Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA

Sundays at Costanoa

Naturalist Hike to Ohlone Ridge Sundays, 1-3pm - Intermediate level 3-mile hike through the riparian corridor of Whitehouse Creek and then up through coastal scrub and Douglas Fir eco-systems. Then continue on up the hillside to rest at an amazing vista of the reefs and beaches south of Costanoa. Meet in front of the Ranch House.

Costanoa Spring Activities

Naturalist Tour of Pescadero Marsh
Sunday February 5th 10am
Join State Parks docents for a guided nature walk through Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve. Part of Pescadero State Beach, the marsh is the only extensive wetland along the coast of the San Francisco Peninsula, and includes a complex of several habitats.
More than 200 species of birds have been recorded in the marsh, including more than 60 that nest there, among them the Great Blue Heron. Species in the marsh listed under the Endangered Species Act include the San Francisco garter snake, California red-legged frog, tidewater goby, steelhead trout, and Coho salmon.
Meet at the Pescadero Trailhead 10 miles north of Costanoa.

Behind the Scenes at Seymour Discovery Center
Friday February 10th
Enjoy FREE Admission and learn about the work of scientists and their studies of Dolphins, Sea Lions, Elephant Seals and Harbor Seals. The Seymour Discovery Center is located 25 minutes south of Costanoa.
For more information;
Contact:831.459.3800
seymourcenter.ucsc.edu

Annual Migration Festival
Saturday February 11th, 11am-4pm
Natural Bridges, winter home of the migrating monarchs, will have community organizations in abundance to share the wonder and science of migration. Come and be entertained by active kids' games, a skit, live music by the nature-loving 5M's band and free habitat cake. Sign up to volunteer and get your hands dirty and help plant vital habitat for the monarch butterflies. Enjoy special activities and talks on the hour in the visitor center. You can purchase a picnic at Natural Bridges or bring your own. Natural Bridges is located 20 minutes south of Costanoa.

Live Classical Guitar with William Grabow
Saturday February 11th 5pm in Cascade Restaurant
Enjoy local romantic classical guitar to accompany your dinner at Cascade.

Bird Walk with Scott Smithson
Sunday February 12th, 9am
Enjoy local birdlife with local Ornithologist Scott Smithson
$5 per participant.

Live Classical Guitar with Al Frisby
Saturday February 18th 5pm in Cascade Restaurant
Enjoy local New Orleans inspired romp to accompany your dinner at Cascade.

The Hidden Lives of Animals
Rancho Del Oso Nature Center
Sunday February 19th 1pm
Meet State Park Naturalists and learn about the tracks and signs that our local inhabitants leave behind.
RDO is located 5 minutes south of Costanoa.

Mushroom Foraging Hike
Valentines Sunday February 19th 10am
Join environmental scientist Mitch Allan on a mushroom walk to explore the toadstools, the tasty and the terminal of the mushroom world. If nature permits guests may return with a good harvest of edible fungal delights. Mitch is also an active Search and Rescue member and Wilderness EMT. Participants will carpool to the best foraging area within a 10 minute drive from Costanoa. Meet in front of the Ranch House with your Car Keys. $20 per participant.
Call 650-879-7312 for reservations.

Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook Off
Saturday February 25th, 10am-4pm at the Santa Cruz Wharf.
Admission is Free.
Call 831-423-5590

Naturalist Tour of Pescadero Marsh
Sunday March 4th 10am
Join State Parks docents for a guided nature walk through Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve. Part of Pescadero State Beach, the marsh is the only extensive wetland along the coast of the San Francisco Peninsula, and includes a complex of several habitats.
More than 200 species of birds have been recorded in the marsh, including more than 60 that nest there, among them the Great Blue Heron. Species in the marsh listed under the Endangered Species Act include the San Francisco garter snake, California red-legged frog, tidewater goby, steelhead trout, and Coho salmon.
Meet at the Pescadero Trailhead 10 miles north of Costanoa.

