bonny doon ecological reserve moon rocks Bonny Doon Hikes Outdoors Recreation 

A Visit to Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve

By Julie Horner Taking advantage of the early spring warmth among the protected Santa Cruz Sandhills at Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve, I strode out onto the moderately sloped 2.3-mile Silver Leaf Loop, which follows the Reserve perimeter through chaparral, ponderosa pine, and mixed conifer. The loop takes about an hour to walk, or you can take a shortcut on the… Read More
Santa Cruz County Horsemans Association Scotts Valley Events Recreation 

Santa Cruz Horseman’s Association Open House | Saturday, September 9

By Robin Musitelli Since 1946, the Santa Cruz Horsemen’s Association (SCCHA) has been a center for coastal equestrian activities. During the 1940s, the association was dedicated to building equestrian and hiking trails throughout the county. In recent years, the club has sponsored youth groups, held horse shows and competitions, provided staging for large animal rescues during emergencies, and was a… Read More
Pump Track Local News Recreation 

Community Meeting: Proposed Pump Track for Felton Covered Bridge Park

Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship (SCMTS) and Santa Cruz County Parks are proposing a new multi-use pump track for Felton Covered Bridge Park. They’re hosting a public meeting and are looking for community input.  SCMTS describes the pump track as a paved surface with a series of rollers, jumps, and banked turns that connect in a closed loop. The track… Read More
San Vicente Redwoods Santa Cruz Mountains Hikes Local News Outdoors Recreation 

San Vicente Redwoods Preserve to Open

By Julie Horner Outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore fresh territory can look forward to setting boots down on 7.3 miles of ecologically integrated trail in the 8,852-acre San Vicente Redwoods Preserve starting on December 3, 2022. This new multi-use trail system traversing sensitive coastal redwood habitat supports hikers, walkers, bicyclists, and equestrians.  San Vicente Redwoods Preserve spans the seaward side… Read More
Checker Lily Wildflowers Santa Cruz Mountains Local News Outdoors Recreation 

An Insider’s Guide to Spring Wildflowers at Quail Hollow

By Pamela Morgan April and May always remind me of renewal, birth, and the blooming calla lilies, forget-me-nots, daffodils, and tulips. I become giddy with the first sightings of native wildflowers! I was introduced to coastal wildflowers while hiking with the Santa Cruz and Monterey chapters of the Sierra Club in the mid-80s, gravitating to hikers with an eye for… Read More
New Years Day hike at Moore Creek Preserve Santa Cruz Columnists Local News Recreation 

New Year’s Hike at Moore Creek Preserve

First hike of the new year! Moore Creek Preserve, Santa Cruz. Splendid! Moore Creek Preserve (formerly the Bombay Property) consists of 246 acres of diverse ecosystems, including coastal prairie, wildflower, open grassland, coast oak woodlands, and a riparian corridor on the west side of Santa Cruz near UCSC. Nearly 3 miles of trails guide hikers through threatened and endangered wildlife… Read More