Jack London 108-Year Memorial At JL Historic Park
A highlight of November events at Jack London State Historic Park will be a memorial celebration of the 108th anniversary of Jack London’s death. The celebrated writer died on November 22, 1916 in his home at Beauty Ranch in Glen Ellen. The celebration will be held on November 23.
Memorial activities will include a half-mile walk from the House of Happy Walls Museum to the gravesite near the ruins of Wolf House, London’s stone and timber mansion that was consumed by fire in 1913.
Volunteer park historian Lou Leal will officiate at the memorial, where songwriter and vocalist Jeff Falconer will perform his original song, written in memory of Jack London.
Jack London died of what is now generally agreed was kidney failure at the age of 40. In his short life he wrote 50 books, was an adventurer, reporter, war correspondent, sportswriter, and innovative farmer. He was developing Beauty Ranch into a national model of modern agriculture when he died. He would have wished farming to be his true legacy, far beyond writing.
Memorial attendees should meet at the museum and be prepared to begin the walk at 10:30 a.m. The walk to the gravesite is an easy one, but a golf cart will be available for those who need assistance. There is a $10 entry fee for the park, but no charge for attending the memorial.
Free admission for vets
If you’re planning to visit Jack London on Veterans Day Weekend, and you’re a veteran or active duty military, in recognition of your service to the United States you can visit all weekend – November 9, 10 and 11 – for free. Just show active duty or retired military identification, or form DD214, at the entrance kiosk.
Writing from the Outside In – Sunday, November 17, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
On Sunday, November 17, author, scientist and long-time guide Rebecca Lawton will lead an open-air poetry workshop in the garden behind Jack London’s cottage. Each participant will take a short field exploration with a notebook in hand to gather field data and inspiration. The group will then reconvene at the garden for further instruction and writing fueled by their field trips. Conversation and optional sharing will follow.
Participants should bring a pen and notebook. Sturdy shoes and layered clothing are advised. Binoculars, hand lenses or other field tools are welcome but not required.
Rebecca Lawton has written ten books and numerous essays, poems, and stories. Learn more about her and join her mailing list at https://beccalawton.com. Tickets are $10, plus the $10 car entry fee, and are available online at https://jacklondonpark.com/events/write-poetry/.
Welcoming Fall/Winter Birds – Saturday, November 23, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Although birding is a year-round activity in Sonoma County, birds sing less and are not as active in fall and winter, which makes finding them a challenge. So, this group of hikers (limited to 10 people of all ages) will set out to find and identify resident birds and winter visitors by sight, sound, and habitat, with the goal of spotting at least 20 species.
Hike Leader Carolyn Greene is a curious general naturalist who has been observing, pondering, and asking questions about birds for decades. She has worked as a field biologist, conducting birding and botanical restoration and research for the past 25 years. The hike will be about three miles in length with some up and downhill trails. Bring water, a snack, and binoculars. Reservations, information, and updates are available at https://jacklondonpark.com/events/.
The Tenth Annual Turkey Waddle – Friday, November 29, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jack London State Historic Park’s annual Turkey Waddle Hike lets everyone get out and “shake their tail feathers” after a day of feasting and football. Celebrated on the day after Thanksgiving since 2014, this moderate 3.5-mile hike leads through mixed evergreens on the way to the majestic ancient redwood affectionately known as the Grandmother Tree, the oldest redwood in the park.
“Waddlers” will gather at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 29, in the Ranch parking lot to the right of the entrance kiosk. The hike will end at noon.
Great for all ages, participants should wear sturdy shoes and bring water. The 3.5 mile trail includes uneven and rocky surfaces and involves some elevation gain and loss. It will be guided in Spanish.
On this hike, participants will discuss the biology of this incredible species and learn about the fate of the oldest trees, some of which have lived for 2,000 years. Although most of the giants no longer exist, hikers will discover the oldest redwood in the park and learn why it has survived. The hike is free but reservations are required.
Visit https://jacklondonpark.com/events/ruta-a-los-secuoyas-2024/.
Tickets to Jack London State Historic Park are $10 per car entry fee, with up to nine passengers. Park hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Reservations, information, and updates are available at https://jacklondonpark.com/events/. Or call (707) 938-5216.
