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.

News:

Note: See here for archived news from 2015, 2016, and 2017. The following is news from 2018:

The County Parks' newest #PixInParks Challenge includes a route in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. It starts at the Wood Road Trail (picture above) and makes a loop around Mine Hill on the Castillero and Mine Hill Trails, before returning on the Wood Road Trail. Points of interest along the way include the Mine Hill Rotary Furnace, English Camp, the San Cristobal Mine, and Bull Run. It follows the same route as this Healthy Trails hike in 2009.

There was a CNPS/Open Space Authority plant hike at Almaden Quicksilver on 1/14/18. Docents and plant experts led a hike up the English Camp Trail to English Camp, then went down the Deep Gulch Trail. Here are pictures from the hike.

Castillero Trail after Calcine Roads Project, 1/21/18

The Calcine Paved Roads Remediation Project has been completed. This is the Castillero Trail. Calcines, which are waste rock from mercury smelting, were removed from the trails (see 8/7/17 picture above), and the trails were resurfaced with gravel. Above is the Castillero Trail just east of the Hacienda Cemetery Trail junction. The trail branching off to the left is an old mine road leading to the Upper Velasco Cut. It's been resurfaced and may become a trail someday. (Picture taken 1/21/18.)

Taken on 1/21/18: The San Cristobal Mine, which had a fence at the opening due to a landslide-caused roof collapse deep in the tunnel (see picture from 8/7/17 above), is now open partway. Boards block access to the area beyond, which has the collapsed roof.

Living History Day was held at the Casa Grande on 2/11/18. There were Valentine's Day crafts for kids.

Julie Lee, manager of the County Parks' Volunteer Program sent out a letter announcing the new County-wide Samaritan volunteer management system. She also sent out a "how to" guide with a FAQs section. Volunteers will be using the system to enter their hours and can search for volunteer opportunities. There will be training sessions announced. Here is the link to Samaritan.

Almaden Quicksilver County Park has a new neighbor: the 966-acre Rancho San Vicente addtion to Calero County Park, which opened on 3/24/18. (See Rancho San Vicente Opening Day, 3/24/18.) The main entrance and parking lot is on McKean Road opposite Fortini Road, which leads to the Stile Ranch/Fortini entrance of Santa Teresa County Park. There is a neighborhood entrance on Almaden Road, on the other side of the street from 20491. There is no parking lot there, only limited street parking. It is a long way from the entrances to Almaden Quicksilver trailheads at the moment. It is approximately halfway between the Mockingbird Hill Lane and Hacienda entrances at Almaden Quicksilver, though there is talk of someday opening another entrance near the bridge on north Bertram Road. At the Almaden Road entrance, there is this bridge above, which leads across Alamitos Creek to the new Almaden Trail in Rancho San Vicente. Here are pictures of this entrance and trail: Rancho San Vicente Almaden Road Entrance, 3/25/18.

The County Parks has a new interactive webpage showing the best trails for viewing wildflowers in the parks. Three of the featured trails are in Almaden Quicksilver: the Senador Mine Trail, the Castillero Trail, and the New Almaden Trail. Two of the featured trails are in Santa Teresa Park: the Rocky Ridge Trail and the Stile Ranch Trail. Another is nearby in Calero (Rancho San Vicente). You can also download a printed wildflower guide.

Here 3 NAQCPA and FOSTP (Friends of Santa Teresa Park) members are receiving lifetime volunteer service awards (left to right): 13,500 hours for NAQCPA President and FOSTP Vice President Kitty Monahan, 28,500 hours for Grant Park docent Ron Bricmont, 11,000 hours for NAQCPA Webmaster and FOSTP Secretary Ron Horii, and 8,000 hours for NAQCPA Board Member and FOSTP President Mike Boulland. Volunteer Program Manager Julie Lee is on the right. Here are pictures from the Volunteer Recognition Event at Hellyer County Park.

Living History Day was held at the Casa Grande on 5/6/18. Helping out were (clockwise from the top) Docent Doug, Park Interpreters Natasha, Chris, & Kelsi. See here for more pictures from this event.

Play Like a Miner will be held at the Casa Grande on July 21, 2018 from 11 am to 3 pm. Join in for a fun day of learning what it was like to be a miner long ago. There will be games, demonstrations and crafts as well as an opportunity to try your hand at panning for gold and precious gems.A fun event for the whole family. Here are pictures from last year's Play Like a Miner.

The Parks For Life Challenge is a FREE game that is hosted by the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department to help you and your friends and family get outside and engage in healthy activities in our lovely 48,000 acre park system. Teams of 2 to 3 players sign up, and then choose to participate in outdoor adventures in any one of our 28 regional parks. Document your adventures by posting photos or videos on your social media sites to compete for awesome prizes. For more details and to sign up, see here.

