Professional Documents
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ParkViews
Enjoying the Tidepool Touch Tank at Seacliff State Beach. Photo by Joop Rubens
What’s New at
New Brighton June 16
June 23
Hawaiian music and dance:
Aloha Lady, Michelle Kiba
Upbeat songs:
A
sk people who grew up in S a n ta C r u z C o u n t y 5 M’s, popular local singing group
to name the most memorable events of their school years, and you’re June 30 Paraguayan harp featuring Gonzalo Rodriguez
likely to hear “Seeing and learning about the butterflies and tide pools July 7 Chinese music and dance: Fantasia Performing
at Natural Bridges,” or “Touring the Mission Adobe and making tortillas and Arts Learning Center, Carol Ma
candles,” or “Living and learning 1800’s style at Wilder Ranch.” So much of July 14 Chinese string ensemble: Ken Yao and artists
what we learn as children in school fades with the passing years and what usu-
July 21 Western sing-along: Wrangling Cowgirl,
ally stands the test of time are the exceptions — the grand adventures. From day
Michelle Kiba
trips to environmental living overnights to in-school programs, Santa Cruz State
Parks offer opportunities for students to learn about our amazing natural and July 28 Indonesian music: Gamelan Anak Swarasanti,
cultural history through hands-on experience and interaction with well-trained with Martin Randall
staff and volunteers. Santa Cruz State Parks are the places where lasting school August 4 Polynesian dance: Hula Halau O Mahina I Ke
memories are made. Kai, with Jacinta McGinnis
August 11 Martial Arts program, with Rod Sanford
Last spring we celebrated the opening of the Pacific Migrations Visitors Center
at New Brighton State Beach. With the opening came new opportunities for stu- August 18 Japanese drums: The Watsonville
dents to learn hands-on about the natural and cultural history of New Brighton. Taiko Drum Group
Thanks to the hard work of Interpreter Dottie Robinson, who developed 3rd
and 4th grade day and overnight interpretive history programs for New Brigh-
ton, and the steadfast help of dedicated volunteers Joanie Tayor, Vicki Stanley
and Delia Farquhar, as well as the invaluable help of Interpreter Jeff Barnes,
New Brighton hosted several successful overnights last fall and already hosted a
Wilder Ranch Set as Focus Site for Painters
number of overnighters with 3rd and 4th graders from Santa Cruz County and Plein Air is a French expression which means “in the open air” and is used to
San Jose this spring. The students enjoy an all-day program learning about a day describe the act of painting in the outside environment rather than indoors. This
in the life of a Chinese fisherman, the history of the immigrants who inhabited summer the MAH Plein Air Affaire will again host a number of activities that
the area, as well as the natural history of the area through well planned hands-on focus on the scenic beauty of Santa Cruz County, featuring artists on location
activities such as a visitor center history hunt, Chinese calligraphy, lantern mak- at various Santa Cruz County localities during its Plein Air Paint-Off.
ing, nature scavenger hunts, a science squid observation, campfire sing-alongs, Get a glimpse of your favorite artist
and informative slide presentations. painting “en plein air” at one of your What a great
favorite parks! In June from the 8th
Interpreter Robinson and her volunteer team are grateful for the ideal camping
situation in which Ranger Todd Allen and Interpreter Linda Hitchcock mapped
through the 15th, Wilder Ranch State opportunity to enjoy the
Park will be the featured site of the
out. Keeping in mind the logistical needs such as bathrooms, safety issues and MAH Plein Air Paint-Off. What a great scenic beauty of Wilder
privacy that are important to the well being and comfort of the young campers opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty
—some who have never had the opportunity to sleep in a tent before — the of Wilder Ranch while viewing artwork Ranch while viewing
students are offered a safe, memorable camping experience with their fellow inspired by the beautiful surroundings.
classmates, teachers and parent chaperones. For other painting sites and informa- artwork inspired by the
tion visit www.santacruzmah.org. Be
“The kids stay connected throughout the activities and the teacher and parents
really get involved,” comments Dottie. As a teacher for 36 years within the
sure to check out the Park Views Calen- beautiful surroundings.
dar for other exciting Plein Air events.
