Big Tree Chronicles August, 2018 Volume 1, Number 4

August Adventures at the Park As school kids head back to classes, the daily interpretive programs at Calaveras Big Trees State Park will come to an end as of August 18. You still have time to experience some of the wonderful programs that the interpretive staff has worked so hard to bring to our visitors.

August Program Schedule

HOMICIDE AT THE HAUNTED HOTEL

September 7 and 8, 2018 Friday dinner is sold out but a few seats are available for Saturday Don't miss the chance to stay in this fabulous Hotel Murder Mystery Fundraising Dinner at the Dorrington Hotel Benefiting Calaveras Big Trees Association Dinner tickets will be limited to 32 each evening There are a few rooms available at the Hotel for both nights

Click  Here For More Information and to Buy Tickets Now

Many thanks to our Sponsors who have been so generous in making this event possible: Dorrington Hotel    Ironstone Vineyards  Rodney and Teresa Spence  There are a few rooms available at the hotel but please do not call the hotel! Please call 209-795-1196 if you have questions

This is Creek Critters Every Tuesday and Saturday at 1pm throughout the summer, dozens of excited children and their parents gather for Creek Critters. Creek Critters is a time for exploring Beaver Creek, looking for aquatic insects. Pairs of children, wade into the clear, shallow waters, clutching plastic cups, turning over rocks and searching intently. Then some child shrieks, “Look what I found!” And then another calls out. Within 5 minutes, the creek is filled with waders finding critters. Creek Critters is when children gallop out of the water, head to the tables with cups full of critters, and pour them into share tubs for everyone to see. Enthusiastic volunteers help with microscopes and magnifiers, engaging the children in discovery. Sierra Guidebooks whip open, and young ones become amateur entomologists as they try to identify what they’ve found.

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Ain't Life Grand Raffle Take a Chance to Win Big!!

Whether you want to spend a few days exploring the charming town of Murphys or run the rapids of the river there is a package that will appeal to everyone. Take a look and enter now to win one of these amazing prize packages valued at over a "Grand" ($1000) each while supporting Calaveras Big Trees Association and the Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Drawing to be held on September 8 at the Murder Mystery Dinner. (See article above).

Click Here For Information on How to WIN!!

Listening to History

When reading histories of the park, it’s easy to make assumptions that are flat-out wrong – which is why Mel Bradley’s recent seminar on the Bradley Grove was so inspiring. With stories and old photos, Mel described how his grandparents helped to save over 1,000 giant sequoias in the South Grove for future generations. The facts are clear: Mel’s grandmother (with insistent support by his grandfather) started a campaign that ended up raising $1.5 million in seven years in 1947 dollars. It was a monumental task, so it’s easy to assume (incorrectly) that they were wealthy, well-connected people. In truth, they were a young couple, with a young son and few resources. They lived in a rammed-earth, adobe home they’d built themselves and ran a small farm in Modesto.

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Astronomy Programs Come look at the stars! Docents will be sharing information and telling stories as everyone gazes at the night sky. Upcoming dates are:  August 9 – 8:00 p.m. start time August 23 – 8:30 p.m. start time September 13 – 7:30 p.m. start time More Dates and Information

CBTA Introduces a New Retail Manager On July 24, Jill Ogburn retired from her position as the Retail Manager. Sales at the Visitors center store doubled under Jill's guidance. She will be missed on the CBTA team.   As one door closes, another opens. CBTA is happy to introduce our new Retail Manager, Jacob Cole. He comes to us with amazing retail experience and already has incredible plans for making the Visitor Center even better. Please come by and meet Jacob after August 6...

To celebrate 100 years of saving California's iconic redwood forest, Save the Redwoods League and California State Parks are offering free day-use passes to more than 40 redwood state parks on the second Saturday of each month in 2018. Get your free pass

Please call 209-795-1196 for further information about any of these activities

What Can You Do?

Membership It is always a good time to become a member of CBTA or to renew your membership. Support from members helps the Calaveras Big Trees Association fulfill its mission of delivering high quality educational and interpretative programs at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Click Here to Join

Donations We are grateful for the support shown by our donors. That support helps us continue our work to support Calaveras Big Trees State Park and all its programs. There are many ways you can help Donation Information

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