Play LIke a Miner was held at the Casa Grande on July 21, 2018. New this year was this simulated mine tunnel, which wrapped around the Blacksmith Shop. Visitors wore miners' helmets with lights to explore the tunnel, guided by volunteers. In the tunnel were mining pictures and artifacts. See here for pictures of the event, volunteers and staff, and geology exhibit.

On August 15, 2018, geologist, historian, and NAQCPA co-founder Michael Cox gave a talk about the New Almaden Mines at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 1700 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill, CA.

There's a new 6-minute video, narrated by Doug McConnell, highlighting Santa Clara County Park's legacy of providing outstanding recreational opportunities in beautiful natural locations. Features include nature, historical sites, outdoor recreation, and the people behind parks. It features many of the County Parks, including Santa Teresa, Hellyer, Calero, Martial Cottle, and Almaden Quicksilver.

On September 6-7, 2018, there were visitor services training classes at the Casa Grande for County Parks hosts and docents. The first session, which was required for both hosts and docents, covered "informal interpretation including an overview of the parks system and mission, expectations, customer service, personal and visitor safety, etc." The second and third sessions, which were only required for docents, covered "interpretive themes and goals, methods and practice, group management skills, and creating and supporting audience centered experiences." More classes will be offered in the future for those who missed these. There are many volunteer opportunities for visitor center hosts and school program docents.

On 9/8/18, the annual New Almaden Day Jump-In Parade was held, but with some changes. The bridge over Los Alamitos Creek at the north end of town was closed for construction, though construction hasn't begun yet. The parade could not go down Bertram Road as usual, starting at the New Almaden Community Center. Instead, it started at Almaden Quicksilver's Hacienda staging area, went down Almaden Road, turned around at the Casa Grande, and came back on Almaden Road. Here are pictures of the 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.

On Saturday, October 13, 2018, Pioneer Day was held at the Hacienda Outdoor Mining Museum. We celebrated the work to replace the interpretive signs at the Outdoor Museum. Here, Rich Robertson (left) and Bruce Bartlett (center) talk about the effort. Art Bouldreault (right) was the emcee at the event. Here are pictures from Pioneer Day. Here are black and white collages from Pioneer Day, made for the newsletter: Page 1, Page 2.

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.

NAQCPA accepts donations of time, effort, artifacts 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.

To donate time as a museum docent, to walk students around the community, as an archives recorder, to clean up trails etc., call Kitty Monahan at 408-268-6541 or the park interpreters at the New Almaden Mining Museum, 408-323-1107.

If you have photos, books, magazine articles or other artifacts from or about New Almaden that you want preserved for future generations, please consider donating them to NAQCPA for use in the archives and in the museum. You will receive a receipt that identifies its value for IRS Tax deductibility purposes. To donate these items, call Kitty Monahan at 408-268-6541 or the Santa Clara County park interpreters at the New Almaden Mining Museum, 408-323-1107, or bring them to the museum during visiting hours.

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

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 Fridays through Tuesdays except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The museum is closed Wednesdays and Thursdays. You can reach the museum at (408) 323-1107. It is located at 21350 Almaden Road in New Almaden. These are the hours:

Mondays	12pm - 4pm
Tuesdays	12pm - 4pm
Wednesdays	Closed
Thursdays	Closed
Fridays	12pm - 4pm
Saturdays	10am - 4pm
Sundays	10am - 4pm

Many NAQCPA members serve 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, a yuletide bazaar, and historical talks. See the events calendar below. The grounds are also available for rent for special occasions, such as weddings, parties, and company picnics.

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.

Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum Gift Shop

The Casa Grande has a bookstore and gift shop. It is decorated with historic portraits. For sale are books on history, minerals, flowers, wildlife, and children's activities. They also have maps, nature guides, colorful rocks, jewelry, educational toys, and artwork. Some of the publications available in the store were written by NAQCPA members.

These portraits of the New Almaden Mine managers were painted by local artist Gilian Altieri

Museum gift shop books

Books are for sale in the gift shop.

Mining Museum Archives

The Archives of the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum are now 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

For over 34 years, 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 2018 will be held on October 13 at 11:00 am. Location TBD.

Self-running slideshows (Windows only):

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. This year's New Almaden Day and Jump-In Parade will be held on Saturday September 8, 2018, starting at 11:00 am at the New Almaden Community Center.

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.

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.)

Pictures and Special Reports

View from Hidalgo Mine Trail

View of Almaden Reservoir from the Hidalgo Cemetery Trail

Powerpoint presentation (18 MB) created by Ron Horii, showing activities in all the Santa Clara County Parks.
Almaden Quicksilver County Park Van Tour 11/17/01
Pictures from Mike Boulland's and Art Boudreault's book signing at the Casa Grande on 7/12/06.

