Junior Ranger programs in full-swing at Hendy Woods and Mackerricher State Parks
While virtual and selfguided programs provided much needed access to nature-based learning in 2020, nothing quite beats actually being in the park and learning side by side with real, live State Park interpreters. Junior Ranger programs are in full-swing at both Hendy Woods and Mackerricher State Parks this year: “Junior Rangers is an amazing program that allows kids to be kids while connecting with nature and growing their passion for stewardship. Here in Mackerricher, we use games, exploration, and art activities to engage young conservationists with the history, science, and beauty of these natural public spaces.” — Katherine Gabrielson, California State Parks Interpretor, Mackerricher State Park
Madeline “Mattie” Nucho, pictured here with Ranger Weisberg, was over the moon when her Dad purchased her a Junior Ranger hat from the Mackerricher Visitor Center after completing the program this summer. “Programs like Junior Rangers can be real game changers for youth. It builds the next generation of leaders and park-stewards, and helps kids and families not only gain a better understanding of the natural environment around Mendocino but seeds their interest in natural places around the globe.” -Elizabeth Cameron, Executive Director, Mendoparks.
“Programs this year have had great attendance, as it seems that our visitors are making up for lost time. Some exceptional Junior Rangers, Ella and Maya, reported an injured barn owl on June 24, which led to a successful rescue of the owl who has been rehabilitating at the Bird Rescue Center in Santa Rosa. The
barn owl will be ready for re-release in Little Hendy Grove after it is able to spend time in the aviary and can prove it will be able to hunt and fend for itself. Junior Ranger Programs make lifelong stewards of our park’s wildlife, and I am so very proud of Ella and Maya and their actions to save this owl. These girls have been involved with the Junior Ranger Program for the past four years, and have accrued 18 stamps in their logbook, as well as a great understanding of our natural ecosystems. I feel that acts like this really show the value of these educational programs.” Steve Jahelka, California State Parks Interpretor, Hendy Woods State Park
Hendy Woods Summer Programs: to Sept. 4
Thursdays 10-11 a.m.— Junior Rangers: Guided Adventures and Activities for Children Ages 7-12. Starts at Campfire Center near Visitor Center. 3 p.m.— A Hermit’s Tale— Hike to Hermit Huts: Learn about Petrov Zalienko, the Hendy Hermit, while visiting his historic huts. Meet at the Campfire Center.
Fridays 10 a.m.— Giants of the Great North Woods: Coast Redwood Ecology and Adaptations 1.5 Mile Guided Hike in Big Hendy Grove. Meet at Day Use Parking Lot/picnic Area. 4-5 p.m.—junior Rangers: Guided Adventures and Activities for Children Ages 7-12. Starts at Campfire Center near Visitor Center.
Saturdays 10:30 a.m.— Guided Nature Hikes: Meet at Day Use Parking Lot/ Picnic Area. 4-5 p.m.— Junior Rangers: Guided Adventures and Activities for Children Ages 7-12. Starts
at Campfire Center near Visitor Center. 8 p.m.— Campfire Program: Music, Games, Slideshow and More! At Campfire Center.
Mackerricher State Park Summer Programs: to Sept. 5
Thursdays 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.— Binoculars and Harbor Seal information! Far point of the Laguna Point boardwalk Lowtide/tbd: Tidepooling! Tide pools at the bottom of the Laguna Point boardwalk stairs
Fridays 11-11:45 a.m.— Whale Skeleton exploration and story time! Whale skeleton next to park kiosk 3-3:45 p.m.— Junior Rangers! Ages 7-12, Lake Cleone picnic tables
Saturdays 11-11:45 a.m.— Junior Rangers! Ages 7-12, Lake Cleone picnic tables 7-8 p.m.— Campfire Program! Campfire Center near
park kiosk *Mask required*
Sundays 11-11-45 a.m.— Junior Rangers! Ages 7-12, Lake Cleone picnic tables
All programs are free and open to the public. Junior Ranger programs are geared towards youth ages 2-12. Mendocino Sector State Parks requests that children ages 2-12 and other unvaccinated individuals wear a mask when social distancing cannot be maintained during program sessions.
Self-guided Junior Ranger kits are also available at the Ford House Visitor Center, 45035 Main Street, Mendocino, and online at https://www. mendoparks.org/education-programs. To make a donation in support of educational programming at State Parks on the Mendocino Coast, please visit Mendoparks.org or call 707937-4700.