn how to eat nutritiously, make healthful life choices and get physically fit. FREE admission, information, health and recreation opportunities, food, entertainment and FUN!! (408) 355-2255.
Saturday, June 13, 2009. Bugged-Out Movie Night- Ants, Santa Teresa County Park's Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm - 10:30pm. Explore the fascinating life of ants in our world. Hang on to your seats while watching the 1950s thriller “Them”, followed by some safe close encounters with the real-life creatures! Meet at the ranch, located at 372 Manila Drive in San Jose. Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
Saturday, June 13, 2009. Scrub-A-Dub & Old Time Games, Santa Teresa County Park's Historic Bernal Ranch, 1pm - 3:30pm. Come on out for a fun-filled afternoon at the ranch. Experience what granny called her “weekly affliction” & play games from 100 years ago. The ranch is located at the corner of Camino Verde & Manila Dr. in San Jose. (408) 226-5453.
Sat., May 30, 2009 – Invasive Plant Removal at Santa Teresa Park.
Saturday, May 9, 2009, Healthy Trails Hike, Santa Teresa County Park, 9:00am - 11am. Join Docent Cait Hutnik to enjoy a hike along the Fortini Trail. For more information about other “Healthy Trails” programs and partners, call (408) 355-2240.
Sunday, May 3, Healthy Trails Pre-Mother's Day Hike, Santa Teresa County Park. 12pm – 3pm. Bring your moms and the whole family out to enjoy a spring wildflower hike led by Park Docent Mike Boulland and the Friends of Santa Teresa County Park. Play games and explore the park’s geology and history along the way. Meet at the park’s Fortini Rd.Trailhead. 355-2240.
Saturday, May 2, King Richard Annual Trail Run, 8:00 am, Santa Teresa Park, by Troy's California Trail Runs. For more information, contact Troy Lamb, (530) 409-2989, Troy@TCTRuns.com, www.TCTRuns.com. Update: this event has been cancelled and will be re-scheduled to the fall.
Saturday, April 11, 2009, Introduction to Geocaching, Santa Teresa County Park, Meeting location at the Fortini road entrance
8:45am - 12pm. Join Docent Sam Drake from Geocahers of the Bay Area to learn about Geocaching and to go caching in beautiful Santa Teresa County Park. We’ll hike down the Fortini trail to the historic Fortini Resort finding 6-7 caches along the way. Pre Registration Required! To register call (408) 355-2240 or email carrie.grisenti@prk.sccgov.org. GPS Units Provided - or bring your own! Please wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat and sunscreen, bottled water and snack if desired.
Saturday, April 4, 2009, Free Outdoor Photography Class, Santa Teresa County Park, Historic Bernal Ranch "Barn" 9:30am - 12pm.Spring is wildflower time and a great time to grab your camera and go outside and take pictures! Docent Ron Horii will teach you about how to take inspiring outdoor pictures. The class will include 90 minutes of indoor instruction, an easy-going 30 minute walk around the Bernal Ranch, and a moderate 1 hour hike into the hills to view and photograph the magnificent wildflowers. Wear comfortable shoes; bring a hat, bottled water, and a camera (optional). To register call (408) 355-2240 or email carrie.grisenti@prk.sccgov.org. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Friday, April 3, 2009, Volunteers Recognition Dinner, Campbell Community Center, 6 pm.
Friday, March 13, 2009, Healthy Trails Challenge Stroller Hike, Santa Teresa County Park, Meeting location at the Fortini Rd. parking lot 10am – 12pm, Join Docent and Leader for Strollerhikes.com, Amy Lim to enjoy a hike along the Fortini Trail.. For more information about Stroller Hikes, go to strollerhikes.com. For more information about other "Healthy Trails" programs and partners, call (408) 355-2240.
Monday, January 19, 2009, MLK Jr Day of Service, Ohlone Trail, meet at the archery range at Bayliss.
Saturday, January 17, 2009, Introduction to Geocaching, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 9:00am-12:00pm. Join Docent Sam Drake to learn about geocaching and to go caching in beautiful and historic Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Hike down the Wood Road Trail to the historic rotary furnace, finding 8-9 geocaches along the way. Meet at the Wood Road Parking Lot. Limit 20 participants. Reservations required, call (408) 355-2240.

