Important Announcement: The Casa Grande and the Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum are currently closed for renovation. The closure is expected to last for a year. Contact Kitty Monahan for more information.

News and special reports:

• Powerpoint presentation (18 MB) created by Ron Horii, showing activities in all the Santa Clara County Parks.
• 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"
  
• Pictures from Mike Boulland's and Art Boudreault's book signing at the Casa Grande on 7/12/06.
• You can vote to save the Casa Grande! See here for details.
• See the pictures from Pioneer Day in Almaden Quicksilver's Spanishtown, Saturday October 14, 2006.
• Self-running slideshows (Windows only):
  • Pioneer Day, Senador Mine Trail dedication, 10/11/03 (19.5 MB)
    
  • Pioneer Day, Casa Grande 150th anniversary and Blacksmith Shop dedication, 10/9/04 (34 MB)
    
  • 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 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.
• Pictures from Pioneer Day, October 13, 2007, New Almaden Community Center, Santa Isabel Shafthouse Dedication.
• Almaden Times Weekly article on Pioneer Day, 10/13/07
  
• 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.
  
• San Jose Mercury News Section, Where We Live, Almaden Valley.
• 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
• New Almaden Community Day Sept. 13, 2008: Jump-In Parade, BBQ and Games.
• Pictures from Pioneer Day 10/11/08, Wood Road
• Open Road TV show on Almaden Quicksilver
  
• Ghost Tour, Santa Teresa and Almaden, 10/25/09
  
• Geocaching Class, Wood Road Trail, Jan. 17, 2009
• Almaden Resident: Casa Grande in Quicksilver Park set for $5 million building restoration, March 6, 2009.
• Pictures from the Healthy Trails Hike, Wood Road Trail, Almaden Quicksilver, 3/28/09
• Almaden Times Weekly article on New Almaden Day, 9/12/09
  
• Pioneer Day, English Camp Map House, 10/10/09
• Almaden Times Weekly article on Pioneer Day, 10/10/09
  
• 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
  

Upcoming Almaden Quicksilver events:

• Van Tours of Almaden Quicksilver Park, given twice a month on Saturdays, 9 am to 1:30 pm. Journey back in time and learn the history of the park. Seating is limited to 19 for each tour. $5 fee per person. For further information, contact the museum at 408-323-1107.
  
• Saturday, May 22, History Hike, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 9:00am-1:30pm. Step back in time and experience what life was like back in the mining heyday. Ride by van up into the park, hike approximately 5 miles to various historic sites and enjoy a brown-bag lunch in the park. Meet at the Hacienda parking lot. Bring water, lunch, sturdy hiking shoes and sun protection. Tour costs $7 per person. Reservations required. (408) 323-1107.
• Saturday, May 22, Hiking Essentials, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 10:00am-12:00pm. Discover what 10 essential items all hikers should take along every time they hit the trails. Find out how to use and where to purchase these items. Meet at the Hacienda parking lot with a backpack, sun protection, water and snacks. (408) 268-3883.
• Saturday, June 5, History Van Tour, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 9:00am-1:30pm. Step back in time and experience what life was like back in the mining heyday. Ride by van to various historic sites and enjoy a brown-bag lunch in the park. Meet at the Hacienda parking lot. Bring water, lunch and sun protection. Tour costs $7. Children must be over 6 years and 60lbs. Reservations required. (408) 323-1107.
• Sunday, June 6, Healthy Trails Equestrian Ride, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 10:00am-1:30pm. Join Docents Janice Fraizer and Kitty Monahan for a 7.5-mile, relaxed-pace ride to explore the exciting history of the old mercury mines. Meet at the Hacienda Parking lot with your horse, sun protection, water and snacks. No rentals horses available. (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, July 10, History Hike, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 9:00am-1:30pm. Step back in time and experience what life was like back in the mining heyday. Ride by van up into the park, hike approximately 5 miles to various historic sites, and enjoy a brown-bag lunch in the park. Meet at the Quicksilver Museum. Bring water, lunch, sturdy hiking shoes and sun protection. Tour costs $7. Reservations required. (408) 323-1107.
• Saturday, July 10, Living With Wildlife Hike, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 10:00am- 12:00pm. Take a 2.6-mile moderate-strenuous hike to explore living with wildlife. Learn about our mountain lion, bobcat and coyote neighbors, and how they depend on the park and us to survive. Small children not advised due to steep trail sections. Meet at the Hacienda parking lot with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection and water. (408) 268-3883.
• Saturday, July 24, History Van Tour, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 9:00am-1:30pm. Step back in time and experience what life was like back in the mining heyday. Ride by van to various historic sites and enjoy a brown-bag lunch in the park. Meet at the Quicksilver Museum. Bring water, lunch and sun protection. Tour costs $7 per person. Children must be over 6 years and 60lbs. Reservations required. (408) 323-1107.
• Saturday, August 7, History Van Tour, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 9:00am-1:30pm. Step back in time and experience what life was like back in the mining heyday. Ride by van to various historic sites and enjoy a brown-bag lunch in the park. Meet at the Quicksilver Museum. Bring water, lunch and sun protection. Tour costs $7 per person. Children must be over 6 years and 60lbs. Reservations required. (408) 323-1107.
• Saturday, August 21, History Van Tour, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 9:00am-1:30pm. Step back in time and experience what life was like back in the mining heyday. Ride by van to various historic sites and enjoy a brown-bag lunch in the park. Meet at the Quicksilver Museum. Bring water, lunch and sun protection. Tour costs $7 per person. Children must be over 6 years and 60lbs. Reservations required. (408) 323-1107.
• Saturday, August 28, Basic Dog Obedience Training Techniques
  Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 6:00pm-8:00pm. As you hike with a Park Ranger, learn some basic dog obedience techniques that will help make your park and trail experiences more enjoyable. Discover how to identify and minimize potential hazards to you and your pets. Meet at the Hacienda parking lot with leashed dog, sun protection and water. (408) 268-3883.
  