Behind the Scenes at Seymour Discovery Center
Friday March 9th
Enjoy FREE Admission and learn about the work of scientists and their studies of Dolphins, Sea Lions, Elephant Seals and Harbor Seals. The Seymour Discovery Center is located 25 minutes south of Costanoa.
For more information;
Contact:831.459.3800
seymourcenter.ucsc.edu

Kayak Whale Watch Tour
Sunday March 11th, 7:30-10am
Join us for a real adventure; kayaking with Grey Whales. In the Spring, the Grey Whales' migration brings them close to our coastline. At Davenport Landing, 10 miles north of Santa Cruz, kayaks can easily access the open ocean and encounter whales very close to shore. Our tour begins and ends early in the morning at Davenport Landing. We can generally see whales without paddling more than a few hundred yards offshore. Tours are run subject to conditions. If our guides deem the conditions to be too wind or the surf is too large we will offer an alternative location 15 minutes south of Davenport. $90 per person, 72 Hour Cancellation Policy strictly enforced. Call 650-879-7312 for Reservations. Open to ages 12 and up.

Kayak Whale Watch Tour
Sunday March 25th, 7:30-10am
Join us for a real adventure; kayaking with Grey Whales. In the Spring, the Grey Whales' migration brings them close to our coastline. At Davenport Landing, 10 miles north of Santa Cruz, kayaks can easily access the open ocean and encounter whales very close to shore. Our tour begins and ends early in the morning at Davenport Landing. We can generally see whales without paddling more than a few hundred yards offshore. Tours are run subject to conditions. If our guides deem the conditions to be too wind or the surf is too large we will offer an alternative location 15 minutes south of Davenport. $90 per person, 72 Hour Cancellation Policy strictly enforced. Call 650-879-7312 for Reservations. Open to ages 12 and up.

Kayak Whale Watch Tour
Saturday March 31st , 7:30-10am
Join us for a real adventure; kayaking with Grey Whales. In the Spring, the Grey Whales' migration brings them close to our coastline. At Davenport Landing, 10 miles north of Santa Cruz, kayaks can easily access the open ocean and encounter whales very close to shore. Our tour begins and ends early in the morning at Davenport Landing. We can generally see whales without paddling more than a few hundred yards offshore. Tours are run subject to conditions. If our guides deem the conditions to be too wind or the surf is too large we will offer an alternative location 15 minutes south of Davenport. $90 per person, 72 Hour Cancellation Policy strictly enforced. Call 650-879-7312 for Reservations. Open to ages 12 and up.

Kayak Whale Watch Tour
Sunday April 1st , 7:30-10am
Join us for a real adventure; kayaking with Grey Whales. In the Spring, the Grey Whales' migration brings them close to our coastline. At Davenport Landing, 10 miles north of Santa Cruz, kayaks can easily access the open ocean and encounter whales very close to shore. Our tour begins and ends early in the morning at Davenport Landing. We can generally see whales without paddling more than a few hundred yards offshore. Tours are run subject to conditions. If our guides deem the conditions to be too wind or the surf is too large we will offer an alternative location 15 minutes south of Davenport. $90 per person, 72 Hour Cancellation Policy strictly enforced. Call 650-879-7312 for Reservations. Open to ages 12 and up.

Kayak Whale Watch Tour
Saturday April 7th , 7:30-10am
Join us for a real adventure; kayaking with Grey Whales. In the Spring, the Grey Whales' migration brings them close to our coastline. At Davenport Landing, 10 miles north of Santa Cruz, kayaks can easily access the open ocean and encounter whales very close to shore. Our tour begins and ends early in the morning at Davenport Landing. We can generally see whales without paddling more than a few hundred yards offshore. Tours are run subject to conditions. If our guides deem the conditions to be too wind or the surf is too large we will offer an alternative location 15 minutes south of Davenport. $90 per person, 72 Hour Cancellation Policy strictly enforced. Call 650-879-7312 for Reservations. Open to ages 12 and up.

Easter Egg Decorating
Saturday April 7th , 1-3pm
Join us for an afternoon of Egg decorating, All eggs, paint and dye will be provided but feel free to bring your own style!! Take your final product home or donate it to our Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, open to all ages.

Live Music in Cascade with Geoff Allen
Saturday April 7th 6pm
Enjoy %100 local organic tunes of Geoff Allen with you meal at Cascade Bar and Grill

Sunday April 8th, 12th Annual Costanoa Easter Egg Hunt
9am Sharp!!
Meet in front of the Ranch House for our annual Easter Egg Hunt!! Eggs, candies and prizes will be hidden in every nook and cranny of the Costanoa property. The hunt will start at 9am and we will open the area in stages with the youngest participants going first.