Park Events for 2010

Play Here Brochure for May-August 2010
Play Here Brochure for Fall-Winter 2010
County Parks' Volunteer Opportunities.
Winter/Spring 2009 Volunteers Newsletter
Fall/Winter 2009-2010 Volunteers Newsletter
Saturday April 17, Outdoor Photography & Wildflower Hike, Rancho San Vicente, 9:30am-12:00pm. Join Docents Ron Horii and Cait Hutnik to learn the basics of outdoor photography while weaving through a colorful display of wildflowers. Meet at the Calero Reservoir parking lot to caravan. Bring sun protection, water and sturdy hiking shoes. This hike is in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. No restroom available except at meeting location. Pre-registration required, limit 20 people. (408) 355-2240
Saturday April 17, Healthy Trails Challenge Hike, Santa Teresa County Park, 11:00am-3:00pm. Join Docent Bob Cicisly on a strenuous but gratifying 3.5-mile hike along the Hidden Springs, Coyote Peak, Rocky Ridge and Mine Loop Trails. See beautiful views of the nearby hills and valleys. Meet at the Pueblo day use area. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes and a camera. (408) 355-2240
Saturday April 24, Power to the Petal Wildflower Hike, Santa Teresa County Park, 11:00am-1:00pm. Hike with a Park Ranger to explore the bounty of wildflowers dotting the Santa Teresa foothills. Discover why the unique environment here contributes to a colorful display and provides critical habitat for several endangered species. Bring water, sun protection and sturdy hiking shoes. Meet at the Pueblo Group area. (408) 225-225
Wednesday, April 28, Santa Teresa County Park, Rare Plant Treasure Hunt (Western side), 10 am to 2 pm. Santa Clara County Parks and the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the Native Plant Society (CNPS) invite you on a treasure hunt for our rare plants at Santa Teresa County Park. Volunteers will spread out across the park in search of our rare or endangered plants. Teams will be provided with a GPS unit (or bring your own GPS unit or GPS-enabled mobile phone) and there will be enough experts around to insure accurate identification of the plants. You don't need to have plant keying skills. All that is required is a desire to help and the fitness to walk one to three miles in somewhat hilly terrain. Different dates will focus on different areas of the parks. Data collected will be submitted to the California Natural Diversity Data Base, a joint project of CNPS and the California Department of Fish & Game. To pre-register call Karen at 408-629-7229.
Sunday, May 2, Healthy Trails Pre-Mother's Day Hike, Santa Teresa County Park, 10:00-3:00pm. Bring your mom and the whole family out on a 2.5-mile spring wildflower hike led by Docent Mike Boulland and the Friends of Santa Teresa County Park. Play games and explore the park's geology and history along the way. Meet at the Fortini Rd. trailhead with sun protection, water and sturdy hiking shoes. (408) 355-2240.
Sunday, May 2, Santa Teresa County Park, Santa Teresa Rare Plant Treasure Hunt (North and Eastern sides), 10 am to 2 pm. Santa Clara County Parks and the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the Native Plant Society invite you on a treasure hunt for our rare plants at Santa Teresa County Park. Volunteers will spread out across the park in search of our rare or endangered plants. Teams will be provided with a GPS unit (or bring your own GPS unit or GPS-enabled mobile phone) and there will be enough experts around to insure accurate identification of the plants. You don't need to have plant keying skills. All that is required is a desire to help and the fitness to walk one to three miles in somewhat hilly terrain. Different dates will focus on different areas of the parks. Data collected will be submitted to the California Natural Diversity Data Base, a joint project of CNPS and the California Department of Fish & Game. To pre-register call Karen at 408-629-7229.
Sunday, May 2, Wash Day and Old Time Games, Santa Teresa County Park's Historic Bernal Ranch, 1:00-3:30pm. Come out for a fun-filled afternoon at the ranch. Experience what granny called her "weekly affliction" and play games from 100 years ago. The ranch is located at the corner of Camino Verde and Manila Dr. in San Jose. (408) 226-5453.