Pajaro and Santa Cruz County School Districts, she understands the importance
of environmental education field trips and the increasing difficulty for teachers
to plan such outings. Not only are schools becoming increasingly focused on test
scores and funding, but to plan such a trip with 20 –30 kids is quite elaborate.
Having access to a campground literally just fifteen minutes away, the availabil-
ity of the New Brighton interpretive program and the no-charge access to school
groups gives teachers and students alike a real opportunity to learn about the
history of their area while experiencing one of those memorable adventures in
learning that can last a lifetime.
This summer there will be more memory-making opportunities. Learn about
New Brighton’s cultural and environmental history through the Junior Ranger
Program, the Saturday Evening Summer Campfire Series, or by checking out the
interpretive display at the Pacific Migrations Visitors Center. Come and experi-
ence what’s new at New Brighton State Beach and make a lasting memory with
friends and family this summer season. For more information on school and
summer programs at New Brighton please call (831) 464-5620.
s Watercolor of Meder House, vintage 1897.
The Inside Story
on Renovations &
Who Was Meder?
In 1846, Moses A. Meder, his wife, and daugh-
ter traveled around the Cape and arrived in San
by Peg Danielson Living History Programs Francisco. As part of the wave of early American
settlers, Meder moved to Santa Cruz County and
made a living building lumber mills and giv-
espite appearances to The State Park Museum ing small loans on properties. In 1854, Meder
the contrary, there is Curators have done a truly foreclosed on loans to the then-owner of what
still exciting stuff going amazing job of locating is known today as Wilder Ranch. He moved his
on at the Meder House reproduction pieces and family onto the ranch, which he then continued to
develop, building a home and several barns. The
at Wilder Ranch State Park. restoring usable antiques Meder ranch house location is identified within
While we acknowledge that the first so that the rooms will be the 1865 Santa Cruz County maps.
part of the restoration project was functional and accessible.
more obvious and more fun to watch
Visitors have long enjoyed
as the fencing went up, the house it-
a view of family life on a
self went up, the foundation went in,
turn-of-the-century dairy
and the house was lowered back into
farm. The new “ranch
place, it has been a little boring since
hands” will explore life
the exterior painting was done, and
as experienced by the
the workers went undercover.
hired men who worked
Never fear, Friends has been keeping the farm. Thanks to the
an eye on things for you, and has the hard work of the State
inside story on the current state of Parks Museum Cura-
affairs. The interior work is coming tors and Interpreters,
right along. The plastering project is schools groups will have
done, (yes, they used old-fashioned everything they need to
lath and plaster — no mean feat in cook their own meals
this day of drywall!). The next step is on a reproduction stove
to refinish the floors and woodwork. (right), including two
According to Katie Metraux, one of iceboxes (right), vintage
the Museum Curators for California containers, and pots
State Parks, we are on track for a and pans. Meals will
summer installation of the exhibits. be served in the ranch
hands’ dining room.
And oh, what exhibits they will be!
They will be able to sit
As reported in the Summer 2005 Park
at the desk and perform
Views, the Meder house is on its way
the tasks of the rural post Meder House Donors ~
to becoming a usable house museum.
office worker, then work in You’ve Made It All Possible!
Unlike most museums where children
the garden, do laundry and
are encouraged to keep their eyes Anonymous Neal Langholz
other chores. After the work of Mark Alexander Lani LeBlanc
open and their hands in their pockets, Isabel Alvarado Karyn Logan
the day is done, they will retire
at the Meder House school children Dwight Anderson Anne G Lynn
to the parlor, to relax and enjoy John Bono Gretchen Mair
and visitors will participate in liv-
the music of the player piano Connie Brady Jennifer McNulty
ing history programs using replica Chris Brown Lise Peterson
(right) and the gramophone.
furnishings and supplies to experience Jim Brownson Monica Ratliff
for themselves the day-to-day life of a Now that you know the score, Heather Butler Buck Ray
Carol Cirar Scott Smith
ranch hand on a coastal dairy farm. are you wishing that you had Margaret C Cole Gary Silberstein
already gotten involved? Do Val Cole Brewster Smith
Like many old homes, the Meder Maree Creed Dick Spencer,
you feel like you’ve missed out?
