April & May - Santa Cruz County Parks Department

QUAIL HOLLOW RANCH
Santa Cruz County
Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services
979 17th Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
QUAIL HOLLOW
RANCH COUNTY PARK
QUAIL HOLLOW RANCH
Nestled deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Quail Hollow
Ranch County Park is home to fifteen different habitats, as
well as numerous rare and endangered species of plants and
animals. Approximately four miles of hiking trails, ranging from the easy onemile Discovery Trail, to the hilly Sunset Trail, weave through the 300-acre
park.
Most interpretive programs are offered on Sundays, covering a variety
of topics on the natural and cultural history of the park. Quail Hollow Ranch
is located at 800 Quail Hollow Road, just two miles up Zayante Road from Felton and two miles from Ben Lomond via Glen Arbor Road. Park hours are dawn
to dusk, daily. For more information call 831-335-9348.
Upcoming Activities
April-May
2015
APRIL-MAY ACTIVITIES - 2015
Trek to the Forbidden Sandhills - Each Sunday in April, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
April is the best and only time to visit the flower-covered hills of the sand parkland habitat at
Quail Hollow; join a guided tour to see and learn about the many rare species that make this
special place their home. Bring good walking shoes, sun protection, drinking water and
optional camera. Due to the sensitive nature of the area, the group size is limited. Sign-up
in advance by calling 335-9348. Open to all flower lovers who can walk a mile.
APRIL-MAY ACTIVITIES - 2015
Mother’s Day Gifts - Sunday, May 3, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Looking for something special for Mom on Mother’s Day? Come out to Quail Hollow Ranch to create
a living gift that Mom will love. Adults and kids will team up and work with Master Gardener Karina
Gaille to make a succulent garden as well as a Mother’s Day card. Materials are provided. Call 3359348 to sign up in advance. Fee: $5.00/team.
The Wisdom in Nature — Mature Minds Exploring Nature’s Ways
In Search of Herps — Reptiles and Amphibians at Quail Hollow Ranch
Sunday, April 12 AND Sunday, May 3, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Join herpetologist, Paul Haskins for a saunter along Quail Hollow park trails in search of herps - that
is, reptiles and amphibians. Come peruse the pond and muse over the meadow as we learn about the
favorite hangouts and resting places of these fascinating animals. Group size is limited; sign up in advance by calling 335-9348. All ages are welcome.
A Stellar Experience — Star Gazing at Quail Hollow
Friday, April 17 AND Friday, May 8, 8:00 p.m. – midnight
Have you ever wanted to get a good look at the nighttime sky but didn’t have good enough
equipment? Borrow the Santa Cruz Astronomy Club’s amazing telescopes and enjoy
breathtaking view of planets, stars, nebula and other celestial neighbors. You’ll learn all
about our stellar neighbors as club members explain what you’re seeing through the eyepiece. Dress warmly. Rain or cloudy skies cancels the program. All ages are welcome.
Laundry to Landscape — Simple Greywater Harvesting - Sunday, April 19, 1:00 –3:00 p.m.
Your washing machine can water your yard! Learn how simple “Laundry-to-Landscape” and “Branched
Drain” systems can irrigate your landscape, safely and legally for about $200 in materials. LeAnne
Ravinale, the Water Conservation Coordinator for the Scotts Valley Water District will give a presentation that will show you the tools, training, permits, soaps and the plants that are best suited for greywater. For ages 16 and up. Call 335-9348 to sign up in advance. Fee: $3.00
Dowsing for Earth Energies: Tuning into the Energy Around You
Dowsing is a time-honored tradition that has allowed countless cultures to locate everything from ground water to metals to oil. Join Susan White Rose for
an introductory workshop on dowsing skills using L-Rods, as well as deviceless dowsing techniques
of muscle testing and kinesiology. Learn to detect your own human energy patterns, earth energies,
plants, water and EMFs. Bring your favorite dowsing instruments (some will be provided for use or
sale) or bring 2 metal clothes hangers and 2 plastic straws for constructing your own L-Rods. Register
at www.scparks.com or by calling 831-454-7941.
Ages 16+ Su
Ages 16+ Su
4/26
5/3
2-4 PM $12 /$13 #14875
2-4 PM $12 /$13 #14876
Are you over 50 years old and interested in the natural and cultural history of Santa Cruz?
Enjoy this new and innovative workshop series for mature adults where you’ll learn about
the ways of nature while discovering the wisdom that it whispers. Learn about local geology, biology, botany, ecology, zoology, astronomy, and history through guest speaker presentations; also enjoy hikes, microscope viewing, mapping, species surveys, arts and crafts
and other hands-on activities in this engaging and informative 8-day program. Please note: Participants
should be prepared to walk up to 3 miles in one day (although most days will offer walks of one mile
or less). **Class time may differ on some days. Register at www.scparks.com or by calling 831454-7941.
Guest speakers this session include:
~ Todd Newberry, professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology, UCSC;
author of The Ardent Birder
~ Bethany Kilzer, local storyteller
~ Kanyon Sayers-Roods, Native Ohlone
~ Santa Cruz Astronomy Club
~ Lindy Patania, Quail Hollow volunteer and reptile presenter
~ Paul Haskins, Quail Hollow volunteer and herpetologist
Ages 50+ Tu-F 5/5-5/15
10AM-2PM** $175 /$193
#14877
Fly Fishing 101 - Sunday, May 17, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Here’s your chance to acquaint yourself with all the knowledge and gear needed to fly fish successfully.
A casting master will lead a workshop for novice and intermediate casters. (Bring your own rod and
reel or use club rods provided.) Expert, club fly-tiers will demonstrate different flies and tying techniques with extra tables to try your hand at tying while getting expert instruction. A free BBQ lunch
and cold drinks will be offered. Open to ages 8 and up. Fee: $3.00
Oh Deer! — Deer Proofing your Garden - Sunday, May 31, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
There’s nothing worse than spending ages growing a beautiful garden, just to have it consumed by deer in one night. If you have frequent visits from these nocturnal pests, then
join Sue Proctor and Karen Cozza, Master Gardeners, for ideas, tips, and tactics for this
pesky problem. Deer deterrents, barriers, and other solutions will be discussed. For ages
16 and up. Call 335-9348 to sign up in advance. Fee: $3.00