Saturday, May 8, Healthy Trails 2nd Edition Celebration and Hike, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Come celebrate and sign up for Healthy Trails 2nd Edition! There will be exhibitors, giveaways and lots of fun. Join partners, dignitaries and park staff on an easy 2-mile walk on the Martin Murphy Trail. Meet at the San Martin Ave. entrance. (408) 355-2240.
Saturday, May 15, Intro to Geocaching Class, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, 8:45am-12:00pm. Join Docent Sam Drake on a beginner’s geocaching adventure to find 6-7 hidden caches in the park. GPS units provided. Meet at the Mendoza park entrance on Roop Rd. Bring sun protection, water, snacks and sturdy hiking shoes. Reservations required. (408) 355-2240.
Saturday, June 5, Raptors Over the Rancho, Rancho San Vicente, 4:00pm – 6:00pm. Take a hike with a Park Ranger in this future County Park. Learn to identify our local sky-hunting hawks, eagles and other raptors. Participate in an activity that demonstrates hunting practices of these magnificent birds. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then caravan to the site nearby. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection and water. Note: This hike is in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. Restrooms not available except at meeting location. (408) 268-3883.
Saturday, June 12, Wash Day and Old Time Games, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 1:00pm-3:30pm. Come out for a fun-filled afternoon at the ranch. Experience what granny called her “weekly affliction” and play games from 100 years ago. The ranch is located at the corner of Camino Verde and Manila Dr. in San Jose. (408) 226-5453.
Saturday, June 12, Carnivorous Plants Night, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30-10:30pm. Explore the world of carnivorous plants with experts. Meet some real meat-eating flora up close and take home your own Venus Fly Trap. End the night by munching on popcorn and watching “Little Shop of Horrors” in the historic barn. Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
Friday, June 18, Exploring Local Wildlife Hike, Rancho San Vicente, 5:30pm-8:00pm. Learn about local wildlife and tracking skills on this strenuous 2-mile hike in a beautiful future County Park. Meet at the Calero Reservoir parking lot to caravan to the tour location nearby. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, water, flashlight and binoculars (optional). Reservations required prior to 6/17. Note: This hike is in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. Restrooms not available except at meeting location. Pre-registration required. (408) 323-1107.
Saturday, June 26, Festival in the Park – Where Wellness Meets FUN! Hellyer County Park, 11:00am – 4:00pm. This 4th annual event’s goal is to help families take charge of their health, learn how to eat nutritiously, make healthy life choices and get physically fit. FREE admission, information, health and recreation opportunities, food, entertainment and FUN! (408) 355-2240.
Saturday, July 10, Wash Day and Old Time Games, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 1:00pm-3:30pm. Come out for a fun-filled afternoon at the ranch. Experience what granny called her “weekly affliction” and play games from 100 years ago. The ranch is located at the corner of Camino Verde and Manila Dr. in San Jose. (408) 226-5453.
Saturday, July 10, Bug Out Night -Ants, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:30pm. Explore the fascinating world of ants, try a unique chocolate covered treat and munch on popcorn while watching the classic big-bug movie “Them”. Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
Saturday, July 10, Chitactac Family Day, Chitactac-Adams Heritage County Park, 10:00am-2:00pm. Families and friends are invited to a special day of hands-on activities, demonstrations, traditional crafts at this celebration of the native Ohlone People who once lived at this ancient village site. (408) 323-0107.
Saturday, July 17, Ranger-led Hike, Rancho San Vicente, 9:00am-11:00am. Take a strenuous 2-mile hike with at Park Ranger to explore this neighbor to Calero and future County Park. Learn about the history of the rancho property and explore plants and wildlife living here. Meet at Calero Reservoir to caravan to tour site nearby. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection and water. Note: This hike is in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. Restrooms not available except at meeting location. (408) 268-3883.
Saturday, July 17, Raptors in the Wind Hike, Santa Teresa County Park, 10:00am-12:00pm. Join a Park Ranger on a 2-mile hike to explore our local winged hunters in the sky. Learn about a raptor’s role in the environment and how to easily identify these hawks, falcons and eagles. Bring water, sun protection and sturdy hiking shoes. Field guides and binoculars recommended. Meet at the Pueblo Group Area. (408) 225-0225.
