New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association Homepage

Welcome to the New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association (NAQCPA) website. Our purpose is to promote the educational and interpretive activities of the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department, particularly in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. See below for information about NAQCPA, our past and present activities, and how you can join or help with the park. Also below is information about Almaden Quicksilver County Park, maps, trail descriptions, and park events. See the links on the side for related websites. Visit our Facebook page. We have a new email address: naqcpa.newalmaden@gmail.com

News:

Note: See here for archived news from 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. The following is news from 2019-2020 (click here for the latest news):

Ron Horii's Photo Exhibition at the Campbell Library

Ron Horii had an exhibit at the Campbell Library in downtown Campbell from 2/1 to 2/28/19. It was based on his 2011 exhibition at the Santa Teresa Library. He had posters with pictures of Santa Teresa County Park, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, other County Parks, open space preserves, San Francisco Bay parks, and San Jose parks. Here is an album showing the exhibition.

A new map is available for Almaden Quicsilver County Park. Maps are being updated for all the County Parks. They show numbers at every trail junction. Trail signs will have those numbers on them eventually. The idea is that problems can be reported by listing the nearest trail junction numbers.

On 4/13/19, there was a BioBlitz held at the Mockingbird Hill Lane entrance to Almaden Quicksilver County Park, sponsored by Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful and organized by biologist Merav Vonshak. "A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. At a BioBlitz, scientists, families, students, teachers, and other community members work together to get an overall count of the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms that live in a place." A large group of participants divided up into smaller groups and documented plant and animal life around the staging area and the nearby trails. These are the results of the BioBlitz. Here are pictures of the BioBlitz (need to sign onto Facebook to view them).

Nearly all the interpretive signs in the park have been replaced with new signs, made of a more durable material. The signs were getting faded or discolored after years of exposure to the elements. The worst was the incline tramway sign, which suffered damage from the heavy rains of 2017. Above shows the sign from before (from 3/13/19) and after (4/12/19) replacement.

On 7/7/19, there was a small grass fire on the north side of Alamitos Road below the Alamitos Vineyard. San Jose Fire Department and CalFire crews, including a Calfire helicopter, were able to stop the fire before it could spread to the vineyard or surrounding hills in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. The Alamitos Vineyards has their own fire truck, which has appeared in the New Almaden Parade. It also fought the fire.

From 7/8-7/12/19, the Casa Grande was closed for fumigation to kill pests.

Play Like a Miner 8/3/19

The annual Play Like a Miner event was held at the Casa Grande on 8/3/19. About 450 people attended. Here are pictures: Play Like a Miner Part 1, Outside Activities 8/3/19, Play Like a Miner Part 2, Casa Grande & Blacksmith Shop 8/3/19

On 8/16/19, several NAQCPA members went on a boat tour of the Alviso Slough. It was narrated by Park Interpreter Luke Bailey. Here are more pictures of the boat tour. The boat went down the Alviso Slough all the way to its confluence with Coyote Creek. We saw lots of birds along the way, including an osprey. Luke talked about the history of the Bay, plants and animals in the wetlands, and the future challenge of sea level rise.

The New Almaden Day Parade was held on 9/14/19. Afterwards, the carnival was held at the Community Center.

Volunteers Ice Cream Social, Vasona, 9/28/19

On 9/28/19, there was an ice cream social event for County Parks volunteers at Vasona Lake.

History Hike at Rotary Furnace, 9/29/19

On 9/29/19, there was a Quicksilver History Hike, led by Park Interpreters Chris Carson and Steve Leong, accompanied by Park Docent Ron Horii. The hike went along the Wood Road Trail to Mine Hill and the Rotary Furnace. There will be more hikes like this on 10/26/19, 11/24/19, 12/28/19, 1/26/20, 2/29/20, 3/29/20, 4/25/20.

Ranger Promotion/Badging Ceremony, Casa Grande 9/30/19

On 9/30/19, a County Parks ranger promotion and badging ceremony was held at the Casa Grande. Flint Glines was promoted to Chief Park Ranger. Julie Cooper and Frank Weiland were promoted to Park Ranger Supervisors. Ruben Suarez, Melissa Rodriguez, Christopher Shear, Jackson Bramham, Bryce Winter, and Carley Bolitho received their badges as Park Rangers. Above, left to right are Supervising Ranger Aniko Millan, Ruben Suarez, Melissa Rodriguez, Christopher Shear, Frank Weiland, Flint Glines, Julie Cooper, Jackson Bramham, Bryce Winter, and Carley Bolitho.

On 10/12/19, NAQCPA, the New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association, celebrated their 37th anniversary at their annual Pioneer Day event. This year, it was held at the Casa Grande. It featured the wagon restoration and Estaban Tunnel at the Blacksmith Shop.

On November 3, 2019, long-time NAQCPA member Bob Meyer passed away from natural causes. He joined NAQCPA a year after it was formed and served as its treasurer for many years. He helped at Pioneer Days, collecting donations. Here is his obituary: "Robert Warren Meyer, May 2, 1932 – November 3, 2019, Resident of Los Gatos. Robert passed away peacefully at his home in Los Gatos. Robert is survived by his loving wife Patricia, his children Robert, Kathleen, David, Gary, and his 6 grandchildren Samantha, Elizabeth, Brian, Spencer, Jennifer, Olivia and great grandchild Jacob. Robert was born in St. Louis, Missouri and grew up in Webster Groves, Missouri. He met Patricia while they both attended the University of New Mexico. Robert and Patricia were married in 1953 and called Los Gatos their home for 53 years. Robert served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy. He loved the outdoors and filled his days with activities including skiing, running, biking, swimming and working in his yard. He will be missed. A celebration of life will be held at the First Congregational Church on November 23rd at 2pm, reception will follow the service."

Kitty Monahan's talk, 11/7/19, Santa Teresa Golf Club

On November 7, 2019, at 7 pm in the Santa Teresa Golf Club Upper Banquet Room, New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association President and Friends of Santa Teresa Park (FOSTP) Vice-President Kitty Monahan gave a talk on "New Almaden and Its Quicksilver Mines." This was the description of the talk: "FOSTP is honored to present Kitty Monahan, President of the New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association. She is known for giving entertaining presentations about New Almaden Quicksilver County Park's natural, cultural, and mining history. Don't miss this colorful slideshow event with her expert experience and humorous storytelling. The New Almaden mine was once the wealthiest mine in North America and one of the reasons for the success of the 1849 California Gold Rush. Learn about what mining life was like for the 1848-1972 miners and settlers, who worked, lived, and died at this fabulous historical wild west mining town!" Here's the flyer for this event.

On 11/16/19, there was another BioBlitz held at the Mockingbird Hill Lane entrance to Almaden Quicksilver County Park, sponsored by Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful and organized by biologist Merav Vonshak. It was a follow-up to the spring BioBlitz held here on 4/13/19 (see above). See here for pictures of the BioBlitz and links to the results.

Interpretive staff at Living History Day, 12/15/19

On Sunday, December 15, 2019, this event was held at the Casa Grande: "Learn about the Victorian era at Casa Grande while participating in activities from the 1880s with costumed staff and docents. There will be demonstrations, crafts, and guided tours of the museum. Fun for the whole family." Here are pictures of the event (Facebook sign-in required). Above are park interpretive staff members Whitney, Victoria, and Lynda in period dress.

Below are pictures of the historic wagon restoration project from 2014 to 2019:

Wagon front 6/29/14

Front of wagon, 6/29/14

Wagon rear 6/29/14

Rear of wagon, 6/29/14

Wagon 2/14/15

Wagon 10/26/19

Historic wagon restoration, 12/15/19

Wagon Restoration 12/15/19

NAQPA members have been restoring an historic wagon at the Blacksmith Shop. It was once parked in the yard behind the Casa Grande and used as a stage. The elements have taken their toll on the wooden parts. They have been replaced with new wood. The latest addition is the bench on top. The most challenging part will be restoring the wooden wheels.

Calligraphy demonstration at Chinese New Year Living History Day

On 2/8/20, Chinese New Year Living History Day was held at the Casa Grande. There were decorations, demonstrations, displays, and crafts that were related to Chinese culture and Lunar New Year traditions. Above is a demonstration of Chinese calligraphy. The New Almaden Mines have Chinese connections. Chinese immigrants worked in the mines and in the towns. In the 1850's, valuable cinnabar and mercury from New Almaden was sent to China. In gratitude, the emperor of China sent a pavilion with carved walls and columns. It stood on the grounds of the Casa Grande until it was washed away in a flood. Parts of the pavilion, or Ting in Chinese, survived. A group called the Friends of the New Almaden Ting are working on restoring it. They had an informational display, including a model of the Ting.

