Important Announcement: The Casa Grande and the Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum were closed for renovation starting in 2009. The Grand Re-Opening ceremony was held on Pioneer Day, November 13, 2010. After delays due to final inspections and fixes, it was finally open on January 14, 2011.  It is now open to the public Fridays from 12 to 4, Sat. 10 to 4, Sun. 10 to 4.

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
• New Almaden Jump-In Parade 9/11/10
• Almaden Times Weekly article on the Jump-In Parade, Sept. 12-23 issue
  
• Clean-up of Los Alamitos and Guadalupe Creek Watersheds, New Almaden to Guadalupe Dam 9/25/10
• Pioneer Day: Reopening of the Casa Grande, 11/13/10
• DAR honor renovation of Santa Clara County's Casa Grande and costuming of Feather Tippetts, 7/7/11
• In September, 2011, Ron Horii had a display of park pictures at the Santa Teresa Library.
  
• Pioneer Day: Hacienda Mining Display Outdoor Museum, 10/8/11
• New Almaden and Randol Trails (Facebook Album), 12/28/11
• Hike on the New Almaden, Buena Vista, Randol, Capehorn Pass, and Hacienda Trails 1/27/12

2011-2012 Almaden Quicksilver events:

• Saturday, February 5, 2011. Healthy Trails Challenge Hike, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 9:00am-1:00pm has been cancelled.
• See here for the Spring Play Here calendar.
  
• Saturday, April 9, 2011, Wildflower Scavenger Hunt, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Join Docent Kitty Monahan and friends of New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association, as they take you on a wildflower scavenger hunt through various stations at Jacque Ridge along Wood Road Trail at Almaden Quicksilver Park. Meet at the Wood Road Parking lot. Registration is required. Register online. For more information please call (408) 355-2240. View here for the flier.
• Sunday, April 24. What’s That Flower?,  Almaden Quicksilver,  9:30am-11:30am. Come take a 3-mile hike with a Park Ranger to meet some of the common wildflowers of the park. Meet at the Hacienda parking lot with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, water, snacks and your wildflower guide (if you have one). (408) 268-3883.
• Saturday, May 14. History Tour by Van,  Almaden Quicksilver,  9am-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. Children must be over 6 years and 60 lbs. Meet at the Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. Bring water, lunch and sun protection. Reservations required. $5 per person. (408) 323-1107.
• Saturday, May 21. 10 Hiking Essentials,  Almaden Quicksilver,  10am-Noon. 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. Bring your usual day hike gear if you have it. (408) 268-3883.
• Saturday, May 21. The Way She Wore – Six Decades of Women’s Fashion, Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum,  1pm-2pm. Join us for a presentation on 1850s – early 1900s women’s clothing. View reproduction dresses and garments as would have been worn by women living in New Almaden’s Casa Grande. Reservations required before May 13. (408) 918-7775.
• Saturday, May 28. History Tour by Van,  Almaden Quicksilver,  9am-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. Children must be over 6 years and 60 lbs. Meet at the Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. Bring water, lunch and sun protection. Reservations required. $5 per person. (408) 323-1107.
• Saturday, June 11. History Hike,  Almaden Quicksilver,  9am-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 Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Museum. Bring water, lunch, sturdy hiking shoes and sun protection. Tour costs $5. Reservations required. (408) 323-1107.
  