Saturday, August 14, Lost in Space Night, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:30pm. Join park staff and astronomers from the San Jose Astronomical Society to explore the night sky through computer-guided telescopes. Munch on popcorn while watching old TV episodes of “Lost in Space” – Danger Will Robinson, Danger! Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
Saturday, August 21, Family Fandango, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 5:00pm-8:00pm. Come celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay, early Spanish-speaking colonists, and English-speaking ranch families who all settled in this area over time. The evening’s focus is family fun through demonstrations and activities that highlight 1770-1870 California. The Ranch is located at 372 Manila Dr., San Jose. (408) 846-5632.
Friday, August 27, Tragedy of the Berryessas Hike, Rancho San Vicente, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Take a hike into the past in this future County Park. Learn of the tragedies that befell the Berryessa family and their rancho. Explore historic connections to the New Almaden Mines and take in spectacular views of New Almaden and Ranchos San Vicente and Los Capintancillos. Meet at the Calero Reservoir parking lot to caravan to the nearby tour location. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, water, flashlight and binoculars (optional). Reservations required prior to 8/23. Note: This hike is in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. Restrooms not available except at meeting location. Pre-registration required, space limited. (408) 323-1107.
Saturday, Sept. 11, Ranger-led Habitat Hike, Calero County Park’s Rancho San Vicente, 8:30am -10:30am. Come on a moderate 2-mile hike to explore the grassland and serpentine surroundings of this future parkland. Meet at the Calero Reservoir parking lot, then caravan together to the adjacent Rancho San Vicente property. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection and water. Note: This hike is in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. Restrooms not available except at meeting location. (408) 268-3883.
Saturday, Sept. 11, Bug Out Night,Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:30pm. Join experts for a show and tell about orthoptera (grasshoppers and crickets). Taste an exotic treat from central Mexico and hear interesting stories about these strange looking creatures. Afterwards, munch on popcorn while watching the big-bug classic movie “The Beginning of the End”. Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
Saturday, September 18, Santa Teresa Community Fest at George Page Park, 11 am to 5 pm.
Saturday, September 18, Raptors in the Wind Hike, Santa Teresa County Park, 4:00pm-6:00pm. Join a Park Ranger on a 2-mile hike to explore our local winged hunters in the sky. Learn about a raptor’s role in the environment and how to easily identify these hawks, falcons and eagles. Bring water, sun protection and sturdy hiking shoes. Field guides and binoculars recommended. Meet at the Pueblo Group Area. (408) 225-0225.
Saturday, September 25, Healthy Trails Hike, Santa Teresa County Park, 9:00am-11:00am. Join Docent Cait Hutnik on a moderately challenging 2.5-mile hike along the Fortini Trail. See beautiful views of the Santa Teresa Hills, Calero Reservoir and the Almaden Valley. Meet at the Fortini Trailhead parking lot. Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, snack, and camera. (408) 355-2240.
Saturday, October 2, Introduction to Photography Class, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 9:30am – 12:30pm. Join Docent Ron Horii for a free outdoor photography workshop. Learn how to choose and use a camera, take better outdoor pictures, compose a photo, plus more! Class begins with an indoor slideshow, then goes outside for demonstrations and a walk around the historic area to take pictures. Bring a camera - any kind will do! Open to ages 14 and up - limit 20 participants. Meet at the Bernal Ranch barn on Manila Drive at Camino Verde in San Jose. Reservations required. Call or register online (408) 355-2240.
Saturday October 9th, 2010, Grand Re-Dedication -- Casa Grande and Pioneer Day, Open House from 11 am to 3 pm, Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum 21350 Almaden Road New Almaden, CA 95042 (408) 323-1107. Festivities begin at noon. Activities, children’s games, entertainment, speeches, and special recognition of descendents of those who lived in the Casa Grande will be part of celebration. See the “Original Wells Fargo Stage Coach” and take rides on horse driven wagons from the parking lot to the Casa Grande.
Saturday, October 9, Ranger-led Hike, Calero County Park’s Rancho San Vicente, 9:00 am-11:00am. Take a strenuous 2-mile hike with a Park Ranger to explore this future parkland. Learn about the history of the rancho property and explore plants and wildlife living here. Meet at the Calero Reservoir parking lot, then caravan together to the adjacent Rancho San Vicente property. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection and water. Note: This hike is in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. Restrooms not available except at meeting location. (408) 268-3883.