Friends of the New Almaden Ting at Oakridge Mall

On 2/22/20, there was a Senior Resource Fair at Oakridge Mall. There were exhibitors providing information about resources and volunteer opportunities for seniors and the community. Johnny Khamis' office invited the Friends of Santa Teresa Park (FOSTP) and the Friends of the New Almaden Ting (FONAT) to participate. Both groups shared tables, staffed by Mike Boulland, Steve Crockett, and Jennie Yeung. For FONAT, they had the wooden model of the Ting, a 3D photograph of one of the actual columns, historic photographs, and informational pamphlets.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had major effects on the County Parks, the New Almaden Community, and NAQCPA. COVID-19 restrictions, which started in March, 2020 and are in force until lifted, have resulted in the following:

While most of the County Parks, including Almaden Quicksilver, have remained open for trail use, some facilities have been closed and some activities have been prohibited. The situation is subject to change. Check the County Parks' website for the latest updates.
Live meetings of the New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association cannot be held. We have not been able to hold Zoom meetings.
The Casa Grande, the home of the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, is closed, including the office and archive area. That means all volunteer and interpretive activities, such as tours, archiving, and events, cannot be held. There will be no Living History Day and Play Like a Miner events.
The NAQCPA newsletter cannot be published because it requires the facilities of the Casa Grande.
Group events, both public and private, in New Almaden and in Almaden Quicksilver County Park cannot be held. That means there will be no New Almaden Parade/Carnival and no Pioneer Day.
There will be no group hikes led by volunteers, interpreters, or rangers.

Since County Park trails have remained open, usage has skyrocketed, resulting in parking lots filling up and trails becoming crowded. There are maps of some parks showing recommended road-width trails. The maps have been highlighted to show trails that are wide enough to maintain at social 6-feet social distancing when passing. There isn't a modified map for Almaden Quicksilver yet. In general, most of the trails in park are wide, except for the hiking-only trails, like the New Almaden, Cinnabar, Buena Vista, and Prospect 3.

There have been personnel changes in the County Parks' Department since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic:

Park Interpreter Chris Carson retired. Bridgett Orcutt-Diaz retired earlier.
Park Interpreter Dan LaFlash left the department. Kelsi Ju also left before the shutdown.
Park Interpreter Jan Shriner has been temporarily re-assigned to work on COVID-19 contact tracing, as has Patricia Vasquez, who worked in the Volunteer Program office.
Volunteer Program Manager Julie Lee has been temporarily re-assigned to work in the County's housing program.
Debra King is temporarily working in the Volunteer Program Office.
Julie Kahrnoff in the Volunteer Program Office got married. She's now Julie Abbatelli. In May, she left the department to take a job in Valley Water.
2 new interpreters joined the department: Travis Trinh and Rob McDonnell, joining fellow interpreters Luke Bailey and Victoria Heyse. They are doing virtual programs now (see below).
Rachel Caoili was hired as extra help in the interpretive department in the Calero/Almaden Quicksilver unit.
Senior Ranger Holly Maximovich moved from the Calero/Almaden Quicksilver unit to Ed Levin. Ranger Sadie Webster is now the acting senior ranger at Calero/Almaden Quicksilver.

While organized group events in the County Parks and open space preserves have been suspended due to COVID-19, videos and Zoom conferences are available from various organizations. Here are some examples (note: Facebook sign-in may be required):

We are very sad to announce that Mary Lee Baiocchi, long-time NAQCPA member and docent at the Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, passed away. Here is her Obituary in the Mercury News:
Mary Lee Baiocchi
January 6, 1934 - November 21, 2020
Resident of San Jose
    Mary Lee Baiocchi,"Cookie" to her family and friends, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 21, 2020. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and godmother. She is survived by her two sons Greg (Josie) and Ken (Stephanie), sister Barbara and niece Stacia. She is together now in heaven with her devoted husband Jerry Baiocchi, daughter-in-law Sharon Baiocchi, and sisters Georgia Lumley and Bea Lumley.
    Mary Lee was the daughter of George and Irene Smoot. She was a San Jose native and proud graduate of Notre Dame High School Class of '51 and San Jose City College. She worked as an instructor for Pacific Bell, becoming one of the first female supervisors and trainers in the San Jose area. After taking time off to raise her boys, she returned to the phone company, working in various roles until retirement in 1988.
    Mary Lee had a vibrant "second act" after retirement. As the granddaughter and daughter of New Almaden Quicksilver mine workers, she had a strong connection to the rich history of the area. She served as a history docent for over 30 years at the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum and served on the board of the New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association, activities that she shared with her lifelong friend Kitty Monahan. She was recognized as the Santa Clara County Parks Volunteer of the Year in 2006.
Mary Lee was involved with many other groups and activities, including the San Jose Women's Club, Almaden Valley Rotary Club, Transfiguration Catholic Church, Santa Theresa Women's Golf Club, and numerous book clubs. Mary Lee also acted and sang with the Almaden Senior Players acting troupe.
    Mary Lee had an inquisitive mind, a faith-filled heart and a thirst for knowledge. Her library is full of books that range in topics near and far. She loved all animals and enjoyed art classes and piano lessons. She loved to travel, explore cultures and meet people. Her favorite spot was Hawaii by far.
    Due to pandemic restrictions, Mary Lee was laid to rest in a private family service. A memorial mass will follow when it's safe to gather.
    We loved Cookie and if you knew her, you loved her as well. In honor of Mary Lee, you may light a candle or make a donation in her memory at San Jose's Notre Dame High School or Transfiguration Catholic Church.

In January of 2021, John Slenter passed away at his home in Arizona. John was a longtime resident of New Almaden. He was an active volunteer for NAQCPA and helped with the Pioneer Day events. He later became an interpreter for the County Parks, working at Almaden Quicksilver. For many years, he gave van tours of the park. At the 2009 Pioneer Day, he drove guests to the event in a park van and served as the master of ceremonies (see picture above). After he retired from the County Parks, he moved to Arizona to be with his family.

On May 4, 2021, longtime NAQCPA member and County Parks docent John Atwood passed away at his home in San Jose. Here is his obituary. He knew the Almaden Quicksilver Mines better than most people because he worked as a surveyor in the mines for 2 years, before spending 33 years as a surveyor for Santa Clara County. As a volunteer for NAQCPA, he worked in the Casa Grande as a docent, giving tours to visitors. During events at the Casa Grande, like Play Like a Miner, he would bring out his surveying equipment and show kids how to use them, as well as how to read maps.

Update 2021: The past 2 years have been difficult for NAQCPA. The last board meeting was held on 2/12/20. The board has been unable to meet due to COVID-related closures and the death and disability of many of the board's members. We could not even meet on Zoom. The Casa Grande was closed for over a year, starting in March of 2020, so volunteers could not go in to work on the archives or the NAQCPA newsletter. Docent activities were suspended, and most of the County Parks' interpretive staff were re-deployed as Disaster Service Workers (DSW) to help with the pandemic. In 2021, the Casa Grande re-opened, and some activities and events are starting to come back. However, many staff members, including several park interpreters, are still on DSW assignment. It's unclear when and if the NAQCPA board will meet again. Key volunteers working on the newsletter have health issues and are no longer able to work on it, even if facilities were available. It's not clear whether the newsletter will be published again. Pioneer Day was cancelled in 2020 and 2021. It may be held again in 2022, but that's not certain. NAQCPA is still partially active. A small group of members still does maintenance projects in the park.

The Casa Grande was decorated and open for the 2021 holiday season. On 12/18/22, there was a Victorian Holiday Craft event there. Visitors could make cornucopias, which were traditional Christmas tree ornaments during the Victorian era. The Blacksmith shop was also open for touring.

History hikes have resumed in Almaden Quicksilver, led by park interpreters. On 2/26/22, Park Interpreter Luke Bailey, with help from NAQCPA member Mike Cox, led a history hike on the Wood Road Trail to the Rotary Furnace and English Camp. There was a huge turnout. Over 70 people came to it. Here are pictures of the hike. See the events schedule below for future hikes.

Update 4/15/22: Starting in January 2022, Melissa Hippard, the County Parks Strategic Partnership and Revenue Development Manager, wanted to have a discussion about NAQCPA's partnership with the department. This initiated a series of Zoom meetings, initiated by Tere Johnson, to discuss NAQCPA's fate and future plans. The first meeting was on 1/24/22. We decided to keep NAQCPA going, maintain and possibly enhance our partnership with the County Parks, elect new board members, recruit new members, start a Facebook page, keep the small maintenance group active, publish an e-newsletter and email it to members, participate in park activities at the Casa Grande, and hold a Pioneer Day.

NAQCPA now has a Facebook page. If you're a Facebook member, check it out and join it. You can see the latest news, as well as historic pictures and stories. You can comment on them, ask questions, or post your own.