Easter Wildflower Walk
Sunday April 8th, 10am-12noon
Meet Costanoa Naturalist in front of the Ranch House to explore nearby foothills and revel in the bounty of local Lupines, Asters and Poppies.

Live Classical Guitar with William Grabow
Saturday April 8th , 5pm
Enjoy local classical guitar to accompany your Mothers Day Dinner at Cascade.

Naturalist Tour of Pescadero Marsh
Sunday April 8th 10am
Join State Parks docents for a guided nature walk through Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve. Part of Pescadero State Beach, the marsh is the only extensive wetland along the coast of the San Francisco Peninsula, and includes a complex of several habitats.
More than 200 species of birds have been recorded in the marsh, including more than 60 that nest there, among them the Great Blue Heron. Species in the marsh listed under the Endangered Species Act include the San Francisco garter snake, California red-legged frog, tidewater goby, steelhead trout, and Coho salmon.
Meet at the Pescadero Trailhead 10 miles north of Costanoa.

Naturalist Tour of Pescadero Marsh
Sunday April 8th 10am
Join State Parks docents for a guided nature walk through Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve. Part of Pescadero State Beach, the marsh is the only extensive wetland along the coast of the San Francisco Peninsula, and includes a complex of several habitats.
More than 200 species of birds have been recorded in the marsh, including more than 60 that nest there, among them the Great Blue Heron. Species in the marsh listed under the Endangered Species Act include the San Francisco garter snake, California red-legged frog, tidewater goby, steelhead trout, and Coho salmon.
Meet at the Pescadero Trailhead 10 miles north of Costanoa.

Kayak Whale Watch Tour
Sunday April 8th , 7:30-10am
Join us for a real adventure; kayaking with Grey Whales. In the Spring, the Grey Whales' migration brings them close to our coastline. At Davenport Landing, 10 miles north of Santa Cruz, kayaks can easily access the open ocean and encounter whales very close to shore. Our tour begins and ends early in the morning at Davenport Landing. We can generally see whales without paddling more than a few hundred yards offshore. Tours are run subject to conditions. If our guides deem the conditions to be too wind or the surf is too large we will offer an alternative location 15 minutes south of Davenport. $90 per person, 72 Hour Cancellation Policy strictly enforced. Call 650-879-7312 for Reservations. Open to ages 12 and up.

Kayak Whale Watch Tour
Saturday April 14th , 7:30-10am
Join us for a real adventure; kayaking with Grey Whales. In the Spring, the Grey Whales' migration brings them close to our coastline. At Davenport Landing, 10 miles north of Santa Cruz, kayaks can easily access the open ocean and encounter whales very close to shore. Our tour begins and ends early in the morning at Davenport Landing. We can generally see whales without paddling more than a few hundred yards offshore. Tours are run subject to conditions. If our guides deem the conditions to be too wind or the surf is too large we will offer an alternative location 15 minutes south of Davenport. $90 per person, 72 Hour Cancellation Policy strictly enforced. Call 650-879-7312 for Reservations. Open to ages 12 and up.

Life on the Ranch: Family Living History Day
Sunday, April 15, 2012 - Wilder Ranch State Park 11-3pm
Find out how families lived during Mexican Rancho and early dairy ranching days at Wilder Ranch State Park’s Family Living History Days. Activities include a selection of hands-on activities and demonstrations and may include draft horse wagon rides, branding, horseshoes, hand-making tortillas and salsa, chuck wagon or wood-stove style cooking, roping skills and lawn games. Come for a picnic on the lawn and follow it up with a game of tug of war, sack races, hoops, stilts, bubbles, and more! The event is held on the grounds of the Wilder Ranch Cultural Preserve. The Park is located 25 minutes south of Costanoa 1401 Coast Road Santa Cruz, CA 95060. This event is appropriate for all ages. For more information, please call (831)426-0505.

