Crystal Cove’s Early Residents
CRYSTAL COVE’S EARLY RESIDENTS
IN RECOGNITION OF NOVEMBER’S STATUS AS NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, CRYSTAL COVE ALLIANCE IS FEATURING EARLY RESIDENTS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN COMMEMORATION OF THE PARK’S FIRST OCCUPANTS.
Though it might appear to be an idyllic beach and hiking area today, Crystal Cove State Park has a long and storied history. More than 40 historical sites have been documented throughout the park, and the human history on the land dates back many centuries. The land that is now Crystal Cove was historically occupied by the Gabrielino (Tongva) and Juaneño (Acjachemen), native people whose local histories stretch back at least 9,000 years. This heritage endures today, as Acjachemen tribal representatives work with California State Parks to preserve their archaeological and cultural contributions.
The people that shaped the land are an important part of Crystal Cove’s history. To connect the past to the present, and in recognition of November’s status as Native American Heritage Month, CCA is featuring new early residents programming all month long. In the Berns Environmental Study Loop, new Citizen Science programs will allow visitors to participate in the park’s archaeology throughout November.
Here are just a few of the special public events taking place in Moro Canyon that offer a look back:
Nov. 15, 9 a.m.: The first-ever Archaeology Citizen Science Hike is taking place in the park, run in partnership with archaeologists from California State Parks’ Southern Service Center. Participants will be able to help document and monitor some of the archaeological sites in the park. Spaces are limited, and advanced registration is required. Visit crystalcovealliance.org for more information and to register for the hike.
Nov. 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Families are invited to join in archaeology and early resident activities at Citizen Science Saturday in the Berns Environmental Study Loop! Visitors will learn about native plants and their uses, see what it’s like to monitor archaeological sites by participating in a training walk, and more.
Nov. 22, 4-6 p.m.: Moro Canyon’s long history will be brought to life with the “Journeys to the Past” campfire program, run by Jacque Nunez, a Native American educator and storyteller. Guests can try their hand at making baskets and then stay for a campfire full of stories and songs.