Sat. May 21, 7-9 pm. Preservation Awards Night. History San Jose Park. $15 General Admission, Under 18 Free. In recognition of this year’s National Preservation Month, the newly formed Santa Clara County Preservation Alliance will host a Preservation Awards Night to bring the public and local preservation groups together for a celebratory event. NAQCPA President Kitty Monahan and NAQCPA member Bruce Bartlett will be honored at this event. See here for more information and to purchase tickets.
The intent of the SCCPA Awards Night is:

To recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations in the community who have made outstanding contributions to historic preservation.
To showcase exemplary preservation throughout the community that may serve as inspiration for future preservation.
To encourage preservation of historic homes or buildings that may prevent future demolition of historic properties.
To educate the community on the merits of historic architecture and preservation.
To share ideas and projects various preservation groups throughout the county.

NAQCPA accepts donations of time, effort, and money. At NAQCPA, our most valuable resources are the time and effort of volunteers to help with various projects. Since NAQCPA is a not-for-profit 501c3 corporation recognized by the state of California and the IRS, donations may qualify to be tax-deductible depending on your circumstances. (Note that neither NAQCPA nor the Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum are currently accepting artifacts, due to storage issues.)

To donate time as a museum docent, to walk students around the community, as an archives recorder, to clean up trails etc., see the Park Volunteer Program's webpage or call the park interpreters at the New Almaden Mining Museum, 408-918-7770.

Funds are important to purchase books and other artifacts that become available on the market, for special projects, such as the blacksmith shop restoration, preserving the map table, building new exhibits for the museum, improving the Archives computer and software, preserving artifacts, and for many other projects. To donate money, please write a check and mail it to:

If you live in or near the Santa Clara Valley or Silicon Valley in Northern California or are planning a trip to the area, you may enjoy a visit to the New Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Come and see our beautiful park and learn about its wildlife, and many historic photographs, writings, relics, and landmarks. You can reach the park office at (408) 268-3883.

Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum

Note: the Casa Grande and the Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum were temporarily closed during the COVID-19 shutdown. It reopened in August of 2021, but the hours have changed. It has been closed at times recently due to problems with the HVAC system. This is the current status: "Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum is open in a limited capacity. Please stop by to enjoy our mining exhibits; however, the gift shop and Victorian Rooms are closed."

The Casa Grande and the Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum were closed for renovation starting in 2009. The Grand Re-Opening ceremony was held on Pioneer Day, November 13, 2010. It re-opened on January 14, 2011. The museum is open-year round except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. You can reach the museum at (408) 918-7770. It is located at 21350 Almaden Road in New Almaden. These are the current hours and are subject to change. Call the museum first to be sure it is open.

Mondays	Closed
Tuesdays	Closed
Wednesdays	Closed
Thursdays	Closed
Fridays	12pm - 4pm
Saturdays	12pm - 4pm
Sundays	12pm - 4pm

Many NAQCPA members have served as docents in the museum, giving guided tours. There are frequent events at the Casa Grande, such as Living History Days, Play Like a Miner, and historical talks. See the events calendar below. There are education programs for 4-6 graders. (Here is the Teaching and Activity Guide for Almaden Quicksilver.)

One of the period rooms in the Casa Grande

Mining exhibits in the Mining Museum

Mining exhibits in the Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum

See Ron Horii's picture and description of the Casa Grande for the Visual San Jose 2015 Photo Contest.

Mining Museum Archives

The Archives of the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum are online. NAQCPA members have been helping to scan in thousands of historical documents and pictures into the archive. The archives are available for searching and viewing. You can search for specific topics using keywords or just display random images to get a sample of the collection. You can order high-resolution images without watermarks. Here is an example of an historic photo from the archives:

Historical picture of the Hacienda Reduction Works from the archive

This yard, at the former site of the Hacienda Reduction Works, contains a collection of equipment from the New Almaden Mine and the Guadalupe mine. One item of particular interest is an old wooden Cornish pump from an English design which was used to pump water out of the mine shafts. Another unusual item, a cylindrical piece of machinery, was a small rotary furnace used for extracting Mercury from crushed cinnabar ore.

This is a more recent picture from the archives, taken in 1952. The Casa Grande and its grounds were used for a resort called Club Almaden. There was a swimming pool in back.

Hacienda Mining Display Outdoor Museum

Outdoor mining museum displays

Displays at the Hacienda Outdoor Museum

For years, there was an unorganized collection of rusting mining equipment sitting behind a fence in the Hacienda area of Almaden Quicksilver near the Deep Gulch Trail entrance. Above is how it looked in 2008.

Bruce Bartlett at the outdoor museum dedication

NAQCPA members, led by Bruce Bartlett (above), organized, repaired, and re-arranged the equipment and added other mining equipment. They had interpretive signs made, paid for the fencing, and created life-size figures.

Pioneer Days

Kitty Monahan welcoming guests to Pioneer Day 2014

Pioneer Day 2014, Rossi Retort Dedication

Since 1983, NAQCPA has held their annual Pioneer Day celebration in Almaden Quicksilver County Park, in partnership with the County Parks Department. The original purpose of Pioneer Day was to be a get-together to share stories with former New Almaden miners and people who remembered the mines. While that is still the case, it has also been associated with the dedication of historic sites, interpretive signs, or projects in the park. Most of these were NAQCPA projects, or NAQCPA members were involved with them. Pioneer Day for 2019 was held on October 12 at 11:00 am at the Casa Grande. It was canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic. It could not be held in 2021 because County Park staff were deployed as Disaster Service Workers and could not work on it. NAQCPA is working on plans to hold it in October of 2022.

NAQCPA Newsletter stories about past Pioneer Days (copied from archived newsletters up to 2004).
List of Pioneer Days and their locations.
Self-running slideshows (Windows only):

See the pictures from Pioneer Day in Almaden Quicksilver's Spanishtown, Saturday October 14, 2006.
Pictures from Pioneer Day, October 13, 2007, New Almaden Community Center, Santa Isabel Shafthouse Dedication.
Almaden Times Weekly article on Pioneer Day, 10/13/07
Pictures from Pioneer Day 10/11/08, Wood Road
Pioneer Day, English Camp Map House, 10/10/09
Almaden Times Weekly article on Pioneer Day, 10/10/09
Pioneer Day: Reopening of the Casa Grande, 11/13/10
Pioneer Day: Hacienda Mining Display Outdoor Museum, 10/8/11
Pioneer Day, Almaden Quicksilver 10/13/12, Incline Railroad Sign Dedication
Pioneer Day, Almaden Quicksilver 10/12/13, Hacienda Mining Display Outdoor Museum and Cornish Miners
Pioneer Day, Rossi Retort Dedication at the Rotary Furnace Site, Spanishtown, 10/11/14
Pioneer Day, Dedication of the Hacienda Bell Tower, 10/10/15 (Facebook album version)
Pioneer Day, Casa Grande Pathway and Memorial Bench Dedication, October 8, 2016 (Facebook album version)
Pioneer Day, NAQCPA's 35th Anniversary Celebration at the Hacienda Mining Display, 10/14/17 (Facebook album)
Pioneer Day, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 10/17/18 (Facebook album)
Pioneer Day, Almaden Quicksilver, Casa Grande, 10/12/19 (Facebook album, sign-in required)

New Almaden Days

New Almaden Jump-In Parade, 9/13/14

The Santa Clara County Horsemen's Association at the Jump-In Parade, 9/13/14

For more than 34 years, the community of New Almaden has held their New Almaden Day community celebration, kicked off by the Jump-In parade. It's an informal parade around the town, where anyone can jump in and join. Afterwards, there is a carnival held at the New Almaden Community Center, featuring games, prizes, food, and entertainment. The last New Almaden Day and Jump-In Parade was held on Saturday September 14, 2019, starting at 11:00 am at the New Almaden Community Center. It was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.

Pictures from New Almaden Coummunity Day 9/8/07: Jump-In Parade on Bertram Road, Jump-In Parade on Almaden Road, Dedication of Pat Tillman Memorial, and the BBQ and Games at the New Almaden Community Center.
New Almaden Community Day Sept. 13, 2008: Jump-In Parade, BBQ and Games.
Almaden Times Weekly article on New Almaden Day, 9/12/09
New Almaden Jump-In Parade 9/11/10
Almaden Times Weekly article on the Jump-In Parade, Sept. 12-23 issue
New Almaden Community Day, Jump-In Parade 9/8/12
New Almaden Community Day 9/13/14: Jump-In Parade, Carnival at the New Almaden Community Center
Almaden Times Weekly article on the Jump-In Parade, see Sept. 19-Oct. 2, 2014 issue, page 4.
Facebook: New Almaden Day Jump-In Parade, 9/12/15
Facebook: New Almaden Day Carnival, 9/12/15
Facebook: New Almaden Day Jump-In Parade, 9/10/16
Facebook: New Almaden Day Carnival, 9/10/16
Facebook: New Almaden Day: Jump-In Parade, 9/9/17, Part 1, Part 2, Carnival
Facebook: New Almaden Day: Jump-In Parade, 9/8/18: parade preparations, the parade going north on Almaden Road, the parade returning south on Almaden Road, and the carnival after the parade at the Community Center.
Facebook: New Almaden Day 9/14/19: Jump-In Parade, Carnival