• Saturday, June 25. Living with Wildlife Hike,  Almaden Quicksilver,  10am-Noon. Take a 2.6-mile hike to find out what to do if you encounter wild animals in parks or around your neighborhoods. Discuss what is considered normal animal behavior, and what is not. Learn what these wild neighbors need to survive, and how we can share our lands safely. Meet at the Hacienda parking area with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection and water. (408) 268-3883.
• Saturday, July 9. History Tour by Van,  Almaden Quicksilver,  9am-1:30pm. Step back in time and experience what life was like back in the mining heyday. Ride by van to various historic sites in the park. Children must be over 6 years and 60 lbs. Meet at the Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. Bring water, lunch and sun protection.Reservations required. $5 per person. (408) 323-1107.
• Saturday, July 23. History Tour by Van,  Almaden Quicksilver,  9am-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. Children must be over 6 years and 60 lbs. Meet at the Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. Bring water, lunch and sun protection. Reservations required. $5 per person. (408) 323-1107.
• Saturday, July 30. Play Like a Miner,  Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum,  11am-2pm. Join museum staff and volunteers 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, August 6. Introduction to Geocaching,  Almaden Quicksilver,  8:45am-Noon. Let Park Docent Sam Drake take you on a beginner’s geocaching adventure to find 6-7 hidden caches in the park. GPS units will be provided. Meet at the Wood Road parking lot with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, water, and snacks. Register online or call (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, August 6. History Hike,  Almaden Quicksilver,  9am-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 Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Museum. Bring water, lunch,sturdy hiking shoes and sun protection. Tour costs $5. Reservations required. (408) 323-1107.
• Saturday, August 20. History Tour by Van,  Almaden Quicksilver,  9am-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. Children must be over 6 years and 60 lbs. Meet at the Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. Bring water, lunch and sun protection. Reservations required. $5 per person. (408) 323-1107.
• Sunday, August 21. Grande-Licious family festival, Casa Grande 10 am - 5 pm.
• Saturday, Sept. 10. New Almaden Day, Jump-In Parade through New Almaden, and festival at the New Almaden Community Center.
• Sunday, Sept. 18. Quicksilver Trail Half Marathon and 10K, Almaden Quicksilver.
  
• Sunday, September 11. Evening Mountain Bike Ride, Almaden Quicksilver County Park 6:00pm-8:00pm. Take a moderate 5.5-mile bike ride with a Park Ranger from the Wood Rd. staging area to the rotary furnace, up Bull Run, down through English Camp and back out to Wood Rd. Take periodic stops to see artifacts and learn about mining history along the way. Bring a well maintained mountain bike, layered clothing and water. Reservations required. (408) 268-3883.
• Saturday, September 17. 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 $5. Reservations required. (408) 323-1107.
• Saturday, September 17. Casa Grande Open House, Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum 11:00am-3:00pm. Join staff and docents in period costumes to tour Casa Grande and learn about the rich history of mercury mining and Victorian life in New Almaden. Bring a lunch to enjoy in the newly landscaped back yard of this National Historic Landmark site. (408) 323-1107.
• Sunday September 18. 35th Annual Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival, Lake Almaden Park.
  
• Saturday, October 1. Healthy Tails Dog Hike, Almaden Quicksilver County Park 9:00am-11:00am. Get fit and in shape with your dog! A docent from California K9 Solutions will teach you how to get outside and get healthy as you take a moderate 2.5-mile hike on the Wood Road Trail. Dogs must be controlled on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Meet at the Wood Road parking lot with sturdy hiking shoes and water for you and your dog. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, October 8. Pioneer Day at the Hacienda Parking Lot, to dedicate the new outdoor museum. More details later.
• Saturday, November 5, Annual Almaden Hills Run, Almaden Quicksilver. 3-mile to 50 km runs, starting at the Mockingbird Hill entrance.
  
• Saturday, November 5, Healthy “Tails” Dog Hike, Almaden Quicksilver, 9am-11am. Get fit and in shape with your dog! A docent from California K9 Solutions will teach you how to get outside and get healthy as you take a moderate 2.5-mile hike on the Wood Road Trail. Dogs must be controlled on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Meet at the Wood Road parking lot with sturdy hiking shoes and water for you and your dog. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, February 18, 2012, Healthy Trails Hike, Almaden Quicksilver, 9am-1pm. Join a Park Docent on a moderately challenging 4.5-mile hike along the Wood Road, Castillero and Mine Hill Trails. View remnants of the expansive mercury mining operation as you explore nature and history. Meet at the Wood Road parking lot on Hicks Road. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and
sunscreen. Bring water, snacks and a camera. (408) 355-2240.

