Cabrillo Extension Classes
History and Nature
Into the Heart of the Redwoods: An Adventure Through Time & Space!
Enjoy a total immersion in the coast redwoods, where we will see and experience the magical trees in all of their diversity. Santa Cruz County has all the redwood “firsts”: first named by the Spanish, first extensive logging, birthplace of the Save the Redwood movement, first redwood state park, and home of the first certified sustainable redwood lumber company. We will see old growth trees, second growth, “candelabra” trees, curly-wood, and albinos. You will come to under- stand why seeing one redwood tree is not seeing them all.
The day will conclude with a chance to “fly” through the forest in Mount Hermon’s Redwood Canopy zip-line adventure where we will soar through the forest guided by experienced, certified guides. We will see the trees in a way once reserved only for tree climbers, birds and squirrels.
Participants will receive directions, a map, and a letter from Sandy on how best to come prepared. Please bring a lunch.
Fees include park admission and the zip-line adventure.
Because of the subject matter, no children under the age of 18 are permitted.
Sat., May 5
10 am to 6 pm
Henry Cowell State Park, Felton
Register by Apr. 1: $95
Register after Apr. 1: $110
Click here for Into the Heart of the Redwoods Student Information
Sat., May 12
10 am to 6 pm
Henry Cowell State Park, Felton
Register by Apr. 1: $95
Register after Apr. 1: $110
Click here for Into the Heart of the Redwoods Student Information
Wednesday, July 11
10 am to 6 pm
Henry Cowell State Park, Felton
Register by June 10: $95
Register after June 10: $110
Click here for Into the Heart of the Redwoods Student Information
Sandy Lydon - see bio below
Walking Among Hungry Ghosts: Santa Cruz & the Chinese
The Chinese are on the far edges of Santa Cruz’s history and imagination. Their history reminds us of a time when the city was the epicenter of Central California’s anti-Chinese prejudice, racism and violence. Yet, it was Chinese blood and sweat that helped bring Santa Cruz into the industrial age. We will spend the day exploring those little- known Santa Cruz locations where we can still hear them--the songs of the railroad workers, the children playing beside the river, the voices of the bone-pickers at Evergreen Cemetery. Special guests will join us.
We will walk approximately 3 miles during the day. Pace will be leisurely with many stops and talk-stories. Participants will receive directions, a map, and a letter from Sandy on how best to come prepared.
Fee includes a Chinese banquet at day’s end.
Because of the subject matter, no children under the age of 18 are permitted.
Sun., May 26 (CLASS RESCHEDULED TO THIS NEW DATE)
10 am to 6 pm
Santa Cruz County Governmental Center (701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz)
Fee: $65
Click here for Walking Among Hungry Ghosts Student Information
Sandy Lydon, Cabrillo College emeritus historian has been exploring the redwood forests and their history for over 50 years. He has led hundreds of groups into the redwoods and is co- author of the award-winning Coast Redwood: A Natural and Cultural History. Check out Sandy's website for more pictures and information and any upcoming unadvertised adventures at www.historydude.com
The Forest of Nisene Marks: A Gentle Introduction
Designed for first-time visitors to the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, as well as those who have visited many times before. This outdoor class will include the history of the Aptos Canyon beginning with the Spanish through and including the remarkable logging and railroad history, the acquisition by the Marks family and the creation of the State Park. We will deal with the ever-present questions including: Was the canyon clear-cut? Why are no horses allowed in the main part of the park? Who was Nisene Marks? Was there really a massacre of Chinese? Are there any old-growth redwoods in the lower part of the park? What is the future plans for the park?
We will be strolling through the lower part of the park, downstream from the Steel Bridge.
We will be hiking approximately three miles during the day, and the pace will be gentle.
Bring a lunch and beverage.
We will assemble initially in Aptos, at the Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center parking lot, on the northeast side, beneath the Aptos Cinema sign.
