Santa Cruz Parks - Activity Guide - Summer 2024

14 • Parks, Open Space & Cultural Services INTERPRETIVE & OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAMS Within These Walls: Ranch House Tour Join Park Docent Richard James on a tour of the Ranch house. Learn about its history from the Watermelon King to Sun-Kissed Ranch, Sunset Magazine, and beyond. This informative tour will give you the opportunity to find out about four of the families who made the ranch their business, home, and haven. QUAIL HOLLOW RANCH – AGES 16 & UP Su 9/29 1-3pm Free Su 12/1 1-3pm Free Reptile & Amphibian Walk Join Park Docent James Maughn for a saunter along park trails in search of herps: reptiles and amphibians, that is. Peruse the pond and muse over the meadow as we learn about the favorite hang-outs and resting places of these fascinating animals. Open to ages 6 & up; an adult must accompany ages 12 & under. QUAIL HOLLOW RANCH – AGES 6 & UP* Su 11/17 10am-12pm Free Su 12/15 10am-12pm Free Full Moon Hike Come join us for a quiet exploration of Quail Hollow Ranch, under the moonlight. On this one-hour guided hike on the lower trails, you can search for critters and meander through the forest. Bring flashlights and/or a headlamp (though we may try to hike without them), and some drinking water. Dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes. *Ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. We will meet up outside the ranch house before heading out. Please Note: Cloudy skies or rain cancels the hike QUAIL HOLLOW RANCH – AGES 8 & UP* Tu 9/17 8:30-10pm Free F 11/15 6:30-8pm Free For Goodness Snakes! In this exciting and interactive presentation, you’ll get a chance to see and hold (only if you want to!) a blue- tongued skink, black and white Tegu, four di¤erent kinds of ball pythons, and a 10-ft. albino Burmese python! Brian will discuss snake senses and how these animals live and interact with the wild. For over 15 years Brian Gundy of For Goodness Snakes has been educating and entertaining children and adults with his reptile friends. He has worked with exotic animals such as birds of prey, African lions, Cheetahs, and domesticated animals of all kinds. QUAIL HOLLOW RANCH – AGES 7 & UP Su 10/13 12-1pm Free Located at 800 Quail Hollow Rd., just 2 miles up Zayante Rd. in Felton or 2 miles from Ben Lomond via Glen Arbor Rd., Quail Hollow Ranch has miles of hiking trails which traverse a variety of habitats. These habitats provide homes for many species of rare and endangered plants and animals, including the Ben Lomond Spineflower and Mount Hermon June Beetle. Activities meet first at the Visitor Center, former home of the Lane family of Sunset Magazine fame. For more infomation visit www.scparks.com or contact the Program Coordinator at parks.classes@santacruzcountyca.gov. Space is limited for these free activities at Quail Hollow Ranch. Participants may register in advance at scparks.com or call 831-454-7901. Please note: an ActiveNet account is required for advance registration.