News, Media, Articles, and Links

Recipients of Lifetime Presidential Volunteer Service Award

Recipients of the Lifetime Presidential Volunteer Service Award (L to R): Art Boudreault, Roy Ichinaga, Ron Horii, Mike Boulland, Ranger John Heenan accepting for Richard and Margaret Brunner, Kitty Monahan, Jaime Day

Almaden Times Weekly article, "Living at the mines, circa 1880-1914: Quicksilver miners worked hard, played hard"
Almaden Times Weekly article, "History Repeats Itself: Two New Almaden Historic Homes Dedicated With Monuments"
The History of Mercury Emissions from the New Almaden Mines, Santa Clara County, California by Michael Cox
Bay Nature Magazine: Legacy of the Red Ore Almaden Quicksilver County Park by John Dorrance, 1/1/02
You can vote to save the Casa Grande! See here for details.
The County Parks' Healthy Trails program includes 2 trail routes in Almaden Quicksilver.
NAQCPA has adopted 3 trails in Quicksilver Park: The Yellow Kid, the Great Eastern and Day Tunnel, and the Deep Gulch Trail. The trail group meets on the second Wednesday of the month and drives up to the trail for work from 9 am to 11:30 am. We need volunteers to help in the spring and summer. Contact Kitty Monahan to volunteer.
Erosion Reconnaissance of the Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Santa Clara County, California, August 2007
San Jose Mercury News Section, Where We Live, Almaden Valley.
Open Road TV show on Almaden Quicksilver
Almaden Resident: Casa Grande in Quicksilver Park set for $5 million building restoration, March 6, 2009.
Hacienda and Deep Gulch Remediation Project Almaden Quicksilver County Park Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, September 14, 2010
DAR honor renovation of Santa Clara County's Casa Grande and costuming of Feather Tippetts, 7/7/11
On November 18, 2014, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors presented the Lifetime Presidential Volunteer Service Award to County Park volunteers (here is the list). They included several NAQCPA members and officers: Kitty Monahan, Mike Boulland, Art Boudreault, Bob Meyer, and Ron Horii. Here is the commendation letter from the President. Above is a picture of some of the award winners.
Hacienda and Deep Gulch Remediation Project
Environmental Review Documents for the Calcine Roads Remediation Project
Almaden Quicksilver County Park Final Trail Master Plan Report, October 1998
Casa Grande Historic Structure Report: Volume 1, Volume 2
Santa Clara County Parks Links:

SF Gate 9/24/14: "Take a trip back in time at Almaden Quicksilver County Park"
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for Calcine Roads Remediation Project March 2015
San Jose Mercury News 3/12/15: "Almaden Quicksilver Park: Then and Now in Pictures"
An episode of Open Road on NBC Bay Area (KNTV) featured the County Parks' Park for Life Challenge. It featured contestants at the Casa Grande and Uvas Canyon. Ron Horii's pictures are shown starting at 5:40.
Guadalupe River Watershed Mercury TMDL, May 2016 TMDL Implementation Update
On February 6, 2017, C-Span interviewed Luke Bailey and Kitty Monahan for a story about mining in San Jose. It was part of their 2017 Local Content Vehicles tour of San Jose, featuring the history and literary life of the community.
The Santa Clara County Newsbeat has an online article and video on the County Parks' PixInParks Challenge, which includes the Wood Road Trail at Almaden Quicksilver. (Still pictures were provided by Ron Horii.)
The March 3, 2022 issue of Almaden Times Weekly has an article about NAQCPA celebrating 39 years as an organization. Current President Tere Johnson is on the cover. He wrote the article, which talks about NAQCPA's history, accomplishments, and hopes for the future.
The April 15, 2022 issue of Almaden Times Weekly has an article about NAQCPA past president Kitty Monahan receiving The Preservation Lifetime Achievement Award from the Santa Clara County Preservation Alliance (SCCPA) on at the Preservation Awards Night on May 21.

Pictures and Special Reports

View from Hidalgo Mine Trail

View of Almaden Reservoir from the Hidalgo Cemetery Trail

Below are webpages, slideshows, and photo albums of Almaden Quicksilver County Park by Ron Horii. Note that the Facebook albums may require signing into Facebook.

Self-running slideshows (Windows only):
- California Trail Day, north New Almaden Trail, 4/23/05 (14 MB)
- Wildflower Scavenger Hunt, Senador Mine Trail, 5/5/05 (21 MB)
- Volunteers Recognition Banquet, 4/6/06 (31 MB)
- Wildflower walk, Wood Road Trail, 4/30/06 (31 MB)
- GPS Class, Wood Road Trail to Mine Hill, 4/30/06 (31 MB)

Los Alamitos Creek/Guadalupe River Trail

Ron Horii's Outdoor Photography Gallery (includes Almaden Quicksilver)

Part 1 Southside: Deep Gulch, Mine Hill, Wood Road Trails

Part 2 Northside: Senador, Guadalupe, Mine Hill, New Almaden Trails

Geocaching Class, Wood Road Trail, Jan. 17, 2009

Pictures from the Healthy Trails Hike, Wood Road Trail, Almaden Quicksilver, 3/28/09

Kiwanis Ghost Tour of Santa Teresa Park and New Almaden, 10/17/09

Geocaching Class, Wood Road Trail, Jan. 16, 2010

2019-2022 Almaden Quicksilver events

Living History Day, Casa Grande, 2/14/15, left to right: Mike Boulland, Mary Moran, Elaine Hill, Bridgett Orcutt, Doug Bergtholdt

See here for the County Parks' Latest Play Here Guide.
See here for past events at Almaden Quicksilver and other parks.

January 2019

Saturday, January 19, Quicksilver History Hike, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Quicksilver History Hike • Almaden Quicksilver • 9:00am-12:00pm. Explore what remains of the once-bustling mining operations in the hills above New Almaden on this 4-mile hike leaving from the Wood Road parking lot off Hicks Rd. Questions? (408) 918-7770.

February 2019

Sunday, Feburary 10, Living History Day, 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM, Experience life in a historic mining community. Participate in activities, play games, and learn about daily life in the 1890s at Casa Grande and the QuicksilverMuseum. History tours at 11:30am and 1:00pm. Fun for the whole family. Questions? (408) 918-7770.
Saturday, February 16, Quicksilver History Hike, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, see January 19, 2019 above.

March 2019

Saturday, March 16, Quicksilver History Hike, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, see January 19, 2019 above.
Saturday, March 30, Nature Journaling Hike, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Almaden Quicksilver Hicks Rd at the Wood Rd park entrance. Enjoy a leisurely hike while learning how to nature/travel journal and create memories that will last. Bring your own sketch pad and writing implements if you have them. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, hat, water, and something light to sit on when we stop to sketch. Meet at the Wood Rd. lot off of Hicks Road. Reservations (408) 918-7775.

April 2019

Saturday, April 13, Wildflower Scavenger Hunt, Almaden Quicksilver, 12:00pm-3:00pm, Wildflower Scavenger Hunt, Almaden Quicksilver, 12:00pm-3:00pm. Join the New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association on a wildflower scavenger hunt through various stations along the Wood Road Trail. Meet in the Wood Rd. parking lot off of Hicks Rd. Reservations online or at (408) 355-2201.
Saturday, April 13, 2019, Almaden Quicksilver Spring Bioblitz by Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Almaden Quicksilver County Park Mockingbird Hill Ln entrance. A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. At a this BioBlitz, scientists, families, students, teachers, and other community members work together to get an overall count of the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms that live in a place. Docents will guide you and teach you to use the iNaturalist app on your smartphone or tablet to record all the living things you encounter. Flowers, trees, butterflies, dragonflies, and beetles, birds, and squirrels. Note: Heavy rain cancels this event. We'll hold the event if we have light rain, which makes the event quite fun. This event is hosted by Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful and Santa Clara County Parks.
Saturday, April 20, Quicksilver History Hike, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, see January 19, 2019 above.

June 2019

Sunday, June 16, 2019, Take a Ride With a Ranger, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Almaden Quicksilver Hacienda Entrance: Learn bike handling skills, bike safety and trail etiquette, all while you learn about the mining history of Almaden Quicksilver Park. Questions? (408) 535-4070.

July 2019

Sunday, July 21, 2019, Backyard Birding Basics, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM, Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. Come explore the diverse bird life of Casa Grande's beautiful backyard with a Park Interpreter! You'll learn the basics of observing and identifying local birds. No experience necessary! Questions? (408) 918-7738.

