Join a guided tide pool exploration to celebrate California Biodiversity Week and learn about MacKerricher State Park’s tide pools! Search for sea stars and handle hermit crabs, check out chitons, and marvel at mollusks while learning how to safely explore tide pools!

LOCATION: MacKerricher State Park, Laguna Point tide pools - located at the bottom of the boardwalk stairs

Relax next to a crackling campfire to learn about MacKerricher State Park's "Criminal Critters!” Visitors will become detectives by learning about a "crime" committed by an animal in the park. We will use clues to figure out what animal was the culprit! Put on your thinking caps, because we need very smart detectives to solve these mysteries! 

S'mores, laughs, and campfire songs provided.

Location: MacKerricher Campfire Center, near front kiosk

Relax next to a crackling campfire to hear the story of "Sammy the Slug". Sammy faces a tough problem - trash in the campground! How can a little banana slug solve this problem? Will anyone help Sammy clean up their home?

This program is geared towards young campers, but all ages and s'more enthusiasts are welcome!

S'mores provided!

Location: MacKerricher Campfire Center, near front kiosk

Location: Van Damme Beach

Join CA State Parks for a fun introductory tidepool exploration at Van Damme Beach!  Meet bright and early at the beach shower/abalone sign for the morning low tide (-0.3 ft @ 6:00am).  Come prepared with sturdy, closed toe shoes (hiking boots or an old pair of tennis shoes that you don’t mind getting wet are best), layered clothing, sun protection, and a water bottle.  Species guides will be available to borrow.  Note that there will be a short walk across a sandy beach to access the tidepools.  Please park only in designated parking spaces.  All programs are free and open to the public. Programs may be cancelled due to park closures, weather, or other emergencies, INCLUDING dangerous and unpredictable ocean conditions.  Visit www.mendoparks.org to learn more about upcoming programs or to make a donation to support park services and programs. For questions and accessibility information, email Mackenzi.Lamb@parks.ca.gov.

Location: Van Damme Beach

Join CA State Parks for a fun introductory tidepool exploration at Van Damme Beach!  Meet bright and early at the beach shower/abalone sign for the morning low tide (-0.3 ft @ 6:00am).  Come prepared with sturdy, closed toe shoes (hiking boots or an old pair of tennis shoes that you don’t mind getting wet are best), layered clothing, sun protection, and a water bottle.  Species guides will be available to borrow.  Note that there will be a short walk across a sandy beach to access the tidepools.  Please park only in designated parking spaces.  All programs are free and open to the public. Programs may be cancelled due to park closures, weather, or other emergencies, INCLUDING dangerous and unpredictable ocean conditions.  Visit www.mendoparks.org to learn more about upcoming programs or to make a donation to support park services and programs. For questions and accessibility information, email Mackenzi.Lamb@parks.ca.gov.

Location: Van Damme Campfire Center

Join CA State Parks for 45 minutes of fun around the fire at the Van Damme Campfire Center!  Bring your own s’mores, snacks or drinks to enjoy.  Campers are encouraged to walk to the campfire center by taking the trail next to site 39 in the upper loop or by walking along the road from the lower loop.  Day users are welcome to attend as well, but there is no parking at the campfire center except for one handicap space.  Parking at Van Damme State Park is limited.  Day users are encouraged to arrive early and park in one of the day use lots and walk along the road to the campfire center.  Please park only in designated parking spaces.  All programs are free and open to the public. Programs may be cancelled due to park closures, weather, or other emergencies.

Visit www.mendoparks.org to learn more about upcoming programs or to make a donation to support park services and programs.

For questions and accessibility information, email Mackenzi.Lamb@parks.ca.gov.

Location: Van Damme Fern Canyon Trail - Join CA State Parks for a short walk along the Fern Canyon Trail at Van Damme.  Wear comfortable hiking shoes and remember to bring water and insect repellent.  Due to limited parking, campers are encouraged to walk to the trailhead.  Day users are encouraged to arrive early as parking spaces fill quickly.  Please park only in designated parking spaces.  All programs are free and open to the public. Programs may be cancelled due to park closures, weather, or other emergencies.

Visit www.mendoparks.org to learn more about upcoming programs or to make a donation to support park services and programs.

For questions and accessibility information, email Mackenzi.Lamb@parks.ca.gov.

