Always call ahead to make sure events have not changed

Wild Flower Walks, South Yuba River State Park, 17660 Pleasant Valley Rd., Penn Valley, North of Nevada City
April 1, 2009 - May 31, 2009

Historically, this area is a treasure trove. Trails, scenic vistas of fast water boiling over massive granite ledges, historic toll crossings and bridges all tell a story of day-to-day life during the Gold Rush era. California State Parks own some 2,000 acres along the South Yuba River, and approximately 9,000 acres are under federal jurisdiction. Much of the remaining land along this part of the river is under private ownership. It is important to respect the rights of these property owners. (530) 432-2546.

Poppy and Wildflower Display, Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, 15 miles West of Lancaster
April 1, 2009 - May 15, 2009

Marvel at acres of California Golden Poppies that blanket the hillsides of the western Antelope Valley. The size of the display depends on adequate winter rains and cold temperatures, so call to get up-to-the-minute information. (661) 724-1180.

Astronomy Programs, Fremont Peak SP, 11 miles South of San Juan Bautista on San Juan Canyon Rd
April 1, 2009 - October 31, 2009

On Saturday nights closest to the new, first and third quarters of the moon, attend 30 to 45 minute discussions by guest speakers. You may view the skies through the 30-inch Challenger reflecting telescope, as well as other telescopes set up outside the observatory. This program will not take place during rainy, cloudy or excessively bright moon phases. (831) 623-2465 or visit www.fpoa.net for a current schedule. 8pm

26th Year of Excursion Train Operations!, California State Railroad Museum, Old Town Sacramento
April 4, 2009 - April 5, 2009

Opening weekend for 26th operating season of the Museum’s excursion train service on the Sacramento Southern Railroad! Beginning this weekend, and continuing every weekend through September, experience the sights, smells, and sounds of a real, working steam locomotive as your train rolls along the levees of the Sacramento River. Regular steam-powered excursion trains depart Saturdays and Sundays, on-the-hour 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., from the Central Pacific Freight Depot in Old Sacramento. Climb aboard for a relaxing 40-minute, 6-mile roundtrip ride. Ride vintage passenger coaches and converted freight cars, or upgrade to First Class and soak up the elegant surroundings aboard a beautifully restored 1920s lounge-observation car with large picture windows and plush seating! (916) 445-6645.

The Dragoon Era, Fort Tejon SHP, 37 miles South of Bakersfield on I-5
April 4, 2009

Take a step back in time and see California as it was in 1856. At Fort Tejon State Historical Park visitors can witness life at this U.S. Army post of the far west. Fort Tejon was a crossroads for many converging and competing cultures of the 1850s. Visitors are invited to view the living history demonstrations of everyday life of the common soldier and civilian men, women and children at this mountain outpost. For more information call (661) 248-6692 or visit www.forttejon.org

The Easter Bunny Arrival, Railtown 1897 SHP, Jamestown, corner of 5th and Reservoir
April 11, 2009

The Easter Bunny visits Railtown one day early! Come join our Fluffy Friend at Railtown 1897 on the Saturday before Easter, with music and an Easter egg hunt for children at 11:30 a.m. on the Roundhouse lawn. For more information call (209) 984-3953.

18th Annual Grunion Night, Doheny SB, off Hwy 1, at Dana Point Harbor at Del Obispo Street
April 11, 2009

Join us as we greet the grunion back another year to the shores of Southern California at this fun annual event. This evening program begins at 10:00 pm. with a slide-show presentation about grunion and other marine life mysteries. We will be having a traveling ocean environment museum for early arrivers. Bring along a chair, flashlight, and dress for weather. This program is for grunion viewing only as the grunion season is closed. Thank you! Call for details. (949) 496-6172

Easter Celebration, Columbia SHP, 4 miles North of Sonora via Hwy 49
April 12, 2009