August 2019

Saturday, August 3, 2019, Play Like A Miner, 11:00 AM - 03:00 PM, Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. Ever wondered what it was like to be a miner long ago? Come join in for a fun day of learning through games, demonstrations and crafts. Try your luck at panning for gold and precious gems. A fun event for the whole family! Questions? (408) 918-7770.
Sunday, August 4, 2019, What's in a Ranger's Truck, 2:00 PM - 03:00 PM, Almaden Quicksilver-Mockingbird Hill Park Entrance. Have you ever wanted to see the inside of a Park Ranger's truck? This is your chance to interact with a variety of equipment used for search and rescue, firefighting and lifesaving duties. Meet at the Mockingbird Hill entrance. Questions? (408) 268-3883.

September 2019

Saturday, September 14, 2019. New Almaden Day Jump-In Parade.
Sunday, September 29, Quicksilver History Hike • Almaden Quicksilver • 9:00am-12:00pm, see January 19, 2019.

October 2019

Saturday, October 12, 2019, Pioneer Day. 11 am - 2 pm, Casa Grande.
Saturday, October 26, Quicksilver History Hike • Almaden Quicksilver • 9:00am-12:00pm, see January 19, 2019.
Sunday, October 27, 2019, Whoppers and Ghostly Tales of New Almaden, Almaden Quicksilver • 5:00pm-7:00pm. Curious about the ghosts of New Almaden? Enjoy an evening of ghostly stories as told by an interpretive docent as we tour the historic 1854 Casa Grande. Meet at the Casa Grande front entrance. Reservations online or (408) 355-2240

November 2019

Saturday, November 16, Almaden Quicksilver Fall 2019 BioBlitz, Almaden Quicksilver Mockingbird Hill Lane entrance, 9:00am-11:00am. A BioBlitz is an event where we find and identify as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. At a this BioBlitz, scientists, families, students, teachers, and other community members work together to get an overall count of the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms that live in a place. Docents will guide you and teach you to use the iNaturalist app on your smartphone or tablet to record all the living things you encounter, such as flowers, trees, butterflies, dragonflies, and beetles, birds, and squirrels. Note: Heavy rain cancels this event. We'll hold the event if we have light rain, which makes the event quite fun. This event is hosted by Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful and Santa Clara County Parks. Sponsored by Santa Clara County Parks. Click here for reservations.
Sunday, November 17, Backyard Birding, Casa Grande/Quicksilver Mining Museum, 8:30 am - 09:30 am. Come explore the diverse bird life of Casa Grande’s beautiful backyard! You’ll learn the basics of observing and identifying local birds with a park interpreter. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Sunday, November 24, Quicksilver History Hike • Almaden Quicksilver • 9:00am-12:00pm, see January 19, 2019.

December 2019

Sunday, December 15, Victorian Holiday Living History • Almaden Quicksilver • 11:00am-3:00pm. Learn about the Victorian era at Casa Grande while participating in activities from the 1880s with costumed staff and docents. There will be demonstrations, crafts, and guided tours of the museum. Fun for the whole family.Questions? (408) 918-7770
Saturday, December 28, Quicksilver History Hike • Almaden Quicksilver • 9:00am-12:00pm, see January 19, 2019.

January 2020

Sunday, January 26, Quicksilver History Hike • Almaden Quicksilver • 9:00am-12:00pm, see January 19, 2019.

February 2020

Saturday, February 8, Chinese New Year Living History Day, Almaden Quicksilver • 11:00am-3:00pm. Visit the Casa Grande and celebrate the lunar new year with Chinese traditions! Explore the museum while observing & participating in festive activities. There will be demonstrations, crafts, and guided tours of the museum by staff & volunteers. Questions? (408) 918-7770.
Saturday, February 29, Quicksilver History Hike • Almaden Quicksilver • 9:00am-12:00pm, see January 19, 2019.

March 2020+

All in-person park activities were cancelled starting in March 2020 due to COVID-19 shutdown restrictions. The County Parks hosted virtual events instead. They starting slowy hosting more live events in 2021. See the Park Calendar.

2022

Fri, Jan 21, 10am - 1pm: Almaden Quicksilver Beautification Day. Do you wish to give back to your County Parks? Here's an opportunity to volunteer at Almaden Quicksilver County Park and get in your weekend workout. Join a Park Ranger in brushing the sides of the Yellow Kid trail to keep the trail wide and accessible. Tools will be provided, but be sure to bring sturdy hiking boots, as you will be hiking to the work area. Bring a refillable water bottle, work gloves, and dress in layers for working in the cold. SIGN UP
Sat, Jan 22, 9am-12pm: Quicksilver History Hike. Explore what remains of the once-bustling mining operations in the hills above New Almaden. This moderate, 4-mile hike in Almaden Quicksilver County Park leaves from the Wood Road parking lot off Hicks Road in San Jose. Dress in layers with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, and bring plenty of drinking water. No pre-registration is necessary.
Sat, Feb 5, 9am - 12pm: Trail Watch Volunteer Training. Do you love hiking, biking, or horseback riding in Santa Clara County Parks? As a Trail Watch volunteer, you could serve to keep our parks friendly, welcoming, and safe. Attend the virtual Trail Watch Academy training via Zoom to join our team of volunteers. Questions? Email volunteer@park.sccgov.org. SIGN UP
Sat, Feb 26, 9am-12pm: Quicksilver History Hike. See Jan 22.
Saturday, March 26th, 9:00 am - 12:00pm. Quicksilver History Hike. Join an Almaden Quicksilver Park Interpreter to explore what remains of the once-bustling mining operations in the hills above New Almaden. This moderate 3-4 mile hike leaves from the Wood Road parking lot of Almaden Quicksilver County Park and is offered once a month. Registration for the hike opens on the 1st of the month that the hike is offered. Space is limited. For more information call 408-918-7700. Advanced registration required.
Wednesday, March 30, 6:00 pm-7:00 pm .The Stupendous Women of the Santa Clara Valley. Throughout its history, many incredible women have lived in the Santa Clara Valley. A look back at the valley in the 19th and early 20th centuries offers the chance to examine the lives of a few of the women who stood out from everyone else. Questions? Email Rob.McDonnell@prk.sccgov.org. Sign up here.
Sun. April 24, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Earth Day Event. Help beautify the grounds of the historic Casa Grande. Contact Info: Volunteer Program Office (408) 918-4930. Address: 21350 Almaden Rd. San Jose 95120. Meet in the main parking lot of Casa Grande (home of the Quicksilver Mining Museum). See here for more Earth Day events and to sign up.
Sun. April 24, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Quicksilver History Hike. See March 26. Advanced registration required.
Sat, May 21, 9am - 12 pm. National River Cleanup Day, multiple locations. National River Cleanup is a national day of action to protect our rivers, watersheds, and wildlife from trash and debris. Since its inception in 1991, American Rivers have engaged more than 1.3 million volunteers who have participated in thousands of cleanups across the country, covering more than 261,000 miles of waterways and removing more than 32.5 million pounds of litter and debris. More information and sign ups.

2019-2022 Events at Other Parks

From the Rancho San Vicente Hike, 3/28/15 These events are mostly at neighboring parks, like Santa Teresa, Calero, and Hellyer.

See here for Santa Clara Open Space Authority events.

See here for past events at Almaden Quicksilver and other parks.

January 2019

Friday, January 18, 2019, Lunar New Year Night Hike • Santa Teresa • 6pm-8pm. The moon brings people from all over the planet together for celebrations. Join us for a reflective night hike celebrating the moon in each of our lives.Recommended 9+ years. Meet at the chicken coop with a large mouth cup and water or tea. Reservations (408) 226-5453.

March 2019

Saturday and Sunday March 2-3, 2019, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Cleanup event at the Curie Drive property in Santa Teresa Park. Meeting location is the Bear Tree Lot at Santa Teresa County Park located across from the address 279 Curie Dr., San Jose, CA 95119. Here is the flyer for the event. Sign up here on Samaritan.
Sunday March 17th, 2019, from 9:00-11:00, Coyote Creek at Anderson Reservoir Visitor Center. Coyote Valley BioBlitz. A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. At a BioBlitz, scientists, families, students, teachers, and other community members work together to get an overall count of the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms that live in a place.Note: Heavy rain cancels this event. We'll hold the event if we have light rain, which makes the event quite fun. RSVP at https://190317-bioblitz.eventbrite.com
Wednesday, March 27, 2019, 10:00am-1:00pm, Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. Join docent Ron Horii as he takes us on a tour of Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. Discover and explore this beautiful preserve with a knowledgeable docent who will talk about the plants and wildlife found here. The hike will be 4 miles long and moderately strenuous with several uphill grades. Along the hike, you will see oak woodlands as well as grasslands. The trail may be muddy, rocky and uneven in some areas, so sturdy shoes are advised. Bring water, lunch or snack, a camera, sunscreen, a hat and your sense of adventure! There are restrooms in the parking lot but none on the trail. Meet at the Centennial Recreation Senior Center, 171 W. Edmundson Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037. We will caravan to the site.

