Park Events

Guided hikes and other in-person park programs have resumed in Santa Cruz-area State Parks! Pre-registration is required. Visit www.santacruzstateparks.as.me to see the schedule and make reservations.

All events and activities are FREE, and are made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.

For more information about events and activities please call the Santa Cruz Mission at (831) 425-5849. All programs meet at the Santa Cruz Mission, located on School Street off of Mission Street and Emmet Street in Santa Cruz.

Book Reading & Discussion

Come celebrate Native American Heritage Month with the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks!

Native Voices: Grappling with the Past and Fighting for the Future

Authors Stan Rushworth and Martin Rizzo-Martinez will introduce their work bringing indigenous voices to the forefront followed by a community discussion facilitated by UCSC Professor Emeritus of Sociology John Brown Childs.

Wednesday, Nov. 16th at 6 pm at the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.

Arrive at at 5 pm to:

Get your book signed
Explore the new Virtual Bell Exhibit Kiosk
And delight in some refreshments

This unique and informative event is sponsored by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.

Refreshments provided!

Dress Warmly - this is an OUTDOOR EVENT. We hope to see you there!

Rain postpones this free event.

Can't join us in person? No problem! This event will be broadcast onto www.youtube.com/@santacruzcastateparks

Questions? Call the Santa Cruz Mission SHP at 831 425-5849

Stan Rushworth is a teacher of Native Literature, author, activist, and is former faculty at Cabrillo College. In their book, "We are in the Middle of Forever," he and co-author Dahr Jamail investigate human impacts on the planet, the climate crisis, and our future through discussions with Indigenous Peoples.

Martin Rizzo-Martinez, Tribal Liaison and Historian for California State Parks, is also the celebrated author of "We Are Not Animals." Here Rizzo-Martinez shares the stories of Indigenous people in the Santa Cruz Mission to reveal insights into how individuals navigated a period of immense disruption and violence.