August 2008 – Crystal Cove State Park

Please see the enclosed calendar for schedule of hikes and specific topic of some of the hikes.

Backcountry hikes scheduled: Saturdays, August 9 & 23 and Sundays, August 3 & 17 at 8:00 am.

Crystal Cove State Park is offering Jr Ranger programs for children ages 7-10 on Tuesdays, August 5 (Scary Animals) and August 12 (Nocturnal Animals) at 9am. Meet at cottage #34 in the Historic District next to the Reservation Office. Park in the Los Trancos lot (PCH inland at stoplight “Los Trancos”) $10 day-use parking fee

Summer is a wonderful time to learn about our local nature. Join a park naturalist on an easy 3-mile walk along the coastline at Crystal Cove State Park to learn about the plants, birds, and intertidal organisms, on Wednesday, August 6 at 9:00am. Meet at the Los Trancos parking lot at the trailer (PCH turn inland at stoplight “Los Trancos”). $10.00 day-use fee

Take a walk through the renovated 12 acre Historic District at Crystal Cove State Park on Saturday, August 9 at 10am. Learn about the colorful past of the Cove and some of the long-time residents and hear about the different uses for each of the cottages including, overnight accommodations. After the walk, author Laura Davick will be signing her book “Crystal Cove Cottages, Islands in Time on the California Coast.” Following the tour and book signing, guests may watch a painting demonstration by Greg LaRock, one of the Signature Artists now showing in the Park Store & Gallery. Meet at Los Trancos parking lot at the trailer (PCH turn inland at stoplight “Los Trancos”). $10.00 day-use fee

On August 16 at 7pm, join park volunteers for a quiet, slow paced walk to enjoy the Full Grain Moon at Crystal Cove State Park. We’ll stroll through the backcountry listening for the song of tree frogs and nocturnal insects.  As the sky fades to black, we’ll search for the darker silhouettes of bats and owls, as they soar across fields of stars.  RSVP to info@backtonatives.org or 949-509-4787.

Crystal Cove State Park is offering a tidepool walk on Sunday, August 31 at 4:00 when the tide will fall to a 0.9. A volunteer will help search for animals found in the lowest zones including sea stars, octopuses, sea hares, and fish (of course, part of the tour is being your own scientist and trying to find these animals yourself!) Meet at Pelican Point parking lot #2, at the top of the boardwalk (PCH turn coastward at Newport Coast stoplight, right at the kiosk and left into the first lot.)

Contact Winter Bonnin at 949.497.7647 or wbonnin@parks.ca.gov for more information