April 2019

Thursday, April 4, 2019, 7:00 pm at the Santa Teresa Golf Course Upper Clubhouse: A Taste of Santa Teresa History 2019 Speaker Series. Ranger Lisa Pappanastos will talk about the Grant Ranch and the Bernal Connection.
Saturday, April 6, 2019, County Parks Volunteers Picnic, 12 pm to 3 pm, Martial Cottle Park, Edward Cottle Group Area. County Parks volunteers will receive an invitation to this recognition event.
Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 9 AM – 11 AM, Hellyer County Park - Cottonwood Lake. If you love birds, this walk is for you!
Join us for a walk at Hellyer Park's Cottonwood Lake area with bird enthusiasts Alie and Bruce Victorine. You'll enjoy the fresh air of the park in winter, and see some local as well as seasonal birds. Plus the plants will be leafing and flowering, so our native plant advocate Pat Pizzo will be happy to share his enthusiasm with you. And, the local ranger will round out the walk. Free and accessible. Fee for parking.
Saturday, April 13, Spring Celebration • Martial Cottle • 10:00am-3:00pm. Celebrate the spring planting season and our shared connection to Santa Clara Valley's agricultural past, present and future. Enjoy kids' farm activities, shop for plants, take a gardening workshop or go on a farm tour. Event volunteers needed! Questions? (408) 535-4060.
Saturday April 27, Introduction to Outdoor Photography, Santa Teresa Park's Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch, Manila Dr. at Camino Verde Dr., San Jose 95119 from 10 am to 1 pm. Join Docent Ron Horii for a free outdoor photography workshop for all experience levels and learn about the types of cameras and how to choose and use them, how to take outdoor pictures, photo composition, lighting. Afterwards, go for a hike up into the wildflower-covered hills and take pictures. Call (408) 355-2240 for reservations or visit www.parkhere.org for online reservations.
Sunday, April 28, 2019, Hellyer County Park Spring 2019 Bioblitz by Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Hellyer County Park 985 Hellyer Avenue Cottonwood Lake - Southwest trail entrance. A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. At a this BioBlitz, scientists, families, students, teachers, and other community members work together to get an overall count of the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms that live in a place. Docents will guide you and teach you to use the iNaturalist app on your smartphone or tablet to record all the living things you encounter. Flowers, trees, butterflies, dragonflies, and beetles, birds, and squirrels. Note: Heavy rain cancels this event. We'll hold the event if we have light rain, which makes the event quite fun.This event is hosted by Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful and Santa Clara County Parks.

May 2019

Saturday, May 4, 2019, Untold Stories: Asian Pacific Islander Environmentalists, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Santa Teresa's Bernal Ranch. Celebrate the tenacity of Asian Pacific Islander Environmentalists during API Heritage month. We'll redefine the stereotypical environmentalist and inspire one another to be truth seekers. Ages 13+ years welcome. Meet at the Bernal Ranch. Reservations (408) 226-5453.
Saturday, May 11, 2019, Pre-Mother’s Day Wildflower & History Hike, 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM, Santa Teresa Park Stile Ranch/Fortini Trail Trailhead. Join the Friends of Santa Teresa Park for a moderate 2.5-mile hike on the Stile Ranch, Mine and Fortini Trails. View spectacular wildflower displays, take in the gorgeous views, and learn about the rich history of the area. Meet at the Stile Ranch Trailhead with sturdy shoes, snacks and water. Questions? (408) 355-2240.
Saturdays, May 11 @ 1:00 PM - 02:00 PM, July 13 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, August 10 @ 1:00 PM - 02:00 PM, Oak Trees! What are they good for? Martial Cottle Park. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to see and celebrate the park's majestic heritage oak trees. Meet at the Visitor Center. Questions? (408) 535-4062
Saturdays May 11, August 10, 2019, Life on the Farm, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Martial Cottle Park. Come have some fun on the farm. Discover what ranch children experienced in their daily lives performing chores while learning life lessons along the way. Meet at the Visitor Center. Questions? (408) 535-4052.
Saturday, May 11, 2019, When Nature Bites Back, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Hellyer County Park. The wild world of parks has numerous wonders to explore, but in the event of an accident are you prepared? Come discover nature and recreation while being trained in hands-only CPR and basic first aid by Park Rangers. All practice equipment is provided. Meet at the Visitor Center. Reservations online? or (408) 355-2240.
When Nature Bites Back (9/14/2019 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Saturday, May 18, 2019, Origami for Kids, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM, Santa Teresa's Bernal Ranch. Celebrate API Heritage month through origami. Learn to fold recycled paper into toys. This family event includes story telling and origami instruction. 3 + years recommended. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Bernal Ranch. Questions? (408) 226-5453.
Saturday, May 18, July 20, August 17, Park Partners Open House, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Martial Cottle Park. Explore the gardens, attend a workshop or tour the Master Gardeners Parcel. Learn from youth 4-H members about their livestock animals. Purchase and learn to plant native drought-tolerant trees at the Our City Forest Parcel. Questions? (408) 535-4060.

June 2019

Friday, June 7, 2019, Boating Safety 101, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Calero Reservoir. Learn about required equipment and how to stay safe while boating on Santa Clara County waterways. A Park Ranger will be on hand to answer any questions and to help you have a fun and safe day on the water. This is a drop-in event. Questions? (408) 268-388.
Saturday, June 15, 2019, Owl Hike, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Martial Cottle Park. Come enjoy an easy hike around the park at night. Learn about flying nocturnal predators within the city limits. See where owls live and how the park encourages these interesting birds of the night. Meet at the Visitor Center with sturdy shoes, snacks and water. Flashlights not needed. Questions? (408) 535-4060.
Saturday, June 15, 2019, In The Park After Dark Movie Night, 8:45 PM - 10:30 PM, Santa Teresa. Enjoy a FREE feature-length movie under the stars with family and friends. Come early to learn about the park and talk to a Ranger. Meet in the Pueblo Group Area parking lot with a chair or blanket, flashlight and snacks. No dogs please. Questions? (408) 225-0225.
Friday, June 21, 2019, In The Park After Dark Movie Night, 8:45 PM - 10:30 PM, Martial Cottle Park. Enjoy a FREE feature-length movie under the stars with family and friends. Come early to learn about the park and talk to a Ranger. Meet on the lawn with a chair or blanket, flashlight and snacks. No dogs please. Questions? (408) 535-4060.
Saturday, June 22, 2019, Intro to Fishing for Kids, 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM, Hellyer County Park Visitor Center. Learn to fish from a Park Ranger! Explore the Coyote Creek waterway and discover how you can be a steward for our watersheds. Meet at the Visitor Center. Fishing equipment provided or bring your own. Reservations (408) 225-0225.
Saturday, June 29, 2019, What's "Shaking" in Parks? 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Santa Teresa Park Pueblo Day Use Area. Trek to the highest peak in the park to view fantastic vistas and explore local geology formations. Meet in 2nd parking lot (on left by yellow call box) with hiking shoes, layered clothing and water. Questions? (408) 225-0225.
Saturday, June 29, 2019, Chitactac Family Day, 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM, Chitactac-Adams County Park. Celebrate the culture and heritage of the Amah Mutsun people who once lived at this ancient village site. Participate in hands-on activities, play traditional games and make unique crafts. This event is free and appropriate for families and all ages. Questions? (408) 918-7770.

July 2019

Friday, July 12, 2019 to Saturday 13, 2019, Movie Night Campout, 7:00 PM - 08:00 AM, Santa Teresa Pueblo Day Use Area. Join us for a family-friendly movie and overnight campout in the park. The evening begins with a feature-length movie under the stars, followed by a campfire and 2nd movie. Bring your own tents, chairs, bedding and food. $15 fee for each tent or RV and $6 per vehicle. Fee collected upon arrival. No dogs please. Reservations (408) 535-4060.
Friday, July 12, 2019, In The Park After Dark Movie Night, 8:45 PM - 10:30 PM, Santa Teresa Pueblo Day Use Area. Enjoy a FREE feature-length movie under the stars with family and friends. Come early to learn about the park and talk to a Ranger. Meet in the Pueblo Group Area parking lot with a chair or blanket, flashlight and snacks. No dogs please. Questions? (408) 225-0225.
Sunday, July 13, 2019, Oak Trees! What are they good for? 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Martial Cottle Park. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to see and celebrate the park's majestic heritage oak trees. Meet at the Visitor Center. Questions? (408) 535-4062.
Friday July 19 @ 8:45 PM - 10:30 PM, Friday August 30 @ 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Saturday September 7, 2019 @ 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM, In The Park After Dark Movie Night, Hellyer County Park. Enjoy a FREE feature-length movie under the stars with family and friends. Come early to learn about the park and talk to a Ranger. Meet on the lawn by Cottonwood Lake with a chair or blanket, flashlight and snacks. No dogs please. Questions? (408) 225-0225.
Saturday, July 27, 2019, The Revolving Door, 8:00 PM - 09:00 PM, Martial Cottle Park. Enjoy an evening sunset walk as we explore how vital wildlife corridors are to the health and survival of wildlife. Meet at the Visitor Center. Questions? (408) 535-4052.