Events at Nearby Parks:

• Saturday April 17, Outdoor Photography & Wildflower Hike, Rancho San Vicente, 9:30am-12:00pm. Join Docents Ron Horii and Cait Hutnik to learn the basics of outdoor photography while weaving through a colorful display of wildflowers. Meet at the Calero Reservoir parking lot to caravan. Bring sun protection, water and sturdy hiking shoes. This hike is in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. No restroom available except at meeting location. Pre-registration required, limit 20 people. (408) 355-2240.
• Wednesday, April 28, Santa Teresa County Park, Rare Plant Treasure Hunt (Western side), 10 am to 2 pm. Santa Clara County Parks and the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the Native Plant Society (CNPS) invite you on a treasure hunt for our rare plants at Santa Teresa County Park. Volunteers will spread out across the park in search of our rare or endangered plants. Teams will be provided with a GPS unit (or bring your own GPS unit or GPS-enabled mobile phone) and there will be enough experts around to insure accurate identification of the plants. You don't need to have plant keying skills. All that is required is a desire to help and the fitness to walk one to three miles in somewhat hilly terrain. Different dates will focus on different areas of the parks. Data collected will be submitted to the California Natural Diversity Data Base, a joint project of CNPS and the California Department of Fish & Game. To pre-register call Karen at 408-629-7229.
  
