You and your family will want to share in the celebration to be held on Saturday, September 28, as those events and people that led to the creation of what is now the oldest state park in California are remembered. Originally called California Redwoods Park, you may know it better by its present name, Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Join staff and volunteers as you step back in time over one hundred years ago and learn about the many trials and tribulations encountered in protecting this amazing old growth redwood forest.
You’ll learn about how mighty redwoods were cut down with very basic equipment during a period of large scale logging in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It was the threats created by the logging industry that helped prompt the “save the redwood” movement.
Learn about how, as the years went by and more and more people came to the redwoods of Big Basin, the development of a “resort” in the park took place. You’ll see the old lodge that welcomed weary travelers, amenities that might surprise you, and much, much more.
An old time melodrama will help join the many segments of Big Basin’s history together. Laugh, cheer the heroes, boo the villains, and join all in celebrating this great day!
And as the day ends, be sure and enjoy an old-fashioned campfire program, much like those of many years ago. You will learn about an amazing man, Charles Kellogg, who in addition to having many talents was the first and perhaps only builder and owner of a Redwood recreation vehicle.
Bring a picnic, family and friends and enjoy a full days fun or check out the events below to make the day unforgettable!
For more details, please call 831-338-8883
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Founders’ Day Saturday, September 28
Honor the Visionaries, Valued Workers and Visitors that shaped the character of Big Basin over the past 111 years. Revel in the beauty of the majestic old growth redwoods that inspired the movement to Save the Trees! Celebrate our wild heritage with a melodrama, hikes and games for kids
Timeline Tree
Changing Times among the Ageless Giants
9:00-5:00 • Come walk along a downed 100-foot redwood tree and read about the stories of change in the forest. The timeline describes events in words and pictures of Big Basin over the last century and tell a fascinating story of the oldest state park in California. The timeline is along the Redwood Loop Trail, across from Park Headquarters.
Old-Time Redwood Walk
10:00 am • Get in a time machine with docent Scott Peden as he leads us on a 1924 Redwood Loop Walk. This is a one-mile, l.5-hour walk.
Felling the Giants
11:00 am • Logging was the major industry in the Santa Cruz Mountains for over 50 years. How did lumbermen cut down these tall, tall trees? What was life like in a logging camp? What tools did they use? Join docent Paul Fewel as he tells stories of the logging days and demonstrates how loggers were able to fell these giants. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Big Basin Melodrama!
1:00 pm • Celebrate Big Basin’s history! Take a walk into the past on the easy, family friendly redwood loop trail and meet colorful characters from Big Basin’s past—listen to the stories of a pioneering homesteader, an early conservationist, the first female ranger at Big Basin and more! This walk is a half-mile, 1.5-hour and is wheelchair and stroller friendly.
Old-Fashioned Children’s Games
3:00-5:00 pm • Step back in time and play some old-fashioned children’s games. Stop by anytime during this two-hour program. The games are for kids of all ages. Meet at the Old Lodge.
Campfire
Charles Kellogg, Owner of the First RV!
6:30 pm • Charles Kellogg was said to have the voice of a bird—he could cover more than 12 octaves and his amazing ability to imitate the feathered creatures gained him national attention in the 1900s. He built an RV from a single, huge redwood and took his “Travel Log” on the road, bringing word of the redwoods to people who had never heard, let alone imagined, there could be such trees. Hear Mike Monroe tell the story of this incredible man, and his connection to the history of Big Basin.