Kayak Whale Watch Tour
Sunday April 15th , 7:30-10am
Join us for a real adventure; kayaking with Grey Whales. In the Spring, the Grey Whales' migration brings them close to our coastline. At Davenport Landing, 10 miles north of Santa Cruz, kayaks can easily access the open ocean and encounter whales very close to shore. Our tour begins and ends early in the morning at Davenport Landing. We can generally see whales without paddling more than a few hundred yards offshore. Tours are run subject to conditions. If our guides deem the conditions to be too wind or the surf is too large we will offer an alternative location 15 minutes south of Davenport. $90 per person, 72 Hour Cancellation Policy strictly enforced. Call 650-879-7312 for Reservations. Open to ages 12 and up.

Kayak Whale Watch Tour
Saturday April 21st , 7:30-10am
Join us for a real adventure; kayaking with Grey Whales. In the Spring, the Grey Whales' migration brings them close to our coastline. At Davenport Landing, 10 miles north of Santa Cruz, kayaks can easily access the open ocean and encounter whales very close to shore. Our tour begins and ends early in the morning at Davenport Landing. We can generally see whales without paddling more than a few hundred yards offshore. Tours are run subject to conditions. If our guides deem the conditions to be too wind or the surf is too large we will offer an alternative location 15 minutes south of Davenport. $90 per person, 72 Hour Cancellation Policy strictly enforced. Call 650-879-7312 for Reservations. Open to ages 12 and up.

Spring Garden Planting Day
Saturday, April 28, 2012 - Wilder Ranch State Park 11-3pm
Imagine yourself at Wilder Ranch in the early part of the 20th century; pretend you are a worker on the ranch and help plant the heirloom vegetable garden as it would have been circa 1900. Also learn from composting demonstrations, gardening information and participate in garden crafts. If the weather cooperates, we will also be shearing the sheep and demonstrating how wool is processed from “sheep to shawl.” The event is held on the grounds of the Wilder Ranch Cultural Preserve. The park is located 25 minutes south of Costanoa at 1401 Coast Road Santa Cruz, CA 95060. This event is appropriate for all ages. For more information, please call (831) 426-0505.

Kayak Whale Watch Tour
Sunday April 29th , 7:30-10am
Join us for a real adventure; kayaking with Grey Whales. In the Spring, the Grey Whales' migration brings them close to our coastline. At Davenport Landing, 10 miles north of Santa Cruz, kayaks can easily access the open ocean and encounter whales very close to shore. Our tour begins and ends early in the morning at Davenport Landing. We can generally see whales without paddling more than a few hundred yards offshore. Tours are run subject to conditions. If our guides deem the conditions to be too wind or the surf is too large we will offer an alternative location 15 minutes south of Davenport. $90 per person, 72 Hour Cancellation Policy strictly enforced. Call 650-879-7312 for Reservations. Open to ages 12 and up.

Life on the Ranch: Family Living History Day
Saturday May 12th - Wilder Ranch State Park 11-3pm
Find out how families lived during Mexican Rancho and early dairy ranching days at Wilder Ranch State Park’s Family Living History Days. Activities include a selection of hands-on activities and demonstrations and may include draft horse wagon rides, branding, horseshoes, hand-making tortillas and salsa, chuck wagon or wood-stove style cooking, roping skills and lawn games. Come for a picnic on the lawn and follow it up with a game of tug of war, sack races, hoops, stilts, bubbles, and more! The event is held on the grounds of the Wilder Ranch Cultural Preserve. The Park is located 25 minutes south of Costanoa 1401 Coast Road Santa Cruz, CA 95060. This event is appropriate for all ages. For more information, please call (831)426-0505.

Opening Day Costanoa Kids Camp
Saturday May 19th . 9am-12noon
Costanoa Kids Camp is a fun and outdoor nature-based experience for Costanoa
campers age 6-12. This is a great opportunity for kids to play games, learn about some of the local natural history and have an overall great time. Activities include nature walks; tide pooling, plant and animal identification, storytelling, bug hunting, games and arts and crafts. Kids Camp is offered from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend and we take requests for private sessions in the off-season. Call 650.879.7312 for reservations. $40 per participant.