Location: Van Damme Campfire Center

Join CA State Parks for 45 minutes of fun around the fire at the Van Damme Campfire Center!  Bring your own s’mores, snacks or drinks to enjoy.  Campers are encouraged to walk to the campfire center by taking the trail next to site 39 in the upper loop or by walking along the road from the lower loop.  Day users are welcome to attend as well, but there is no parking at the campfire center except for one handicap space.  Parking at Van Damme State Park is limited.  Day users are encouraged to arrive early and park in one of the day use lots and walk along the road to the campfire center.  Please park only in designated parking spaces.  All programs are free and open to the public. Programs may be cancelled due to park closures, weather, or other emergencies.

Visit www.mendoparks.org to learn more about upcoming programs or to make a donation to support park services and programs.

For questions and accessibility information, email Mackenzi.Lamb@parks.ca.gov.

Relax next to a crackling campfire and learn about MacKerricher State Park's "Criminal Critters!” You will become a detective by learning about a "crime" committed by an animal in the park. We will use clues to figure out what animal was the culprit! Put on your thinking caps because we need brilliant detectives to solve these mysteries! 

S'mores, laughs, and campfire songs provided.

Location: MacKerricher Campfire Center, near front kiosk

Location: Big River Beach (Mendocino Headlands State Park)

Calling all kids ages 7-12!  Have you ever wanted to be a Jr. Ranger?  Join us for this fun, 30-minute program with a California State Parks interpreter to learn about the park’s natural and cultural resources and at the end you can earn your Jr. Ranger badge and add a stamp to your Jr. Ranger logbook!  All programs are free and open to the public. Programs may be cancelled due to park closures, weather, or other emergencies. Visit www.mendoparks.org to learn more about upcoming programs or to make a donation to support park services and programs.

For questions and accessibility information, email Mackenzi.Lamb@parks.ca.gov.

Young visitors (ages 7 - 12) gather to become Junior Rangers! Expect crafts, exploration, team-based games, and learning activities. This state-wide program allows students to gather stamps from various parks to earn prizes!

Junior Rangers should wear closed-toe shoes for this exploration. 

Location: Laguna Point parking area picnic tables, MacKerricher State Park

A Free MendoParks Event...

Come on down to Caspar Beach and have coffee with me (Sid Garza-Hillman - MendoParks Executive Director)! Chat, watch the ocean, and enjoy a lazy Saturday morning with dark, home roasted coffee...(Bring your own creamer of choice – I'll provide the coffee, sugar, and compostable cups and spoons...

Location/Directions: The beach is two miles north of Russian Gulch on the coast access road (Point Cabrillo Drive.) and one mile south of the turnoff at milepost 54.71 on Highway One. CLICK HERE for a Google Map

Relax next to a crackling campfire to hear the story of "Sammy the Slug". Sammy faces a tough problem - trash in the campground! How can a little banana slug solve this problem? Will anyone help Sammy clean up their home?

This program is geared towards young campers, but all ages and s'more enthusiasts are welcome!

S'mores provided.

Location: MacKerricher State Park Campfire Center, near front kiosk

Young visitors (ages 7 - 12) gather to become Junior Rangers! Expect crafts, exploration, team-based games, and learning activities. This state-wide program allows students to gather stamps from various parks to earn prizes!

Junior Rangers should wear closed-toe shoes for this exploration. 

Location: Laguna Point parking area picnic tables, MacKerricher State Park

Young visitors (ages 7 - 12) gather to become Junior Rangers! Expect crafts, exploration, team-based games, and learning activities. This state-wide program allows students to gather stamps from various parks to earn prizes!

Junior Rangers should wear closed-toe shoes for this exploration. 

Location: Laguna Point parking area picnic tables, MacKerricher State Park

Join a California State Park Interpreter to view harbor seals. Learn why these animals are special, what we have in common with these blubbery beauties, and what we can do to help them! 

Binoculars are available for borrowing. 

Location: Farthest overlook of the Laguna Point Boardwalk, MacKerricher State Park

Visit this informational table to learn the fascinating history of Glass Beach!

How did this glass get here? Why is it still here? What threatens this unique area? Find out from a California State Park Interpreter!  

Location: Glass Beach Trail – overlooking Glass Beach

Location:  Manchester State Park, meet at the Davis Wetlands Trailhead in the Manchester State Park Campground 

Join Park Interpreter Anica Williams for an interactive hike highlighting this park’s rare gems. It’s about a mile long. Note: this trail is not currently ADA accessible and dogs are not allowed (dogs are not allowed on the beach or on trails at Manchester State Park). 

Location: Meet at the Ford House, 45035 Main Street, Mendocino, CA 95460

Join Park Interpreter, Anica Williams, for an interactive hike through the Mendocino Headlands State Park’s history and get acquainted with some of its many characters. It’s about a mile loop, mostly flat. Note: this trail is not currently ADA accessible. 