The Easter celebration is highlighted by an old fashion “Easter Parade” and “Easter Egg Hunt.” The authentic costuming and characterizations of residents from the era add a splash of color to this lively event. Free admission and parking. For more information call (209) 588-9128 or visit www.columbiagazette.com

Spring Wildflower Trains, Railtown 1897 SHP, Jamestown, corner of 5th and Reservoir
April 18, 2009

Special afternoon Wildflower Train departs from the Railtown Depot at 4:30 p.m. these two Saturdays only! Prior to boarding the train, passengers will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with wildflowers of the Sierra Nevada foothills. The train features specialists who answer questions and point out flower groupings along the way (subject to seasonal variations). En route, a stop will be made to allow guests to spread wildflower seeds along the tracks! Tickets are $10 adults, $4 youths ages 6-17, ages 5 and under ride free. Train capacity is limited, and reservations are suggested. Regular steam-powered excursion trains also depart on-the-hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this day. For more information call (209) 984-3953.

Wildflower Ramble, Angel Island State Park
April 19, 2009

Take a memorable hike up, around, and down Mt. Livermore (788 feet elevation). Emphasis on wildflowers. See the burned area from the October fire. Approximately 4.5 miles, 4.5 hours. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, layered clothing. Hikes are held rain or shine. Bring lunch, liquids and camera. Take the 10am Tiburon Ferry, meet at the Gift Shop on Angel Island at 10:30am. If you come on the ferry from San Francisco, catch up with the group on the Sunset Trail. Reservations: aivc@parks.ca.gov or 415-435-3522, $5 per person

Woody Club & Car Show, Doheny SB, off Hwy 1, at Dana Point Harbor at Del Obispo Street
April 25, 2009

Come down to Doheny State Beach’s south day-use area for a classic model car show and memorabilia. Have fun spending the day checking out old woodies! Call for details. (949) 496-6172.

EARTH DAY 2009 Restoration and Cleanup, Various sites statewide
April 25, 2009

Join the California State Parks Foundation and its various sponsors in this statewide event. The mission is to initiate cleanup and restoration projects at state parks For general information, volunteers can call 1-888-98PARKS or go to www.calparks.org and click on the Earth Day icon.

Annual Wildflower Brunch and Heron Festival, Clear Lake SP, 5300 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville
April 25, 2009 - April 26, 2009

Visit this beautiful park on Saturday, April 25 and enjoy omelets in the Park, 9:00am-12-noon, prepared by the park's Interpretive Association. Each omelet is prepared with your choice of fillings, served with pastries, fruit and coffee. $15 per person. Advance brunch reservations and payment are requested and may be made online. (See below). Visit heron rookeries by pontoon boat to view birdlife close-up. Join docent-led birding and nature walks. From 10am to 4pm tour the Visitor Center’s natural history museum, children's activities, nature booth exhibits, environmental speakers both days. For complete program information and required reservations for Wildflower Brunch and pontoon boat tour visit www.heronfestival.org or phone (800) 525-3743. This event is co-sponsored by Clear Lake State Park Interpretive Association and Redbud Audubon Society.

Opening Day of Yacht Season, Angel Island SP, San Francisco Bay
April 26, 2009

One of the most colorful and exciting days on San Francisco Bay, this annual event includes decorated boats of all sizes. Ferry ticket includes park fee. Phone the Angel Island Association at (415) 435-3522 10am-4pm

Wildflower Ramble, Angel Island State Park
April 26, 2009

Take a memorable hike up, around, and down Mt. Livermore (788 feet elevation). Emphasis on wildflowers. See the burned area from the October fire. Approximately 4.5 miles, 4.5 hours. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, layered clothing. Hikes are held rain or shine. Bring lunch, liquids and camera. Take the 10am Tiburon Ferry, meet at the Gift Shop on Angel Island at 10:30am. If you come on the ferry from San Francisco, catch up with the group on the Sunset Trail. Reservations: aivc@parks.ca.gov or 415-435-3522, $5 per person