• Sunday, May 2, Healthy Trails Pre-Mother's Day Hike, Santa Teresa County Park, 10:00-3:00pm. Bring your mom and the whole family out on a 2.5-mile spring wildflower hike led by Docent Mike Boulland and the Friends of Santa Teresa County Park. Play games and explore the park's geology and history along the way. Meet at the Fortini Rd. trailhead with sun protection, water and sturdy hiking shoes. (408) 355-2240.
• Sunday, May 2, Santa Teresa County Park, Santa Teresa Rare Plant Treasure Hunt (North and Eastern sides), 10 am to 2 pm. Santa Clara County Parks and the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the Native Plant Society invite you on a treasure hunt for our rare plants at Santa Teresa County Park. Volunteers will spread out across the park in search of our rare or endangered plants. Teams will be provided with a GPS unit (or bring your own GPS unit or GPS-enabled mobile phone) and there will be enough experts around to insure accurate identification of the plants. You don't need to have plant keying skills. All that is required is a desire to help and the fitness to walk one to three miles in somewhat hilly terrain. Different dates will focus on different areas of the parks. Data collected will be submitted to the California Natural Diversity Data Base, a joint project of CNPS and the California Department of Fish & Game. To pre-register call Karen at 408-629-7229.
• Saturday, May 8, Healthy Trails 2nd Edition Celebration and Hike, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Come celebrate and sign up for Healthy Trails 2nd Edition! There will be exhibitors, giveaways and lots of fun. Join partners, dignitaries and park staff on an easy 2-mile walk on the Martin Murphy Trail. Meet at the San Martin Ave. entrance. (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, May 15, Intro to Geocaching Class, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, 8:45am-12:00pm. Join Docent Sam Drake on a beginner’s geocaching adventure to find 6-7 hidden caches in the park. GPS units provided. Meet at the Mendoza park entrance on Roop Rd. Bring sun protection, water, snacks and sturdy hiking shoes. Reservations required. (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, June 5, Raptors Over the Rancho, Rancho San Vicente, 4:00pm – 6:00pm. Take a hike with a Park Ranger in this future County Park. Learn to identify our local sky-hunting hawks, eagles and other raptors. Participate in an activity that demonstrates hunting practices of these magnificent birds. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then caravan to the site nearby. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection and water. Note: This hike is in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. Restrooms not available except at meeting location. (408) 268-3883.
• Friday, June 18, Exploring Local Wildlife Hike, Rancho San Vicente, 5:30pm-8:00pm. Learn about local wildlife and tracking skills on this strenuous 2-mile hike in a beautiful future County Park. Meet at the Calero Reservoir parking lot to caravan to the tour location nearby. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, water, flashlight and binoculars (optional). Reservations required prior to 6/17. Note: This hike is in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. Restrooms not available except at meeting location. Pre-registration required. (408) 323-1107.
• Saturday, June 26, Festival in the Park – Where Wellness Meets FUN! Hellyer County Park, 11:00am – 4:00pm. This 4th annual event’s goal is to help families take charge of their health, learn how to eat nutritiously, make healthy life choices and get physically fit. FREE admission, information, health and recreation opportunities, food, entertainment and FUN! (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, July 17, Ranger-led Hike, Rancho San Vicente, 9:00am-11:00am. Take a strenuous 2-mile hike with at Park Ranger to explore this neighbor to Calero and future County Park. Learn about the history of the rancho property and explore plants and wildlife living here. Meet at Calero Reservoir to caravan to tour site nearby. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection and water. Note: This hike is in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. Restrooms not available except at meeting location. (408) 268-3883.
• Saturday, August 21, Family Fandango, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 5:00pm-8:00pm. Come celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay, early Spanish-speaking colonists, and English-speaking ranch families who all settled in this area over time. The evening’s focus is family fun through demonstrations and activities that highlight 1770-1870 California. The Ranch is located at 372 Manila Dr., San Jose. (408) 846-5632.
  
• Friday, August 27, Tragedy of the Berryessas Hike, Rancho San Vicente, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Take a hike into the past in this future County Park. Learn of the tragedies that befell the Berryessa family and their rancho. Explore historic connections to the New Almaden Mines and take in spectacular views of New Almaden and Ranchos San Vicente and Los Capintancillos. Meet at the Calero Reservoir parking lot to caravan to the nearby tour location. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, water, flashlight and binoculars (optional). Reservations required prior to 8/23. Note: This hike is in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. Restrooms not available except at meeting location. Pre-registration required, space limited. (408) 323-1107.
  

Past events:

• Saturday May 26, 2007: Play Like a Miner, Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, 11am-2pm. Join museum staff for a fun-filled afternoon of activities and adventures that reflect the life and hard work of New Almaden’s historic mining community. Call (408) 323-1107 for more information.
• Van Tours of Almaden Quicksilver Park: June 9, June 23, July 7, July 28, August 4, and Aug. 25, 2007. Reservations required, call 323-1107. Call for the ones in Sept. and Oct.
  
• Saturday, July 14, 2007: “Tools of a Miner” Special Exhibit, New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, 10am-4pm. Through special exhibits and demonstrations, explore the dangerous underground job of hard-rock miners. Exhibitors from around California will share their collections and expertise. Call (408) 323-1107 for more information.
• Saturday, July 28, 2007: Hiking Essentials, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 10am-12noon. Discover from a Park Ranger what you’ll need to bring along for safe, successful hiking adventures in the great outdoors. Be prepared for unexpected encounters or emergencies. You don’t need to carry everything but the kitchen sink, but you should know the 10 essentials. Meet at the Hacienda park entrance. Bring sun protection and water. Reservations required, call (408) 268-3883.
• Saturday Sept. 8, 2007: New Almaden Day in New Almaden,  parade, food games, music, dancing.
  