House is no stranger to remodels Peggy Danielson George Stagi Jr
Well, we’d love to have your help. Regina Fish Christa Stiner
and renovation. The home dates
Katy Metraux reports that volunteers Jay Friedland Eric Stolzberg
from the 1850s, and was remodeled Arnold Gil-Osorio Sandra Lee Taiz
can be involved in everything
in the 1870s, again around 1905, Bonny Hawley Jim Toney
from inventory to installation Linda Hoff Grace Voss
and it reached the current layout in
this summer. Bruce Holgers Anne Weidlich
1912, when the Jeannie & John Randy Widera
two-story addition According to Carolyn Kegebein Jon Winston
David J Kuty Joy Wood
was built. This is Schimandle, former Inter-
generally the era of pretive Specialist at Wilder,
the current restora- “Without the generosity of
tion. However, the our Donors, we would have a
state parks archives big, beautiful, empty house.” As with
include photos of all beautiful houses, the furnishing
the bedroom and and decoration of the Meder House Check in with Laura at the
office behind the will be an ongoing process. While
parlor from 1905, most of the large items are ready to be Friends office (831) 429-1840
and those rooms will moved into place, Katy says that once
be redone in the the exhibits are installed, they will or laura@scparkfriends.org
style of the photos need to be fine tuned. There will be a
(left, and above). wish list of additional items needed to
to find out how you can help
complete the project. bring history to life.
Photo credits: California State Parks
s The young artist in her environment. Photo by Ryan Wainwright s Wilder scene painting by Elizabeth.
Stewards Storytellers
O
n the occasion of a few hours of free time, I love to hike. There is no shortage of beautiful scenery in Santa Cruz County, and I’m having
Being a full-time student as well as working for Friends, I spend a wonderful time painting at the many diverse parks that surround us. I grew
the majority of my time in town or in class; so I head out to the up in San Diego, where the land is much more developed and encounters with
open wilderness any chance I get. Nothing clears my mind after a long day of nature were limited to the beach, a local lagoon, and Torrey Pines State Park.
taking notes or scurrying about the park stores like a walk in the woods. And
nothing is so grounding as having a seat along the trail and observing the intri- Here in Santa Cruz we have 14 State Parks with terrain ranging from ancient
cacies of nature around me. redwood forests, and meadows colored with wildflowers, to the lively Pacific
coastline. They’ve given me a space for solitude, adventure, and creativity.
Even when hiking we often hurry past nature, completely unaware of how alive
and complex it is. I realized this when I took a science illustration class a couple I encourage everyone to slow down and observe even a tiny weed or the new
summers ago, and it opened my eyes to the vast array of flora and fauna that growth of a tree. Notice how the light dances across a leaf. Watch the grasses of
is everywhere. Suddenly, a weed on the side of the road, a dead tangled shrub, a meadow surge back and forth. Perhaps it will be as calming and rejuvenating
and even a bug were exciting and beautiful, and so interesting to observe. These for you as it has been for me.
things had always been there, but never before had I given them much atten-
Elizabeth is graduating this spring from UCSC and will soon be moving on to her
tion. I became hooked on painting nature. next adventure. We here at Friends thank her for all her great work and wish her
luck in the next chapter of her life.