August 2019

Saturday, August 3, 2019, Light Life Night Hike, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Santa Teresa. This moderate 2-mile night hike will investigate the role of light in the life cycles of animals and humans. Bring a flashlight. Meet at the top of Bernal Rd, parking lot on left before IBM gate (GPS coordinates: 37.214513, -121.796560?). Reservations (408) 226-5453.
Sunday, August 4 and August 18, 2019, What's "Shaking" in Parks? 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Santa Teresa Park Pueblo Day Use Area. See 6/29/19 above.
Tuesday, August 6, 2019, National Night Out (NNO), multiple locations and times. The second Tuesday in August is National Night Out (NNO) Day. Neighbors and neighborhood organizations all over the country hold meet-and-greet events where members of the community can meet each other and with public service agencies. The purpose is to promote public safety and reduce crime. There will be NNO events at the New Almaden Community Center and the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch at 5:30 pm in Santa Teresa County Park.
Wednesday, August 7, 2019, A Taste of Water Skiing, 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM, Coyote Creek Parkway. Learn how to water ski with the Santa Clara County Water Ski Club. All equipment, lessons and other resources will be provided. It's a great time for ages 8-17! Bring your bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, water and snacks. Reservations online or (408) 355-2240?. Coyote Creek Parkway entrance, enter the parkway at Metcalf Rd.
Saturday, August 10, 2019 to Sunday, August 11, 2019, Movie Night Campout, 7:00 PM - 08:00 AM, Santa Teresa Pueblo Day Use Area. See 7/12/19 above.
Saturday, August 10, 2019, In The Park After Dark Movie Night, 8:30 PM - 10:30 PM, Santa Teresa Pueblo Day Use Area. See 7/12/19 above.
Saturdays, August 17, August 24, 2019, Tule Elk, The Story of Their Comeback, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Anderson Lake Visitor Center. Learn about tule elk and their epic journey back from the brink of extinction. Look and listen for a local herd in its native habitat on a guided tour with a Ranger. Meet at Anderson Lake Visitor Center. Bring binoculars and wear hiking shoes. Reservations (408) 918-7981.
Saturday, August 24, 2019, The Impact of Fire, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Santa Teresa. Take a 2-mile walk with park staff through the site of 2018’s Curie Fire while exploring our community’s relationship with wildfire in the 21st-century. Young adults encouraged to attend. Minimum age 12. Bring water and sun protection. Meet at the Bernal Ranch on Manila Drive. Questions? (408) 918-7779.
Saturday, August 31, 2019, A Taste of Archery, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Santa Teresa Archery Range. Join the Black Mountain Bowmen to learn how to shoot a compound or recurve bow, fletch arrows and make a bow string. Ages 6 and up with parent. A mandatory safety class and equipment are provided by Predator's Archery. Reservations online or (408) 355-2240.
Saturday, August 31, 2019, Night Hike on the Farm, 7:30 PM - 09:30 PM, Martial Cottle Park. Join a Ranger to explore the farm after dark! Discover the history of farming from the past to the present in this urban agricultural park. Bring snacks, water and sturdy shoes. No flashlights needed. Meet at the Visitor Center. Questions? (408) 535-4060.

September 2019

Saturday, September 7, 2019, Raptor 101 • Santa Teresa • 9:00am-11:00am. Learn how to identify birds of prey just in time for raptor migration season! Meet at the Bernal Ranch. Reservations (408) 226-5453
Saturday, September 7, 2019, Cattle in Calero • Calero • 2:00pm-3:00pm. Learn about cattle and how they are benefiting our County Park system. Discuss tips on how to share the trails and stay safe on your trail adventures. Meet at the Rancho San Vicente parking lot. Questions? (408) 535-4070.
Saturday, September 7, 2019, In the Park After Dark Movie Night • Hellyer • 8:00pm-10:00pm. Watch a FREE feature-length movie on a giant blow-up screen under the stars. Come early to learn information about the park and talk to a Ranger. Meet on the big lawn and bring a chair or blanket. No dogs please. Questions? (408) 225-0225.
Sunday, September 8, 2019, A Dog's Life on the Farm, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM. Martial Cottle Park. Bring your furry friends out for a leisurely walk around the Cottle Ranch. We will tell tales of dogs from the past and learn about their jobs on the farm. Bring water and sturdy walking shoes. Meet at the Visitor Center. Questions? (408) 535-4060.
Friday, September 13, 2019, Moonlight Paddle, 6:45 PM - 9:15 PM. Calero Reservoir Boat Launch Area. Discover the natural and cultural history of the area on a paddle tour of the reservoir. Experienced paddlers only. No instruction or equipment is provided. Meet at launch ramp with your kayak/canoe, life jacket (PFD) and 2 glow sticks per person. $6 vehicle entrance fee and $4 vessel inspection fee collected at park. Reservations online or (408) 355-2240.
Saturday, September 14, 2019, Full Moon Hike, 7:00 PM - 09:00 PM, Santa Teresa's Pueblo Day Use Area. Join a Park Ranger on a moderate hike to see the moon rise. Learn about local park wildlife and how to use your senses in the dark. Meet in the Pueblo Day Use parking lot with layered clothing and sturdy hiking shoes. Questions? (408) 225-0225.
Saturday, September 21, 2019, The Impact of Fire, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Santa Teresa. See 8/24/19.
Saturday, September 14, 2019, When Nature Bites Back • Hellyer • 10:00am-12:00pm. The wild world of parks has numerous wonders to explore, but in the event of an accident are you prepared? Come discover nature and recreation while being trained in hands-only CPR and basic first aid by Park Rangers. All practice equipment is provided. Meet at the Visitor Center. Reservations online or (408) 355-2240.
Saturday, September 14, 2019, The Revolving Door • Martial Cottle • 6:00pm-7:00pm. Enjoy an evening sunset walk at Martial Cottle Park as we explore how vital wildlife corridors are to the health and survival of wildlife. Meet at the Visitor Center. Questions? (408) 535-4062.
Saturday, September 21, 2019, Park Partners Open House • Martial Cottle • 10:00am-12:00pm. Explore the gardens, attend a workshop or tour the Master Gardeners Parcel. Learn from youth 4-H members about their livestock animals. Purchase and learn to plant native drought-tolerant trees at the Our City Forest Parcel. Questions? (408) 535-4060.

October 2019

Saturday, October 5, 2019, Cattle in Calero • Calero • 2:00pm-3:00pm. See September 7, 2019.
Monday, October 7, 2019, 9:00 am-1:30 pm. Rancho Canada del Oro Open Space Preserve Interpretive Hike. Join Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority Docent Ron Horii as he takes us on another of his Interpretive Hikes through Rancho Canada Del Oro Open Space Preserve. Discover and explore this beautiful preserve with a knowledgeable docent who will talk about the plants and wildlife found here. The hike will be about 3 miles long with moderate elevation gain. We will be taking part of the Longwall Canyon Trail to part of the Mayfair Ranch Trail where it crosses Baldy Ryan Creek. The hike will go through a variety of environments with lovely views. Bring water, a snack, a camera, sunscreen, a hat and your sense of adventure! Be sure to wear sturdy shoes. There is a restroom in the parking lot on Casa Loma but none on the trail. Please call the Senior Center if you are interested in this hike: (408) 782-1284. Meet at the Centennial Recreaon Senior Center Lobbyat 9:00 am on 171 W. Edmundson Ave. Morgan Hill. We will carpool/caravan to the site. FREE
Saturday, October 12, 2019, Raptor 101 • Santa Teresa • 9:00am-11:00am. See September 7, 2019.
Saturday, October 19, 2019, Park Partners Open House • Martial Cottle • 10:00am-12:00pm. See September 21, 2019.
Saturday, October 19, 2019, La Fuente, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Santa Teresa's Bernal Ranch. La fuente means "the source" or "the origin" in Spanish. Celebrate la fuente of the rich community histories from the past, present, and future at the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch. This afternoon event will feature cultural presentations, local community organizations, family activities, and children's games. Free and fun for all ages. Question? Call (408) 226-5453 or email interp@prk.sccgov.org.
Saturday, October 26, 2019, Wildlife Detective • Calero • 10:00am-11:00am. Have you ever wanted to be a Wildlife Detective? Come join a Park Ranger at Calero County Park and learn about clues that animals leave behind. Meet at the Calero Park Office parking lot. Questions? (408) 535-4070.