• Saturday October 13, 2007: Pioneer Day: at the Santa Isabel Shaft House on the Santa Isabel Trail in Almaden Quicksilver Park.
• Saturday, November 10, 2007: Yuletide Bazaar, New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, 10am-4pm. Shop for the finest holiday gifts, arts, crafts, greenery and baked goods at New Almaden’s 3rd annual Yuletide Bazaar with a Victorian flair.  Admission free, checks and cash only for purchases.  Call (408) 323-1107 for directions and information.
  
• Sunday, December 2, 2007: Cobweb Christmas, New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, 1-2:30pm. Discover how tinsel came to be through a German Christmas tale.  Make a tinsel spider web, meet some real spiders and eat Victorian-style Christmas treats.  Appropriate for kids age 4-10 accompanied by an adult.  Reservations required, call (408) 323-1107.
• Saturday April 4, 2008, 2-4 pm: Dedication of the Almaden Historic Photos, Almaden Branch Library, 6445 Camden Ave. - Large Community Room, (408) 808-3040. Join us as we dedicate historic photos of New Almaden, a local history display, and collection of materials of local historical interest. Following the dedication, docents will be stationed throughout the facility to add additional interpretation and information regarding the history of New Almaden. Displays and interpretation made possible by the efforts of the Committee for Almaden Historical Awareness and the New Almaden Quicksilver Country Park Association.
• Saturday, April 12, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm. Free Outdoor Photography Class & Wildflower Walk, Santa Teresa County Park Historic Bernal Ranch "Barn." Spring is wildflower time and a great time to grab your camera and go outside and take pictures! Docent Ron Horii will teach you about how to take inspiring outdoor pictures. The class will include 90 minutes of indoor instruction, an easy-going 30 minute walk around the Bernal Ranch, and a moderate 1 hour hike into the hills to view and photograph the magnificent wildflowers.  Wear comfortable shoes; bring a hat, bottled water, and a camera (optional). To register call (408) 355-2255 or email kathleen.hooper@prk.sccgov.org.  Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  
• Saturday, April 19th - Earth Day, Almaden Quicksilver Park, New Almaden Trail. Time: 8:30am to 3:00pm. Location:  Meet at Castillero Middle School on the corner of Leyland Park and McAbee in San Jose.  Volunteers will be shuttled from there to park border and hike into work site. Details: Come out and help obliterate an old section of the New Almaden Trail and re-route it.  Please wear long pants and sleeves, sturdy shoes (no open toes!), bring a lunch, we will provide water, snacks and tools. If you are under 18, you will need a waiver which can be downloaded from our "Volunteer Opportunities" page. Due to the scope of work, volunteers for this project must be 16 and over. Number of Volunteers needed: 50. Registration is required for this event:  Please call 408-355-2278 or e-mail irene.tsobanakis@prk.sccgov.org leave your name, age, contact info, and total number of volunteers for your group.
• Saturday, May 3, 8:00 am, Pat's Run, starting and ending at Leland High School, a 4.2 mile run/walk to benefit the Pat Tillman Foundation . Volunteers are needed to help out with the race. To volunteer, or for more information, contact Erin Dando at edando@pattillmanfoundation.org or call 408.507.6754.
• Saturday, May 3, 2008: Trail Day at Santa Teresa on the Fortini Trail. Time: 9am – 1 pm. Location:  Santa Teresa County Park, Fortini Trail NOTE: We are meeting at the Stiles Trailhead, off of Fortini Rd. and McKeon Rd, NOT the main entrance to Santa Teresa Park. Details: Come on out to this beautiful park and help us reconstruct and restore the Fortini Trail.  We will provide water, snacks, tools, and gloves. Please wear long sleeves, pants, sturdy shoes (no open toes), be prepared for rain or shine. Suncreen, hat and sunglasses recommended. Number of Volunteers needed: 30. Registration is required for this event:  Please call 408-355-2278 or e-mail irene.tsobanakis@prk.sccgov.org leave your name, age, contact info, and total number of volunteers for your group.
  
• Sunday May 4, 12:00-3:00pm, “Healthy Trails” Mother’s Day Hike. Santa Teresa County Park. Bring your moms and the whole family out to enjoy a spring wildflower hike led by Park Docent Mike Boulland and the Friends of Santa Teresa Park. Play games and explore the park’s geology and history along the way. Meet at the park’s Fortini Trailhead off of Fortini Rd. For more information about this and other “Healthy Trails” programs and partners, check the County Parks website or call (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, May 10, Quicksilver Running Club races, 6:00 am: 50K and 50-mile runs, 7:00 am: 25K run, Mockingbird Hill entrance.
  
