National and State Parks - Recreational Areas
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Natural Bridges Beach State Park
State Park Information
State Park Overview
Picnicking
More Info
are dinner. The Soquel Point Light House Further north from Soquel Point toward Natural Bridges Beach State Park. Still - Santa Cruz. The Pigeon Point Light Station Its about half way between
Muir Beach Bolinas C-27 Mussel Rock Montara C-29 Mussel Rock Pigeon Pt. C-31 Natural Bridges Beach State Park Davenport C-33 Needle Rock Pt. Davenport C-33 New Brighton State Beach Santa Cruz C-34
Area Attractions
Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve
The parks Monarch Grove provides a temporary home for over 100,000 Monarchs each winter. From mid-October through the end of February, the Monarchs form a "city in the trees." The areas mild ocean air and eucalyptus grove provide a safe roost until spring. In the spring and summer, the butterflies live in the valley regions west of the Rocky Mountains where milkweed, the only plant a Monarch caterpillar eats, is plentiful.
The Monarch Grove has been declared a Natural Preserve, thus protecting the Monarchs and their winter habitat from human encroachment or harm. This is the only State Monarch Preserve in California. Access to the preserve area is limited to a handicap accessible boardwalk and observation area.
Monarchs begin arriving in October and most are gone by the first week of March. The grove contains eucalyptus trees which are located in a canyon, providing the Monarch needed shelter from the wind. These winter flowering trees are also a convenient food source for the butterfly. On chilly days when the temperature drops below 60 degrees, the butterflies cluster together in the eucalyptus trees for warmth.
The park maintains a demonstration milkweed patch where visitors may view Monarch eggs, caterpillars and chrysalides. For about half a year, milkweed is the Monarchs home, super market and maternity ward. The Monarch larva eats only the milkweed plant.
Tours
Docent-led butterfly, tidepool and nature trail tours are available. Large groups should reserve beach use and tours by phone at least 2 weeks in advance. Special event reservations should be made at least 1 month in advance.
Visitors can view the over-wintering Monarchs by walking down the parks wheelchair and stroller-accessible boardwalk to an observation deck in the eucalyptus grove.
Natural Bridges Beach State Park