Harvey West

Map

         This city park in north-central Santa Cruz is best known for its busy sports fields, swimming pool, and picnic areas. The western part of the park, however, includes little used (and seldom birded) trails along an interesting forested slope with birds of redwood and mixed evergreen forests and oak woodland.  Breeding species include Cooper’s Hawk, Allen’s Hummingbird, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Warbling Vireo, Wilson’s Warbler, and Pine Siskin. From Hwy 1, take Hwy 9 (River St) north for one block, and turn left on Coral St. At the end of Coral St turn left on Evergreen St, and park at the end of the road. Take the path to the southwest to the Wagner Grove Picnic Area, a redwood grove along a small creek. Trails begin from here that run along and up a forested slope. Trails to the right (northeast) eventually connect with trails in Pogonip Open Space Preserve. Another access point for trails is at the intersection of Harvey West Blvd and Dubois St. Also check the historic Evergreen Cemetery, set in a largely natural forest setting along Evergreen St southeast of Harvey West Park.