• Saturday, May 17, 11am-2pm: Play Like a Miner, Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. Join museum staff for a fun-filled afternoon of kid-friendly activities and adventures that reflect the life and hard work of cinnabar miners and New Almaden’s historic mining community. The museum is located at 21350 Almaden Road in San Jose. (408) 323-1107.
• Saturday May 17, Quicksilver Ride & Tie race. 30, 15 and 6 mile courses. Contact: Steve Anderson.
  
• Sunday, May 18, 11:00am-2:00pm. “Healthy Trails” Hike or Bike, Hellyer County Park. Start your path to fitness, fun and adventure by joining the “Healthy Trails” program at this kick-off event for families. Take a hike or bike ride along the Coyote Creek Trail with park staff and Docents. Meet at the Buena Vista Picnic Pavillion with biking or hiking gear. For more information about this and other “Healthy Trails” programs and partners, check the County Parks website or call (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, June 21, 10am-12noon. Hiking Essentials, Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Discover from a Park Ranger the 10 basic essentials you need to bring along for safe, successful hiking adventures in the great outdoors.  Learn what to buy and where to get it and become prepared for unexpected encounters or emergencies.  Meet at the Hacienda park entrance.  Bring sun protection and water.  Reservations required, call (408) 268-3883.
• Sunday, June 22, 2008, 11:00am - 4:00pm: Festival in the Park- Where Wellness Meets FUN! Hellyer County Park  A multitude of agencies and organizations will provide information and offer opportunities for interactive play, where the goal is to help families take charge of their health, learn how to eat nutritiously, make healthful life choices and get physically fit.  FREE admission, information, health and recreation opportunities, food, entertainment and FUN!!  (408) 355-2240.
  
• Saturday, July 12, 2008, 10:00am-12:00pm. Living With Wildlife, Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Take a 2.5-mile hike with a Park Ranger to discover how to share our parklands with bobcats, mountain lions and coyotes.  Learn how to identify their habits and habitats, and what to do if you encounter them along the trails.  Meet at the Hacienda park entrance with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection and water.  (408) 268-3883
• Saturday, July 19, 2008, 10:00am-4:00pm, “Tools of a Miner” Special Exhibit, New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. Through special exhibits and demonstrations, explore the tools used in the dangerous underground jobs of hard-rock miners.  Exhibitors from around California will share their collections and expertise.  The museum is located at 21350 Almaden Road in San Jose.  (408) 323-1107.
• Saturday, September 13, 2008. New Almaden Community Day.
• Sunday, September 28, 2008, 8:00 am: Quicksilver Challenge Half Marathon, 10K race, 5K kids' run, 5K walk, Almaden Runing Club, Hacienda Entrance.
• Saturday, October 4, 2008, Free Outdoor Photography Class, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 10:00am-12:00pm. Join Docent Ron Horii for a free photography workshop. Learn how to take outdoor pictures, about types of cameras, photo composition, plus more! Bring your own camera - any kind will do! Open to ages 14 and up - limit 20 participants. Persons under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Bernal Ranch barn. Reservations required, call (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, October 11, 2008, 26th annual Pioneer Day, Almaden Quicksilver, Jacque Ridge-Wood Road Trail entrance off Hicks Road. 11 am to 2 pm. Raffle, silent auction, dedication, entertainment. Chuckwagon luncheon served at 12 pm, $10 donation.
• Saturday Oct. 25, 2008, County Parks End of Season Volunteer BBQ, noon-3 pm, Vasona Lake County Park, Gateway & Blossom Valley. RVSP to Irene Tsobanakis: 408-355-2278 or email Irene.Tsobanakis@prk.sccgov.org.
• Saturday, January 17, 2009, Introduction to Geocaching, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 9:00am-12:00pm. Join Docent Sam Drake to learn about geocaching and to go caching in beautiful and historic Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Hike down the Wood Road Trail to the historic rotary furnace, finding 8-9 geocaches along the way. Meet at the Wood Road Parking Lot. Limit 20 participants. Reservations required, call (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, March 28, 2009, Almaden Quicksilver County Park
  9:00am - 11am. Join Docent Cait Hutnik to enjoy a hike along the Woods Road Trail.  For more information about other “Healthy Trails” programs and partners, call (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, May 16, 2009, Wildflower Scavenger Hunt, Almaden Quicksilver Park. Meeting location at the Wood Rd. Parking Lot
  10:00am - 2pm. Join Docent Kitty Monohan, President of New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Assocation, as she takes you on a wildflower scavenger hunt through various stations at Jacque Ridge along Wood Road Trail. DIRECTIONS:   From Hwy 85. take the Camden Ave. Exit South. Turn right on Hicks Road and follow for 6 miles.  At the intersection of Road and Hicks Road, turn left into the staging area. PROGRAM LEADER:  Kitty Monahan
  CONTACT INFO: NAME:   Carrie Grisenti
  PHONE: 408-355-2240
  EMAIL:    carrie.grisenti@prk.sccgov.org
• Friday, June 12, 2009, Healthy Trails Challenge Stroller Hike
  Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Meeting location at the Wood Road Trail parking lot, 10am - 12pm. Join Docent Loren Romley, owner of Strollerhikes.com, to enjoy a hike along the Wood Road Trail.  For more information about Stroller Hikes, go to strollerhikes.com.
• Friday, September 4, Full Moon Hike, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 8:00pm -10:00pm. Let’s go for a full moon hike! Join a Park Ranger to explore park trails and discover how animals are adapted to survive in the night. Have fun participating in activities as you take an easy 2-mile hike. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, layered clothing, water and a red lens flashlight. Meet at the Wood Road parking lot. (408) 268-3883.
  
