Loma Prieta townsite, c. 1886, inside what is now the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. Can you find the panther in the picture?Adventures

Solving the Mysteries of The Forest of Nisene Marks: A Workshop in History and Interpretation


A full immersion in the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park led by one of the park's historians. Sandy Lydon has been hiking and studying the history of the Aptos Canyon for over forty years and has written extensively on it including the historical materials for the FNM General Plan, and the current park brochure. He was a member and chair of the Forest of Nisene Marks Advisory Committee, and one of the founders of the Advocates for the Forest of Nisene Marks, and is co-author of the award-winning book Coast Redwood: A Natural and Cultural History. (The new, revised edition of Coast Redwood that just came out will be available for purchase to group participants.)

This will be an evening presentation and the two hiking days will require participants to hike upwards of 6 miles each day through rugged terrain.

The purpose of the workshop will be to provide a solid grounding for participants in the complex human history of the land that eventually became the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. We will dispel many of the rumors and myths that surround the park:
• Where and when were the Chinese there?
• Who was Nisene Marks?
• Albino redwoods?
• Lost locomotives?
• What's up with the Crazy Forests?
• Who was/is the "George" of George's Picnic Area? Is it really George Hamilton?
• Why no horses permitted downstream from the Steel Bridge?
• Was the Aptos Canyon clear-cut?

This workshop will be particularly useful for docents and those who lead groups into the forest, as we will show you how to "read" this amazing humanized landscape.

Dates:
Friday evening, July 29 – 6:30 – 9:00 – Cabrillo College, Aptos campus, Room 435
Saturday July 30, 9:00 – 6:00 Exploring the Lower Park
Saturday, August 6 9:00 – 6:00 Exploring the Bridge Creek side of the park

Cost:
$100 per person for all three days – fee includes recent park map
$130 includes an interpretive manual (see below)

$70 per person for the Friday evening plus one of the Saturdays
$100 includes an interpretive manual

The interpretive manual will include the park history prepared for the General Plan, along with outlines, and laminated copies of the Ten Basic historic photographs suitable for use on the trail with groups. (The manual and photos are only available to class participants, and cannot be purchased separately)

To Register

Note:
Group size will be limited
Because of the subject matter, children under 18 may not participate in the course.

What you should bring:
• Layered clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes, hiking boots
• Lunch and liquids that you can carry
• Plenty of liquid

To Register