California State Park Rangers Association

CSPRA’s Annual 

State Park Rendezvous Activity Schedule

Columbia SHP ~ September 15 to 18, 2025


Planned Activities at the 2025 Columbia Rendezvous


Monday Sept. 15

Calavaras Big Trees SP (10 am to 3 pm)

  • 10:00 am Meadow Restoration Walk
  • 11:30 am Cabin Project Update
  • 12:15 pm Lunch (on your own, bag lunch)
  • 1:00 pm North Grove walk with a portion about prescribed burning (CONFIRMED)
  • 2:00 pm Museum and store visit (CONFIRMED)


Tuesday, Sept. 16

Railtown and Columbia SHP (9 am to 4 pm)

•    9:00 am Roundhouse tour (CONFIRMED) 

•    10:00 am train ride (CONFIRMED, and thanks to the California State Railroad Museum Foundation) 

•    11:30 am: Lunch  (on your own, restaurant’s in Columbia/Sonora)

•    1:00 pm Guided Columbia town tour

•    2:00 pm Restoration projects from Ryan Cancutt and Lee Eal (CONFIRMED) 

•    2:30 pm Time to explore Columbia town and local concessions 

•    3:30 pm Interpretive walk to the schoolhouse, visit and trail walk (CONFIRMED) 


Wednesday, Sept. 17

Columbia SHP – Faith Hall (8 am to 4:00) 

1st Presbyterian Community Room, 11155 Jackson St. Columbia

•    8:00 am  Mingle and catch up on things

•    8:30 am  Central Valley District Superintendent Danielle Gerhart – Welcome and update on the Columbia District

•    9:00 am  Columbia Living History Programs, events & collaborations – Mike Merritt SP Interpreter

•    10:10 am – 10:30 am  Break

•    10:30 am – 11:30 am   TBD

•    11:45 am – 12:30 pm  Catered Lunch onsite

•    12:30 pm – 1:15 pm   Guest Keynote Speaker

•    1:15 pm – 1:45 pm   Honorary Ranger Presentation – Steve Ptomey and Lynn Rhodes

•    1:45 pm – 2:00 pm  Break

•    2:00 pm – 4 pm  CSPRA Annual Membership Meeting

        Update on LASHP and Gondola proposal, Anza Borrego Powerline update, President’s Message, 

        CSPRA Annual Awards, Upcoming Elections 

•    4:30 pm –  7:30 pm - The Famous Frank Padilla Smoked Tri-Tip  BBQ dinner & social 

        Burns Cottage Garden Park (walking distance from Faith Hall Comm. Room)


Thursday, Sept 18

Lumberjack Hotel – CSPRA Board Meeting (8:30 – 10 am).

        All are encouraged to attend and participate.