1. Crystal Cove State Park, near Laguna Beach in Orange County, California, has over 3 miles of beaches, 2,400 acres of wilderness area for hiking and camping, an UNDERWATER wilderness, and a really cool historic village that’s been around since the 1930s. Join a Park Ranger for a fun introduction to the ecology of Crystal Cove State Park with Crystal Cove Conservancy's weekly Junior Ranger program. This children’s nature program is a favorite in State Parks and allows visitors ages 7-12 to earn a badge. Junior Rangers meets from 10-11am on August 5, 17, 19, and 24. Please meet the park staff at the Berns Amphitheater (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park, follow signs towards the campground). If you have questions about the program, please call ahead and ask for Interpretive Naturalist Winter Bonnin. Winter can be reached at Winter.Bonnin@parks.ca.gov and (949) 497-7647.
2. Established in 1931, Calaveras Big Trees State Park located in Calaveras County protects two groves of giant sequoias - the world's largest trees - in the North and South Groves. The park is a mixed-conifer forest (a variety of trees living together). In addition to the giant trees, you will find the Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek, ancient volcanic formations, and natural meadows. Trails throughout the park allow you to discover the natural beauty that has awed visitors to the area since 1852. The Junior Park Ranger program is scheduled for about an hour, Thursdays through Sundays from 10-11am. Please meet at the picnic tables across from Jack Knight Hall (behind the Ranger’s Station). For questions about the program, please call ahead at (209) 795-7980.
If you are staying local this summer, please check out other resources provided by California State Parks:
Junior Park Ranger YouTube channel
Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students Webinars