Opening Day at the Pine Tent BBQ
Saturday May 19th , 5pm
Enjoy the Pine Tent BBQ with Music of Scott Cooper Bluegrass Band.
Burgers, Hot Dogs, Vegie Burgers and all the Fixins at the Pine Tent BBQ.
Wine Beer and Margaritas also available.

Pine Tent BBQ
Saturday May 26th , 5pm
Enjoy the Pine Tent BBQ with Music of Geoff Allen.
Burgers, Hot Dogs, Vegie Burgers and all the Fixins at the Pine Tent BBQ.
Wine Beer and Margaritas also available.

Live Bat Presentation with Monique Lee
Saturday May 26th , 8pm
Monique Lee of the Bat Conservation Fund will be here to share some
of the amazing facts about the lives of Bats. In addition to an informative visual presentation, she will showcase several live specimens. The presentation will be followed by a twilight Bat Hike.

Naked Eye Stargazing with Cosmic Joe Jordan of the NASA AMES Research Center
Sunday May 27th , 8pm
Meet Cosmic Joe Jordan of the NASA Ames Research Center for an evening of "Naked Eye" stargazing. Learn about everything under the stars. Dress warm and bring a flashlight.

Pine Tent BBQ
Sunday May 27th , 5pm
Enjoy the Pine Tent BBQ with New Orleans romp of Al Frisby.
Burgers, Hot Dogs, Vegie Burgers and all the Fixins at the Pine Tent BBQ.
Wine Beer and Margaritas also available.

Pine Tent BBQ
Saturday June 2nd , 5pmEnjoy the Pine Tent BBQ with music by the Scott Cooper Bluegrass Band.
Burgers, Hot Dogs, Vegie Burgers and all the Fixins at the Pine Tent BBQ.
Wine Beer and Margaritas also available.

Naturalist Tour of Pescadero Marsh
Sunday June 3rd 10am
Join State Parks docents for a guided nature walk through Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve. Part of Pescadero State Beach, the marsh is the only extensive wetland along the coast of the San Francisco Peninsula, and includes a complex of several habitats.
More than 200 species of birds have been recorded in the marsh, including more than 60 that nest there, among them the Great Blue Heron. Species in the marsh listed under the Endangered Species Act include the San Francisco garter snake, California red-legged frog, tidewater goby, steelhead trout, and Coho salmon.
Meet at the Pescadero Trailhead 10 miles north of Costanoa.

Live Bat Presentation with Monique Lee
Saturday June 9th , 8pm
Monique Lee of the Bat Conservation Fund will be here to share some
of the amazing facts about the lives of Bats. In addition to an informative visual presentation, she will showcase several live specimens. The presentation will be followed by a twilight Bat Hike.

Pine Tent BBQ
Saturday June 9th , 5pm
Enjoy the Pine Tent BBQ with local Blues of Mondo Blue.
Burgers, Hot Dogs, Veggie Burgers and all the Fixings at the Pine Tent BBQ.
Wine Beer and Margaritas also available.

Naked Eye Stargazing with Cosmic Joe Jordan of the NASA AMES Research Center
Saturday June 16th , 8pm
Meet Cosmic Joe Jordan of the NASA Ames Research Center for an evening of "Naked Eye" stargazing. Learn about everything under the stars. Dress warm and bring a flashlight.

Pine Tent BBQ
Saturday June 16th , 5pm
Enjoy the Pine Tent BBQ with New Orleans romp of Al Frisby.
Burgers, Hot Dogs, Veggie Burgers and all the Fixings at the Pine Tent BBQ.
Wine Beer and Margaritas also available.

Saturday June 23rd , 5pm
Enjoy the Pine Tent BBQ with Music of Geoff Allen.
Burgers, Hot Dogs, Veggie Burgers and all the Fixings at the Pine Tent BBQ.
Wine Beer and Margaritas also available.

Naked Eye Stargazing with Sattelite Steve
Saturday June 30th , 8pm
Meet Sattelite Steve for an evening of "Naked Eye" stargazing. Learn about everything under the stars. Dress warm and bring a flashlight.

Enjoy the Pine Tent BBQ with music by the Scott Cooper Bluegrass Band.
Burgers, Hot Dogs, Veggie Burgers and all the Fixings at the Pine Tent BBQ.
Wine Beer and Margaritas also available.