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14 LIVE IT UP! FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018 SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL S anta Cruz County is flush with state and city parks. From the southern tip of the county to the northern moun- tains, there's usually a park within driving and sometimes walking dis- tance. But few of them have a history as rich as Wilder Ranch State Park. e state park covers 7,000 acres that includes the best of Santa Cruz. Along the ocean are scene coastal bluffs with relatively flat, wide trails that run parallel to the water. On the other end of the park are trails that take you into the hillsides of the Santa Cruz Mountains. ere you'll find steeper climbs into the forest, sites under tree cover for a leisurely picnic and paths for mountain bikers ready for a challenge. At its heart is the Cultural Com- plex, a cluster of historical buildings dating back to the 1800s that have been restored and maintained. "Wilder Ranch State Park offers visitors a wonderful mix of history and nature, which is one of the rea- son it's so beloved," said Bonnie Haw- ley, executive director for Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, a nonprofit that helps funds much of the park's programs. Located 2 miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1, Wilder Ranch has a timeline dating to an era before missionaries made their way into the region. e Ohlone Native Ameri- cans had villages at Wilder Ranch well before the site was settled. One of the park's main attractions are its historical buildings where visi- tors can tour a farm house, a Victo- rian home and an adobe, all dating back to various parts of the 1800s. Aer it became the main rancho supplying Mission Santa Cruz, the land was acquired and run by vari- ous families for decades. e Wilder Family ran it until 1969 when the income from the farm could not meet the property taxes. A proposal to develop the land in the 1970s drew protest from locals, who formed Operation Wilder and helped garner votes from other county residents who voted to protect the open space. In 1974, California State Parks acquired the land. Since then, it has flourished as a destination for walk- ers, hikers, bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Today, the park has extended programming that includes farm animals, living history attractions and other events. Many picnic areas at the state park's cultural complex are des- ignated for visitors who want to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. anks in part to funding from Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, the farm is home to goats, cows, sheep and other animals. Outside of the history, the park is a prime spot for hikes and bikers of all levels. A paved bike path out of Santa Cruz leads straight into the ranch where a flat dirt path takes you around the park. As far as hikes, Hawley recom- mends is the Old Cove Landing Trail, a 2.4-mile loop that winds through agriculture fields and along the ocean for scenic views. e trail, which is fairly flat, also gives hikers the chance to follow a trail to Fern Grotto Beach, where ferns grow from the ceiling of a small sea cave. All told, there are 34 miles of trails of hiking, biking and equestrian trails throughout the state park. More than historical sites and miles of trail, the site also recruits community volunteers to become docents. Docents play a key role at Wilder Ranch's historical offering where they learn about the site's back- ground. ey oen play an important role at special events and for school field trips. e park actively looks for new docents throughout the year to breathe life into the park's history. "Becoming a docent is a terrific opportunity to spend quality time in our beautiful state parks and beaches, while contributing to the park and community," Hawley said. EXPLORING WILDER RANCH Sentinel archive photo BY CALVIN MEN photo Shmuel Thaler – Santa Cruz Sentinel

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