May 2008 – Crystal Cove State Park

Crystal Cove State Park is sponsoring a geology tour along the coastal section of the park on Saturday, May 3 at 9am. We will visit several diverse and geologically outstanding sites which all display a story from a different geologic time. Meet at Los Trancos parking lot at the trailer (PCH turn inland at stoplight “Los Trancos”). $10.00 day-use fee.

Come join park staff and Dr. Bird, Gary Meredith for a Songbirds, Wildflowers, and Butterflies backcountry hike on Tuesday, May 6 at 8:00. Meet at the El Moro Visitor Center (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park.) $10.00 day-use parking fee

Crystal Cove State Park is seeking new trail assistant/mountain bike volunteers to help provide a safer and more enjoyable environment for park users in the backcountry. Join park staff at our annual orientation on Wednesday, May 7 at 6:30. We will meet at the Los Trancos trailer (PCH turn inland at stoplight “Los Trancos”). For more information contact by email or call 497.7647.

Take a walk through the renovated 12 acre Historic District at Crystal Cove State Park on Saturday, May 10 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 Kevin Davidson, 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

Crystal Cove State Park is offering a tidepool walks on Sunday, May 11 at 10:00 when the tide will fall to a very low -0.3. 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.) $10.00 day-use fee

Spring is here and wildflowers of all colors are painting the hillsides. On Sunday, May 11, Crystal Cove State Park volunteer Andre Torng will lead a Nature Photography Hike (3 miles) in the El Moro backcountry and teach visitors how to take the perfect flower and landscape photos. Bring a camera, even a point and shoot will do. You are guaranteed to end up looking at flowers from a different angle. Meet at the El Moro Visitor Center (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park.) $10.00 day-use parking fee

Join a park naturalist on a hike to celebrate Mother Earth (the Mother of us all) on Monday May 12 at 9am, and on Tuesday, May 27 at 9am to appreciate nature. We’ll look for wildflowers, signs of wild animals, and wildlands. Meet at the El Moro Visitor Center (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park.) $10.00 day-use parking fee