County Parks Calendar Sept. 2012-March 2013 Saturday, September 15 How to Survive a Day or More, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch, 9:00am-11:30am Overcome potential obstacles and learn how to explore the great outdoors with confidence. A Park Ranger will teach you basic survival skills and techniques that will ensure you have safer adventures in parks and back-country areas. Meet at the Coyote Lake Ranger office with your typical daytime hiking gear, water and snacks. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 842-7800 Riparian Habitat Hike, Anderson, 10:00am-11:30am Take a short, easy hike through a natural riparian area to identify animal signs such as a muskrat den, tracks, scat, nests and feathers. Look for wildlife and explore how plants and animals depend on each other and on us in this creek-side habitat. Meet at the Toyon Group Area below Anderson Dam. Reservations required. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 779-3634 Healthy Trails Evening Sunset Hike, Sanborn, 5:00pm-8:00pm Join a Park Interpreter on a moderately strenuous 3-mile hike. Explore the redwoods leading to scenic Lake Ranch Reservoir at sunset. Meet at the trailhead turnout off Black Rd. Parking is very limited, so please carpool if possible. Bring water, snacks, flashlight/headlamp and sturdy hiking shoes. Reservations required. (408) 918-7774 Sunday, September 16 Monarch Butterfly Migrations, Hellyer, 1:00pm-2:00pm Come explore the life of a monarch butterfly. Discover what these beautiful insects need from us and from nature to survive their long annual migrations between Canada to Mexico. Meet at the park visitor center. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 225-0225 Saturday, September 22 Fall Nature Hike, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 9:00am-1:30pmJoin a Park Docent on a 5-mile moderately strenuous hike to enjoy panoramic views and discover how these rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then carpool to a trail nearby. Bring sun protection, water, camera, sturdy hiking shoes and layered clothing. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group travels together, some steep sections. Restrooms not available except at reservoir.Register online or call (408) 355-2240. Healthy Trails Bilingual (Spanish) Hike, Calero, 10:00am-12:00pm Join a Park Interpreter on a moderately challenging 3.5-mile hike on Los Cerritos and Pena Trails. Take in sweeping views of hills and valleys and look for diverse wildlife. Meet at the park entrance off of McKean Rd. (south of reservoir) with hiking shoes, sun protection, water and snacks. Se habla español. (408) 918-7775 Sunday, September 23 Kayaking Basics, Stevens Creek Reservoir, 1:00pm-3:00pm Come out to explore the reservoir by kayak. This will be a fun paddle open to all skill levels; some instruction will be provided. Kayaks are available on-site to rent from Outback Adventures, or you can provide your own equipment (kayaks only please). Bring water, snacks, sun protection, and if you bring your own kayak, don’t forget your life vest and paddle. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-2240 Saturday, September 29 History Tour by Van/Hike, Almaden Quicksilver, 9:00am-1:30pm Step back in time and experience what life was like back in the mining heyday. Ride by van to various historic sites and bring a brown-bag lunch to enjoy in the park. Tour includes an easy hike of approximately 3 miles. Children must be over 6 years and 60 lbs. Meet at the Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. Bring water, lunch and sun protection. Reservations required. Cost is $5 per person. (408) 918-7773 History Walk, Grant, 1:30pm-3:30pm Join a park historian on a leisurely walk to learn about the history of Halls Valley from the Ohlone days to the more recent past. End with a tour of the Ranch House. Meet at the Ranch House with walking shoes and water. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 274-6121 Walk on the Wild Side After Dark, Hellyer, 7:00pm-8:30pm Take an easy evening walk with a Park Ranger to explore nocturnal activities in the park and near the lake. Explore animal life after sunset and learn about our wild neighbor habitats, adaptations and survival needs. Meet at the park visitor center with sturdy walking shoes and a flashlight. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 225-0225 Family Moonlight Hike, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch, 7:30pm-9:00pm Enjoy a beautiful outing under the moon and stars on the paved Martin Murphy Trail (2-mile loop) with Docent Jennifer Snedeker. Watch for wildlife, identify overhead constellations, and discover some secrets of this historic and ecological area. Meet at the Bear Ranch entrance at the end of San Martin Ave. with layered clothing, comfy shoes and a flashlight. Register online or call (408) 355-2240. Sunday, September 30 Healthy Trails Evening Hike, Almaden Quicksilver, 4:00pm-8:30pm Join a Park Interpreter on this strenuous 5.2-mile hike from Deep Gulch to Bull Run. Explore the rich history and diversity in the hills of New Almaden. Bring water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes, and a flashlight/headlamp. Due to steep grades and low evening lighting, trekking poles are recommended. Meet at the Hacienda park entrance. Reservations required. (408) 918-7774 Monday, October 1 Stroller Hike & Toddler Trek, Ed Levin, 9:00am-10:30am Join a Docent from StrollerHikes.com for a mildly rugged Healthy Trails hike on the Tularcitos and Calera Creek Trails. Dogs welcome (6 foot leash required). Meet at the dog park. Joggers/Strollers not recommended. Bring an infant carrier if your child does not walk. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 355-2240 Thursday, October 4 Stroller Hike & Toddler Trek, Alviso Marina, 4:30pm-6:00pm Take an easy 1-mile bayland adventure along the Alviso Slough Loop Trail with a Strollerhikes.com Docent. Enjoy the birds and bay breezes and see the train. Meet at the marina parking lot with comfortable walking shoes, snacks and a camera. (408) 355-2240 S Saturday, October 6 Bilingual Hike with a Ranger, Coyote Creek Parkway, 9:30am-11:30am Take an easy 2-mile bilingual (Spanish/English) hike with a Park Ranger on the Coyote Creek Trail. Explore park history and wildlife, and take plenty of breaks to look at the beautiful scenery. Enter the Parkway at 550 Monterey Road (between Morgan Hill and South San Jose). Directional signs will be posted on day of event. (408) 779-3634 Introduction to Photography, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 10:00am-1:00pm Join Docent Ron Horii for a FREE outdoor photography workshop. Learn how to choose and use a camera, how to take better outdoor pictures, photo composition, plus more! Workshop begins with an indoor slideshow, followed by demonstrations and a walk around the historic area to take pictures. Meet at the Bernal Ranch barn on Manila Drive at Camino Verde in San Jose. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-2240. Henry Miller the Cattle King, Mount Madonna, 10:00am-12:00pm Take a leisurely 1.5-mile walk in the woods. Hear the success story of a German immigrant and how he became the biggest land holder in the U.S. and explore the ruins of his beloved mountain-top home away from home. Meet at the park office with water and comfortable clothing. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 842-2341 Tools of a Miner, New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, 10:00am-4:00pm Come on out for a 1-day special exhibit with demonstrations about tools used by miners to do their dangerous underground work. Many collectors from California will be here to share their expertise on mining in the 1880’s. Educational and fun for all ages. (408) 918-7773 Sunday, October 7 Kayaking Basics, Stevens Creek Reservoir, 1:00pm-3:00pm Come out to explore the reservoir by kayak. This will be a fun paddle open to all skill levels; some instruction will be provided. Kayaks are available on-site to rent from Outback Adventures, or you can provide your own equipment (kayaks only please). Bring water, snacks, sun protection, and if you bring your own kayak, don’t forget your life vest and paddle. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-2240 Saturday, October 13 Healthy Trails Bilingual (Spanish) Hike, Santa Teresa: 10:00am-12:00pm Join a Park Interpreter on an easy 1.8-mile hike on the Joice and Norrred Trails. Travel though serpentine habitat with endangered plant and animal species, and spectacular views. Step back in time and visit the Historic Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch to learn how families lived and worked in the late 1800s -early 1900s. Meet at the trailhead behind the Ranch barn with hiking shoes, sun protection, water and snacks. Se habla español. (408) 918-7775 Coyote Creek Bilingual Trail Walk/Rastra Paseo, Hellyer, 11:00am-12:00pm Take an easy walk along the Coyote Creek to look for wildlife such as turtles, butterflies, birds and more. Learn to identify plants and trees as you walk around Cottonwood Lake. Spanish translations provided for many of the plants and animals we find. Meet at the playground. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 225-0225 Star Party, Grant, 7:00pm-11:00pm Join the Halls Valley Astronomical Group for a night of star gazing fun. Knowledgeable volunteers will provide you with a chance to look through high-powered telescopes and ask questions about the night sky. Meet at Halley Hill, across from campsite 22. Park entrance gate closes at 10pm. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 274-6121 Creature Feature Movie Night (Spiders), Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:00pm 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 some if you dare. Hear spider poems and folklore followed by popcorn, lemonade and the classic big-bug movie “Tarantula.” Reservations required. (408) 226-5453 Sunday, October 14 Fall Nature Hike, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 9:00am-1:30pm Join a Park Docent on a 5-mile moderately strenuous hike to enjoy panoramic views and discover how these rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then carpool to a trail nearby. Bring sun protection, water, camera, sturdy hiking shoes and layered clothing. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group travels together, some steep sections. Restrooms not available except at reservoir. Register online or call (408) 355-2240. Day on the Bay: A Multicultural Festival, Alviso Marina, 10:00am-3:00pm Celebrate our multicultural community with many non-profit, government, and community-based organizations. Free food, arts and crafts, and live entertainment on two stages. Free activities from face painting to kayaking in the Alviso Slough. (408) 299-5030 Hula Hoop Fitness Class, Hellyer, 2:00pm-3:00pm No longer just child’s play, hula hoop has evolved into a fun form of fitness! Join us for a low impact yet energizing class using adult-size hoops. Learn the basics of moving the hoop around the torso as well as incorporating your feet and arms. Meet on the lawn by Cottonwood Lake. Reservations required. $6 vehicle entry fee. Register online or call (408) 355-2240. Saturday, October 20 Introduction to Geocaching, Almaden Quicksilver, 8:45am-12:00pm Join a Docent on a beginner’s geocaching adventure to find 6-7 hidden caches in the park. GPS units provided. Meet at the Wood Rd. parking lot. Bring sun protection, water, snacks and sturdy hiking shoes. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-2240 Amah Mutsun Heritage Day, Chitactac-Adams, 11:00am-3:00pm The Amah Mutsun invite members of the public and their families to meet descendants of the people who occupied these lands for thousands of years. Participate in activities for families with children, hear creation stories, and learn about the rich history of this native culture. (408) 918-7772 History Walk, Grant, 1:30pm-3:30pm Join a park historian on a leisurely walk to learn about the history of Halls Valley from the Ohlone days to the more recent past. End with a tour of the Ranch House. Meet at the Ranch House with walking shoes and water. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 274-6121 Halloween Hike, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch, 7:00pm-9:00pm Come dressed up in your Halloween costumes for this two-hour night hike on the Martin Murphy Trail (2-mile paved loop). Learn about some of the creepy crawlies that live in the park and hear a few family-friendly ghost stories. Bring flashlights and warm clothes. Meet at the Bear Ranch entrance at the end of San Martin Ave. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-2240. Sunday, October 21 Healthy Trails Hike, Calero, 9:00am-2:00pm Join park staff on a challenging 8.7-mile hike on multiple trails. Travel through diverse habitats and enjoy spectacular views of the valley from San Francisco to Morgan Hill. Meet at the park entrance off of McKean Rd. (south of reservoir entrance) with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, snacks and water. (408) 355-2240 Fall Flutters, Alviso Marina, 10:00am-12:00pm Join a park Docent for a 2-mile stroll to enjoy views of the wetlands, migratory birds and other wildlife. Observe California's smallest butterfly, the Western Pygmy Blue and learn how it thrives in a harsh, alkaline environment. Meet in the parking lot near the restrooms. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, sun protection and drinking water. (408) 918-7771 Friday, October 26 Halloween Haunt, Ed Levin, 5:00pm-8:00pm Join park staff for a night of spooky family fun. Play ghostly games, carve a free pumpkin (limited availability), eat s’mores around a glowing campfire, and take a creepy hike around Spring Valley Pond. Meet at the park office. Costumes and all ages welcome. Food available for purchase. Bring a canned good donation for the Second Harvest Food Bank. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 262-6980 Saturday, October 27 History Tour by Van, Almaden Quicksilver, 9:00am-1:30pm Step back in time and experience what life was like back in the mining heyday. Ride by van to various historic sites and bring a brown-bag lunch to enjoy in the park. Children must be over 6 years and 60 lbs. Meet at the Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. Bring water, lunch and sun protection. Reservations required. Cost is $5 per person. (408) 918-7773 Of Oaks & Chaparral, Stevens Creek, 9:00am-1:30pm Learn more about our valley’s mixed oak woodlands and chaparral plant communities as you join a Park Docent on a Strenuous (400 ft elevation gain) 5.8-mile hike over the Tony Look Trail. Observe how oaks and chaparral play an essential role in the quality of the surrounding watershed. Meet at the main park entrance on Stevens Canyon Rd. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, hat, and carry water. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 918-7771 All-Hallows Eve Hike, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch, 5:00pm-7:00pm Join park staff for a spooky night of family fun. Explore the park on an easy hike to seek out who’s in the park after dark. Meet at the RV Campground parking lot. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 842-7800 Sunday, October 28 Living History Day, Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, 11:00am-3:00pm Come visit Casa Grande, once the magnificent home of New Almaden Mine Managers. Costumed Docents & Staff will be on hand to guide you through Victorian period rooms and museum exhibits. Children will be able to participate in a Dia De Los Muertos craft activity to take home. (408) 918-7774 Thursday, November 1 Stroller Hike & Toddler Trek, Santa Teresa, 4:30pm-6:00pmA Strollerhikes.com Docent will lead you and your little ones on a 2.5-mile hike past historical sites along the trail. Meet at the Fortini Trailhead with comfortable walking shoes and sturdy strollers or carriers. (408) 355-2240 Saturday, November 3 Henry Miller the Cattle King, Mount Madonna, 10:00am-12:00pm Take a leisurely 1.5-mile walk in the woods. Hear the success story of a German immigrant and how he became the biggest land holder in the U.S. and explore the ruins of his beloved mountain-top home away from home. Meet at the park office with water and comfortable clothing. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 842-2341 Sunday, November 4 Healthy Trails Hike, Almaden Quicksilver, 10:00am-1:30pm Join park staff on a challenging 5.2-mile hike on the Deep Gulch/English Camp/Mine Hill/Castillero Trails to see lots of wildlife and mine operation relics. Meet at the Hacienda park entrance parking lot with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, snacks and water. (408) 355-2240 Monday, November 5 Healthy Trails Stroller Hike & Toddler Trek, Ed Levin, 9:00am-10:30am Join a Docent from StrollerHikes.com for a mildly rugged hike on the Tularcitos and Calera Creek Trails. Meet at the dog park. Dogs welcome (6 foot leash required). Joggers/strollers not recommended. Bring an infant carrier if your child does not walk. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408)355-2240 Saturday, November 10 Ohlones and Acorns, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch, 10:00am-12:00pm Come discover how the Ohlone Indians used nature as their supermarket. See, taste and learn how to prepare traditional native foods, including the very important acorn meal. Meet at the Campfire Center. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 842-7800 Family Hike With A Ranger, Calero, 10:00am-12:00pm Take a moderate 2-mile hike with a Park Ranger to explore park trails and look for wildlife. Meet at the park office off of McKean Rd. (south of the reservoir) with sturdy hiking shoes, layered clothing and water. (408) 268-3883 Star Party, Grant, 5:30pm-10:30pm Join the Halls Valley Astronomical Group for a night of star gazing fun. Knowledgeable volunteers will provide you with a chance to look through high-powered telescopes and ask questions about the night sky. Meet at Halley Hill, across from campsite 22. Park entrance gate closes at 6:30pm. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 274-6121 Saturday, November 17 Healthy Trails Bilingual (Spanish) Hike, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch, 10:00am-2:00pm Join a Park Interpreter on a moderately challenging 5.9-mile hike winding through oak-studded canyons and rocky grassland ridges with spectacular views of south Santa Clara Valley and distant Santa Cruz mountain range. Meet at the Mendoza park entrance on Roop Rd. with hiking shoes, sun protection, water and snacks. Se habla español. (408) 918-7775 Living History Day, Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, 11:00am-3:00pm Come visit Casa Grande, once the magnificent home of New Almaden Mine Managers. Costumed Docents & Staff will be on hand to guide you through Victorian period rooms and museum exhibits. Children will be able to participate in a turkey craft activity to take home. (408) 918-7774 Sunday, November 18 Healthy Trails Hike, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch, 10:00am-3:00pm Join a Park Interpreter for a 5.8-mile hike starting at the Harvey Bear Ranch entrance to the park. Please bring a bag lunch, plenty of water, hiking shoes, and sun or rain protection. We will explore the beautiful rolling oak woodland landscape on some of the newest trails in the County Park system. (408) 918-7774 Saturday, November 24 Head For The Hills!, Mt. Madonna, 9:00am-1:00pm Boost your energy and burn calories when you join a Park Docent for a moderate 3.6-mile hike on the trails. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding watershed as you pass through coast hardwood and redwood forests, serpentine and mixed chaparral habitats. Meet at the Sprig Trail entrance on Hecker Pass Rd. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, hat, and carry water. (408) 918-7771. Saturday, December 1 Ticks and Their Kin, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch, 9:00am-10:30am Discover how to identify our local arachnid neighbors (ticks and spiders), how they play a role in our natural world, and what to do when they get too close. Meet at the park office. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 842-7800 Henry Miller the Cattle King, Mount Madonna, 10:00am-12:00pm Take a leisurely 1.5-mile walk in the woods. Hear the success story of a German immigrant and how he became the biggest land holder in the U.S. and explore the ruins of his beloved mountain-top home away from home. Meet at the park office with water and comfortable clothing. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 842-2341 Yuletide Bazaar, New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, 10:00am-4:00pm Come visit Casa Grande in New Almaden to check out the local crafts & holiday goodies on display. You will be sure to walk away with some great gifts for family and friends! Casa Grande will also be decorated and costumed docents & staff will further enhance the holiday spirits. (408) 323-1107 Sunday, December 2 Healthy Trails Hike, Santa Teresa, 10:00am-1:00pm Join park staff on this tough but fun 3.0-mile hike on multiple ridge trails in the park. Explore serpentine habitats and enjoy sweeping views of Almaden Valley and the Bay Area form Coyote Peak (1155ft). Meet at the Hidden Springs trailhead with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, snacks and water. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 355-2240 Holiday Ranch House Tours, Grant, 1:00pm-4:00pm Take a break from the shopping and come on an historical open-house tour of the Grant Ranch House all dressed up for the holidays. Enjoy a complimentary hot beverage and pastry while you relax and recharge your spirits with history and nature. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 274-6121 Monday, December 3 Healthy Trails Stroller Hike & Toddler Trek, Ed Levin, 9:00am-10:30am Join a Docent from StrollerHikes.com for a mildly rugged hike on the Tularcitos and Calera Creek Trails. Meet at the dog park. Dogs welcome (6 foot leash required). Joggers/Strollers not recommended. Bring an infant carrier if your child does not walk. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 355-2240 Saturday, December 8 Holiday Ranch House Tours, Grant, 1:00pm-4:00pm Take a break from the shopping and come on an historical open-house tour of the Grant Ranch House all dressed up for the holidays. Enjoy a complimentary hot beverage and pastry while you relax and recharge your spirits with history and nature. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 274-6121 Sunday December 9 Holiday Ranch House Tours, Grant, 1:00pm-4:00pm Take a break from the shopping and come on an historical open-house tour of the Grant Ranch House all dressed up for the holidays. Enjoy a complimentary hot beverage and pastry while you relax and recharge your spirits with history and nature. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 274-6121 Thursday, December 13 Healthy Trails Stroller Hike& Toddler Trek, Alviso Marina, 3:45pm-5:15pm Take an easy 1-mile bayland adventure along the Alviso Slough Loop Trail with a Strollerhikes.com Docent. Enjoy the birds and bay breezes and see the train. Meet at the marina parking lot with comfortable walking shoes, snacks and a camera. (408) 355-2240 Saturday, December 15 Art and Ornaments in Nature, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch, 9:00am-12:00pm Take a short hike with a Park Ranger to discover art found in plants and rocks. Add to your holiday decorations by making a nature ornament from natural items provided by staff. Meet at the Visitor Center. (408) 842-7800 Migrating Newts Find A Way, Almaden Quicksilver, 9:00am-12:00pm From mid-November to March, thousands of California newts migrate to hereditary breeding ponds. Learn how these fascinating creatures triumph over distance and danger on an Easy 2.6-mile hike. Meet at the Wood Rd. park entrance (junction of Hicks and Umunhum Rds.). Wear sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, hat ,and carry water. (408) 918-7771 Animal Drawing Class, Hellyer, 11:00am-12:30pm Mountain Lions! Bobcats! Snakes! Birds! Learn to draw animals from the mounted specimens. Carefully observe a variety of animals, practice new skills, and translate your observations into realistic drawings. All skill levels and ages 8 to adult welcome. Children, please bring an adult who would like to participate. Bring a sketch pad and pencil or use ours. $6 vehicle entry fee. Register online or call (408) 355-2240. Star Party, Grant, 5:30pm-10:30pm Join the Halls Valley Astronomical Group for a night of star gazing fun. Knowledgeable volunteers will provide you with a chance to look through high-powered telescopes and ask questions about the night sky. Meet at Halley Hill, across from campsite 22. Park entrance gate closes at 6:30pm. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 274-6121 January 2013 Page Content Come join a docent from StrollerHikes.com on the first Monday of Every Month for a mildly rugged Healthy Trails hike on the Tularcitos and Calera Creek Trails. Dogs welcome (6 foot leash required). Meet at the dog park. Joggers/Strollers not recommended. Bring an infant carrier if your child does not walk. For more information call (408) 355-2240. For any updates on this hike you can join the strollerhikes.com mailing list. Saturday, January 5 Henry Miller the Cattle King, Mount Madonna, 10:00am-12:00pm Take a leisurely 1.5-mile walk in the woods. Hear the success story of a German immigrant and how he became the biggest land holder in the U.S. and explore the ruins of his beloved mountain-top home away from home. Meet at the park office with water and comfortable clothing. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 842-2341 Saturday, January 19 Introduction to Geocaching, Almaden Quicksilver, 8:45am-12:00pm Join a Docent on a beginner’s geocaching adventure to find 6-7 hidden caches in the park. GPS units provided. Meet at the Wood Rd. parking lot. Bring sun protection, water, snacks and sturdy hiking shoes. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-2240. Saturday, January 26 Family Moonlight Hike, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch, 5:30pm-7:00pm Enjoy a beautiful outing under the moon and stars on the paved Martin Murphy Trail (2-mile loop) with Docent Jennifer Snedeker. Watch for wildlife, identify overhead constellations, and discover some secrets of this historic and ecological area. Meet at the Bear Ranch entrance at the end of San Martin Ave. with layered clothing, comfy shoes and a flashlight. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-2240. February 2013 Page Content Come join a docent from StrollerHikes.com on the first Monday of Every Month for a mildly rugged Healthy Trails hike on the Tularcitos and Calera Creek Trails. Dogs welcome (6 foot leash required). Meet at the dog park. Joggers/Strollers not recommended. Bring an infant carrier if your child does not walk. For more information call (408) 355-2240. For any updates on this hike you can join the strollerhikes.com mailing list. Saturday, February 2 Henry Miller the Cattle King, Mount Madonna, 10:00am-12:00pm Take a leisurely 1.5-mile walk in the woods. Hear the success story of a German immigrant and how he became the biggest land holder in the U.S. and explore the ruins of his beloved mountain-top home away from home. Meet at the park office with water and comfortable clothing. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 842-2341 Saturday, February 9 Living History Day, Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, 11:00am-3:00pm Come visit Casa Grande, once the magnificent home of New Almaden Mine Managers. Costumed Docents & Staff will be on hand to guide you through Victorian period rooms and museum exhibits. Children will be able to participate in a valentine craft activity to take home. (408) 918-7774 Saturday, February 23 Healthy Trails Hike, Montalvo, 10:00am-12:00pm Join a Park Interpreter for a 2.0-mile hike in the scenic redwoods of Villa Montalvo. We will hike to Lookout Point, where on a clear day you can see out to the San Francisco Bay. Please bring hiking shoes, water, snacks, and sun/rain protection. (408) 918-7774 March 2013 Page Content Come join a docent from StrollerHikes.com on the first Monday of Every Month for a mildly rugged Healthy Trails hike on the Tularcitos and Calera Creek Trails. Dogs welcome (6 foot leash required). Meet at the dog park. Joggers/Strollers not recommended. Bring an infant carrier if your child does not walk. For more information call (408) 355-2240. For any updates on this hike you can join the strollerhikes.com mailing list. Saturday, March 2 Henry Miller the Cattle King, Mount Madonna, 10:00am-12:00pm Take a leisurely 1.5-mile walk in the woods. Hear the success story of a German immigrant and how he became the biggest land holder in the U.S. and explore the ruins of his beloved mountain-top home away from home. Meet at the park office with water and comfortable clothing. $6 vehicle entry fee. (408) 842-2341 Hula Hoop Fitness Class, Hellyer, 2:00pm-3:00pm No longer just child’s play, hula hoop has evolved into a fun form of fitness! Join us for a low impact yet energizing class using adult-size hoops. Learn the basics of moving the hoop around the torso as well as incorporating your feet and arms. Reservations required. $6 vehicle entry fee. Register online or call (408) 355-2240 Saturday, March 16 Living History Day, Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, 11:00am-3:00pm Come visit Casa Grande, once the magnificent home of New Almaden Mine Managers. Costumed Docents & Staff will be on hand to guide you through Victorian period rooms and museum exhibits. Children will be able to participate in a St. Patrick’s Day craft activity to take home. (408) 918-7774 Saturday, March 23 Nature Journaling Hike, Santa Teresa, 1:00pm-4:00pm Come enjoy the spring wildflowers while learning the basics of keeping a nature journal. Journaling is a great way to study and remember the things you see and experience during your outdoor adventures. This is a parent-child participation class geared for families with small children. Meet at the Fortini Trailhead. Bring snacks, sketch book or paper, clipboard and a few pencils. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-2240. Sunday, March 24 Healthy Trails Hike, Calero, 9:30am-12:30pm Join park staff on a challenging 3.5-mile hike on the Los Cerritos and Pena Trails. Enjoy sweeping views of Calero reservoir and check out the beautiful Los Cerritos Pond. Meet at the park entrance off of McKean Rd. (south of reservoir entrance) with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, snacks and water. (408) 355-2240 Sunday, March 31 History Through a Changed Landscape, Almaden Quicksilver, 10:00am-2:00pm Take a 4-mile moderately challenging hike and travel through time with a Park Interpreter. Learn about the mining history as well as more current events that have helped shape the landscape of this historic park. Meet at the Wood R. entrance off Hicks Rd. Please bring a bag lunch, water, sun/rain protection, and sturdy hiking shoes. Not recommended for children under 5. (408) 918-7774