• Friday, September 11, 2009, Healthy Trails Challenge Stroller Hike Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Meeting location at the Hacienda entrance parking lot, 10am – 12pm. Join Docent Loren Romley, owner of Strollerhikes.com, to enjoy a hike along the Deep Gulch/Mine Hill Trails.
  
• Saturday, September 12, 2009, New Almaden Day in New Almaden,  jump-in parade, food games, music, dancing.
• Saturday, September 19, History Tour by Van, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 9:00am – 1:30pm. Step back in time as you visit historic sites to discover what life was like back in the park’s mercury mining heyday. Van tours leave from the Hacienda Parking Lot at 9am and return after a brown-bag lunch in the park. Bring water and lunch. Note: restrooms are not available except at beginning and end of tour in the parking lot. Cost $7 per person. Reservations required. (408) 323-1107.
• Saturday, September 26, Free Outdoor Photography Class
  Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 9:30am – 12:30pm. Join Docent Ron Horii for a free outdoor photography workshop. Learn how to choose and use a camera, discover how to take better outdoor photos and more! The class includes an indoor slideshow followed by demonstrations and an easy walk around the Historic Ranch to take pictures. Bring your own camera – any kind will do. Open to ages 14 and up – limit 30 participants. Meet in the barn, 372 Manila Drive at Camino Verde in San Jose. Bring comfortable walking shoes, water and sun protection. Reservations required. (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday October 10, 2009, Pioneer Day at English Camp. Meet at the Hacienda parking lot.
• Saturday, October 24, 2009, Healthy Trails Hike, Almaden Quicksilver County Park 9:00am - 11am. Join Docent Cait Hutnik to enjoy a hike along the Woods Road Trail.  For more information about other “Healthy Trails” programs and partners, call (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, January 16, 2010, Introduction to Geocaching,
  Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 8:45am – 12:00pm. Join Docent Sam Drake of Geocachers of the Bay Area on an adventure along the Wood Road Trail to find 6-7 hidden caches along the way. Meet at the Wood Road parking lot on Hicks Road. Bring comfortable hiking shoes, water and sun protection. Reservations required. (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, February 27, 2010, Healthy Trails Challenge, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Join Docent Cait Hutnik on this 6-mile moderate hike on the Deep Gulch Mine Hill Trails. You will be climbing steep trails to visit historic sites within the park. Meet at the Hacienda park entrance with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, water and snacks. For more information about other “Healthy Trails” programs and partners, call (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday April 10, Wildflower Scavenger Hunt, Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Meeting location at the Wood Road parking lot, 10am - 2pm. Join Kitty Monahan and Friends of New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association as they take you on a wildflower scavenger hunt through various stations at Jacques Ridge along Wood Rd. Trail at Almaden Quicksilver Park. Please bring water, snack and camera if desired. For more information call 355-2240.

Copyright © New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association 

For more information, contact us. Updated 5/15/10.