2011 Volunteer Events at Almaden Quicksilver (see here for details):

• Saturday, January 8: Trail Day (Almaden Quicksilver; Hacienda)
  
• Saturday, February 12: Habitat Restoration (Almaden Quicksilver; Mockingbird)
• Saturday, February 12: Trail Day (Almaden Quicksilver; Mockingbird)
  
• Saturday, March 12: Habitat Restoration (Almaden Quicksilver; Hacienda)
• Saturday, March 12: Trail Day (Almaden Quicksilver; Hacienda)
• Saturday, April 9: Habitat Restoration (Almaden Quicksilver; Mockingbird)
• Saturday, May 14: Habitat Restoration (Almaden Quicksilver; Hacienda)
• Saturday, May 14: Trail Day (Almaden Quicksilver; Hacienda)
• Saturday, June 11: National Trails Day (Almaden Quicksilver; Mockingbird)
• Saturday, July 9: Trail Day (Almaden Quicksilver; New Almaden Trail)
• Saturday, September 10: Habitat Restoration (Almaden Quicksilver; Hacienda)
• Saturday, September 10: Trail Day (Almaden Quicksilver; Hacienda)
• Saturday, October 8: Habitat Restoration (Almaden Quicksilver; Mockingbird)
• Saturday, October 8: Trail Day (Almaden Quicksilver; Mockingbird)
• Saturday, November 12: Habitat Restoration (Almaden Quicksilver; Hacienda)
• Saturday, November 12: Trail Day (Almaden Quicksilver; Hacienda)

2011-2012 Events at Other parks:

• Sunday, March 27, 2011, Rancho San Vicente Hikes, Rancho San Vicente Property, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm. Join a Santa Clara County Parks Docent for a Moderate, 3 miles total, out-and-back hike to enjoy spring wildflowers at Rancho San Vicente. Learn why its rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding foothills. Meet at the Calero County Park’s Reservoir boat launch on McKean Road prior to carpooling to Rancho San Vicente. Dress in layers, wear sunscreen, a hat and sturdy hiking shoes. Bring water, snacks and a camera. Limit 20 Participants. Registration is required. For more information call 408-355-2240 or view here for the flier.
• Saturday, April 16, 2011, Healthy Trails Challenge Hike, Santa Teresa County Park, 9:00am - 11:00 am. Join a Docent on this moderately challenging 2.5 mile loop hike along the Fortini/Mine/and Stile Ranch Trails. Enjoy Valley Vista views of Santa Teresa Hills, Calero Lake and Almaden Valley. Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, snacks and camera. (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, April 16: EARTH DAY EVENT - Trail Day (Coyote/Bear: Gaviota Trail)
  
