Ranger Programs and 1909 at Wilder

Here are a couple school-worthy events...

For FREE all summer long at Natural Bridges State Park they run a nature program that meets weekly covering different environmental topics and some local history. See dates and list of topics below

Little Ranger program (ages 3-6yrs.) MONDAYS 10:30- 11:15AM
June 15: Life on the Natural Bridge
June 22: Life of a Tree
June 29: Tidepool Life
July 6: Animal Tracking Treasures
July 13: Critter Search
July 20: Explore for Algae
July 27: Birds Around Us
August 3: Amazing Art of Natural Bridges
August 10: Super Seeds
August 17: Secrets of Sand
August 24: Hands of Habitat Restoration



Jr. Ranger program (ages 7-12 yrs.)THURSDAYS 11AM- 12:15PM
June 18: Fire!
June 25: Hands-on Adobe: comparing Ohlone vs. Spanish style
July 2: Ohlone Games
July 9: Gardens of Times
July 16: Corn-y Activities
July 23: Basket Making
July 30 Gourd Craft
Aug. 6 Roundup: Vaqueros' art of roping
Aug. 13 Papel and Pinatas



“Independence Day 1909 Celebration” at
Wilder Ranch State Park
Saturday, July 4, 2009
11:00 AM-4:00 PM

Travel back in time at Wilder Ranch State Park on Wednesday, July 4, to experience an old-fashioned Independence Day Celebration 1909 style with patriotic exercises, a parade, music, and games. Festivities run from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

At 11:45 meet at the apple orchard in front of the Highway 1 tunnel and join in the parade. Bring a musical instrument or noisemaker, dress in 1909 costume, or pull a decorated wagon. Suffragettes are sure to be there. Parade walks through the complex to front lawn for flag raising, speeches, and patriotic music. After the parade, watch the flag being raised, and listen to the Declaration of Independence, patriotic music and speeches.

Try the cake walk, historic lawn games, draft horse wagon rides, ice cream cranking, crafts to make, and listen to live 1909 music. There is food and drink for sale; strawberry shortcake, dill pickles, watermelon, root beer and hand squeezed lemon aide, or bring your own picnic to spread out on the lawn. Bratwurst USA will be selling BBQ chicken dinners and other cuisine at family prices. Lily’s Roasted Corn and baked potatoes also available. Bank will exchange your 2009 dollars into 1909 tokens, good for most things except concessionaire food and wagon rides.

Wilder Ranch docents will be demonstrating 1909 dairy-ranch work, including woodstove baking, blacksmithing, and vegetable gardening. Walk through the newly renovated historic Meder Ranch house and visit the Ranch animals. Musicians include the Society Orchestra, and our own home grown “5 Ms Band” performing popular 1909 songs.

Wilder Ranch State Park is located 2 miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1. The event is free; parking is $8.00 per car. For more event information, call (831) 426-0505.

Co-sponsored by California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

$1 Movie Mornings

Here is some cheap fun for the summer. Sorry if this is not in line with "homeschooling." I just figured we all are looking for things to fill the summer with on a budget. Check out the $1 movies over the hill every Wednesday morning at 10am...