Our Free for Locals Second Sunday this Mother’s Day on May 12, 2019 falls between the anniversaries of two crucial moments in the history of Hendy Woods State Park.

On May 13, 2011, without previous warning or discussion, the Department of Parks and Recreation announced that Hendy Woods would be among the 70 parks statewide that it was closing. This triggered an outcry, organizing, and the formation of the Hendy Woods Community.

The following year, on May 11, 2012, thanks to the efforts of so many people, the Parks Department announced that Hendy Woods would stay open.

We plan to be extra grateful and celebrate on May 12 how fortunate we are that everyone can enjoy the glorious ancient redwood groves, meadows, trails, and the Navarro River at Hendy Woods State Park!  

Beginning at noon on July 12, Hendy Woods Community is picking up the Day Use fee for local people on the Second Sunday of every month in 2015. The offer is good for those living in Yorkville, Boonville, Philo, Navarro, Comptche, and Elk.  Know your zip code to establish your status as a local resident.  HWC is providing the funding for this program to ensure that cost does not prevent residents from enjoying Anderson Valley's only large public open space and the old growth redwoods, meadows, and river access at the park.

Campfire Talks will begin for the year on Saturday, June 13 with Dr. Jeanine Pfeiffer returning with her unique blend of facts and fun.  This year the talks will focus on pairs of native fauna and flora--alternating between aquatic and terrestrial--and why the pairings are ecologically significant, accompanied by Native tribal stories from Pomo tribes in Mendocino and Lake Counties.  For many of the stories Dr. Pfeiffer will share animated cartoons produced by her students at San Jose State University. 

On June 20, July 18, and August 8 Hendy Woods interpreter Steve Jahelka will lead the Campfire Talk with topics to be announced.

HWC volunteers will lead Interpretive Walks every Saturday morning at 10:30 leaving from the Day Use Area.  Depending on the day, some walks will focus on flowers in bloom, birdlife, the ecology of the redwood forest or other topics of interest.  Walks usually last around 1-1.5 hours and the terrain is generally easy to moderate.  Every effort will be made to accommodate the interests of the group.  As we may go into Big Hendy Grove, where dogs are not allowed, please do not bring your dog.