ACE California is based in Santa Cruz, which is perhaps best described as Flagstaff with a beach. On the coastline of the largest marine wildlife refuge in the USA and nestled at the base of the ancient Redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this vibrant community of 60,000 offers a huge range of options for outdoor recreation, live music, movies, and other activities.
Check out some great information on Santa Cruz here.
Recreation
There is a lot to see and do in Santa Cruz. Some of the more popular activities include beach volleyball, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. What ever you like to do, both indoors and out, chances are you will find it here.
Getting to and around Santa Cruz
Less than two hours by bus South of San Francisco, Santa Cruz is easy to reach. Dependable busses depart regularly for the San Jose and San Francisco areas for $5 to $15 as well as to Monterey and other coastal cities and parks. Yosemite, LakeTahoe, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are approximately 4 hours by car. For further information on getting to Santa Cruz, please click here.
Housing
When members spend their off days in Santa Cruz, they are provided with dormitory or hostel style housing with shared rooms and common kitchens and bathrooms. Members can expect to camp in individual tents while on project.
As the California program expands, we may require some members to stay in local hotels.
ACE California members receiving mail during their stay, should have all letters and packages sent to the California office address:
American Conservation Experience
attn: member name
333 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
USA
Note: all packages should require a signature or an in-person delivery to an ACE Staff member
Volunteer Handbook
The volunteer handbook contains a lot of useful information for your time with ACE. The handbook will be distributed and discussed upon arrival, but if you would like a sneak peak, click here.