• Sunday, April 17, 2011, Rancho San Vicente Hikes, Rancho San Vicente Property, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm. Join a Santa Clara County Parks Docent for a Moderate, 3 miles total, out-and-back hike to enjoy spring wildflowers at Rancho San Vicente. Learn why its rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding foothills. Meet at the Calero County Park’s Reservoir boat launch on McKean Road prior to carpooling to Rancho San Vicente. Dress in layers, wear sunscreen, a hat and sturdy hiking shoes. Bring water, snacks and a camera. Limit 20 Participants. Registration is required. For more information call 408-355-2240. View here for the flier.
• Friday, April 22, 2011, Healthy Trails Toddler Trek, Santa Teresa County Park, 3:30pm - 5:30 pm. A strollerhikes.com Docent will lead you on a moderate hike up the Fortini/Mine/Stile Ranch trails enjoying views and looking for footprints and other animal evidence. Meet at the Fortini trailhead. Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, snacks and camera. (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, April 23, 2011, Outdoor Photography Hike, Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Join Docent Ron Horii for a 3.7-mile photography hike of the spectacular Mummy Mountain Trail in Coyote Lake/Harvey Bear Ranch County Park. Learn outdoor photography techniques and take pictures of the wildflowers, sunny meadows, shady forests, unusual rock formations, and breathtaking views from the trail. Bring a camera, sturdy hiking shoes, snacks, water, and sun protection. Registration is required. For more information call 408-355-2240. See here for the flier.
• Saturday, May 7, 2011, Pre-Mother’s Day Hike, Santa Teresa, 10am-Noon. 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 15, 2011, Rancho San Vicente Hikes, Rancho San Vicente Property, 9:00 am -12:30 pm. Join a Santa Clara County Parks Docent for a Moderate, 3 miles total, out-and-back hike to enjoy spring wildflowers at Rancho San Vicente. Learn why its rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding foothills. Meet at the Calero County Park’s Reservoir boat launch on McKean Road prior to carpooling to Rancho San Vicente. Dress in layers, wear sunscreen, a hat and sturdy hiking shoes. Bring water, snacks and a camera. Limit 20 Participants. Registration is required. Registration online. For more information call 408-355-2240. View here for the flier.
• Saturday, June 4, 2011, Killer Frogs and Tadpoles Night, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:30pm. Join aquarium experts and herpetologists to learn about local salamanders, toads and frogs, and how to set up successful pollywog aquariums. First families to make a reservation can take home a tadpole with a small tank. After the program, stay for popcorn, lemonade and the campy horror movie “Frogs.” Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
• Sunday, June 12, 2011. Introduction to Geocaching, Santa Teresa, 8:45am-Noon. Join Park Docent Sam Drake on a beginner’s geocaching adventure to find 6-7 hidden cashes in the park. GPS units will be provided. Meet at the Fortini Trailhead with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, water, and snacks. Register online or call (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday June 18, 2011. Nature Hike with a Ranger, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 9am-Noon. Join a Ranger on a 3-mile hike and learn how the rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding foothills from the vistas in this future parkland. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then carpool to the trail nearby. Bring sun protection, water, camera, sturdy hiking shoes and layered clothing. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group travels together. Restrooms not available except at reservoir meeting location. (408) 268-3883.
• Saturday, June 25. Festival in the Park – Where Wellness Meets FUN! Hellyer,  11am-4pm. This 5th annual event’s goal is to help families take charge of their health and takes steps toward a healthier environment. FREE admission, shuttle, information, health and recreation opportunities, entertainment and FUN! (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, July 9, 2011. Serpentine Habitat Hike, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 8am-11:30am. Take a strenuous 3-mile hike to explore the plants and wildlife living in a serpentine ecosystem. Trails are steep and rocky but hike is paced to enjoy views. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then caravan to a gated site nearby. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, snacks, and extra water. no children under 10 years old. No dogs. Note: This is a “closed area” not yet open for public access. Restrooms not available except at reservoir meeting location. No benches, porta-potties, or picnic tables along trails. Reservations required. (408) 846-5632.
• Saturday, July 9, 2011. Wash Day and Old Time Games, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 1pm-3:30pm. Come out for a fun-filled afternoon. Experience granny’s “weekly affliction” and play games from 100 years ago. Located at the corner of Camino Verde and Manila Dr. in San Jose. (408) 226-5453.
• Saturday, July 9, 2011. Carnivorous Plant Night Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:30pm. Join experts for a show and tell about meat eating plants. Take home a Venus fly trap, sundew or pitcher plant to study! Afterwards munch on popcorn while watching the man-eating-plant movie “Day of the Triffids.” Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
• Saturday, July 16, 2011. Chitactac Family Day, Chitactac-Adams, 10am-2pm. Families and friends are invited to a special day of hands-on activities, demonstrations, traditional crafts at this celebration of the native Ohlone People who once lived at this ancient village site. (408) 323-0107.
  
• Saturday, August 13, 2011. Family Fandango, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 5pm-8pm. 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.
• Saturday, August 20, 2011. Sunset Nature Hike, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 6pm-8:30pm. Take a hike with a Park Ranger to explore the trails and enjoy an evening sunset hike. Trails are steep and rocky, but hike will be paced to examine nature and the views. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then caravan to a gated site nearby. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, snacks, and water. No dogs. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group travels together. Restrooms not available except at reservoir meeting location. (408) 268-3883.
  