Saturday, October 9, Nighttime Photography Class, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 6:30pm-9:30pm. Bring your camera, tripod, shutter release and curiosity for an adventure into the night with Docent Marty Reinders and a Park Ranger. Learn about long exposure, star photography, lighting tricks and more! Meet at the Hacienda parking lot, then take a van ride up to English Camp. Bring comfortable shoes, insect repellent, and flashlight. Reservations required. Call or register online (408) 355-2240.
Thursday, October 21, Healthy Trails Toddler Trek, Santa Teresa County Park, 4:30pm-6:00pm. Join Strollerhikes.com's Debbie Frazier on a moderate 2.5-mile hike geared towards families with young children. Enjoy historical sites along the way. Meet at the Fortini Trailhead Parking Lot. Bring sun protection, water, snacks and sturdy hiking shoes. (408) 355-2240.
Saturday, October 30, Spider Night, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:30pm. Reserve your space for this annual crowd-pleaser and learn everything you need to know about arachnids, including our local California brown tarantula. View cages and cages of creepy crawlers and handle if you dare. Hear spider poems and folklore followed by popcorn, lemonade and the classic big-bug movie “Tarantula”. Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
Saturday, November 6, REI Ridge Trail Service Day Volunteer Project, Santa Teresa County Park, 9:00am-1:00pm. This annual event includes projects to improve the Bay Area Ridge Trail. The Stiles Ranch at Santa Teresa Park is part of this year's efforts. Gloves, tools, water and snacks will be provided. Bring a refillable water bottle, hiking shoes, long pants, long-sleeve shirt and sun protection. 40 volunteers are needed for this project – rain or shine. Parking is limited-carpooling encouraged. Pre-registration required. (408) 355-2254.
Saturday, November 13, Introduction to Geocaching Class, Santa Teresa County Park, 8:45am-12:00pm. Join Docent Sam Drake on an adventure to learn about geocaching and seek out several caches along the Fortini, Mine and Stile Ranch Trails. GPS units provided. Meet at the Fortini Trailhead off of San Vicente Ave. Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection and water. Reservations required. Call or register online (408) 355-2240.
Saturday, November 13, Pioneer Day, Almaden Quicksilver, 11 am to 3pm, celebrating the restoration of the Casa Grande. Park at the Hacienda entrance to Almaden Quicksilver.
Saturday, November 13, Lost in Space Night, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:30pm. Join park staff and astronomers from the San Jose Astronomical Society to explore the night sky through computer-guided telescopes. Munch on popcorn while watching old TV episodes of “Lost in Space” – Danger Will Robinson, Danger! Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
Friday, November 26- Friday, December 31, Fantasy of Lights, Vasona County Park, 6:00pm-10:00pm nightly. Come celebrate our 12th Anniversary of this drive-through holiday family favorite. See thousands of colorful twinkling lights and have loads of holiday fun. Admission fee required. For more information and pricing, go to www.parkhere.org. (408) 355-2201. Volunteers are needed nightly to help at the back gate providing visitor hospitality and safety services. Call (408) 355-2254 to sign up as a volunteer!
Friday, December 10 – Sunday, January 2, Yuletide Festivities at the Casa Grande, 12:00pm-4:00pm (Fridays-Sundays except Christmas Day). Take a visit back in time for a real holiday treat at the Casa Grande. Enjoy the afternoon in a beautiful Victorian setting while learning about local history in the Quicksilver Museum. Purchase holiday gifts and local crafts from our unique gift shop. Sip hot spiced cider, munch on delicious cookies and enjoy the holiday décor in this exquisite historic building. (408) 323-1107.
Saturday December 11, Visit Santa at the Ranch, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 1:30pm-3:00pm. For the 6th year in a row Santa will bring his “Ho, Ho, Ho” to the ranch to hear Christmas wishes inside the 19th century parlor decorated for an old fashioned Victorian Christmas. Parents can get that perfect photo of their kids sitting on Santa’s knee without waiting in mall lines. (408) 226-5453.

Friends of Santa Teresa Park News and Picture Archive 2009-2010