Eco News

Parched Like Never Before

Don't worry. This isn't a Santa Cruz County image ... yet. Photo by Jussarian/Creative Commons.

In case you haven't picked up on this, 2013 was the driest year on record in Santa Cruz County. And there's no rain in sight.

Pfeiffer Ridge Fire Journal

Dec. 16: C Kevin Smith scans the fires through a very smoky sky. Where the fire is next going is still very iffy. There have been multiple, very long chains of fire marching through Lower Pfeiffer. Trees exploding, propane tanks torching all night. Woof.

A stunning photo essay and diary about the recent devastation in Big Sur by Pfeiffer Ridge Resident Jeff Mallory.

A Revamp for Castle Rock

Plans for the new entrance area at Castle Rock State Park. It lies 800 feet northwest of the current park entrance. B

Hearings are set to begin on plans to spruce up a beloved Santa Cruz Mountains park once slated for closure.

Cemex Nat'l Monument Plans On Ice

No one's trying to turn the Cemex property into a national monument. Yet. Photo by William Matthias.

Amid timber partner's fears over changes wrought by national monument status, Cemex backers shelve designation plan.

Mountain Lion Crossing

An estimated 60 mountain lions die on California highways each year. Photo by cm0riss0n/Creative Commons.

An effort to keep pumas safe on Highway 17 is underway

Westside Pump Track Officially Open

Bike groms lined up to take a turn on the new Westside pump track at the official ribbon-cutting on Saturday. Hanae Armitage photo.

With a snip of the comically giant scissors needed at any official ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mayor Hilary Bryant declared Saturday, Nov. 23 Westside Pump Track Day in the city of Santa Cruz.

1,000 Shades of Green

The Bonny Doon manzanita, found only in this county. Jackie Pascoe photo.

A new guide to Santa Cruz plants has botanists all het up

Sea Star Disease a Mystery

A healthy sea star. A disease attacking the critters is under investigation. Photo by Aldaron/Creative Commons.

Researchers investigate unknown origin of sea star wasting disease.

Mountain Bikes on UCSC Campus

All of the super-popular single track mountain biking trails at UCSC are illegal.

RESCHEDULED: Please join us on Wednesday Jan. 29 from 6-8pm at Stevenson Event Center on the UCSC campus for a panel discussion about the super-popular illegal single track on the upper campus.

Cemex Recreation Access Planning Begins

The view from the Cemex property looking toward Davenport. What would you like to be doing here? Hilltromper photo.

Hikers, bikers, pony riders! What activities would you like to see on the 8,500-acre Cemex property? The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County wants to know.

Pages

Parks

Community

Gear