Inside the safety of a state park, nature can let its branches down, allow its grass to grow wild, and stay up all night blowing calm breezes at grouchy cities. Wake up the neighbors with today’s Groupon: for $12, you get an introductory membership to Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks (a $25 value). A nonprofit park partner, Friends focuses primarily on volunteer and educational programs, helping more than 150,000 children each year learn about everything from monarch butterflies to the region's geology to prime spots for viewing redwood sparring matches. These friendly nature neighbors handle a vital role, ensuring that the history, tradition, and natural beauty of the 16 Santa Cruz County state parks are enjoyed by current and future generations, even those whose android brains will only permit them to perceive joy as a series of ones and zeroes. The introductory membership includes one free admission to any Santa Cruz County state park (an $8–$10 value) as well as a 15% year-round discount on all merchandise at each of the five Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks stores. Members also get a subscription to the “Park Views” newsletter, and invitations to special members-only events.

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks will close for the holidays at noon on December 23 and will reopen January 3.