• Saturday, August 27, 2011. In the Park After Dark Movie Night, Santa Teresa, 8:30pm-11pm. Come on out for a fun-filled night with the family! Watch a movie under the stars on a gigantic blow-up outdoor screen. Bring a low lawn chair and a flashlight. Picnic dinners welcome, or purchase food from a park vendor. (408) 225-0225.
• Saturday, September 10. History and Nature Hike with a Ranger, Calero County Park-Rancho San Vicente 9:00am-11:00am. Take a 2-mile hike with a Park Ranger to explore Rancho San Vicente’s nature, history and spectacular views. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then caravan to a gated site nearby. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, snacks, and water. No dogs. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access; group travels together. Restrooms not available except at reservoir meeting location. (408) 268-3883. 
• Saturday, September 17. After-Dark Fungus Festival, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm. Join park staff and Morgan Hill mushroom growers for a night of mushroom madness. Learn about mushrooms, molds and other fungus that thrive in the damper regions of our parks. Afterwards munch on mushrooms (if you’re not squeamish) while watching the creepy monster classic “Mantango: Attack of the Mushroom People.” Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
• Saturday, October 1. Introduction to Photography, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch 10:00am-1:00pm. Join a Park Docent for a FREE outdoor photography workshop. Learn how to choose and use a camera, how to take better outdoor pictures, photo composition, plus more! Workshop begins with an indoor slideshow, followed by demonstrations and a walk around the historic area to take pictures. Meet at the Bernal Ranch barn on Manila Drive at Camino Verde in San Jose. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, October 15. Fall Nature Hike, Calero County Park’s Rancho San Vicente 9:00am-12:00pm. Join a Park Docent on a 3-mile hike to enjoy the changing landscape of fall at Rancho San Vicente. Enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding foothills and discover how these rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then carpool to a trail nearby. Bring water, snacks and camera. Wear sun protection and sturdy hiking shoes. No dogs. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group travels together. Restrooms not available except at reservoir meeting location. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, October 15. Fall Nature Hike, Calero County Park’s Rancho San Vicente 9:00am-12:00pm. Join a Park Docent on a 3-mile hike to enjoy the changing landscape of fall at Rancho San Vicente. Enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding foothills and discover how these rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then carpool to a trail nearby. Bring water, snacks and camera. Wear sun protection and sturdy hiking shoes. No dogs. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group travels together. Restrooms not available except at reservoir meeting location. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-2240.
  
• Saturday, October 22. Spider Night, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm. Reserve your space for this annual crowd-pleaser and learn everything you need to know about arachnids, including our local California brown tarantula. View cages and cages of creepy crawlers and handle some if you dare. Hear spider poems and folklore followed by popcorn, lemonade and the classic big-bug movie “Tarantula.” Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
• Saturday, November 12, Lost in Space Night, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:30pm. Join park staff and astronomers from San Jose and Fremont Astronomical Societies to explore the night sky through powerful, computer-guided telescopes. Munch on popcorn while watching old TV episodes of “Lost in Space” – Danger Will Robinson, Danger! Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
• Saturday, December 17, Santa at the Ranch, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 1:30pm-:30pm, For the seventh year in a row Santa Claus will bring his “Ho, Ho, Ho” to the ranch to hear holiday wishes. Join him inside the 19th century parlor decorated for an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas. Parents can get that perfect photo of their kids sitting on Santa’s knee without waiting in mall lines. (408) 226-5453.
• Saturday March 24, 2012, Healthy Trails Hike, Santa Teresa, 9am-11am. A Park Docent will lead you on a moderate 2.5-mile hike along the Fortini Trail to see beautiful views of the Santa Teresa hills, Calero Lake and Almaden Valley. Meet at the Fortini Trailhead parking lot with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, water and snacks. (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday March 24, 2012, Nature Journaling Hike, Santa Teresa, 1pm-4pm. Come enjoy the spring wildflowers while learning the basics of keeping a nature journal. Journaling is a great way to study and remember the things you see and experience during your outdoor adventures. This is a parent-child participation class geared for families with small children. Meet at the Fortini Trailhead. Bring snacks, sketch book or paper, clipboard and a few pencils. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-2240.
  
• Saturday, March 31, 2012 Wildflower Hike, Calero’s Rancho San Vicente, 9am-1:30pm. Join a Park Docent on a 3-mile hike to enjoy the spring wildflowers and learn how the rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding foothills along the way. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then caravan to a gated site nearby. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, snacks, and water. No dogs. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for
  public access; group travels together. Restrooms not available except at reservoir meeting location. Reservations required. Register online or call (408)355-2240

See here for past events at Almaden Quicksilver and other parks.

Copyright © New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association 

For more information, contact us. Updated 1/28/12