All programs are free and open to the public. All Ages, but minors must be accompanied by an adult. Rain cancels. Programs run 6/16/25 - 8/16/25 
For more info contact: Anica Williams at anica.williams@parks.ca.gov 

Location: Greenwood State Beach, meet at the Greenwood Visitor Center Museum, Elk  

Join Park Interpreter and Elk local, Anica Williams, for an interactive walk through this area’s history on this half mile loop. We will have a chance to check out the wonderful Greenwood Visitor Center Museum. Note: this trail is not currently ADA accessible. 
 
All programs are free and open to the public. All Ages, but minors must be accompanied by an adult. Rain cancels. Programs run 6/16/25 - 8/16/25 
For more info contact: Anica Williams at anica.williams@parks.ca.gov 

Location: Manchester State Park, meeting places by date:  
June 22 - July 13: Campfire Center in Campground  
and  
July 20 - Aug 10: Day Use Area 

Young visitors (ages 7 - 12) gather to become Junior Rangers! Expect exploration and learning activities. This state-wide program allows students to gather stamps from various parks to earn prizes! Note: dogs are not allowed on the beach or on trails at Manchester State Park 
 
All programs are free and open to the public. Rain cancels. Programs run 6/16/25 - 8/16/25 
For more info contact: Anica Williams at anica.williams@parks.ca.gov 

Relax next to a crackling campfire and learn about MacKerricher State Park's "Criminal Critters!” You will become a detective by learning about a "crime" committed by an animal in the park. We will use clues to figure out what animal was the culprit! Put on your thinking caps because we need brilliant detectives to solve these mysteries! 

S'mores, laughs, and campfire songs provided.

Location: MacKerricher Campfire Center, near front kiosk

Young visitors (ages 7 - 12) gather to become Junior Rangers! Expect crafts, exploration, team-based games, and learning activities. This state-wide program allows students to gather stamps from various parks to earn prizes!

Junior Rangers should wear closed-toe shoes for this exploration. 

Location: Laguna Point parking area picnic tables, MacKerricher State Park

Relax next to a crackling campfire to hear the story of "Sammy the Slug". Sammy faces a tough problem - trash in the campground! How can a little banana slug solve this problem? Will anyone help Sammy clean up their home?

This program is geared towards young campers, but all ages and s'more enthusiasts are welcome!

S'mores provided.

Location: MacKerricher State Park Campfire Center, near front kiosk

Young visitors (ages 7 - 12) gather to become Junior Rangers! Expect crafts, exploration, team-based games, and learning activities. This state-wide program allows students to gather stamps from various parks to earn prizes!

Junior Rangers should wear closed-toe shoes for this exploration. 

Location: Laguna Point parking area picnic tables, MacKerricher State Park

Young visitors (ages 7 - 12) gather to become Junior Rangers! Expect crafts, exploration, team-based games, and learning activities. This state-wide program allows students to gather stamps from various parks to earn prizes!

Junior Rangers should wear closed-toe shoes for this exploration. 

Location: Laguna Point parking area picnic tables, MacKerricher State Park

Join a California State Park Interpreter to view harbor seals. Learn why these animals are special, what we have in common with these blubbery beauties, and what we can do to help them! 

Binoculars are available for borrowing. 

Location: Farthest overlook of the Laguna Point Boardwalk, MacKerricher State Park

Visit this informational table to learn the fascinating history of Glass Beach!

How did this glass get here? Why is it still here? What threatens this unique area? Find out from a California State Park Interpreter!  

Location: Glass Beach Trail – overlooking Glass Beach

Location:  Manchester State Park, meet at the Davis Wetlands Trailhead in the Manchester State Park Campground 

Join Park Interpreter Anica Williams for an interactive hike highlighting this park’s rare gems. It’s about a mile long. Note: this trail is not currently ADA accessible and dogs are not allowed (dogs are not allowed on the beach or on trails at Manchester State Park). 

Location: Meet at the Ford House, 45035 Main Street, Mendocino, CA 95460

Join Park Interpreter, Anica Williams, for an interactive hike through the Mendocino Headlands State Park’s history and get acquainted with some of its many characters. It’s about a mile loop, mostly flat. Note: this trail is not currently ADA accessible. 

All programs are free and open to the public. All Ages, but minors must be accompanied by an adult. Rain cancels. Programs run 6/16/25 - 8/16/25 
For more info contact: Anica Williams at anica.williams@parks.ca.gov