BIG BASIN REDWOODS - California State Parks - State of California

Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Preliminary General Plan and Draft EIR
May 2012
park. Day users and campers stop at the Headquarters building to receive
park information, enjoy a docent-led walk on the Redwood Trail, or learn
about local plants and animals at the Nature Museum. Kids on bikes visit
the park store for ice cream or participate in a Junior Ranger program
along the creek. In the evening, campers head toward the historic
campfire center for programs under the redwoods.
Waddell Beach has salt-laden winds, crashing breakers, and a sandy
beach. In summer, the parking lot is often full of beachgoers eager to ride
the waves or watch others head to the ocean to surf, board or kite sail.
The Theodore J. Hoover Natural Preserve marks a transition zone
between land and sea and contains a greater concentration of sensitive
plant and animal species than any other place of similar size in California.
The preserve can awaken a sense of wonder and the desire to safeguard
such a unique environment.
Waddell Valley enchanted former residents and inspires visitors with its
wide open spaces bordered by Monterey pines on steep slopes and the
red alders and willows lining its lush riparian corridor. Hulda Hoover
McLean, whose father purchased extensive property in the Waddell
Valley area in the early 1900s, spent many years enjoying the natural
wonders of the coast. Her words describe the coastal environment and its
spirit of place (McLean 2002):
In the Waddell Valley, seasons come gently, merging into
each other in small increments.
Spring brings us a mounting chorus of bird songs. They
sing… just for the joy of spring…In meadows, fresh green
grass pushes through gray litter... Spring wind blows up the
valley and whips us as we prepare garden beds for fresh
planting…
Summer Flowers are in full bloom and scent the air. Green
meadows turn to pale gold…Out at sea, a river of fog clouds
the horizon and moves in to cool our nights.
Autumn. The smell of autumn is shale dust and sagey
plants, bay trees and eucalyptus…Poplars turn to gold...
Winter First rain brings up mushrooms…A flooded creek
wreaks havoc upstream but brings steelhead and salmon
into the creek to spawn… …Rainbows span the valley: they
tell us of coming spring.
The creation of the California State Park system and Big Basin Redwoods
SP were inspired by the spirit and beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains
and the coast redwood trees that continue to delight and inspire those
who visit them.
Introduction
1 -5