21
For more information, please call (831) 685-6444. Saturday Morning Walk & Talk; 10a
forms that form some of the most diverse tide-
Seacliff State Beach launches the 14th annual “Footsteps of the Ohlone Coastal Indians,”
pools in the world. Join a Docent Naturalist and
Festival of the Cement Ship. This year’s activities with Mark Hylkema, State Parks Archaeologist.
discover the amazing plants and animals that make
will include the history of the cement ship Palo Meet at the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center.
their home in the intertidal habitat. Tours are
Alto, and arts, crafts, and games for children of all
11/2 hours long. Layered clothing and shoes with
ages. Music, fun, food and dance will tell the story
traction are recommended. Inclement weather will MUSEUM OF ART & HISTORY
of Seacliff ’s history. Informational displays and
14~15
cancel. Meet at the Visitor Center. Plein Air Affaire
exhibits will explain the natural wonder of Seacliff ’s
fossil beds and the animals that call the Monterey Public display & sale 11a – 5p
Bay National Marine Sanctuary home. Plan to WILDER RANCH STATE PARK More than forty artists have contributed over 150
attend this free community event. Grab your danc- Please call (831) 426-0505 for more information. pieces of artwork of scenic Santa Cruz County on
ing shoes and your sun screen and come one, come The History of Wilder Ranch: display at Abbott Square (Museum courtyard).
all for a day of fun at Seacliff State Beach. A Tour of the Historic Ranch Buildings Many artists will be on site and some will do live
All Saturdays & Sundays in June at 1p demonstrations. Bring your family and friends to
MUSEUM OF ART & HISTORY Discover what life was like a century or more ago this exciting event and take the opportunity to
on this innovative dairy ranch. The hour-long purchase your favorite Plein Air piece!
2 Book Signing & Reception Saturday 1–3p
MAH is delighted to announce its latest
publication, Lime Kiln Legacies: The History of the
tour includes the 1897 Victorian home, 1896
water-powered machine shop, and other historic
buildings.
Lime Industry in Santa Cruz County. It features over
125 illustrations, some never before published. The Wilder Ranch Coast Nature Walks
Lime Kiln Legacies includes geologic history, the All Saturdays in June at 11a
story of the lime companies and the life of the lime On these two-hour natural history excursions you
workers. All the lime kilns in the County are fea- will explore the plants, animals, and geology of
tured, including those at Wilder Ranch. For more the spectacular coastal bluffs. Meet at the Wilder
information go to www.limekilnlegacies.com Ranch Interpretive Center. Bring a snack, water,
binoculars, and good walking shoes. Binoculars are
30 Saturday Morning Walk & Talk 10a Step back 100 years as you participate in a
“Railroad Images of Historic New Brigh- 1906-style Independence Day celebration
ton and Capitola” with Carolyn Swift, Capitola
Museum Curator. Meet at the Pacific Migrations
16 Living History Demonstrations
Saturday 11a–3p
Blacksmith shop demonstrations.
including a noon family parade, games,
children’s crafts area, music, living history
demonstrations, historic speeches and flag-
Visitor Center.
raising. Food and drink available for sale, or
bring a picnic lunch.
The park is located 2 miles north of Santa
Cruz on the coast side of Highway 1. For
more information, please call (831) 426-0505.
s Under the Cement Ship, Seacliff. Photo by Joop Rubens
Friends Of
144 School Street
Santa Cruz CA 95060
Name
City
Address
State Zip
SantaCruz Tel (831) 429-1840
Fax (831) 429-6748
s t a t e P a r k s Phone Email
thatsmypark.org
Spring! Photo by Joop Rubens
MISSION STATEMENT
Friends of Santa Cruz
State Parks is dedicated FRIENDS Member Benefits Application page 7
4 Members receive 4 And15% discount ookshop at Henry
B
to promoting the
quarterly Park Views with these generous Cowell (831) 335-3174
appreciation and 4 15% discount in: businesses: mountainparks.org
All Friends’ stores: K
ayak Connection Spokesman Bicycles
stewardship of our New Brighton ~ Seacliff for kayak rentals (831) 429-6062
local state parks’ ~ Wilder Ranch ~ Mission SC Harbor / Elkhorn Slough spokesmanbicycles.com
Adobe ~ Natural Bridges (831) 479-1121 / 724-5692 York Gallery & Framing
natural and cultural kayakconnection.com to frame Friends’ artwork
heritage by facilitating (831) 462-0313
yorkgallery.com
and supporting
educational programs Quarterly Newsletter of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Spring 2007
ParkViews
and exhibits.
www.thatsmypark.org
Photo by Natasha Duda