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)

Pictures from the Los Alamitos Creek Watershed Cleanup 5/19/07: Page 1: Preparation, Page 2: Cleanup 1, Page 3: Cleanup 2, Page 4: BBQ Lunch.
Pictures of wildflowers and park views, Spring 2008:

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, June 14, 2008
Ghost Tour, Santa Teresa and Almaden, 10/25/09

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

Almaden Quicksilver HDR Pictures 2/27/10
Clean-up of Los Alamitos and Guadalupe Creek Watersheds, New Almaden to Guadalupe Dam 9/25/10

In September, 2011, Ron Horii had a display of park pictures at the Santa Teresa Library.
New Almaden and Randol Trails (Facebook Album), 12/28/11
Hike on the New Almaden, Buena Vista, Randol, Capehorn Pass, and Hacienda Trails 1/27/12
The Virl O. Norton Trail, the Easy Part, Almaden Quicksilver, 12/8/12 (Facebook album)
Hike on the Senador, New Almaden, Mine Hill Trails, 12/1/13 (Facebook album)
Post New Year's Hike, Almaden Quicksilver, 1/3/14 (Facebook album)
Wood Road Trail Hike, 2/14/15 (Facebook album)
Almaden Quicksilver National River Cleanup Day, 5/16/15 (Facebook album)
9/11 Service Day at the Casa Grande, Almaden Quicksilver, 9/11/15 (Facebook album)
Pierce Ranch and McAbee Road Entrance to Almaden Quicksilver, 10/25/15 (Facebook album)
Pierce Ridge Tour, 11/3/15 (Facebook album)
Quicksilver Holiday Boutique 12/5/15 (Facebook album)
Anza Expedition Hike, Almaden Quicksilver, 3/26/16 (Facebook album)
Almaden Quicksilver North Spring Hike, 4/6/16 (Facebook album)
V-O-Cal Trail Day, Almaden Quicksilver, 5/21/16 (Facebook album)
Play Like a Miner, Almaden Quicksilver, 6/18/16 (Facebook album)
Living History Day at the Casa Grande, 7/2/16 (Facebook album)
Stone-Wasserman Breakfast, Casa Grande 8/27/16 (Facebook album)
New Almaden Day Jump-In Parade, 9/10/16 (Facebook album)
New Almaden Day Carnival, 9/10/16 (Facebook album)
Quicksilver Senador Mine Site Restoration, 11/5/16 (Facebook album)
Pioneer Day, Almaden Quicksilver 10/8/16 (Facebook album version)
Almaden Quicksilver Holiday Boutique 11/19/16 (Facebook album)
Lichen Hike at Almaden Quicksilver, 1/28/17 (Facebook album)
Almaden Quicksilver Photo Gallery (Facebook album)
Living History Day, Casa Grande, 3/11/17 (Facebook album)
New Almaden Trail, Almaden Quicksilver, 4/25/17 (Facebook album)
Play Like a Miner, Casa Grande, 6/24/17 (Facebook album)
Almaden Quicksilver Calcine Roads Project, 8/7-8/17 (Facebook album)
Volunteer Recognition BBQ, Casa Grande, 8/12/17 (Facebook album)
New Almaden Ghost Tour, 10/29/17 (Facebook album)
Living History Day, Casa Grande, Almaden Quicksilver, 11/18/17 (Facebook album)
Almaden Quicksilver: Norton to Hacienda Trails, 1/7/18 (Facebook album)
Views of Rancho San Vicente from Almaden Quicksilver, 1/7/18 (Facebook album)
Almaden Quicksilver Plant Hike, 1/14/18 (Facebook album)
Almaden Quicksilver Calcine Roads Project 1/21/18 (Facebook album)
Living History Day, Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, 2/11/18 (Facebook album)
Almaden Quicksilver, Northside Flowers and Views, 3/8/18 (Facebook album)
Almaden Quicksilver Hike: New Almaden to Hacienda, 4/8/18 (Facebook album)
Almaden Quicksilver Flowers and Plants, 4/8/18 (Facebook album)
Living History Day, Casa Grande, 5/6/18 (Facebook album)
Play Like a Miner 7/21/18, see here for pictures of the event, volunteers and staff, and geology exhibit (Facebook albums)
Almaden Quicksilver County Park Views, 10/30/18 (Facebook album)
Quicksilver Outdoor Museum and Views, 11/13/18 (Facebook album)
Post-Rain Hike on the New Almaden Trail, 3/12/19 (Facebook album)
Almaden Quicksilver Hike: Deep Gulch to English Camp 3/14/19 (Facebook album)

2019 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.

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.

October 2019

Saturday, October 12, 2019, Pioneer Day. Details TBD.

2019 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.
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

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 21, 2019, The Impact of Fire, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Santa Teresa. See 8/24/19.

For more information, contact our webmaster, Ron Horii. Updated 5/8/19