Hendy Woods

Our Mission Hendy Woods Hendy Woods State Park The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Beneath the majestic redwoods, the blended fragrances of rhododendrons and redwood sorrel create California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (707) 895-3141. This publication can be made available in alternate formats. Contact interp@parks.ca.gov or call (916) 654-2249. CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369. (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service www.parks.ca.gov Discover the many states of California.™ SaveTheRedwoods.org/csp Hendy Woods State Park 18599 Philo-Greenwood Road Philo, CA 95466 (707) 937-5804 or 895-3141 © 2008 California State Parks (Rev. 2012) unforgettable memories. H endy Woods State Park, less than three hours from the bustling San Francisco Bay Area, protects two magnificent ancient redwood forests. Eighty-acre Big Hendy and twenty-acre Little Hendy groves offer peaceful surroundings and serenity broken only by the sounds of nature. The beautiful Navarro River plays a soothing counterpoint to the distant tapping of woodpeckers and the gentle wind in the trees. Located inland, about eight miles northwest of Boonville in the middle of the Anderson Valley, the park is warmer and less foggy than redwood parks along the coast. High and low temperatures between November and March can range from the high 50s to the low 30s at night. From April through October, daytime temperatures range from the low 60s to low 100s, and from the low 40s to the low 50s at night. Layered clothing is recommended year round. PARK HISTORY Native People The presence of the Pomo people in this area dates back thousands of years. Their traditions included respect for their surroundings and the plants and animals that inhabited them. These huntergatherers lived by the seasons, shaping their territories to fit their needs. Their stewardship included pruning, burning off underbrush, planting grasses to attract game, and harvesting in a manner that ensured healthy new growth. The Pomo’s harmony with their surroundings was brought to an end with the arrival of newcomers, who saw the native people as a ready labor force. After depleting the area’s natural resources, these settlers laid claim to Pomo lands. The Pomo attempted to resist these losses, but hard labor, clashes with settlers, and diseases to which they had no immunity decimated their numbers. Today, Pomo descendants occupy a small portion of their ancestral lands, and are reviving their language and traditions and passing them on to their children. Joshua P. Hendy Joshua P. Hendy vowed never to allow his ancient redwoods to be cut down, and he was as good as his word. Born in England in 1822, Hendy came to California in September 1849. However, he was not interested in finding gold. His practical approach was to get to know the area well enough to provide what his neighbors needed. Since construction materials were in demand, Hendy’s first venture was a redwood lumber mill. Soon after, Hendy had a string of highly successful lumber mills. Hendy then observed that gold mining was progressing from hand tools to more complex methods of extracting gold. In 1856 he founded the Joshua Hendy Iron Works and manufactured mining equipment, some of which is still in use today. Hendy grew to love his home in the Anderson Valley, and was determined that his beloved nearby virgin groves be preserved. Though large stands of redwoods surrounding Hendy’s groves were logged after his death, Big Hendy and Little Hendy were spared for the enjoyment and wonder of future generations. NATURAL RESOURCES Flora and Fauna The most outstanding features of this 845acre park are the two redwood groves on the flats along the Navarro River. Some of these trees stand more than 300 feet tall and may be close to 1,000 years old. Madrones, Douglas firs and California laurels share the cool shade of the redwoods. Massive stumps and fallen trees lie covered in moss. Beneath the old-growth giants, ferns and redwood sorrel blanket the ground, and soft, decomposed redwood duff mutes all sound to a mellow hush. Fallen redwood tree root system Occasionally, bobcats and mountain lions stalk black-tailed deer and small animals such as raccoons, cottontails, gray foxes, skunks and chipmunks. Black bears are sometimes seen among berry bushes, and Steller’s jays, thrushes and woodpeckers add to the restful sounds of wind in the trees. RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES Camping, hiking and day use offer an opportunity to relax and enjoy this special place. Fishing is not permitted. Trails—Big Hendy Trail is a level, 1.6-mile trail. The Little Hendy Trail is a short loop through the grove. The Hermit Hut Trail takes you where the “Hendy Hermit,” a Russian immigrant, once lived alone among the trees. The Azalea Creek Trail is a gentle walk through the trees, and the Eagle Trail is a service trail between the day-use area and the campground. Camping—The campgrounds sit between Big Hendy and Gray fox Little Hendy groves. Azalea Campground has 43 sites and Wildcat Campground has 49 sites; each site has a table, barbecue stove and food locker. Piped drinking water and restrooms with hot showers are nearby. Four small cabins and a hike-and-bike camp offer variety. Reserve these sites by calling (800) 444-7275 or visit www.parks.ca.gov. Picnicking—Near the banks of the Navarro River, 12 picnic sites with barbecue stoves and tables overlook the Big Hendy Grove. Exhibits and Programs—Enjoy Junior Ranger nature walks and a campfire program. ACCESSIBLE FEATURES Visitors are encouraged to call the park with specific questions about accessibility or visit http://access.parks.ca.gov. • The Azalea Loop has four accessible campsites; restroom accessibility varies. • The All-Access Trail near the picnic area is about one-half mile long. Big Hendy Grove is accessible on hard-packed trails. • The one-room Puma Cabin (at Wildcat Campground) has a ramp, and accessible restrooms are nearby. PLEASE REMEMBER • Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet and in a tent or vehicle at night (Please carry proof of rabies inoculation). Except for service animals, dogs are not allowed on trails. • Build fires only in the camp or picnic stoves provided. Do not gather dead wood; you may purchase firewood at the ranger station or from the camp host. NEARBY STATE PARKS • Navarro River Redwoods State Park 18 miles from Boonville along the Navarro River and Hwy. 128. (707) 895-3141 Hendy Hermit’s hut This park receives support in part from a nonprofit organization. For information, contact the Mendocino Area Parks Association P.O. Box 1387 Mendocino, CA 95460 www.mendoparks.org