(Note: Carpoolers driving into the Park with at least 4 occupants will have their $10 entrance fee paid. Those preferring to drive themselves into the park with less than four people in the vehicle must either pay the $10.00 fee or have a valid State Park pass.)
Information, directions and map will be made available upon registration.
This program is suitable for participants aged 18 and above.
Sun., July 22
10 am to 6 pm
Meet at Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center in Aptos
Register by June 10: $42
Register after June 10: $50
Sandy Lydon, Cabrillo College
Backyard Astronomer
Learn how to identify the stars and constellations seen in our local skies in this fun hands-on workshop. Using the Cabrillo planetarium and observatory you will see the wonders of the universe and learn about astronomy history, methods, equipment, and recent discoveries. Get a sense of distances to planets, stars and galaxies. Learn about Black holes, dark matter and the expanding universe.
Participants should dress warmly for outdoor observation at the observatory. In case of rain or fog, class will assemble in the planetarium.
This class is appropriate for students aged 8 to adult.
2 Fri., May 4 & 11
6:30 - 9:30 pm
Room 707
Register by Apr. 1: $58
Register after Apr. 1: $65
2 Fri., June 29 & July 6
6:30 - 9:30 pm
Room 707
Register by June 10: $58
Register after June 10: $65
Karl von Ahnen has been an amateur astronomer and telescope user since age 12. He served as lab instructor-assistant in the Cabrillo Astronomy Department for many years, and is the Director of the Fujitsu Planetarium at De Anza College, one of the largest school planetariums in the country.
Owls of Central California
Back by popular demand!
Northern Monterey County hosts as many as eight species of owls that are often vocal during their breeding courtship period of late winter. In this class you will have an opportunity to study the biology of local California owl species in a two-part program.
In an afternoon classroom lecture, we will review the biology, species characteristics, and distri- bution of the several owl species that occur in habitats about the Monterey Bay. You will learn to identify the owls by silhouette and calls.
After a break for dinner, the class will reassemble for an evening of searching through one of the most productive owling areas in central California near Carmel Valley.
The lecture will take place at the Pacific Grove Natural History Museum. Plan to have dinner in the area.
Information and map given upon registration.
Coming Soon - Fall Semester
2:30 – 4:30 pm (lecture)
7 – 9 pm (field session)
Pacific Grove Natural History Museum
Fee: $64
Click here for > Owls of Califronia Student Information, Map and Directions
Bruce Elliott - See bio below
Birds & Bird-Banding at Big Sur
The Big Sur Ornithology Lab of the Ventana Wilderness Society operates a migratory bird banding facility at Andrew Molera State Park in Big Sur, a World Heritage Site; the lab is located 30 minutes south of the Monterey Peninsula.
Our program will spend a session afield with lab technicians capturing migrant song birds in mist nets and then process the captures through the scientific process of determining various biological data from each bird and affixing the uniquely numbered ID bands. You will then explore a variety of bird habitats within the park, review aspects of bird migration and navigation, discuss breeding behavior as well as the various physiological and behavioral adaptations the birds attain because of the many daunting environmental challenges.
Map and directions will be given upon registration.
Sat., May 12
9 am – 4 pm
Molera State Park, Big Sur
Register by Apr. 1: $54
Register after Apr. 1: $62
Click here for Birds and Banding Student Information, Map and Directions
Bruce Elliott - see bio below
Bats of Santa Cruz County
Enjoy an introduction to the world of bats. After an initial on-campus review of bat flight, prey location and capture, and a spectrum of special adaptations for successful bat behavior and biology, we will visit a prime viewing area for local bats.
This program is suitable for participants aged 8 and above. There will be no extensive or strenuous walking during our site visit.
Map and directions will be given upon registration.
Sat., July 28
Lecture: 3 – 5 pm, Room 711
Field: 7 - 9 pm, Henry Cowell State Park
Register by June 10: $54
Register after June 10: $62
Bruce Elliott - is a retired senior Biologist Supervisor for the California Dept. of Fish and Game. He is a skilled field trip leader who conducts a variety of tours and explorations of the area's natural resources.
