Spring 2024 News
Happenings in and around China Camp State Park
In this issue:
McNear family legacy | Powerhouse couple | Noisy ghosts | Chief weed buster | Critter matching game | Gold-star volunteer | China Camp childhood
History
The McNears: Dreams, schemes, and ambition
Learn how brothers from Maine put their stamp on the land that would become China Camp State Park.
China Camp Champions
Joyce Abrams and Andy Kives
Meet the dynamos who are to the park what attentive parents are to their kids: caretakers, teachers, models of good habits.
animals
Rails: noisy ghosts of the wetlands
Often heard but seldom seen, two species of rails thrive at the park. Learn about these elusive—and rare—wetland birds.
Park Projects
China Camp’s weed buster
When it comes to tackling broom, thistle, and other invasive plants at the park, there’s one volunteer who takes the lead.
animals
Animal matching game
Know what to call a group of otters? How about badgers, or California quail? Test your savvy with our matching game.
Pitching In
Steve Ziman
Scientist, photographer, world traveler—learn more about the rich life of this outstanding China Camp trail ambassador.
Good neighbors
Lura Thorp: childhood at China Camp
Meet Lura Simonds Thorp, who grew up with China Camp as her playground. Now in her 80s, she shares what made it so special.