November 2019

Saturday, November 2, 2019, Raptor 101 • Santa Teresa • 9:00am-11:00am. See September 7, 2019.
Saturday, November 2, 2019, Paint in the Park – A Watercolor Plein Air Experience, Martial Cottle • 12:30pm-2:30pm. Have you ever wanted to learn how to paint outdoor scenes in watercolor? Please join us in this pastoral setting at Martial Cottle. We will provide all the painting supplies-bring a chair! Registration is limited. Meet at the Visitor Center. Reservations online or (408) 355-2240.
Thursday, November 7, 2019, Presentation by Kitty Monahan on the New Almaden Mines, Santa Teresa Golf Club Upper Banquet Facility, 7:00 pm. See above in News.
Saturday, November 9, 2019, Raptor Fest • Calero • 12:00pm-4:00pm. Join Santa Clara County Parks and Peninsula Open Space Trust for a family-friendly celebration of raptors and the unique habitat for birds of prey at Rancho San Vicente. The event will feature live raptors, guided bird walks, arts and crafts, and educational activities for all ages. Space is limited, and reservations are required. Learn more at ParkHere.org or openspacetrust.org.
Sunday, November 10, 2019, Intro to Outdoor Photography • Santa Teresa • 10:00am-1:00pm. Join a Docent for a FREE outdoor photography workshop. Learn how to choose and use a camera, and how to compose and take better outdoor photographs. Workshop begins with an indoor slideshow, followed by demonstrations and a walk around the historic site. Meet at the Bernal Ranch with a camera. Reservations online or (408) 355-2201.
Saturday, November 16, 2019, Park Partners Open House • Martial Cottle • 10:00am-12:00pm. See September 21, 2019.

December 2019

Saturday, December 21, 2019, Park Partners Open House • Martial Cottle • 10:00am-12:00pm. See September 21, 2019.

January 2020

Friday, January 10, 2020, Lunar New Year Night Hike • Santa Teresa • 6:00pm-7:30pm. Celebrate the opening of the Lunar New Year with good wishes and a short 1/4-mile moon light night hike to reflect on the closing of the year. Recommended for ages 16 and up. Meet at the Bernal Ranch. Reservations (408) 226-5453.
Saturday, January 11, 2020, Family Lunar New Year Night Hike • Santa Teresa • 5:00pm-6:00pm. Children and their families are invited to celebrate the Lunar New Year with paper lantern making and a short 1/4-mile moon light night hike. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Meet at Bernal Ranch. Reservations (408) 226-5453.
Saturday, January 18, 2020, Park Partners Open House • Martial Cottle • 10:00am-12:00pm. See September 21, 2019.
Saturday, January 18, 2020, Mysteries of the Cosmos • Calero • 6:00pm-7:30pm. Explore the mysteries of the cosmos from a County Park at night! Discover night phenomena with your family and friends in group activities designed to ignite your curiosity. Ages 9-14 and up. Rain cancels. Reservations required (408) 918-7779.

February 2020

Friday, February 7, 2020, Cattle in Calero • Calero • 2:00pm-3:00pm. See September 7, 2019.
Saturday, February 15, 2020, Park Partners Open House • Martial Cottle • 10:00am-12:00pm. See September 21, 2019.

March 2020+

All in-person park activities were cancelled due to COVID-19 shutdown restrictions. The County Parks hosted virtual events instead. In 2021, they started to bring back in-person events. See the Park Calendar.
The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority also suspended all in-person public and volunteer events starting in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders. For most of 2020 and the first part of 2021, they were only hosting virtual events. Now, they are doing a mixture of virtual and in-person events. See their Events Calendar.

2022

Sat, Jan 15, 2 - 3pm: Hatch A Dream. January is the best time for seeing nests! We will explore nest specimens, attempt our own nest weaving, and take a mindful stroll of discovery. Meet at Anderson Lake Visitor Center, 19245 Malaguerra Ave., Morgan Hill. Email janet.shriner@prk.sccgov.org for more information.
Jan 15 - 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Weekend of Service. "Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve" Martin Luther King, Jr. In honor of the holiday, we celebrate the civil rights leader's life and legacy as a national day of service, encouraging all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. Santa Clara County Parks will be hosting beautification events throughout the weekend at different county park locations where volunteers can join park staff to plant, weed and pick up litter. VOLUNTEER SITES
Beginning Sat, Jan 15: Alivso Weeding Parties. Santa Clara County Parks is partnering with San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory for multiple habitat restoration events at Alviso Marina County Park, beginning Saturday, January 15. We need volunteers to help pull weeds, plant new native plants, and spread mulch to help restore this coastal habitat. SIGN UP
Sun, Jan 16, 5:30 - 6:30pm: Full Moon Explorers. Join Park Interpreter Katrina to explore the moon and the night sky on a dusk-to-dark walk at historic Bernal Ranch. Share your traditions that involve the moon, get to know the lunar phases, and navigate through the ranch using only the light from the night sky. Families are welcome. Best for ages 8+.
Wed, 1/26, 2/2, & 2/9, 6 - 7:15pm: Neighborhood Naturalists. Curious about the natural world in your own neighborhood? This educational program for adults introduces participants to the natural history of Santa Clara County. Each week will bring expert guest speakers who cover local geology, native plants, and common wildlife, as well as "homework" activities including neighborhood walks, stargazing, and nature journaling. Email luke.bailey@prk.sccgov.org for more information
Sat, Feb 5, 9am - 12pm: Trail Watch Volunteer Training. Do you love hiking, biking, or horseback riding in Santa Clara County Parks? As a Trail Watch volunteer, you could serve to keep our parks friendly, welcoming, and safe. Attend the virtual Trail Watch Academy training via Zoom to join our team of volunteers. Questions? Email volunteer@park.sccgov.org. SIGN UP
Fri, March 4, 9:30am - 12pm: Bernal Ranch Chicken Coop Cleaning. Chicken-loving volunteers are needed to help revamp the chicken display coop at the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch of Santa Teresa County Park. Join park staff to help prepare the coop for a future flock of resident hens. Sign up to help scoop out old shavings, rake out and pack down the run, and assist with general repairs.
Sun, March 13, 6 - 7pm. Family Twilight Oaks Stroll. Take a walk in the early-evening light and explore the wonderful oak woodlands along the new trail at historic Bernal Ranch. Learn about the value of this protected habitat and look for signs of native wildlife as the daylight fades toward darkness. Be sure to dress in layers and bring a flashlight for this family-friendly activity. For more information, email katrina.semene@prk.sccgov.org. Space is limited.
Wednesday, March 30, 6:00 pm-7:00 pm .The Stupendous Women of the Santa Clara Valley. Throughout its history, many incredible women have lived in the Santa Clara Valley. A look back at the valley in the 19th and early 20th centuries offers the chance to examine the lives of a few of the women who stood out from everyone else. Questions? Email Rob.McDonnell@prk.sccgov.org. Sign up here.
Fri. April 22, 5-6 pm. Walk In The Woods Field Notes In Nature. Have you ever wondered how new discoveries are made? We can often learn about the world around us through careful observation and note taking. Join Park Interpreter Rob in the Santa Teresa County Park grasslands and oak woodlands for an Earth Day late afternoon nature walk where you can learn some techniques for field notes, drawing, and nature journaling. The trail will be unpaved and have slight grades. Be prepared with comfortable walking shoes. Email rob.mcdonnell@prk.sccgov.org for more information. Registrations required. Sign up here.
Sat. April 23, 6 - 7pm. Family Twilight Oaks Stroll. See March 13. Registrations required. Sign up here.
Sun. April 24 9am-12pm. Earth Day Cleanup Event at the Bernal Ranch. Help do weeding and cleanup around the ranch house and nearby paths. Address: Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch 372 Manila Dr San Jose, CA 95119. Contact Info: Volunteer Program Office (408) 918-4930.Park in the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch Parking Lot. There will also be street parking available. Sign up here.
Sat. April 30, 9:30 am - 10:30 am. Nature Exploration at Vasona! Join a Park Interpreter to explore Vasona Lake County Park and discover how movement shapes this park. Guided walk will be 1 mile long on a flat, paved walkway and will meet at the fishing pier. All ages welcome. Space is limited. Advanced registration required. Questions? Email jaclyn.caldwell@prk.sccgov.org.
Sat, May 21, 9am - 12 pm. National River Cleanup Day, multiple locations. National River Cleanup is a national day of action to protect our rivers, watersheds, and wildlife from trash and debris. Since its inception in 1991, American Rivers have engaged more than 1.3 million volunteers who have participated in thousands of cleanups across the country, covering more than 261,000 miles of waterways and removing more than 32.5 million pounds of litter and debris. More information and sign ups.
Sat. May 21, 7-9 pm. Preservation Awards Night. History San Jose Park. $15 General Admission, Under 18 Free. In recognition of this year’s National Preservation Month, the newly formed Santa Clara County Preservation Alliance will host a Preservation Awards Night to bring the public and local preservation groups together for a celebratory event. NAQCPA President Kitty Monahan and NAQCPA member Bruce Bartlett will be honored at this event. See here for more information and to purchase tickets.

For more information about the organization and activities, send us an email at naqcpa.newalmaden@gmail.com.
For questions about the wewbsite, contact our webmaster, Ron Horii. Updated 5/13/22